When Brian Duplechain, RT began working the night shift as a respiratory therapist 40 years ago, much of his time was spent caring for patients in the NICU and PICU. Today, as director of the Hospitalist Program, his responsibilities may look very different, but his commitment to supporting patients and fellow team members remains the same.
Four Decades of Growth
Brian came to the ministry in part because his wife was already working here. What began as a role in respiratory care grew into a four-decade career that has included serving as manager and director of respiratory care and interim director of ancillary services.
Along the way, Brian credits early leadership development and mentors including Cathy Patton, RN, BSN, and Kayla Johnson, RN, MSN, with helping prepare him for the responsibilities ahead.
“I have enjoyed collaborating with many great leaders throughout my career,” Brian says.
That career has given him plenty of opportunities to put those lessons into practice, including during one of healthcare’s most challenging periods.
Leading Through the Unexpected
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian worked closely with the hospitalist program and respiratory care teams as they navigated unprecedented demands.
“Thanks to the great and dedicated staff, we made it,” he says.
Today, Brian oversees a hospitalist program that includes 54 physicians. He has served as its director since the program began and has watched it grow exponentially.
That growth means there is rarely a typical day.
“Much of what I do is overseeing the crisis of the moment and then routine,” Brian says. “My day rarely goes as planned. My door is always open, sometimes with a line outside.”
For Brian, that fast pace is part of what makes the work rewarding. He enjoys solving problems, supporting others and working alongside a team committed to making patients the priority.
A Mission That Continues to Inspire
One of Brian’s most meaningful experiences came in 2017, when he was selected to participate in a leadership pilgrimage to Paris, Rome and Assisi.
“Seeing the area and walking the steps of St. Francis is an experience I wish all could take part in,” he says.
That connection to the ministry’s mission remains important to Brian today. Even as the hospital operates near capacity on many days, he continues to see team members come together around the people they serve.
“We make the patient the priority,” Brian says. “That speaks volumes.”
After 40 years, Brian remains certain he is where he belongs.
“There is no other place I would rather work.”
