Hometown: Parksville, BC
Program: Psychiatry Residency Program, Victoria
What attracted you to your field?
Before medicine I worked as an exploration geologist in a remote northern fly-in mining camp. We’d live and work with our small team for 28+ days straight. While the work was fascinating, my favourite part was getting to know my colleagues from all walks of life. I found a similar opportunity in psychiatry. We have the privilege of spending more time with people, getting to know their stories, the dynamics of their lives and what matters to them. I like the biopsychosocial approach – the opportunity to combine the best of psychopharmacology and neurostimulation advancements and psychotherapy skills.
What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
There are many moments that come to mind. Co-facilitating BC Cancer’s Meaning Centered Psychotherapy Group with Dr. Alan Bates and Dr. Stefanie Montgomery was a highlight – the group members were so welcoming, real and unexpectedly humourous. Some of the most meaningful moments also occurred in the psychiatry emergency room – when you understand someone’s story, are able to make a diagnosis, and provide hope for next steps and treatment. Finally, I enjoyed the annual psychiatry resident retreat. Our practices are fairly solitary, so it’s great when we can get together and have time to connect.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
Everyone has a story. We have the privilege of spending more time with patients due to the nature of our work. If we can get the person’s story right and communicate it succinctly, we can help other members of the healthcare team understand the patient, which I’ve seen radically help with patient-centered care.
Also, if you can, do your own psychotherapy and mindfulness practice. While we learn about our patients, we learn about ourselves. It both helps you and your patients to do the work yourself.
What’s next for you?
A rapid dive into general adult psychiatry! I’m thrilled to be transitioning to work with my current preceptors at an in-patient unit on Vancouver Island. I’m a generalist at heart and love variety and have found inpatient care to have just that. But first, a small break, during which I hope to grow a garden and enjoy playing in the mountains and waters around Vancouver Island.