We will be featuring outstanding faculty all week to celebrate National Physicians’ Day.
Dr. Janis Dionne
Roles:
Medical Director Chronic Kidney Care BCCH, Medical Director of Pediatric Kidney Services with BC Renal, world-renown hypertension expert, current President of Canadian Association of Paediatric Nephrologists
Centre/Clinic:
BCCH, Pediatric Nephrology, Chronic Kidney Care Clinic, Pediatric Hypertension Clinic
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I appreciate the opportunity to develop a genuine connection with patients and families that I have cared for years. Working in the Chronic Kidney Care Clinic, where most children with kidney disease are diagnosed at a young age, I get to help care for children and their families for most of their childhood and help to keep them feeling well while they grow-up.
What prompted you to get into your area of health care?
I was inspired about Pediatric Nephrology when I worked with an excellent mentor, Dr. Verna Yiu, during my medical school training. She showed me the variety of childhood kidney conditions that range from benign urinary disorders to those that require dialysis and renal transplantation and the nephrologists’ role in reassurance and guidance for these patients and families.
What would you say to someone interested in joining this line of work?
For anyone considering medicine as a career I would recommend that they pursue it only if their heart is really in it. Life as a physician can be challenging but is so rewarding if you love what you do. Pediatric Nephrology is a great combination of acute and chronic care, excitement and long-term relationships.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I don’t think that my proudest accomplishment is an award or research achievement but more the impact you can have on a patient and families’ life. When they smile or sigh with relief when they see me coming to see them then I know that I have gained their trust and confidence as their medical care provider that I will do what is in their child’s best interest. It’s an honour to be a part of their life journey.
Dr. Jasmine Cohen
What is your role?
I am a general pediatrician.
Please indicate the centre or clinic you work at.
I work in the City of Abbotsford and at Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I went into Pediatrics because I truly wanted to take care of children. In my role, I enjoy supporting the kids and parents, especially those who are chronically challenged.
What prompted you to get into your area of health care?
I love seeing them succeed and reach their potential.
What would you say to someone interested in joining this line of work?
My biggest advice for anyone seeking to be a pediatrician: Anchor in your community. Our role as general pediatricians extend beyond the hospital and acute illnesses!
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
raising 2 teenage boys.