“My job is very meaningful”

Patients come first for Brian Yuen, RN, a nurse clinician and supervisor of the Cardiac Implantable Electric Devices (CIED) clinic at Foothills Medical Centre (FMC). 

Yuen and his small, but mighty, team closely monitor patients who require life-saving cardiac devices, like pacemakers and defibrillators, providing a lifetime of support and education that begins even before implantation. 

“We follow the whole journey of the patient, managing them while they are inpatients and monitoring them long-term” says Yuen, who has worked at the Foothills Medical Centre since 2007.

It’s not a small task. About 1,300 patients undergo device procedures each year and the team follows about 7,000 patients, ensuring their devices are working properly. These relationships can last for many years—the lifetime of a device is about 10 years, and many patients receive a second device. 

The volume doesn’t faze Yuen. He takes great pride in the lifesaving care the team—made up of 16 nurses who work alongside physicians and other health care workers—provides. 

“My job is really meaningful,” says Yuen. “It’s very rewarding to see the difference we are making and to develop connections with the patients.” 

Much of Yuen’s job focuses on educating patients about their devices. He and the team also offer numerous other supports, such as linking patients with the resources, like support groups, they need for their overall wellbeing. 

“Devices are lifesaving, but it does take time to adjust,” says Yuen. “It’s rewarding to know that our patients aren’t alone, they aren’t doing this by themselves.” 

Yuen is also involved in research projects aimed at optimizing patient care. He’s proud to take part in activities that advance cardiac device care. 

“Technology keeps changing and improving, and that benefits patients,” says Yuen. “My research activities also help me further establish patient relationships, and study participants love the innovation.”