Taira Birnie

Job Title
Cardiac Exercise Specialist.

Department/Location
VGH Centre for Cardiovascular Health, DHCC.

How long have you worked at VCH?
15 years.

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
Case manager for exercise, lifestyle and risk factor management for those diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, and for those at risk of developing CVD. I work primarily with the Leslie Diamond Women’s Heart Health Clinic women’s cardiac rehab program.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
The people! I truly love the work I do, as a simple conversation with a participant can translate into positive changes that can bring about improved quality of life. We constantly receive positive feedback from our clients about how much they value our program and our team. Their successes are exciting for me to witness. I also feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a cohesive and committed group of health care professionals. Our team is truly the epitome of TEAMWORK. Going to work doesn’t seem like work, how lucky am I?!

How does your work contribute to the VCH True North goals?
Our program has been in existence for over 17 years. We are constantly striving to sustain our program and improve in what we do with the resources that we have. I would consider our team to be progressive and innovative in how we operate, to provide the best service to meet the needs of our clients. We are coming up to our 17th Annual Have A Healthy Heart fundraiser February 2015. These annual events have made a huge impact in our ability to continue to run this program and provide our services to those with financial constraints who otherwise could not afford to attend. Although we are originally a hospital based cardiac rehabilitation program, through community partnerships we have expanded into local Vancouver Parks Board facilities to offer cardiac rehabilitation closer to home. We are encouraging active health in our community, beyond the walls of VGH.

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I am coming up to my fifth year of participating in the BC Cancer Foundation’s Ride to Conquer Cancer from Vancouver to Seattle. I am excited to receive my golden helmet as a reward for riding 5 years and raising over $12,500 in the process! Always looking for people who want to donate to help cancer research. My personal page is http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/TairaB

Who is somebody that you consider a major role model in your life?
I don’t have a single role model per se. I am inspired by those who face adversity in life but keep a positive outlook and find a way to push on and succeed. Terry Fox will always be someone who I look up to, as an incredible fighter and role model for all. He is an inspirational Canadian who achieved so much in the short time he had in life.

Who or what inspires you?
My family inspires me! We have 3 children ages 5, 7 and 10 who are a constant reminder to be the best I can be, and to be a positive role model. We live a very active life and my husband and I strive to lead by example.

Most healthy habit:
I have always loved sport. Nothing can beat the feeling of a great workout! Whether it is a ride on my road bike, going for a run or playing a game of soccer with my kids, I try to stay healthy in mind and body by regular exercise.

If an actor or actress were to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Tough one … perhaps Jennifer Garner? She seems to be a fairly humble personality, and the hair color is similar 🙂