Chief Resident Profile: Steven Ronald Scott Brunet
Tell me a bit about yourself.
My whole family is based in Windsor and I am very fortunate to be completing my residency here. My greatest passions are community engagement and working with new cultures, so family medicine was a natural fit for me. These passions have also driven me to pursue multiple backpacking expeditions to 25 countries across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Windsor. After completing my Bachelor of Medical Science at Western University I pursued a medical degree at the University of Limerick on the west coast of Ireland.
Where do you practice medicine and in what scope?
My primary family medicine clinic is with a family health team in Windsor. While at this clinic I do general practice, a walk-in clinic, cosmetic procedures, and work as healthcare providers in the Southwestern Ontario Detention Centre. The practice includes in-person visits, phone visits, and video-based visits. The majority of my rotations are in Windsor, which is excellent given the large patient population and complexity of illness. I still have the opportunity to experience rotations in other locations including London, Chatham, and rural clinics.
What are your research interests?
During residency my research has focused on integrating Telemedicine into family medicine appointments. This includes phone calls and video appointments. My team of three residents has investigated the best practices family physicians can optimize to integrate this care into their practice. This research has been especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic and given the large catchment of patients we service.
Why did you choose to pursue Postgraduate education in the Department of Family Medicine at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry?
The Family Medicine Residency Program at Western University, specifically the Windsor campus, has an outstanding local reputation and provides limitless opportunities to residents. We are known to have outstanding resident-driven teaching every week and the local preceptors are very supportive in our goals.
Can you talk about your experience in the program?
My residency started during at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the crucial importance of adaptability for healthcare providers. I have experienced first-hand the impact COVID-19 has had on our entire community. This includes hearing the everyday struggles of patients in family medicine clinic, delivering babies and neonatal care, the emergency department, working with COVID patients in the ICU, assisting with surgeries, treating inmates at the local jail, working in long term care facilities, and providing palliative care to patients. Each of these areas have been significantly affected by COVID-19 and working on the frontlines has definitely been an insightful experience that I will never forget.
What has been your greatest challenge?
I love working directly with people, so virtual care and limited in-person contact with my co-residents has been challenging. Our program is very adaptable though and we’ve managed to organize multiple COVID-friendly events including nature walks, apple picking, virtual wine and cheese night, and virtual trivia night.
What has been your greatest experience to date in your study/practice/research?
Working with patients from all walks of life and of all ages during the pandemic has been extremely insightful and meaningful. We have worked alongside other frontline healthcare providers and have gained unparalleled insight into how the entire community has been affected.
What inspires you in your work?
I love learning from my patients and co-workers! Perhaps it’s how a patient describes a certain symptom, or how a co-worker performs a certain procedure or keeping up to date with local news stories and trendy fads. Family medicine challenges you to keep growing as a professional and as a person.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I would love to work as part of a family health team and provide optimal care to my patients. I strive to stay engaged with my community and have a healthy work-life balance. Ideally, I would live by the water and have a few dogs as well to take on my nature hikes!
What special interests or hobbies do you have?
Working with marginalized populations has been a meaningful use of my medical knowledge and gives me the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities we service. I am also passionate about international medical work and exploring new regions. On my spare time I love creative work such as painting, visiting the local Irish pub, and mindfulness activities such as nature walks.
What three words best describe you?
Passionate, Open-minded, and Creative!
