Essential Alumni

Q: What changes have you had to make in your working life?

A: Practicing medicine is now completely different since COVID-19 became a pandemic. In order to ensure patient safety, we are encouraging phone call or "virtual" visits for anything that can be managed over the phone. As for in-clinic visits, no longer can I walk in and out of each room going from patient to patient.

 

Gearing up or "donning" full PPE takes time and then "doffing," which is removing PPE without contaminating oneself, and then doing it all over again for the next patient has completely changed our interactions with patients. It certainly makes you appreciate the ease we once had before infection protocol became such a large issue. I think the relationship between a patient and their family doctor is an important relationship for people, and most of my patients have commented on how they miss the face-to-face interaction we once had as trying to practice medicine over the phone is definitely far from ideal. It really goes to show that there will always be a need for one-on-one physician-to-patient care.

 

Q: How do these changes affect your daily routine?

A: My daily routine is completely different, and I definitely miss practicing medicine pre-COVID. The one-on-one interaction with patients is lost over the phone and in-clinic visits are changed by me having to wear a mask at all times and ensuring everything is wiped down and sanitized after each patient. Practicing medicine is definitely not as easy these days.

 

Q: How do these changes affect your family?

A: The concern for all of us practicing medicine during the pandemic is the worry that we may get this virus and bring it home to our family. My husband has asthma, so it is a constant worry; I have to rely on my knowledge of infection protocol and make sure I do not contaminate myself at work. I haven't seen my siblings or their children since pre-COVID as I don’t want to risk being around them because of my high risk occupation.

 

Q: Do you feel especially vulnerable? More so during the pandemic?

A: I think everyone working in medicine feels vulnerable, but as I have said to everyone who has asked me about this, I signed up to be a physician. Pandemic or no pandemic, this is the job I chose and I am grateful to be a physician.

 

Q: What kind of health and wellness routines do you follow to keep you feeling well?

A: I have always valued regular physical exercise to help me stay physically and mentally strong. Although all the gyms are closed, I am still trying to keep up with physical activity. Now that the weather is nicer, getting out to ride on my road or mountain bike is a great mental boost.

 

Q: What are your top tips for friends and family to move safely through this period of time?

A: Be strategic about what you listen to on social media and the news. As a scientist, there is a lot of false information out there. So far, Canada has done an excellent job in "flattening the curve," yet there is a lot of negativity and fear out there. I still recall Mr. Robertson speaking to us in chapel about the adage "This, too, shall pass." This, too, shall pass, and it certainly has made me even more grateful for all the amazing things in my life.

 

Q: Can you look back at your Shawnigan career and point to a program or teacher who inspired/taught you and helped you become the person you are now?

A: I am very grateful for my job, my loved ones and my life. I have always loved that I am intellectually curious and that I always try to continue learning. Mr. Lane definitely was a great influence in my time at Shawnigan, as even at a young age, I admired his intellectual curiosity. He always believed I could achieve anything I set my mind to and I have great memories of him as my teacher. Mrs. Grass and Mrs. Leary were two women who did everything with conviction and love and grace, and they were important role models for me during my time at the School. It's wonderful to know Mrs. Grass is still at Shawnigan, continuing to pass down these strengths to students. I will always cherish my parents’ belief in Shawnigan; enrolling me and my three siblings in the School made them so proud. Shawnigan has helped form me into the person I am today and am I proud of who I am. I carry my Shawnigan lessons and experiences with me to this day in every stage of my life.

 

Q: Is there a short, anecdotal story you could tell us about kindness/courage/patience you’ve come across in the last couple of months?

A: I have to say I get a little weepy and teary every time I hear the city banging on their pots and pans at nightfall to thank the medical and front line workers. Being a physician is an amazing career but it can be incredibly difficult as the magnitude of having to be on, intellectually and emotionally, every day can be taxing. To hear the support we are receiving every night or patients thanking me for what we do is such a blessing and very much appreciated.

 

Q: How can we support essential workers at this time?

A: Tell the essential workers how much you appreciate the work we are doing! A quick and simple thank you is very much appreciated and can lift a person's day! Never forget how great our Canadian healthcare system is and that it's the people behind that system that we all turn to in hard times.