Resident Spotlight: Dr. Dema Kadri
Why did you decide to pursue your residency in Windsor?
I was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, and completed medical school at the Schulich Medicine – Windsor Campus. When it was time to choose a residency program, staying at Schulich Medicine was a no brainer and the fact that I could continue my training in Windsor was even better. The School has excellent faculty and a great community environment that fosters collegiality.
The additional bonus is that I am able to continue to train in a community that has given me so much and invested in my learning, and hopefully I can give back to the community by providing care.
Why did you chose to pursue medicine?
I love to speak with individuals of all different ages, stages of life and life situations. I really enjoy helping others. Medicine has allowed me to do both in the most fulfilling way possible.
Describe your experience as a resident at Schulich Medicine?
My experience as a resident has been fantastic. I have been able to interact with the amazing preceptors and continue to learn and grow as a physician. My co-residents are are so bright and full of life, and are all around great individuals that I am proud to call my colleagues.
What is the most important lesson you have learned through patient care?
The most important lesson I have learned through patient care is that patients are very strong and insightful. They have amazing life stories that extend far beyond our exam room walls. By listening to patients, we can learn about ourselves and more about medicine. Most importantly, we can also learn more about the person we are treating in order to cater each treatment plan to them, their life goals and their family situation.
What activities and initiatives are you involved with that help bring balance to your life?
I enjoy baking and often test out my recipes on my colleagues. They always humour me and eat what I bring, even when I decide to substitute regular flour for quinoa flour, something I would not recommend.
I enjoy mentoring others and am involved in a medical student mentorship program.
I have also recently become involved in a community outreach program in Windsor with other professionals who want to give back to the community.
Who inspires you?
My friends, family and my patients inspire me. Everyone has their own amazing strengths and seeing those strengths shine in difficult times inspires me.
What are the titles of the last three books you have read?
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
I can relate to the main characters in each of these books for different reasons. But I think I related to Mindy Kaling the most - she tells her story and seems to pick up on the most humorous parts of her struggles, and I like to find humour in challenging situations as well.
