Helping patients breathe easier with a Respiratory Educator

The People of Primary Care

Welcome to our new series, The People of Primary Care: the human stories behind the healthcare you receive at your doctor’s office or healthcare hub.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Mary Dunn and I’m a Respiratory Educator with the Hamilton Family Health Team.

What does a Respiratory Educator do?

As a Respiratory Educator, I conduct spirometry testing and provide education for patients with asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Helping patients understand how their lung function is affected by their respiratory disease supports better symptom control through optimized treatment and meaningful lifestyle changes.

A woman with straight red-brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She is standing in front of educational posters about asthma. She is wearing a white blazer and black shirt.

What brought you to this profession?

I’ve been an RN for nearly 40 years and transitioned into Respiratory Education with the HFHT 15 years ago. Growing up with asthma has given me a deeper understanding of patients who struggle with their symptoms, often accepting them as a normal part of life.

What brings you joy in your role?

Helping patients breathe easier is life-changing. It’s especially meaningful when a patient shares their journey and begins to enjoy a fuller, more active life.

How does working in an interprofessional team of health care providers support the work you do?

I work across all HFHT Hub locations and consistently see the value of support from other IHPs. Many of my patients struggle with stress-related smoking, which can be a significant barrier to quitting. In these cases, involvement from a Mental Health Counsellor can be the key factor that helps them move forward to the next stage.

What’s something patients may be surprise to know about Respiratory Education?

Patients appreciate knowing the level of their lung function and working to improve those numbers through optimizing treatment and/or quitting smoking.

A woman with straight red-brown hair and glasses holds a small child and smiles at the camera.

Where can we find you when you’re not in the office?

I am a proud mother of six children and grandmother to twelve, with two more grandchildren expected this year. Family remains a central and meaningful part of my life.

My husband and I have become avid campers over the past five years. While it was something we enjoyed when our children were young, this stage of life has afforded us more time to travel, explore hiking opportunities, and an appreciation of the natural beauty of Ontario.