We Are IH: Fernie rural family physician praises full-scope care

February 9, 2023
Dr. Joel Stimson with one of his children.

Name: Dr. Joel Stimson (he/him/his)
Job Title: Full-scope rural family physician
Years of Service: 6
Worksite: Elk Valley Hospital
Community: Fernie
Ancestral TerritoryKtunaxa
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “I may not be the best doctor, but I’m the best doctor working that shift.” This helps ease the anxiety of working in a rural community, and pushes me to work towards being the best physician I can.

Born in Halifax and raised in Calgary, Dr. Joel Stimson has always known he loved all aspects of medicine, which is why he chose rural family medicine. Dr. Stimson describes himself as passionate, caring, a team player and hard working, all vital to being a full-scope rural family physician out of the Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie.

“I love variety. Providing birth-to-grave care allows me to be involved with the families and people in need. Being part of patients’ highs and lows, and critical life decisions, is an honour.”

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