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

When asked about one of his proudest moments at Interior Health, Dr. Stimson tells a story of when he was the emergency department doctor when a young patient came in who was hit by a car. 

“We stabilized him and I rode in the ambulance with him. We stopped in Cranbrook to get more blood products and got him to the airport, after which he received life-saving care. He still comes back to my office and is doing well. His common-law partner (my patient) and he are both forever appreciative. This was the full-scope practice I had been looking for.”

Like many who come to the B.C. Interior, Dr. Stimson enjoys outdoor activities through all seasons, including golfing, biking, playing hockey and skiing. “But, most importantly, spending time with my young family.”

A little-known fact about Dr. Stimson is that he used to struggle to meet people and socialize. Because of this, he got a job working as a barista at Starbucks, which is where he met his wife, Dana.

Dr. Stimson feels that “the future of medicine is bright, especially after changes brought on by the pandemic.”

For anyone who is hesitant to do family practice, rural in particular, Dr. Stimson is always happy to discuss the amazing benefits of working rural, and how to minimize fears of “being alone.” 

“Plus it’s only eight minutes to the ski hill from my house.”

Joel nominates Edward Schaffer, Rural Family Doctor to keep We Are IH going:

“Ed is in his sixth year of practice (we graduated together from the University of Calgary). He recently gave up obstetrics but he, too, is providing full-scope family practice. When Invermere lost a number of doctors, he picked up the slack and covered more emergency shifts to keep that town functioning. Plus, he is the doctor for the Calgary Stampede, so having a cowboy would be an interesting read.” – Dr. Joel Stimson

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