Melissa Himmelman
In 2002 I first started in Healthcare as a Unit Aide at the IWK Health Center. Over the years I became increasingly interested in the behind-the-scenes processes that ensure patient safety and care quality. This curiosity led me to explore the world of medical device reprocessing in 2014. After gaining the valuable hands-on experience and completing my technician course I earned my certification and became a Medical Device Reprocessing Technician.
Over the next few years, I focused on mastering my responsibilities and gaining valuable knowledge, eventually becoming shift charge. This transition allowed me to apply what I had learned and take on new leadership responsibilities.
I knew that to take the next step in my career and open more opportunities, obtaining certification was necessary. I began preparing for my certification and completed it in 2022.
That same year I became the MDR/OR Liaison. When I started my role as the Liaison, I recognized the need to engage more deeply in medical device reprocessing, which led me to become a member of MDRANS, where I could expand both my knowledge and my professional network. Attending conferences through MDRANS has been insightful and motivating.
After spending three years as a liaison, I transitioned into a new role as an Educator/Quality Lead in 2025; where I continued to grow and contribute my expertise.
Being the MDR/Liaison and Educator/Quality Lead has significantly shaped my career; however, my passion has always been in a supervisor role. To support my growth, I registered for a Leadership course through Purdue University in 2024.
All my hard work and dedication has paid off, and I’m excited to share that I have recently accepted a job I’ve been working towards; a supervisor role in MDR at the IWK Health Center. I am committed to growing in this position long-term, and I am looking forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with this new chapter in my career.
When I am not focusing on growing my career, you can find me spending quality time with my husband and our furry son, Chase. We love going on adventures, especially with my 8-your-old grandson and 3-year-old granddaughter.