Program: Family Medicine Residency
Training Site: Aboriginal
Hometown: Nanaimo, BC
What attracted you to a career in Family Medicine?
Entering into medical school, I assumed I would go into Internal Medicine. I was coming from a research background and it just seemed like it would be the right fit. However, I also have a strong interest in Preventive Medicine, Indigenous and community health. The opportunity to work in different capacities and in different settings, pursuing all of my passions made me realize that Family Medicine was definitely the right fit for me. The flexibility and diversity of Family Medicine is far beyond what I found when I looked at other specialties.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience as a resident at UBC?
The support and mentorship of great preceptors is certainly a strength of UBC’s program. Also, the flexibility and encouragement to pursue unique opportunities within the program helped me gain experience in areas I would like to continue to build upon once I complete my training.
What has surprised or challenged you?
I am always surprised by how quickly the time in residency passes.
What advice would you offer to incoming residents?
Take advantage of, and seek out different, and unique opportunities. Discuss your interests and expectations with your site/program director.
What’s one thing that we might be surprised to learn about you?
I was a competitive track cyclist and along with winning many races, had the biggest quads in Alberta.
What’s next for you?
I will be carrying on with two projects I helped to establish during residency, a high school based wellness centre (John Barsby Wellness Centre) and a health centre on the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation land in Nanoose. In addition I will be locuming at family practices, working in Addiction medicine, and urgent care. I hope to continue to be involved in the Family Medicine Residency program as a preceptor to residents and medical students.