Understanding Human Motivation: Interview with Dr. Veronique Ram

I believe we need more women in leadership positions to mentor and inspire learners and young graduates. 

1. Why did you choose to become a physician?
   Quite simply, I chose to become a physician to have a career that would inspire me intellectually, as well as challenge my values, self perception and opinions on life itself. I spent many years studying the representation of bodies and humanity in literature; now I enjoy the privilege of engaging directly with patients and the complexity of understanding human motivation. 
    
2. How do we encourage more women into rural practice? 
   This is a tough question. There are many women practicing in rural areas, but the studies I’ve reviewed note that women still make up less than a quarter of the rural general practice workforce. I suspect that the number is even lower in regards to specialists in rural centres. I do think this will change as medical schools graduate more and more female students; however, I believe we need more women in leadership positions to mentor and inspire learners and young graduates. 
    
3. What do you think makes Three Hills a great place to learn? 
   Three Hills is an amazing learning site for medical students and residents. The hospital has a wonderful group of health care workers that are respectful of learners. The clinic is well-organized, busy, and the staff are kind and supportive.  More importantly, patients in Three Hills are used to learners and therefore are always willing to contribute to our growth in the practice of medicine. They often share stories about the other physicians and how they remember them as learners, respecting the profession and the patient-physician relationship. Additionally, Kneehill Medical in Three Hills won the Clinic of the Year award from our graduating class!
    
4. What advice would you have for a new resident? 
   Say yes to the learning opportunities that scare you the most (put in that chest tube, interview that psychotic patient). It’s easy as a resident to fall into a routine of comfort and focus your attention on the practices that you’re comfortable with in order to get great evaluations. You won’t grow as a physician if you don’t challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone.
    
5. What major changes in health care do you foresee in the next 5-10 years?
   ​​​​​​​In the next 5-10 years, I expect health care to become paperless. For better or for worse, technology will take over and improve patient access to data, changing the structure of patient-physician relationships. We are already seeing this change with MyHealth.Alberta and Connect Care. Gone are the days of the God-like physician figurehead - the keeper of all knowledge. Instead, patients and physicians will work collaboratively with health care teams to manage their health optimally.