Department Spotlight: Dr. Eric Wong
Dr. Eric Wong, MD, MClSc(FM), CCFP, FCFP
Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Hong Kong, and immigrated to Canada at the age of nine. I lived in Toronto until starting medical school in 1998 at Western University, in London.
What degree(s) do you have, and from what university (ies)?
BSc from UofT, MD and MClSc(FM) from Western.
Where do you practice medicine and in what scope?
After graduation, I did locum for one year in Exeter, Newbury, Ingersoll, Woodstock, and St. Thomas doing emergency medicine, hospitalist medicine and general office family medicine. Since 2005, I have been at St. Joseph's Family Medical Centre practising office-based family medicine that includes minor surgical procedures, house calls, palliative care and on-call for sub-acute medicine service at University Hospital.
Why did you choose to pursue teaching at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry?
During medical school, I had gotten to know a lot of the faculty in the department and a number of them had become my mentors. I felt a strong sense of belonging, and felt that I could really grow as a person and physician. Additionally, Dr. John Sangster encouraged me at graduation to enroll in the PGY3 Academic Family Medicine Program. My decision to enroll was one of the pivotal decisions in my professional career as it allowed me to learn about academia and how a continual pathway of growth was to be my calling.
What inspires you in your work?
The chance to improve.
What special interests or hobbies do you have?
My heart is that of a teacher and coach, and I think that's what has drawn me to the main job that I've held now for 12 years. The opportunity to be invited and be part of someone else's growth is a truly special gift - I believe that is my interest. My other non-medical hobbies include photography, traveling and getting to know nature.
What are your research interests?
I have not pursued my research interests in a substantial way, but if opportunity arises, I think I would want to improve the practice of family medicine by answering practical questions - e.g. how often should we check electrolytes in patients taking anti-hypertensives that may affect electrolytes.
What has been your greatest experience to date in your career as a faculty member?
My greatest experiences are usually the least expected. They are the receipt of thank you letters from students, patients and residents who have graciously allowed me into their lives.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I enjoy jogging, spending time with my family and friends, and researching family trips that will put us in touch with nature's beauty.
This year we celebrate the Department of Family Medicine's 50th anniversary, what does that mean to you?
I think we celebrate milestones not only to remind ourselves of who we are and what we do but also to help us figure out where we want to go next. As such, our 50-year anniversary would be a good opportunity for our department to ask how we will influence the future of family medicine.
