Dr. Aline Halliday grew up in the Yukon and is now training to become a family doctor.
She graduated from the University of Alberta and is completing her residency in the Yukon through the Yukon-Edmonton Family Medicine Residency Pilot. The pilot is a partnership between the Government of Yukon, the Yukon Medical Association and the University of Alberta.
We asked Dr. Halliday about her residency and what it's like to return home to Whitehorse.
Could you start by introducing yourself?
My name is Aline Halliday. I’m a first-year family medicine resident in the new Whitehorse residency program.
You've been working towards becoming a doctor for many years. What are you feeling these days now that you're in your residency?
It's been a long journey. It's exciting to be at this stage after so many years of education and training.
I'm feeling a mix of emotions. I'm looking forward to the next step in my career. For the first time in many years, I won't be a student anymore. I'm excited about that. I'm also grateful for everything I've learned along the way.
You are from the Yukon, could you tell us that story?
I'm a fifth-generation Yukoner. I was born and raised in the Yukon.
My family came to the Yukon during the Gold Rush and has been here ever since.
I was born at Whitehorse General Hospital and now I'm delivering babies in the same hospital. It's special to work in the place where I was born.
What kind of work are you doing here?
One of the great things about the Whitehorse residency program is the variety of work we get to do.
Every day and every week looks different. I work in family medicine clinics, prenatal clinics, labour and delivery and the emergency department. I also travel to Yukon communities to provide family medicine services.
I've spent time working at the Carmacks Health Centre.
One of my favourite things about family medicine in the Yukon is the variety. No 2 days are the same.
What's unique about working in the Yukon?
I think in general rural medicine is really special. It offers valuable learning experiences.
In smaller communities, you can build strong relationships with patients and get to know them well. You have opportunities to make a real difference in their lives.
There are also fewer resources available in some communities. That means you sometimes need to find creative solutions to challenges. I find that rewarding.
What does it mean to you to be able to do your residency here?
It's very meaningful to me.
Being from the Yukon is a big part of that. I'm grateful for the opportunity to come home.
I get to be close to my family, friends and the activities I enjoy. I also have access to learning experiences that are unique to the Yukon.
How has it been working with people?
The support has been amazing.
Everyone has been welcoming and encouraging. I've always felt comfortable asking questions and learning from the people I work with.
I work closely with a small group of physicians, but I've also had opportunities to work with many other health-care professionals.
In rural settings, there are lots of opportunities for hands-on learning. You can build strong relationships with the physicians who supervise your training and learn directly from them.
I'm grateful to be part of such a supportive community of physicians and health-care staff in the Yukon.