A Horizon Hallmark Story: Stacey, Audiologist, and Troy, Clinical Specialist in Cytopathology, met at orientation 34 years ago and retired together in December of 2024

Stacey and Troy’s story began in June of 1990 after meeting at their first day of orientation at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH).

“During our orientation, I may have saw an opportunity to ‘accidentally’ step on the shoe of the person in front of me so that I could get their attention,” said Troy. “Although not fully part of my plan, my little scheme turned out to be quite a success as that person was Stacey, and we have been married for 30 wonderful years.”

A few days later, fate led them to meet again at a friend’s birthday party. They married in June of 1994, welcomed their first daughter in 1996 and their second daughter in 1998. In December of 2024, they retired together, each serving 34.5 years at SJRH.

Stacey’s career pioneered advancements in audiology care policies and procedures at Horizon

Stacey’s career began at a hospital internship in Denver, Colorado. Upon completion, she received an offer at SJRH. She made the 3,809 km journey to New Brunswick and started her position with the audiology department in June of 1990.

“Over my 34.5 years at the hospital, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing numerous advancements in the field of audiology that support the health and well-being of many patients,” said Stacey. “This includes the evolution of hearing device technology, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and bone-anchored hearing devices.”

One major change she observed was the transition in newborn hearing testing. Initially, only babies with hearing risk factors were screened after completing a hearing questionnaire. Now, thanks to the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening program, all babies are screened at birth or shortly after, allowing those with hearing loss to be fitted with hearing aids much sooner.

“Early intervention is crucial and to have been a part of a change that has helped so many children has been a true honour,” said Stacey.

“I have also seen the significant changes within the hospital itself. When I started my career, the hospital was the Saint John Regional Hospital, which then transitioned to the Atlantic Health Sciences Centre, and finally as we know it now, to Horizon Health Network. When the hospitals merged into Horizon Health Network, it included six audiology departments, requiring a unification of policies and test procedures. To facilitate this process, the Audiology Clinical Practice Committee was formed. I was an active member of the committee for nine years, helping to standardize audiology reports and procedures across departments.”

Throughout his career, Troy has seen over three decades of innovation in cytology at Horizon

Troy’s career began after graduating from the School of Allied Health Sciences in Halifax in June of 1990 when he accepted a position at SJRH. He started working in the lab division as a bench tech, advancing to a cytology supervisor, then to a cytology manager, and finally serving as a clinical specialist in cytopathology.

“Throughout my career, I witnessed substantial changes in laboratory science, particularly in cytology,” said Troy. “One notable change was the shift from traditional Pap smears to the liquid-based processing method, and the expansion of HPV testing.”

Another significant development was the implementation of ROSE (rapid on-site evaluation) service, where a portable microscope is used at the bedside to ensure high-quality samples are taken, minimizing the need for repeat procedures for the patient.

“I reflect on my career with such appreciation and fulfillment,” said Troy. “I’ve had the utmost privilege to work alongside such incredible colleagues. The technologists, lab assistants, clerical staff, morgue assistants, administrators, gynecologists, pathologists, family physicians, nurse practitioners and thoracic surgeons have all contributed to my success in my career. After reviewing 236,248 Pap smears and 52,528 non-gynecological specimens, I feel satisfied that I can look back on my career and think about how I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”

Stacey and Troy are excited to enter retirement together

“After 34.5 years of dedicated service, we are excited about our next chapter,” said Troy. “We plan to take time to relax, complete home projects, and travel. Next year, we look forward to escaping the winter cold and heading south for a few months. We will both be forever grateful for our rewarding careers at the SJRH, but now it’s time to move on to the next journey that life has in store for us. We are so happy to be able to enter this new phase together.”