Everyone at KMC is so supportive and it's a great environment to work in. And we have thoroughly enjoyed our time up here personally as well!– Dr. S. Henry
Dr. Jackie Liu
A message from YukonDocs Locum/Physician Recruiter, Carly Cox:
Our physicians have such incredible stories to tell and we feel that there is no better way to share our beautiful territory than through the words of your colleagues. We hope you found this article inspiring and we encourage you to reach to carly.cox@yukondoctors.ca to learn more about how you can work in the Yukon as well.
Where do you call home?
- I call Toronto home but I'm originally from Manchester in the UK!
Where did you train through Residency?
- University of Toronto
How many Locums have you completed in the Yukon?
- 3 with more planned!
Where in the Yukon have you worked for a locum?
- Whitehorse as a Hospitalist Only
What interested you about locum work in the Yukon?:
- Being still fairly new to Canada (3.5 years so far!), I really wanted an opportunity to explore more of Canada, especially checking these beautiful remote regions that I had heard so much about and only seen photos of. Hearing about an opportunity for rural hospitalist work was perfect for me - I've found rural hospitalist work particularly challenging and satisfying. It's also very rewarding to be able to support communities with less access to a large pool of physicians. Finally, the inclusion of an ICU was also a big draw for me - being able to manage patients with that added level of care whilst supported by GP anaesthetics and remote intensivists sounded like a nice balance of challenge and learning opportunity. With all these factors, this locum seemed like the perfect opportunity and it has certainly worked out.
What do you love most about working here?
- It goes back to my appreciation of independence of rural hospitalist work - it can be extremely challenging to rely on virtual support only but it's also something I've relished. I always learn so much both independently and through the support of specialists. Additionally, the team has been amazingly supportive at Whitehorse at every level. The other physicians are always super supportive and have definitely gone above and beyond to be welcoming and friendly. As an out of province locum, there were quite a few things that I didn't know about that was limited to the Yukon and the multidisciplinary team and nursing staff have all been fantastic at educating me about these differences. Their support has been essential to having a smooth locum. Finally, there is something exceptional about working in such a beautiful part of the world. It's quite a sight to drive into work surrounded by the mountains. The ability after work to just go on a beautiful walk and catch glimpses of the amazing wildlife (I saw a lynx!) is incredible. I won't forget this experience I had where after a very busy and long day, myself and my two friends who had joined me on the locum saw that the northern lights were visible and so we drove up a hill and watched the stars and lights from a viewpoint. It was truly magical.
What surprised you the most about the Yukon?
- How beautiful the region was. I don't think any number of photos or videos really do it justice. Seeing it from the plane, driving along the rivers/mountains and seeing it in person was an exceptional experience and my favourite part about being here each time.
What would be your message to other locums considering the Yukon?
- Please truly consider it and give it a go. It's an amazing opportunity to visit and experience a beautiful region whilst also providing care to communities that need support. The medicine is busy and challenging but it's also interesting and rewarding. I'm happy if any locum would like to reach out and I can discuss my experiences with them to try and convince them to come!
