Dr. Catherine Yanchula - Offering a unique lens on health care

For Dr. Catherine Yanchula, a love of learning was a key motivator to becoming a teacher. "One of the greatest things about teaching is that you are always learning, especially in the medical field where the knowledge pool is always changing."

With an undergraduate degree in psychology and nursing, a medical degree and several years of experience working in oncology, public health and family medicine, Dr. Yanchula can offer a very special lens on health care for her students, as well as her patients. Today, she serves as the academic director for undergraduate family medicine at the Windsor Program. She also maintains a busy family medicine practice in her hometown of Windsor.

Why did you choose a career in medicine?

My decision to pursue a career in medicine evolved out of many wonderful experiences as a nurse. I wanted to be able to practise at a more independent and advanced level. At the time I was considering a career in medicine, there weren't as many opportunities within nursing as there are today.

I feel very fortunate to have practised in both health care fields due to the wide range of experiences I have had and the number of people who have become part of my professional and personal life.

Who served as an inspiration for your education and career?

My parents served as my inspiration. My father was a teacher before he passed away unexpectedly when he was 37 years old. Even though I was only five when he died, I still hear today from former students about the positive influence he had on their lives. He completed his university studies as a mature student and really valued that opportunity. My mother continued to emphasize the importance of a good education and has always supported my educational endeavours in whatever way possible.

What are you most passionate about when it comes to your work?

I am most passionate about primary prevention and continuity of care. I can tell you numerous stories about the changes in screening and disease prevention that have occurred since I started practising medicine 14 years ago and how many of my patients are still among us because of those changes. One of the best things about family medicine is having the privilege to be part of the lives of others on a longitudinal basis because there is ample opportunity to practise both the art and science of medicine.

What makes the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry special?

I think that the focus on community, here in Windsor is very unique. To have witnessed the efforts and enthusiasm of the community to bring the Program through to fruition has been very exciting and I am honoured to have been part of it. A "big school" still has a very comfortable, personal presence.

What have you learned from your patients and students?

From my patients, I have developed a deepened sense of gratitude and understanding of what truly are the most important things in life. Some of my patients have been in the most desperate of circumstances and have found the ability to be hopeful and positive even if the most ideal outcomes aren't a possibility. It brings to mind one of my favourite quotes; "challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what gives life meaning". From my students, I have learned that they have as much to offer me as I have to offer them. They keep me interested in learning and staying current in my field and they keep me sensitive to the impact that a positive mentor can have in one's career.