You may have noticed a new cover star on our website homepage! Dr. Alexa Lesperance is a PGY1 family medicine resident in the UBC Indigenous Vancouver site program. Dr. Lesperance took the time to share her story so far with us:
“Boozhoo! My name is Alexa Lesperance I’m bear clan kwe originating from Whitefish Bay First Nation in Treaty #3 Northwestern Ontario and Rocky Bay First Nation located in the Robinson-Superior Treaty area.
My interest in family medicine began as a young girl living on reserve and volunteering at our health centre. Among the many barriers to health care for Indigenous people, the most obvious that I encountered was access. Growing up on reserve, I rarely encountered physicians, but always saw the need.
I was inspired by my papa, a traditional medicine man who helped people from his heart. I admired the way he gained the trust of others and could help people when they needed it the most.
I love family medicine for its highly versatile and flexible nature that allows for continuity of care across the lifespan. In the UBC Indigenous Vancouver site program, our focus is to create family physicians who can practise with our people in a culturally safe and humble way. My favourite parts of residency have been the time spent with Elders; our program’s sharing circles; and my amazing co-residents, program director and coordinator who share this journey with me.
In the future, I hope to work with our Indigenous communities in any capacity I can.”
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lesperance to family medicine.