I can’t believe how quickly the year flew by! It was a whirlwind full of personal and professional highlights. I am so grateful for my career and all my wonderful patients, colleagues, and friends.
Here are a few of my reflections on 2016:
My professional goals are always changing, but I’m proud of all the work I put in this year. My article “Quality of Life and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors” was published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and in February, I traveled to Ottawa for the Allergan-sponsored 2016 Ottawa Chief Resident Review Course lecturing on breast reconstruction techniques. It was an incredible experience to be around so many talented and inspiring surgeons while passing on our knowledge to the next generation of plastic surgeons.
I am proud that we have continued to provide our patients with the newest in technology so they can make informed decisions on potential procedures. My favourite is the Vectra 3D Imaging machine, which allows patients to visualize the possibilities of their aesthetic procedures during the consultation process.
One of my personal milestones this year was celebrating my 40th birthday. 25 of my closest friends joined me for a birthday spin at Ride Cycle Club. I’m so thankful that I have such supportive and caring people in my life. Growing older is just getting better, and I can’t wait for what the next decade brings.
I’m an advocate of making sure you keep your mind and body healthy through a work-life balance. Staying active is very important to me, and I spent 2016 conquering local hikes like The Chief and the Grouse Grind while continuing my yoga and spin regimen. I’ve also been working on keeping mindfulness ‘top-of-mind’, taking in moments I once took for granted and learning to appreciate the little things.
In April, I became a proud dog owner to my new best friend Luna, a beautiful silver lab. I also recently moved to Kitsilano, and Luna and I have been enjoying our daily beach walks.
October was also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I hosted the 6th annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day on October 19th . It was great to see my former reconstruction patients and provide information on the surgical options for women considering breast reconstruction. For BRA Day awareness, I tested my public speaking abilities on a segment on breast reconstruction on Global with Sophie Lui and Amanda McNally from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF). I look forward to continuing my work with breast cancer survivors and BRA Day in 2017.
October was a big month- I became an aunt to my nephew Ethan- one of the most rewarding experiences of my life thus far.
I’m already enjoying the holiday festivities this month and excited for everything to come in 2017. Every year my goals change and I find myself doing things I never would have imagined. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings!