Spotlight on Brittany Schaeffer, RPSGT
Brittany Schaefer, RPSGT, is a member of the BRPT Board of Directors. Since 2008, she has worked nationwide as a traveling RPSGT, gaining broad experience in both in-patient and out-patient sleep care through roles in IDTFs and major healthcare systems. 

By Lydia Pelliccia, BRPT Communications Director

In the world of sleep medicine, few stories capture the spirit of dedication and legacy quite like this one — a journey that began decades ago with one man’s curiosity and grew into a multi-generational calling.

For Brittany Schaefer, RPSGT, sleep medicine wasn’t just a career choice — it was part of the family fabric. Her grandfather, once an EKG tech in the emergency room in Vero Beach, Florida, was among the early pioneers in sleep technology. His path shifted the day a friendly conversation with pulmonologist Dr. John Suen turned into an unexpected opportunity: a role in Dr. Suen’s newly formed sleep lab. That moment sparked a lifelong passion.

The First Spark

As a child, Brittany remembers her grandfather working long night shifts at the hospital, while her grandmother watched over her at home. Despite the demanding hours, his love for the work was undeniable. Over the years, she watched him grow from a night tech to the manager of Dr. Suen’s second state-of-the-art Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility (IDTF). He had an insatiable curiosity for the ever-changing technology and deep respect for the colleagues who helped him along the way.

He passed the RPSGT boards in the late 1990s — a time when the field was still gaining its footing. One woman, Beth Hammon, RPSGT, played a pivotal role in his journey. At a time when it wasn’t common for men to work as sleep techs, Beth welcomed him in, mentored him, and helped him prepare for the rigorous board exams, which at the time included both written and hands-on testing. In fact, Beth still holds her credential today. The two used to joke that they were the “real” RPSGTs — forged in the analog era, before digital systems reshaped the landscape.

Passing Down More Than Knowledge

Brittany’s grandfather’s legacy didn’t end with his own career. He went on to mentor his two daughters, a niece, and eventually his granddaughter — the next generation of sleep professionals. He also trained countless others who went on to pass their board exams, often on the first try, thanks to his hands-on teaching style and deep-rooted knowledge of the field.

“When it came time for me to take my RPSGT exam,” Brittany recalls, “I had the hand-me-down study binder from the best of the best before me.” That binder became a shared tool of knowledge, passed along to others even after Brittany earned her credential.

Working with her grandfather meant there were no shortcuts. Brittany first entered the lab covering for her aunt’s early maternity leave and was immediately immersed in the depth of the work. From day one, she was taught to score studies — “because if you were in the chair next to him, you didn’t have a choice.” He emphasized understanding the story each PSG told, reminding her, “You can’t fix everyone, but you can help everyone — and that’s the job with which you’re trusted.”

Witnessing a Lifetime of Passion

Her grandfather’s passion for sleep medicine went beyond technology — it was about people. He believed in patient care with integrity and empathy. She saw him manage his lab with pride, staying late to provide follow-up care, finding solutions for patients who couldn’t afford CPAPs, and explaining data in ways patients could truly understand.

“He came home late for dinner more nights than not,” Brittany shares. “But every patient was not just a customer — he took them on as his own.”

This deep commitment left an indelible mark on Brittany. She took his advice to heart when he told her: “Take your boards, and the world is your oyster.” After earning her RPSGT credential, she did just that — working per diem during college and eventually traveling across the U.S., using her skills to care for patients in need.

Looking Toward the Future

Today, Brittany sees the sleep field entering another phase of rapid growth. With expanding research and ever-evolving technology, the future holds both challenges and promise. But thanks to her grandfather’s example, she approaches it with confidence and curiosity — not fear.

“What I learned from him was to embrace new technology and stay hungry for new skills,” she says. “Despite home sleep tests and changing treatment models, patients will still want — and need — the one-on-one care that RPSGTs bring to the table.”

Her family’s story is proof that behind every sleep study is a human story — not just of the patient, but often of the technologist too. It’s a story of mentorship, resilience, and an enduring belief that compassionate care, paired with skill, can transform lives.

A Shared Passion, A Lasting Impact

What started as one man’s leap into a new field has become a family tradition — and a shared passion. Brittany carries not only her RPSGT credential, but the stories, values, and lessons of those who came before her. And as the field continues to evolve, that legacy ensures the heart of sleep medicine — the people — remains strong.