Community News
Dr. Evan Lilly – PGY1 Rural Regional Program – Petrolia
Resident Profile
Originally from Sudbury, Dr. Evan Lilly is currently completing a family medicine residency in our Rural Regional Petrolia Program. The first physician in his family, Dr. Lilly enjoys the variety that comes with practicing family medicine in a smaller community. His additional interests include Sports Medicine, Palliative Care, Obstetrics, Inpatient/Hospitalist Medicine, and Minor Procedures.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Toronto, but moved to Sudbury when I was 1 year old.
What degrees do you have, and from what universities?
I have a Bachelor Degree, Honours Specialization in Physiology & Psychology; Minor in Classical Studies from Western University and an MD from the University of Toronto.
Why did you choose to pursue your residency at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry?
I chose to pursue my family medicine residency at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry because I have a particular interest in rural and sports medicine. Western University, and the Petrolia Rural Regional Family Medicine Program in specific, was my first choice. Not only is it a rural program, but the site director’s clinical practice interests include emergency medicine and sports medicine. Western is also home to the Fowler Kennedy clinic.
The Rural Regional Family Medicine Program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, is known for its flexibility and offers more elective time than other programs. The structure of the program really fit my career goals. I also appreciate the mandatory palliative care elective.
Coming from Sudbury, I was attracted to the region’s milder winters. Life in southwestern Ontario offers an ideal environment outside of work.
What inspires you in your work?
I have always been involved in athletics and fitness and am health conscious myself. I believe that if you increase your fitness goals, you increase your health. Family Medicine affords me the opportunity to motivate and set a positive example, to intervene early, and to help keep my patients healthy.
I strongly enjoy working with people and helping them get healthy. It’s all about making a human connection. As physicians we are privileged. Our patients freely give us information. We are welcomed into people’s lives and are able to help them, often through difficult times.
What has been your greatest experience to date in your residency?
My greatest experience to date had to be when I was completing an elective in Family Medicine Obstetrics. I had one particular patient that I followed through delivery and follow-up care. It was my first time to have that longitudinal relation with a patient, and at a pivotal time in their life. The experience lent itself to my relationship building repertoire.
What special interests or hobbies do you have?
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active at the gym or on a bike ride, reading, writing, and am a passionate sports fan. I have been curling for 20 years, and participate on the Western Varsity Team. I enjoy many other sports including volleyball, basketball, and golf, and work part-time as a GoodLife Fitness Instructor. Aside from athletics, I have a budding interest in politics and have started to write a medical humanities blog.
