Jasmine, Regional Program - Ilderton
Meet Jasmine, a Family Medicine resident in our Regional Program, training at the Middlesex Centre Regional Medical Clinic in Ilderton.
Where were you born and raised?
Sarnia, ON
Where do you practice medicine and in what scope?
I am currently in Ilderton doing general family practice with extra opportunities to do skin clinics, ER, CBT, retirement home care, palliative care, and memory clinics.
What drew you to the Family Medicine residency program at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry?
I have done all my training at Western since it is such a great school, and not too far from home for me. I chose Schulich for my Family Medicine residency not only because it is close to my hometown, but also because the staff are friendly and are great physicians, and the program provides a lot of opportunities to pursue areas of interest and to do rotations in surrounding Southwestern Ontario communities.
Can you tell me about your experience in the program?
All the staff I have interacted with have been great, and go out of their way to help you in achieving your learning goals. The program has arranged for great teaching opportunities not only in London during rotations and academic half days but also in many different communities throughout the area which allows exposures to many different practice types. Overall, it is a great environment for residency.
What inspires you in your work?
The patients! I find the days I come home the happiest are when I have learned more about a patient and helped them to achieve their goals whether it is weight loss, improving their blood sugars, dealing with anxiety, or even coping with chronic pain.
Can you recount a positive lesson you’ve taken from your residency?
Take time for yourself! As you see many patients battling chronic and terminal illnesses, you realize how unpredictable life can be and how you need to take the time to appreciate and enjoy things now.
What has been your greatest challenge?
I have found my greatest challenge throughout residency is how to deal with medical situations where there isn't much that can be offered in terms of treatments. For example, patients with chronic pain who are continuously looking to be pain free; I always spend a lot of time on education and how this is a chronic condition and it is unlikely that we will be able to get rid of all their pain but our goal is to maintain function. I discuss the impact of mental health on pain and the importance of continuing to be active but unfortunately as their pain gets worse there is only so many treatments that can be offered. Another example would be the caregiver who is caring for their family member with dementia who is awaiting long-term care and is maxed out on home care support but is struggling to get through the day due to the functional and behavioral decline of the patient. I would love to have a magic pill to help these types of patients and I anticipate that this is something all physicians struggle with as it is in our nature to want to help people as much as possible.
What special interests or hobbies do you have?
I enjoy baking, hiking and reading.
What would you consider your most significant career accomplishment to date?
Winning the class of '55 prize as it is awarded at the discretion of the Dean and School of Medicine to a student in their final year of medical school showing outstanding promise in the practice of Clinical Medicine. Winning this award reinforced to me that I was on the right path to becoming the physician I had hoped to be when I entered medical school.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I plan to be praciticing in Sarnia with a practice focused on caring for marginalized populations such as complex older adults, patients with mental health issues, and patients of lower socioeconomic status.
What three words best describe you?
Meticulous, Empathic, Dedicated
