Stéphane Bois has short, salt and pepper hair. He’s wearing a long-sleeve blue shirt and mask. He’s picture inside the Clinical Engineering department at the Kingston General Hospital site.
Stéphane Bois has more than 30 years of experience as a biomedical technologist. He’s known for his zen-like approach to problem solving and his ability to keep calm during stressful situations.
Credit
Matthew Manor/KHSC

Hospitals are filled with tens of thousands of pieces of equipment. If something breaks or doesn’t work right, it could dramatically impact patient care.

That’s where Stéphane Bois comes in.

The senior biomedical technologist is part of a problem solving team at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), which oversees technology in virtually every patient care providing area.

“We provide technology management and equipment planning support, equipment maintenance and we investigate medical devise incidents.”

Bois joined KHSC 12 years ago, but has more than 30 years of experience in his field.

He has a zen-like approach when problems arise. In fact, he’s known around the organization for his ability to keep calm during stressful situations.

“Do I get stressed? Of course, but at the surface I’m zen like a Buddha because I don’t want to add more stress to the current situation. I react fast, but in a calm way. I might not be able to fix things right away that require a replacement part, but I will provide the most efficient solution for the moment without putting more stress to the team.”

To say he’s passionate about his field would be an understatement.

“What makes my job amazing is the diversity of the equipment and the relationships I have with my colleagues around KHSC. The interactions we have with the doctors, nursing and care teams.

“We’re not just fixing equipment, I like to say we’re helping people improve process. Always searching for and applying the very best idea regardless of the origin. Empowering people to create an environment that stretches excitement, informality and trust.

“It’s like this tiny magic behind the scenes and I know we make a difference for the care teams, and we also make a difference for the patients indirectly. If things are flowing properly, then the patient will receive better care.”

Fun fact about Bois – he considers himself a renaissance soul.

A lover of science and knowledge, he’s also quite the creator. You name it and he’s probably tried it.

“I’m doing an electronics project, 3D printing, welding, painting, pottery, jewelry making, woodworking and gardening. I’m forging metal and making instruments with my son.

"I’m not happy if I’m not creating something or if I’m not learning something new. This is why when people forget my name on Vocera they call for MacGyver.”