My New Adventure

May 31, 2017

Share Post

Arriving in Yellowknife

“I’m going to Yellowknife!” I announced this exciting fact with an equal mixture of pride and delight. I was anticipating a response of euphoric cheers from my friends – I was ready to bask in the glory of my exciting news. Much to my dismay, the cheers actually sounded a lot like my friend Lial saying “What? You, in the North? Your idea of nature is sitting near the window at Starbucks”. My friend Cristina chimed in with a “You know there’s no Zara there, right?”

We were lounging around and drinking tea in Lial’s chic condo on Richmond & Spadina, a post-work tradition of ours ever since we became friends. Beyond our conversation, the low decibels induced by the commotion of the city continued to spur. Sirens, horns, laughter, and chatter- it was an ever present reminder that we were amongst many.

I’ll admit it, they had a point. I’m not exactly what you’d call “adventurous”. I’m more known for keeping an inventory of my book collection on Excel than for having a compendium of wild camping stories. But, while I may not be an expert on the outdoors, I am no stranger to challenging myself through new experiences and opportunities. I had the same reaction from family and friends on many occasions of my life – when I decided to become a nurse, when I became my nursing school’s first international exchange student, when I recorded my first music album, and when I decided to pursue a Master of Health Informatics degree. Their disbelief in my potential essentially became my litmus test to determine whether I was stepping far enough out of my comfort zone. Yellowknife passed with flying colours.

So, why did I apply for a practicum that was 5000 km away? Opportunity. The opportunity to make a significant impact in a region ripe for change. The opportunity to use my health informatics knowledge as a force multiplier for good. And finally, the opportunity to challenge myself and learn from new experiences.

Impactful Change

If one quote could sum up Yellowknife, it would be Margaret Mead’s “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” The city’s culture possesses a uniquely acknowledged readiness for change that reverberates through many of its industries. Change is not a buzzword here; it’s a way of life.  With historical roots in gold mining, Yellowknife continues to discover pockets of hidden potential and greatness. Simply by the power of numbers, the atmosphere is thick with the weight of every citizen’s actions. The consequential gravitas of knowing that my project will potentially impact an entire territory is a great source of empowerment.

Technology as a Force Multiplier

The problems facing the Northwest Territories are quite different to those of Ontario’s but a common thread is that many solutions to their respective problems are augmented through the use of technology. Having completed two semesters of the health informatics program, I am excited to contextualize the concepts I learned in class by applying them to real life problems.

A Challenge

Moving to Yellowknife for four months is definitely also a personal challenge. I will certainly miss my family and friends but am grateful for the way technology will allow us to keep in contact. As I am interested in a career that requires lots of travel, I look at this trip as an opportunity to strengthen my travel muscles and ultimately reinforce my ability to adapt to new situations.

Now that I have settled into Yellowknife, I look forward to sharing my upcoming stories about what life is like here, what I learn about healthcare, and my overall practicum experience!

-Allie Margaret May, MHI Student

Related News

"Group photo of a diverse team of professionals smiling together against a modern blue backdrop, showcasing camaraderie and teamwork."

Bridging the Health Equity Gap for Older Women: The Impact of Women’s Age Lab

December 4, 2024

Faculty / Research

Read More
Professional portrait of a woman with long dark hair wearing a black turtleneck, standing in front of a blue-toned urban building. The background includes modern architecture and hints of greenery. The image features colorful geometric accents in green, blue, and orange on the edges.

Alumni Spotlight: Anam Shahil

November 29, 2024

Students

Read More
A professionally dressed woman in front of a building

Professor Audrey Laporte Re-Appointed as Director of IHPME 

November 27, 2024

Faculty

Read More

Moonshot 2024: Redefining Healthcare Beyond Hospital Walls

November 12, 2024

Read More
A professional headshot of a woman with shoulder-length dark hair, smiling and wearing a blazer. The background is a deep blue with graphic elements including a medical cross and 'AI' symbol, along with colored geometric shapes in blue, green, and purple in the corners. New research explores AI transformation in healthcare.

Connaught Award-Supported Publication Explores AI Transformation in Healthcare

October 25, 2024

Faculty / Research

Read More
Three individuals stand on stage, one in the center holding an award. The recipient, wearing a traditional patterned garment, is presented the award by a man in a suit on the left, while a woman in business attire on the right looks on with a smile. The background displays a screen with a presentation. Health Administration Student Advancing Equity.

Health Administration Student Advancing Equity in Ontario Healthcare

October 18, 2024

Students

Read More

Sign up for IHPME Connect.

Keep up to date with IHPME’s News & Research, Events & Program, Recognition, e-newsletter.

Subscribe to Connect Newsletter

Get in Contact


Communications

Marielle Boutin
Email Address: ihpme.communications@​utoronto.ca

Manages all IHPME-wide communications and marketing initiatives, including events and announcements.