I had the best time. I love that healthcare workers attracted to serving the north are from all provinces, all backgrounds, and share a sense of courage and adventure. Truly the best medicine and people.– Dr. Luo
Dr. Rachelle Blais
How long have you worked in the Yukon?
- 6 years
What Yukon communities have you worked in?
- Whitehorse, Teslin
What drew you to practice medicine in the Yukon?
- I wanted to come back home. My husband and I also have amazing family and friends here, and it was important to us to be close to them.
What do you love most about working here?
- SO many things. The Yukon is so special is so many ways - I don't really know where to begin! There is an incredible sense of community, great and easy access to the outdoors and endless opportunities for fun. We have an amazing physician community that is collegial and supportive which makes all the difference. I am also privileged to work with so many awesome nurses, especially our maternity nurses at Whitehorse General! My kids go to a wonderful school that is seconds away from our home and they have plenty of opportunities for recreational activities. Whitehorse has a great coffee shop/restaurant scene and a pretty lively arts scene. I feel super lucky to live and work here.
What is your favourite restaurant in YT?
- We have so many great local spots! I love Kind Cafe, Gather Cafe and Baked. I also LOVE to cook, and one might argue that my outdoor pizza oven station is my favourite place to eat out 😉
What is your favourite trail, view point or camping spot in YT? (Mountain biking trail, hiking trail, skiing trail etc.)
- I love the Sam McGee trail- It provides one of the most stunning views, especially in the fall. Kusawa is my favourite campground- there is something super special about that place. It used to have no cell phone reception which was key for an unplugged weekend away. Growing up in Dawson City, we spent a lot of time in the Tombstone Territorial Park which is an incredible place that provided so many great childhood memories.
How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
- Weird. Funny (ish?!). Foodie.
Who inspires you?
- I work with some pretty amazing colleagues who inspire me on a daily basis. The inspiration isn't isolated to clinical work only- I am inspired by them to explore more, live more, listen more, laugh more, lift more weights, try new foods, advocate more etc etc. It's truly incredible and bucket filling.
What's one thing - either healthcare related or not - you learned in the last month?
- Surgical suits post-op for dogs are SO much better than cone heads...
What's the next place on your travel bucket list?
- Croatia and Italy!
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Does cheese count as a meal?
