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Q&A: Behind-the-Scenes With a Local Hospital Insider And Healthcare Hero

Most folks in the healthcare profession would cite “devotion” as a critical component of effective patient care. And whether it’s devotion to their patients, their peers or the advancement of medicine, it’s this quality that quickly identifies healthcare heroes. As such, it should come as no surprise that sometimes this continual devotion often trickles into other areas of their lives. Healthcare hero Bruce Bryson is both a steadfast Subaru fan — he’s currently on his third vehicle in 20 years! — as well as an epilepsy associate at Cooper University Hospital. For Bryson, it’s just as essential to ensure safety for inpatients as well as those on the road.

Today, we spoke with Bryson to get the scoop on patient care services, what his 20 years in the industry has taught him and the reasons behind his Subaru loyalty.

Describe your day-to-day work as an epilepsy associate and in patient care services. What kind of work does it entail?

We monitor for and document any activity related to the patient’s seizure. In the event of a seizure we respond to assure the patient’s safety and to ensure that the patient has returned to their baseline and are once again safe and comfortable.

What makes caring for patients with epilepsy different than caring for other types of patients? Is there any specialized training?

An epileptic episode can occur at any time with little or no warning. The patient is extremely vulnerable to physical injury during an episode. When an event occurs the team of nurses, technicians and doctors respond with expediency and work cohesively to care for the patient and assure their safety.

There is specialized training, how much depends upon the position.

What’s the most exciting aspect of your job right now?

Meeting and getting to know the new patients every week.

How do inpatient patient care services differ from outpatient patient care services? How does your position fit into that?

Outpatient services are short procedures that last less than a day. Inpatient is a longer process. We monitor patients anywhere from 24 hours to 5 day and longer depending on the type of monitoring.

What are the three most important qualities one should possess to work in patient care services?

It may sound cliché but [I would say:] compassion, patience and a huge sense of humor!

Are you involved in any of Cooper’s community initiatives? If so, which ones and why are they important to you?

We all strive to support Cooper’s community initiatives and we view all of the initiatives with equal importance.

What kinds of professional experiences have made you a better epilepsy associate?

I have spent more than 20 years learning how to listen to patients and how to try to best meet their needs.

Why Subaru? What qualities about your three vehicles have made you such a long-time fan?

Durability, comfort and dependability. They endure, they are very comfortable, fun to drive and you feel safe.

Has there been a moment where your career in healthcare and being an owner of a Subaru has intersected?

During bad storms I would often pick up other employees who could not make it in.

Which model Subaru do you drive and why did you pick it?

The Legacy Outback. I like the look and [the Legacy Outback] is comfortable and fun to drive. In Europe the Outbacks are widely purchased as farm vehicles because they can handle the tough work and the go where other vehicles cannot but still stylish enough to go about town with. [Ed. Note: In the past 20 years, Bryson has owned a 1995 Subaru Legacy Wagon, a 1997 Subaru Outback and 2004 Subaru Outback — talk about brand loyalty!]

For more information about finding the right ride for you, visit Subaru, here.