Dr. I.M. Canuck—the perfect Canadian MD?

Being a Canadian physician is tough! When better to write about this topic than in the middle of a frigidly cold week in January. It helps if you are on a sunny beach vacation. Yes, that’s where I am as I leisurely piece together this blog. Is there a quintessential Canadian MD? If this mythical MD existed, what would their salient features be? Canada being a country of such diverse culture and geography, we could fashion our “super doc” from the best features of each province and territory of our country. Let’s build I.M. Canuck, MD— a prototype of the perfect Canadian medical doctor. As our doctor does not have an over-inflated ego, (or a particular gender) we can use their first name Indy. Dr. Canuck is a bona fide superstar, having been built from the best attributes each part of our country has to offer: Polite and charming Down to earth, oozing small town charm, Indy is as comfortable talking with the janitor as the CEO of the hospital. Rising above a parochial island mentality our doctor is skilled at forging unique collaborations outside of medical circles. Skillset origin: Prince Edward Island Fluent in alternativesOur doc practices in a diverse milieu of practitioners and has learned when to accept and allow alternative approaches and when a strong opinion and stance is needed to protect the patient. Dr. Canuck also believes in protecting the environment and is making concrete changes in clinical practice to reduce, re-use and recycle. Skillset origin: British Columbia Dedicated, hardworking and resilient The rural background of living off the land in a sometimes-hostile environment has taught our doc resilience in times of challenge. Dr. Canuck is dedicated, hardworking, passionate and does not accept anything less in work ethic. Being prepared and competent to manage all possible outcomes, good and bad, is our doctor’s mantra. Skillset origin: SaskatchewanPolitical savvyOur “All Canadian” must be vigilant and fluent in the language of politics, always looking out for the interests of their patients and themselves. Skills of negotiation, mediation, compromise are well-honed from years of discussion with provincial government. Our MD knows when to stand up and how to advocate. Skillset origin: Ontario Thinking outside the boxWhen you account for less than 0.5% of the population your strongest suit is forging competencies in isolation, being eclectic, and a Jack of all trades. To just survive, Dr. Canuck has had to adapt and develop, while being pragmatic and creative. Our doc dresses for the weather. Skillset origin: The Territories (the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon) Zest for life Dr. Canuck is not only a great MD, but also appreciates what the arts have to offer in maintaining the best of mental health. Think Maritime Kitchen Party. Our MD honours family, friends and the importance of strong community connections to the biopsychosocial well-being of their patient. Our doc plays the spoons, really well. Skillset origin: Nova Scotia/New BrunswickSense of humourOur doc is no stranger to belt tightening lean times and knows the power of optimism and positive thinking in the face of difficulties. Through it all Dr. Canuck has a keen sense of humour, generally understated, sometimes self-deprecating, but always up-lifting. Indy knows that sometimes laughter is the best medicine. But no Newfie jokes, please!Skillset origin: Newfoundland and Labrador Friendly and helpfulDr. Canuck is a great neighbour. Always friendly and there when you need them. Calm and reassuring, our doc can translate their vast experience into inclusive language that is understood and appreciated. Our doc is well-connected and if they can’t solve the problem, they know who can. Honest and trustworthy, our doc takes pride in treating everyone “like family.” Skillset origin: ManitobaBoredom ROCKS Our premiere physician can make even tedious medical tasks such as reviewing lab tests and completing chart notes sexy. Yes SEXY. Our MD is a master of context and framing medical paradigms, so patients understand and commit. Not just marketing hype, our doc has learnt that a world class tidal “bore” can rise to be Hopewell “ROCKS!” Dr Canuck knows how to say “ouch.” Skillset origin: New Brunswick Going the extra mileSorry for not going metric here, but Dr. Canuck is used to dealing with our neighbours to the south. Tech savvy, efficient and always looking at the bottom line, our MD is prepared to take medical care up a notch with just a bit of entrepreneurial flair. Our doc knows that if their medical business thrives, their patients will reap the benefits of better care. If the government can’t always deliver, our doc will put in the extra effort to make it all work. Skillset: Alberta Je ne sais quoiDr. I.M. has an indescribable talent of always being at the right place at the right time, saying just the right thing to help in those difficult situations. This goes well beyond book knowledge and training. Dr. Canuck honours culture and tradition and knows when this is important. Our doc is a survivor in an ever-evolving world of medicine, and this translates into a confident and experienced doc that you want by your side in times of illness. Skillset: QuebecOur fictional MD might exist. Do you know this MD? Open to comments and of course suggestions about our dear Dr. Canuck. Dr. Ted Jablonski is a performing artist and writer who has retired his family practice to focus on sexual medicine and transgender health in Southern Alberta with two feet still on the front-line trenches of acute primary care.

Dr. I.M. Canuck—the perfect Canadian MD?

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Ted Jablonski

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