Brittany Lee is a graduate of the U of A Radiation Therapy program's Class of 2020, and co-president of the U of A Radiation Therapy Students Association.
As your journey comes to a close, what advice do you have for new students?
Take time to enjoy your university experience. It is easy to get caught up in focusing on good grades and passing midterms and finals. It is important to spend time with the people you meet at university, your friends and your family. When your university journey comes to an end, you are going to remember the people who have stuck by your side to get you where you are today and the memories that you created together.
How did you engage with student life on campus?
Some of my engagement on campus included being an executive member for the Global Enrichment Foundation - U of A Chapter, a student volunteer at the Greater Edmonton Foundation - Seniors Housing, and a lab research volunteer with the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. I was co-president of the Radiation Therapy Students Association, the radiation therapy representative on the FoMD Professionalism Committee, a radiation therapy student representative at varying student events, and I spent some time as an AHS Indigenous Cultural Helper Volunteer. Apart from volunteering, I also played some dodgeball. I encourage engaging with student life on campus and whenever you get the chance, definitely enjoy any puppy therapy offered.
What was your most memorable UAlberta experience?
I lived in Lister Residence for my first year of university. Living in residence comes with many memorable experiences, but I am so thankful I met some of my lifelong friends who have helped shape who I am as a person today. One of my best friends that I met actually introduced me to the Radiation Therapy program and is currently an amazing radiation therapist herself.
What was your favourite class during your program?
Anatomy 305 was my favourite, but also the hardest class. Even though this is the toughest course I have ever taken, it is unique in that no other radiation therapy programs currently offer this course. In this class, I worked with cadavers to better understand human anatomy in a three-dimensional and cross-sectional manner.
Who was your favourite mentor or preceptor?
My clinical instructor, Kari, was there for me throughout my final practicum at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, as a mentor. She is the epitome of someone who is willing to ensure the well-being of her students. I had some loved ones pass away during my clinical practicum and she offered her support and ensured I knew she was there for me. She allowed me time to heal and become stronger and more motivated. The compassion she showed to me is the kind of compassion I now show to my patients. She also has nailed work-life balance, which I strive for in my future.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a U of A student?
Adversity is stressful and at times seems like it will never get better, but it does. I believe everything happens for a reason, and all the hardships I faced have defined and better prepared me to cope and react during life's curve balls (i.e. a pandemic). You can only control what you can control.
What inspires you about your chosen field?
I am inspired by the career I have chosen because of the inspiring patients I meet and build relationships with, as well as the brilliant therapists I work alongside. Radiation therapy embodies some of my core values of compassion, kindness and accountability. It is a very specialized field that not many people know about. Most people initially think radiation therapy would be too hard or sad because of constantly dealing with cancer patients, but from my experience it is rewarding to be a part of healing, curing and changing patients' lives for the better. I grew up always trying to help others whenever I had the opportunity, and now I get to continue to help others in need in a highly respected and challenging field of work. The patients are truly the best part of the career and the reason I love what I do so much.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you as a learner and as a new health-care practitioner?
I continued to work through the pandemic during my practicum when it first hit. Calgary has had and continues to hold the majority of the cases in Alberta, so there was fast learning about how to adapt and ensure safety for everyone. COVID-19 was the perfect opportunity to step up and show up, as it showed me what would be my reality as a new health-care professional.
What have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and how do you think this will affect your career?
COVID-19 has been a difficult time for many patients and their loved ones. Due to visitation restrictions, patients at times couldn't have their support systems come with them to treatments. In radiation therapy, empathy and understanding are critical, and being a support system for patients and their families has never been as important as it has been during these trying times. Through all of the uncertainty, I will be there for any concerns patients have whether they are medical, about the pandemic, or anything else.
How do you plan to celebrate convocation?
I am currently planning on celebrating with some of my cohort, who have been with me through all the highs and lows. I would not have made it through this program without their support and friendship.
Here is a soapbox. Stand up and tell us what you have to say.
Health-care practitioners learn about how it is unethical to be biased, to stereotype, or to discriminate, and we learn the importance of providing the utmost quality and equal treatment to all. I wish for no discrimination among humanity. During the Black Lives Matter movement, I show my support with this statement: "I understand that I will never understand. However, I stand." As a professional, it is my due diligence to remain educated and to do my research. I have taken time to reflect, learn and support, and I encourage people in whatever capacity they are able to, to do the same and stand up for what is right.