Celebrating our resident doctors: Q&A Dr. Tessa Bendyshe-Walton

How has your second year of residency on PEI been so far?

It feels like I just started yesterday, but it's already been a year and a half—time really flies! We're currently preparing for our exams in April and will finish at the end of June. Afterward, some of us will begin work, while others might take a vacation.

Looking back, do you still feel good about your decision to come to PEI?

Definitely. Moving to a new place was a bit intimidating, but I’ve felt incredibly welcomed by the community here, from my neighbours to the medical team. My co-residents and I have become a close-knit group, which makes a huge difference in how integrated I feel. The small size of the program helped foster that connection. It’s been amazing how quickly we’ve bonded—it’s like we’ve known each other for years.

What type of work have you been doing as a resident?

As residents, we rotate through various specialties while maintaining a weekly connection with our home clinic. This allows us to build long-term relationships with patients while exploring different aspects of family medicine. It’s not just about community-based practice; we also get exposure to addictions medicine, inpatient care, and other specialties, which helps us understand how to collaborate effectively with specialists.

Can you explain your role as site chief resident and why you chose to take it on?

Each residency program has a chief resident who advocates for their peers. I was nominated by my co-residents because I’m organized, a bit outspoken, and have been involved in leadership before. I’m passionate about academic policy and residents’ wellness, and I felt this role aligned with my interests. It’s important to ensure residents’ voices are heard, especially as universities make decisions that directly affect us.

Given the current challenges in healthcare, does this impact your decision to pursue a career in family medicine?

There are certainly challenges in healthcare all across the country, but I’m hopeful about positive changes on the horizon, especially on PEI. Family doctors are finally being recognized for their vital role, which is a major shift from years of being underappreciated. While rebuilding the healthcare system and ensuring it is strong and resilient is a long-term project - and not an easy one - there have been important strides, and I’m excited to be part of that change.

What are your next steps after residency?

I’m finishing residency in June and have signed on to work as a Hospitalist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a few months. This will give me the chance to build more independence before deciding on my next steps. There are so many career options, and I’m excited to explore them. So far, I like everything I’ve been exposed to so it’s hard to choose. It is exciting to see your name on the schedule as a staff member though.

What motivated you to join the MSPEI Board as a resident representative?

I’ve always been involved in medical leadership and advocacy. Being part of the MSPEI Board allows me to understand the community better and advocate for meaningful changes. It’s crucial for residents to engage in governance early on because we are the future medical leaders. Listening to the perspectives of other board members, especially those with more experience, has been invaluable in my growth.

Do you think it's important for MSPEI to have a resident rep on the Board?

Involving residents in decision-making ensures they are better prepared for leadership roles in the future. It also fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging within the medical community, which is vital for retention and attracting new talent. MSPEI has done a great job making residents feel heard and valued.

What has been the most rewarding part of your role on the Board?

It’s been incredible to hear from other members of the medical community and gain insights into the challenges they face. The diversity of perspectives has helped me grow as a person and as a leader. Serving on the Board has given me a deeper appreciation for the governance side of healthcare and the work that goes on behind the scenes.

As you approach the transition to being an independent physician, what are you looking forward to?

After so many years of being a student, it’ll be strange to finally have the independence to make decisions on my own. But I’m looking forward to applying everything I’ve learned in residency and putting it into practice. It’s an exciting next step in my career!

February marks Resident Doctor Appreciation Week. Any message to your fellow residents?

Residency is such a unique and challenging part of medical training. The bond I’ve developed with my co-residents is something I’ll carry with me forever. It’s been rewarding, and I’m so grateful for their support. I couldn’t have made it through without them, and I hope they feel appreciated by me and all of the others they've encountered on this journey so far.