Clara is a Resident in the Schulich Family Medicine Teaching Unit (FMTU) at Humber River Health. Clara has provided her perspective on what her experience has been as one of the first Residents in the Schulich FMTU.

Could you describe the role of a Resident in the Schulich FMTU?

I think the role of any Resident is to gather as much information and to learn as much as you can during your Residency to be an efficient physician for your future patients. This means that every patient experience during Residency should be a learning opportunity to increase your academic, social, and professional knowledge. Specifically in the Schulich FMTU, we do rotations in many different specialties while also simultaneously working, in the unit. We are able to take what we learn in different specialties and apply it to the primary care setting.

How does it feel to be one of the first Residents in the Schulich FMTU?

I am privileged to be one of the first Residents in the Schulich FMTU. By communicating with the Program Coordinators and the Director, it seems like there are many amazing things in store for the incoming Residents. Being one of the first group of Residents means that we play a very active role in providing feedback to improve and ameliorate the program for future generations. It is a unique opportunity and an incredible experience.

Can you talk about your journey prior to Humber?

I have always been interested in the sciences and applied to a variety of related undergrads across the country before deciding on McMaster University. During that time, I shadowed different specialties within the healthcare setting and found that Medicine stood out the most, which led me to the University of Ottawa Medical School. During my clerkship, I kept an open mind to the various specialties. I enjoyed each one that I rotated through, but, at the same time, was not willing to give up other specialties. For example, I enjoyed Obstetrics, but also wanted to care for the male population. I love Pediatrics, but also have a great interest in the care of the elderly. For this reason, it made sense for me to apply to Family Medicine.

Why Humber?

Humber is a Hospital that caters to many different populations, including ones that I specifically want to work with in my future practice. Humber cares for marginalized populations, including the elderly. The Hospital provides great learning opportunities through working with such a diverse population. Technology also plays a key role at Humber, which is another area of interest of mine.