Hometown: Dawson City, Yukon
Program: Northern Medical Program
What attracted you to your field?
I grew up in the small, rural community of Dawson City, Yukon. I’ve always had a love for rural town living and Rural Family Practice allows me to live where I desire, while also allowing me to experience different, changing, and surprising medicine. I believe as a rural family physician you need to have a mindset to tackle whatever comes through the door. I look forward to being integrated within a community where I hope to make positive contributions.
In 10 years, what UBC moment will you still be talking about?
In first year, all UBC medical students are in Vancouver for the first semester before moving to their home site for the next three-and-a-half years of training. For Northern Medical Program (NMP) students, our home site is Prince George. While in Vancouver, a group of female NMP students decided to participate in a Dragon Boat Race. We did not know each other very well at this point and prior to the race we had only held one practice session. Despite that, on race day we connected, came together as a team, and won! This was memorable in terms of connecting with my fellow students, and in terms of what people can accomplish when they work together.
What’s next for you?
I am very excited to be starting my Family Practice Residency here in Prince George. I would also like to express my gratitude to the community of Prince George for their support, my mentors for their guidance, and my patients for their inspiration. I look forward to the challenges Residency will bring.
As you look ahead, what (or who) inspires you?
I have many inspirations, too many to name here. The one I will mention is very close to my heart. I was originally in the 2018 NMP class, but during my third year my partner Jimmy, was diagnosed with lymphoma and unfortunately passed away. This was the hardest time of my life however, witnessing his strength in the face of his illness was inspirational. I cannot explain in a few short words the person he was, but he was incredible. This experience and others throughout my life have cemented in me a commitment and drive to truly understand and get to know my patients, their families, and their values.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
In the future I would love to work with Doctors Without Borders to provide medical aid in underserved/disaster-struck countries.