Department Spotlight: Mr. Dennis Sue
What do you most enjoy about your role in the Department?
It has been a memorable year: the pandemic upended people's lives and made “normal” something to get back to, not something to run away from. Thrown into stark relief is the central role that healthcare workers play in society. I take immense pride in my small contribution to the Family Medicine Residency Program. I love all the selfless and generous people that I meet and work with, and their enthusiasm and commitment to service.
What’s been your most memorable experience while working in the Department?
There has been a lot of good experiences, but I’ll like to take a moment to highlight one that made me sad. During lunch, I like walking in the woods behind our building. To get there, I cross a bridge on Richmond Street. One day, I saw several locks attached to the metal cables of the bridge with messages written on them. I asked around and someone suggested that it was a memorial for a young man who had committed suicide.
I know many people who are fighting depression – life feels overwhelmingly bleak and they feel alone. If you are in this situation, please know that there are services like Western’s Health & Wellness, and Schulich’s Learner Experience Office that are available to you. Life may feel unbearable, but you don’t have to bear it alone.
What’s your greatest accomplishment?
I feel like it’s a cop out to say that my family is my greatest accomplishment. When other people say it, I wonder how much they thought about the question. However, it is a cliché because it’s true.
So, instead, I’ll tell you what I want to accomplish: I want to learn how to surf. Despite my utter lack of swimming talent, the water has always appealed to me. I’ll like to head down to Hawaii one day and be a beach bum for a month or ten: ride some waves and catch some sunsets on the beach with my wife.
And then what do you like to do outside of work, or how you enjoy spending your time, etc.
In my free time, I like to read. I prefer mysteries and thrillers. Recently, I finished Louise Penney’s All the Devils are Here, her latest addition to her Chief Inspector Gamache series. I’m looking forward to reading C.J. Box’s Dark Sky – it’s coming out in March!
I also enjoy cooking. Last week, I made a vegan lentil Fesenjān. I was intrigued by the combination of ingredients that make up this stew: roasted walnuts, lentils, a pomegranate reduction, maple syrup, turmeric and cinnamon.
As well, I like running. I’m working my way up to a full marathon. However, it’s very hard ignoring the allure of a comfortable couch especially when it’s so cold outside!
