Meet our new resident leaders
Dr. Kristen De Marco, Chief Resident, Department of Family Medicine
I was born and raised in Windsor, ON. I completed my undergraduate here in Windsor, went to Wayne State for a Masters and to Medical College of Wisconsin for medical school.
Where do you practice medicine and in what scope?
Currently 2nd year family medicine resident in Windsor
What are your research interests?
Quality improvement and cost savings.
Preventative medicine through nutrition and exercise.
Why did you choose to pursue Postgraduate education in the Department of Family Medicine at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry?
Fantastic mentorship and learning experiences. Lots of flexibility to tailor to my learning goals.
Can you tell me about your experience in the program?
The mentorship in the program is exceptional. Every physician and allied health professional I've worked with are so eager to teach and are extremely approachable. This creates a good comfortable learning environment which really perpetuates more learning.
What has been your greatest challenge?
I often have to keep reminding myself that I'm just starting out and I'm not expected to know everything. Especially in family medicine there is so much to know and that can be overwhelming at times.
What has been your greatest experience to date in your study?
It's always so rewarding to see patients reach goals and milestones, especially when they involve health improvement. Helping people quit smoking is especially rewarding. I've loved the longitudinal care I've been able to provide. Having done my family elective last summer and helping a newly pregnant woman navigate this new experience in her life and then being present for her new child's first new born visit 9 months later was a great experience.
What inspires you in your work?
My dad. He is the most selfless person I know and seeing the care he provides for his patients inspires me to do the same.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I am hoping to establish my own office practice and also still be involved in hospital medicine through the local hospitalist program.
What special interests or hobbies do you have?
Cooking!!! It's all I do in my spare time. I have lots of plans to travel, but no time right now. Something I will certainly explore later in life. I love experimenting with new kitchen gadgets and foods.
What three words best describe you?
Foodie, caring, sarcastic.
Dr. Ada Gu, Chief Resident, Department of Family Medicine
Tell me a bit about yourself.
My name is Ada and I'm thrilled to be the Urban Chief Resident this year. I was born in Winnipeg but I've lived all over Canada including St. John's, Newfoundland, Vancouver and Hamilton. I grew up in Vancouver so I love all sports and activities related to the mountains and ocean. I went to university at the University of California, Berkeley and studied public health before getting my MD from McMaster University in 2015. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, running, playing beach volleyball and trying new restaurants.
Where do you practice medicine and in what scope?
I'm currently a second year family medicine resident at Victoria Family Medical Centre and my preceptor is the fabulous Dr. Jamie Wickett.
What are your research interests?
My research interests include medical education, curriculum development and FOAM (free open access medical education).
Why did you choose to pursue Postgraduate education in the Department of Family Medicine at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry?
I chose to pursue family medicine here at Western for several reasons, I loved the flexibility of the program and the ability to tailor your second year experience to your specific interests through your elective choices. There is a strong sense of community here in London, and while touring family medicine programs, I was impressed by the collegiality and warmth of residents and staff. I wanted a well-organized, strong family medicine program that would provide both urban and rural training; I knew that Western would be a great choice for all of these reasons.
Can you tell me about your experience in the program?
I've had a truly outstanding experience here at Western and I feel so privileged to work with excellent colleagues and mentors. My preceptor has been so supportive during my family medicine journey and has inspired and challenged me to seek excellence in my professional life. The flexibility of the program has helped me pursue my various aspirations, and I have loved being a part of residency leadership and advocating for my peers. I couldn't imagine training anywhere else for family medicine.
What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge has always been finding work-life balance. It's easy to get sucked into the black hole of residency and to take on more responsibilities than you can manage. As we get older though it definitely becomes easier to manage your time well and make sure you still have time for friends, family and fun.
What has been your greatest experience to date in your study?
I find it difficult to identify one specific "greatest experience" to date, but I can honestly say my training at Western has been phenomenal. I've had the opportunity to participate in acute, chronic and palliative care, and to meet the majority of my rotation goals. While I love being in my family medicine clinic, I also love doing resuscitation and procedures in the emergency room, and taking care of our palliative patients at Parkwood.
What inspires you in your work?
What I love most about family medicine is the ability to build relationships with your patients and follow their care over a longer period of time. It's incredibly rewarding to see your interventions positively impact the lives of your patients, and to support them in a compassionate, culturally sensitive, dignified way. I am also inspired by the legacy of my parents (both doctors too!) and by my amazing mentors who challenge and support me everyday.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to be working in an academic environment splitting my time between emergency medicine and general family practice. I see myself in an urban centre but I'm happy to go with the flow and see where life takes me!
What special interests or hobbies do you have?
I love playing beach volleyball at Spike's every week and going for long runs when I can! I enjoy reading and writing in my spare time and run a blog called livingwhilelearning.com. I love to try new foods and travel! I've been to over 60 countries and I'm hoping to reach 80 by the time I'm 30.
What three words best describe you?
Passionate, leader, (always) hungry.
Dr. Kelly Lien, Chief Resident, Department of Family Medicine
Tell me a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Mississauga, ON. I then made Kitchener-Waterloo my home, completing my undergraduate degree and medical school training at the KW McMaster site. My hobbies include powerlifting, video games, and music.
Where do you practice medicine and in what scope?
I am a current resident at the Mount Brydges regional site. I practice comprehensive family medicine, which includes clinic, nursing home, hospitalist, occasional palliative/home visits, and shifts in the emergency department.
What are your research interests?
My research interests include medical education, specifically, free open access medical education (FOAM), emergency medicine, and quality improvement.
Why did you choose to pursue Postgraduate education in the Department of Family Medicine at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry?
I chose to come to Schulich as it gave me a large amount of freedom to explore my interests through electives. Also, having done the majority of my schooling in the KW area, I decided it was time to branch out and see what else was out there.
Can you tell me about your experience in the program?
I have had an amazing experience at Schulich. My faculty preceptor has been a great role model for me. As a learner, the opportunity to work with all the staff in a variety of environments is great for picking up clinical pearls and different practice styles. The resident community has also been excellent - I have made many new friends and look forward to coming to work every day.
What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge has been keeping myself from working too much! It is very easy to stretch yourself thin because there is so much to do and learn. Research, supplementary courses, extra shifts, etc. - I want to learn as much as possible during residency, but it's been important for me to take a step back and take those rare days off once in a while.
What has been your greatest experience to date in your study?
That's hard to answer! Having appreciative patients is definitely the best part. Other experiences include competing in the Simulation Olympiad at FMF, clinical things like doing my first chest tube, and having one of my research projects accepted to this year's FMF.
What inspires you in your work?
Learning new things every day about medicine and people. Once in a while you clinch a rare diagnosis (like Dengue fever!) which always feels great. Being able to have the skills to help people in such a meaningful way is a great privilege, and I am fortunate enough to enjoy the work I do.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself in a practice setting that allows me to do ED shifts, see patients in the office, and pick up the occasional hospitalist week. I would also want to be involved in resident education and/or in a leadership position in which I could improve the healthcare system.
What special interests or hobbies do you have?
Powerlifting - 1RMs: 265/175/335
Video games - favourite series include the Legend of Zelda, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and a ton of RPGs/strategy games
What three words best describe you?
Disciplined, considerate, hangry.
