Cherry Fan is a student respiratory therapist at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), with a planned graduation date of June 2028.
My Path to Respiratory Therapy
Cherry’s path to respiratory therapy was not a straight line. She explored studies in engineering science, environmental science, and public administration, but none felt like the right fit. What ultimately drew her to this field was personal: navigating the complex health care system as a patient, and as a family member of loved ones living with chronic respiratory disease.
Before entering respiratory therapy, Cherry worked in the public sector at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB), where she came to know the red tape of government policy first-hand. That experience shapes how she looks at the health care system today.
Growing up with both parents in the medical field, Cherry finds that health sciences coursework both interests her and comes naturally. Her drive to learn what she does not yet know has led her to research.
Research
- Presented two research posters at the 2026 Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) Annual Conference
- Currently completing an undergraduate research project under the supervision of Lauren Gilowski, faculty member in TRU’s Respiratory Therapy department