Dr. Melissa Dymond is our new Year 3 Clerkship Director at the Northern Medical Program. She joined the NMP this spring, taking over the position from Dr. Devin Spooner who had been in the role since 2014.

Melissa is an Emergency Medicine physician based in Prince George. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor with the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine and Site Lead for the CCFP-EM Northern/Regional Program.

Taking on the responsibilities of an MD undergraduate program director position has been part of a natural progression for Melissa. 

“My interest in medical education has increased over the initial portion of my career,” says Melissa. “I have always been drawn to teaching and, at a higher level, interested in the process of learning. Over the past several years I've been working on completing my Master of Medical Education through the University of Dundee. 

“I worked as the DSSL for undergrad and postgrad medical education for the last six years prior to taking on this role. I enjoy the administrative components of the work and connecting with the staff and leadership teams, as well as with the medical students. I'm also excited about being involved through this role in the NMP expansion!” 

Melissa notes that working closely with medical students definitely has its intrinsic rewards.

“It's always really exciting to see the growth that occurs with the learning in medical students and to see them grasp clinical concepts and be excited about seeing patient cases. They have such a dramatic learning curve and its always rewarding to see how they progress their skills through medical school---particularly through clerkship. 

“My clinical work as an Emergency physician has its tough moments, particularly right now, so it's refreshing to have the excitement and positivity in that academic environment and be able to contribute to their learning.” 

Melissa grew up in a military household and went to the University of Alberta (U of A) for both her undergraduate and medical school studies. She then undertook a residency through the UBC Prince George Family Medicine program, followed by U of A residency in Emergency Medicine. She has been back in Prince George working in ER and Trauma medicine for the last seven years. 

When not immersed in medicine, Melissa can be found enjoying downtime at home with her partner Noah and their two house rabbits, Epi and Adie. 

“I'm a Peloton groupie and generally strive for purposeful movement on most days. Health and fitness are a big part of our lives and we also like to travel when we can whether it is close to home or far away! I also enjoy a good book or a solid netflix binge watching session.” 

Looking ahead, Melissa is enthusiastic about jumping further into her new role. 

“I'm always happy to receive feedback or take suggestions for improvements to our medical program. Send me an email!” 

Read more: Melissa Dymond - Faculty Spotlight, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, UBC