Rachel Douthwaite

Job Title
Clinical Educator, Public Health Nursing.

Department/Location
North Shore.

How long have you worked at VCH?
Since 2001, with a short departure in 2003 to become a travel nurse.

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I provide practice support to the frontline public health nurses on the North Shore. I am also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and sometimes fill in at our Breastfeeding Clinic for our regular IBCLC. I am currently chairing the planning committee for this year’s North Shore Breastfeeding Challenge. For more information about the event, check out our Facebook page “Breastfeeding Challenge – Vancouver Coastal Health”. 

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
I love the variety that comes with my role working in preventative health from birth to adulthood. I am always learning something new.

How does your work contribute to the VCH True North goals?
My work helps to promote better health for my community, the North Shore.

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I have breastfed my own two children for nearly six of the past seven years, and have done so in parks, on playgrounds, and even in a couple of pubs (in 3 countries).

What makes you happy?
My kids. Nature. People who are passionate about what they do, especially if it benefits others. Trying something new – I went stand up paddling for the first time recently and loved it!

Most healthy habit:
My family grows some of our own vegetables in a community garden plot. While we cannot produce enough to avoid buying any produce, it is a great way for my kids to learn where food comes from and participate in a community of people with a common interest. They are also likely to try a new food if they helped to grow it.

Favourite vacation spot:
Thailand for the beaches, the culture, wonderful food, and the friendliest people one could hope to encounter.