After 32 years of service, Tina McLachlan, site coordinator in Medical Imaging at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout her exemplary career, she has advanced imaging technologies, improved processes, mentored future leaders and built strong partnerships enhancing patient care across the region.
Photo: Tina McLachlan, site coordinator, Medical Imaging, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre
Tina McLachlan embraces change with optimism, manages challenges with grace and leads with heart — qualities that have inspired colleagues and patients alike for more than three decades.
“I started as a new grad in 1993 as an x-ray technologist. I worked in mammography and interventional radiography,” Tina says. “Then, when we moved over to the new hospital here in Abbotsford – I became the x-ray and interventional supervisor and then eventually became the site coordinator.”
Moving to the new hospital was an exciting time for staff, and Tina was the lead for the transition.
“For me, moving to the Abbotsford hospital was huge. Being involved with the planning – all the excitement and the growth,” she reflects.
Learn more about Tina’s inspiring work:
In her role as site coordinator of Medical Imaging, she manages the daily flow of services like MRI, CT, mammography and ultrasound, but her impact goes far beyond logistics. Tina has cultivated a culture of trust, connection and excellence in the department.
Patients are at the core of unit operations under Tina’s watch. She leads with a patient-first mindset, guiding her team to prioritize compassion and connection in every interaction.
“We all have the same goal of doing what’s best for our patients and recognizing that with every order that comes through there’s a patient attached to that – and family and friends – loved ones,” Tina explains.
Mammography Supervisor Corlea Smit is inspired by Tina’s approach to patient care.
“She talks with patients about their experiences and helps them find the best route to the best care.”
Smooth operations are possible with a cohesive team. Tina fosters this through open communication and including her team in decisions. She is known to facilitate collaboration across departments as well, and for strengthening relationships with physicians.
“Her leadership ensures seamless collaboration between physicians and technologists,” Corlea shares.
Tina’s ability to balance operational demands while nurturing her team’s needs has significantly contributed to the department’s success.
If you ask her staff about the impact of her leadership, they become emotional about her caring, thoughtful and empowering style.
“Tina does her work with the intention of building others up,” says Carmen Koop, x-ray supervisor. “She pours her heart into each and every one of us.”
Kevin Enns, executive director, Medical Imaging, agrees.
“Tina was my very first supervisor when I graduated as an x-ray technologist many years ago,” he says. “I recall when I joined the X-ray Department at MSA Hospital – she really knows her role, she’s very dedicated to the profession, and she’s also a very compassionate leader.”
Tina takes pride in seeing people excel and grow professionally and personally.
“You feel like a proud mom watching so many of them come through as students. Scared the first time they set foot in a hospital, then seeing them grow as a student, then becoming a technologist, and some people go into leadership roles,” Tina reflects.
She attributes her success to the people she’s worked with, her leaders, and of course, her dedicated team.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have had great mentors over the years and be surrounded with other good leaders,” she says. “I have a great team that I work with. You don’t have a strong leader without a good team.”
What sets Tina apart? According to Corlea, it’s heart. “Her love of service and dedication.”
Tina McLachlan’s legacy is one of quality care and mentorship. Her leadership has not only shaped a department — it has shaped people.
“Tina is a dedicated and inspiring leader who consistently goes above and beyond to support her team and foster a positive, productive environment,” says Bernice Oxley, operations director, Medical Imaging. “Her unwavering commitment to mentorship and collaboration makes her a role model. She leads by example and uplifts those around her, driving meaningful improvements and embodying the true spirit of leadership.”
Congratulations to Tina McLachlan – recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award.