Working at Whitehorse Medical Services was one of the most pleasant locum experiences I have had. The staff are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very accommodating. The practice is organized and the management very welcoming and supportive.– DR. LAUREL SNYDER
Dr. Derek Bryant
How long have you worked in the Yukon?
- 8.33 years
What Yukon communities have you worked in?
- Whitehorse and Old Crow
What drew you to practice medicine in the Yukon?
- What first drew me to relocate and practice medicine in the Yukon was the community. Yukoners are a warm and friendly bunch, and this is a wonderful place to make friends. When my wife and I first moved here we were bombarded with invites to bike rides, kitchen parties, camping trips, and frankly just a surprising number of board game nights (“Trade you two sheep for a brick?”). It really didn’t take long to form a solid friend group. The medical community here is also stellar, full of welcoming people eager to share their knowledge and support. Yukon physicians face unique challenges working in rural and remote settings, and knowing I would have the support of my colleagues while early in my career was really important.
What do you love most about working here?
- I love my job. I get to practice in different settings, work as part of a team, and have the flexibility to pursue my interests. As someone who practices addiction medicine, I'm also privileged to form these really meaningful relationships with some of the most resilient people I've ever met. I also love the land itself. If you live here, or just visited here, you already know what I mean: the endless mountain biking trails through rugged mountains; the manic energy of June’s perpetual light; the golden yellow glow of aspen leaves during the week of Fall; or the serene calm of winter’s hoar frost-covered trees. The Yukon is vast and beautiful.
How do you like to unwind after a long shift?
- Listening to music, riding my bike, walking the dog, and playing with the kids.
What is your favourite trail, view point or camping spot in YT? (Mountain biking trail, hiking trail, skiing trail etc.)
- The Dream Trail. The ride up Grey Mountain is a bit of a grind, but the views from the top are totally worth it.
How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
- Tall, Funny, Eyebrows
What's one thing - either healthcare related or not - you learned in the last month?
- Woodpeckers tongues wrap around their skulls and this helps prevent them from getting concussions.
Share a recent article/book you read that others should too.
- The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- I pretty much already do this with popcorn. Amish Country Blue Popcorn made with avocado oil and a dash of Flavacol seasoning salt, to be exact.
