As some of you may already be aware, my family and I made the tough decision to leave Pemberton and relocate back to Australia at the end of this year to be closer to both our families. It certainly was not an easy choice for us to make given how much we have loved our lives here, especially when reflecting on all the wonderful friendships and opportunities this valley has provided us.
I wanted to take this opportunity to convey what an honour it has been over these years to be a doctor in your community and provide care to those in Pemberton and the communities of the Lil’wat and Southern Stl’atl’imx Nations. Throughout my time here, I’ve been fortunate enough to bear witness to some extraordinary examples of courage, selflessness and strength from the patients under my care, often in times of great adversity and hardship—Incredible triumphs which I will continue to take inspiration from for years to come. They say the practice of medicine is a privileged invitation into the lives of those who are sick, vulnerable or injured, afforded by those who come to us seeking an answer to their ailments, seeking counsel or to simply find comfort. For this privilege, I am extremely grateful.
While it will be a sad day when I hang up my stethoscope for the last time in Pemberton, I am buoyed by the knowledge that my patients will continue to receive exemplary care by the team at the Pemberton Medical Clinic and Pemberton Health Centre.
The role of a rural physician, while very rewarding, can be at times challenging due to the unique nature of providing care within tightly-knit communities, to patients you often have a personal connection with and sometimes in resource-limited circumstances. Our ability to overcome these difficulties is significantly improved working as part of a supportive and cohesive team. I can say without reservation, after years of being part of such a team, that the doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and medical office assistants here in Pemberton are some of the best I’ve had the distinction of working alongside. Their dedication to the care of others and the community-focused culture displayed by all my colleagues is something I’ve long admired and something I will continue to admire from afar. It is for these reasons that I am confident my patients will continue to be well looked after, even while I step away from being their doctor with a heavy heart.
Finally, special mention must also go to Raven and her amazing team at the Blackbird Bakery. Thanks for always keeping me fed and adequately caffeinated!
