In the bustling corridors of Providence Health Care’s St. Paul’s Hospital and Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, where life-saving procedures unfold daily, there’s a department whose work is rarely seen, but always felt. The Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD) is the quiet force behind patient safety, ensuring that every instrument used in care is meticulously cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use.
What is Medical Device Reprocessing?
Few people know that Medical Device Reprocessing exists, yet without it, surgeries and procedures couldn’t happen. Every tray, every instrument, and every package prepared by MDRD technicians plays a vital role in preventing infection and supporting patient care.
Take a look behind-the-scenes at the dedicated professionals who keep the system running—working with precision, teamwork, and purpose.
A career that begins with curiosity and grows with purpose
For many MDRD professionals, the journey into the field began with a simple question: What role can I play in health care?
Brian, a senior Medical Device Reprocessing Technician at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, found his answer through a family connection. “I had a cousin who worked at Vancouver General Hospital. She told me MDRD was a good entry into health care.”
That advice led Brian to a career where collaboration and impact go hand in hand. “We work as a team to accomplish a goal together. I love seeing my co-workers grow and I feel proud because we’re crucial to the hospital. We’re part of an integrated system.”
Meanwhile Gigi’s path was shaped by a shift in plans. “I was going to take a medical transcription course, but a doctor told me it would soon be obsolete. Then I found the MDRD course. It only took 11 weeks to complete.”
Today, she’s proud to be part of a team where “everyone is a team player” and where her work directly supports patient care.
For Rowena, who joined St Paul’s Hospital earlier this year, the decision was deeply personal. “This is the heart of the hospital. We clean all the instruments coming from the operating room (OR) to make them ready for the next surgery. I wanted to give it back because my husband has had several surgeries here. Working here means I’m helping not just my family, but everyone.”
Saar, who transitioned from a porter role to MDRD, was drawn by the sense of collaboration. “What I liked about this department was the teamwork and the technical aspect of the job. It’s fast-paced and rewarding. Very different from working alone.”
A community of care and inclusion
Beyond the technical skills, MDRD is a place where people find belonging.
Catherine, who immigrated to Vancouver from Beijing in 2016, began working in MDRD two years later. “I love this job because my colleagues and managers are kind and inclusive. Most of us come from different countries. We support each other.”
Her story is one of resilience and pride. “Through my work, I gain a sense of self-worth, respect, and trust. I help doctors and nurses. I have a stable and enjoyable career in Canada. It’s such a pleasure to share my story.”
Her colleague Kam echoes this sentiment, painting a vivid picture of the department’s role in the broader health care system. “At the center of this efficient system sits MDRD. We make sure every single instrument used on a patient is clean and safe. It’s not an easy job. It requires multitasking, attention to detail, and following procedures precisely. But we do it with love and a big smile.”
Why MDRD matters for patient safety
MDRD professionals are responsible for cleaning and decontaminating medical instruments, sterilizing them using advanced methods, inspecting and assembling instrument sets, and packaging them to maintain sterility. They also manage inventory and maintain detailed records of sterilization processes and equipment maintenance.
Juan, a Medical Device Reprocessing Technician at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital puts it simply: “We focus on patient safety and infection control. We take care of every patient with every set or package we prepare.”
Colleague, Cindy, adds “MDRD is an integral part of the hospital that most people don’t know about. Without this department, it would be hard for doctors to get their instruments and supplies for surgeries and patient care. I enjoy working at MSJ. It feels like a small community hospital. The doctors really get to know you here. We work together as a team, and I’m proud to be making a difference.”
The department’s leader, Bola, underscores the critical nature of their work. “Our work might not always be visible, but it is important to prevent infections and ensure that medical devices are safe for use. We collaborate closely with OR nurses and use feedback from the operating room nurses to streamline processes and also identify areas for improvement. People don’t see us, but we’re critical. We’re here 24/7. If we stopped, surgeries couldn’t happen.”
Looking ahead: Growth, opportunity, and impact
With the new St. Paul’s Hospital set to open in 2027, the MDRD team is preparing for a new chapter—one filled with opportunity for growth, innovation, and recruitment. For those considering a career in health care, MDRD offers a unique and rewarding path.
As one team member puts it, “The medical field has always been the place where I wanted to grow. MDRD gives me a wider view of every role in the hospital. We don’t do direct patient care, but we support it in a special way.”
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a meaningful career change, MDRD is a place where you can make a real impact. Where every tray you prepare, every instrument you sterilize, and every record you maintain contributes to the safety and healing of patients.
Curious about a career in MDRD? Learn more about the education requirements or explore our current opportunities, including our Coordinator, Equipment and Supply Management role, and join a team that makes a difference every day.
