Program: Indigenous Family Medicine
Location: Vancouver
Year in Program: 2
What does the Faculty’s vision Transforming Health for Everyone mean to you as a resident doctor?
As a resident in the Indigenous Family Medicine site, “Transforming Health for Everyone” means focusing on building meaningful relationships with Elders, communities and patients. It involves respecting Indigenous ways of knowing and integrating these values into Western medicine to create a more holistic approach to health. A key part of this vision is contributing to the decolonization of medicine by challenging systemic inequities and prioritizing trauma-informed, community-centered care. I’m grateful for preceptors in my program who model this approach, demonstrating how to bridge these perspectives to provide compassionate and culturally respectful care.
What’s your favourite part about training in the community you’re in?
My favorite part of training is coming together for our Indigenous site academic gatherings. These gatherings incorporate ceremony, traditional knowledge, community visits and academic activities, all guided by Elders who teach and support us. I also value the flexibility of the program, which allows me to learn in both urban and rural settings, enriching my understanding and skills as a family medicine resident.