We are IH: Stephanie Hintz

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.

Name: Stephanie Hintz (she/her)

Job Title: Registered Diagnostic Sonographer

Years of Service: 12

Worksite: Royal Inland Hospital

Community: Kamloops

Ancestral Territory: Tk'emlups te Secwépemc

Favourite Quote: "Every day we decide how to treat people, why not choose kindness and empathy?"

Stephanie had a wonderful "fluffy" upbringing. She was born and raised on a chicken farm in Armstrong, which was home to more than 100,000 happy chickens, at one point in time. Surrounded by furry friends for most of her life, Stephanie developed a special bond with animals, which sprouted her caring and kind personality. At only 13 years old, she secured a job at a local vet clinic. Fast forward many years later, she still revisits her vet days, as she occasionally gets an opportunity to preform ultrasounds on pets which she finds most interesting.

Now, as a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer, Stephanie shares that when she is performing an ultrasound, she tries to imagine herself in the position of the patient and treats them with the same respect she would appreciate in their situation.

"Many times, people are scared, upset or just unsure why they are having a particular ultrasound. I find that just by listening to them while I perform the scan they seem to feel less stressed. I don't think we always realize the impact we can have on someone's day even if we are only in the room with them for half an hour."

Even after 12 years, Stephanie is still inspired and motivated every day due the variety and responsibility that her career offers. Her role as a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer allows her the opportunity to investigate a patient's symptoms based on what the ultrasound shows.

"We really do make a difference in people's lives - whether it is by confirming their baby is healthy or finding early breast cancer. I am always learning and being challenged."

Stephanie recalls that one of her proudest moments at Interior Health happened just fairly recent, when a patient with whom she was examining stopped to thank her with these words: "I don't take what you or anyone else here does for granted. You are very good at your job and I appreciate you."

Stephanie realized and admits that the past couple of years have been challenging for everyone, and how nice it is when people take the time to show gratitude.

"I'm proud of where I work, we have an amazing group of people that work in ultrasound, and I think we make the best out of most days and support each other on the hard days."

Now-a-days, you won't find Stephanie on a chicken farm in her spare time; instead, she will be off running, hiking or camping somewhere. Husband Cory, her two young children and two golden retrievers keeps her company on her hiking and camping excursions. Peyton is 11 years old and brother Easton is eight - both are eager beavers to go out and explore just like Mom. She admits that living in B.C. definitely makes it a whole lot easier to get out doors and to find new adventures. When the great outdoors isn't calling, you will find Stephanie paying attention to her creative side - making jewelry.

Stephanie is looking forward to continuing to grow in her profession and be able to enjoy the work-life balance that her job offers so she can still make memories and watch her children grow up.

Stephanie's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going:

"Julianna Duplessis is such a positive person and a hard worker. Even on the toughest and busiest days she never complains or has a negative thing to say about anyone. During the pandemic I have found her to be very inspiring. She shows up to work with a smile even when she is going through her own health challenges." - Stephanie Hintz

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