Resident Spotlight: Dr. Shawn Segeren
Tell me a bit about yourself. Where were you born and raised?
I grew up on a farm in Chatham, Ontario. In 2011, I attained a BHSc (Hon) from McMaster University, and in 2016, a Doctor of Medicine from Western. After medical school, my wife and I returned to my hometown, where I am currently a PGY2 Family Medicine Resident in Western’s Chatham-Kent Program. This July, I look forward to continuing my training in emergency medicine through Western’s CCFP-EM Program.
What are your research interests?
Research interests of mine include the development and implementation of inpatient delirium prevention strategies, evidence-based hospital admission order sets, and novel applications of point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department.
Why did you choose to pursue a Postgraduate degree in the Department of Family Medicine at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry?
Having completed medical school at Western, I had countless experiences with passionate, supportive, and brilliant family medicine preceptors and residents. In addition, my aspiration of practicing Family and Emergency Medicine in a rural Southwestern Ontario community drew me to Schulich. With its strong rural programs, I knew I could gain the skills necessary to accomplish my goals.
Can you tell me about your experience in the program?
My experience in Western Family Medicine’s Chatham-Kent Program has been incredible. From day-one of residency, I felt welcomed into the community by both patients and providers.
One of my favorite aspects of the program is the fact that nearly all block-based rotations in first-year can be completed in Chatham. Because of this, I was able to work one-on-one with consultants. This allowed me to perform numerous procedures, engage in unique patient encounters, as well as develop strong, professional relationships with several of the community’s specialists. These relationships have truly integrated me as a learner in the medical community. For example, while between consults on other rotations, I am often called, paged, or asked directly by emergency or critical care physicians if I would like to participate or lead resuscitations and procedures.
Through Chatham’s horizontal curriculum in PGY2, I have been able to experience what life is like as a comprehensive, rural family physician. For example, my preceptor is involved in inpatient medicine, so nearly every morning I round on our patients before heading to clinic. Moreover, Chatham’s self-directed longitudinal electives have given me a chance to hone my knowledge in many fields of medicine, as well as pursue my special interest in emergency medicine. Finally, because I have worked with my preceptor nearly every day for 10 months, we have developed a strong mentor-mentee relationship, and he is someone I see myself turning to for advice for years to come.
What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge has been truly attaining work-life-balance—and is one that may take me a lifetime to conquer. Being a resident means that many days are long and taxing. Learning to take a step back from it all to take time for myself can be difficult. However, I am incredibly lucky to have a wonderful wife, family and friends who keep me on track.
What has been your greatest experience to date in your study/practice/ research?
It is difficult to identify one “greatest” experience, as each day I am thankful to have this career. However, one of my most recent memorable experiences occurred while on call during my Critical Care rotation. I was paged to a resuscitation, led the code, and with an excellent team, revived the patient. Shortly after the resuscitation, I conducted a difficult meeting with the patient’s family. Ultimately, the family decided to take their loved-one off life support. Although this was trying situation, I continue to be proud of myself to this day, as I was able to use a wide set of skills I did not possess at the start of my residency to successfully manage it.
What inspires you in your work?
I am regularly inspired by my patients. Family Medicine gives me a chance to treat as well as learn from people through various stages of life. The trust they instill in me with their health, in addition to the difficult medical and social situations I witness many overcome and/or endure, inspires me to be a better doctor and person each day.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself practicing both Family and Emergency Medicine in Southwestern Ontario. I envision myself holding a leadership role in my community’s emergency department, as well as being an Adjunct Professor through Schulich’s Departments of Family and Emergency Medicine, teaching and mentoring medical students and residents, as many have done for me.
What special interests or hobbies do you have?
I enjoy playing piano, singing, running, camping, trying new foods, and spending time with family.
What three words best describe you?
Motivated, enthusiastic, compassionate.
