Getting to know Dr. Nicole Bennett-Boutilier.
- Where did you complete medical school and residency?
Graduate from the charter class of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (2009), UBC Family Practice residency (Rural/Military Stream 2012). Prior to becoming a physician I was a Registered Nurse (University College of the Cariboo (1998) and specialized in ER/ICU through the BCIT 2000.
- Why did you choose your field of specialty?
I did not choose my field of specialty, it chose me. As a student under the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Military Officer Training Plan, I was mandated to train in Family Medicine. This worked out well for me as I am a generalist at heart, and I developed an affinity to rural practice very early in my previous career as a nurse. I drew many parallels with work in remote/rural populations as I did with the austere and ever-changing environments that I experienced with the Canadian Armed Forces. Family medicine, particularly working in rural hospitals/ER provides me the opportunity practice in diverse dimensions of medicine, and to have the continuity and privilege to work holistically with individuals and their families.
- What is most meaningful to you about practicing medicine?
The most meaningful part of medicine to me, are the journeys that I am able to take with patients, and the attached life-long learning that comes with the practice of medicine. I value taking ownership of care to a defined patient population, and this includes the development of a reciprocal relationship of trust. Family medicine invites multi-cultural engagement, and for this I am thankful. I have also had the privilege of working with a number of First Nations communities across Canada, and my understanding and practice of Aboriginal Healthcare remains a priority to me.
- What are your professional interests and notable achievements?
Although I have contemplated additional specialist training in my field, I continue to enjoy the variety in generalist work. 21 years in the military afforded me a spectrum of opportunities including advanced training in operational, aviation, and underseas medicine. My most notable achievements while serving have included my work on operational deployments, as well as receiving commendation for the 3 years that I served as the Commander of Health Services Europe, providing care/clinical oversight to over 71 locations in over 20 countries throughout Europe and Northern Africa. Upon my return to Canada, I retired from the military in order return to the rural practice in medicine. I continue to maintain passion for rural health care delivery and remain dedicated to ongoing advocacy in remote locations.
- What are your hopes for the future of healthcare?
My hopes for the future of healthcare include inclusion, culturally safe equitable health care and optimized integrated health care teams. I aspire for ongoing contributions in delivering innovate health care solutions to rural and remote locations. As a practicing rural physician I continue to promote excellence in rural generalism on an individual and team basis.
- What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Much the same as the variety that I enjoy in rural medicine, I enjoy the same in my spare time. My two children (11yr son, and 13yr daughter) keep me accountable to being a “hockey and dance mom”. You can often find us exploring the outdoors in various contexts and enjoying our time with our pets. We enjoy travel, and embrace the unexpected learning and adventures that come with travel. We are often on the look out for our next adventure.
- Is there anything else you would like us to share?
It is with humility that I hope that my variety of life opportunities and experiences gained, will positively contribute to the deliverables of this position. As a collaborator in nature, I hope to align goals with a multi-disciplinary approach to enhance and build on health care service delivery to the Mt Waddington/Strathcona region inclusive of culturally safe care to our First Nations communities.
