Resident Spotlight: Dr. Janine Hutson

Dr. Janine Hutson, PGY5, Obstetrics and Gynaecology chose Schulich Medicine & Dentistry for her residency training because of its reputation of community engagement and the exposure to a wide range of cases. She says that the combination of these features in addition to the support from her fellow residents and consultants has allowed her to receive optimal training.

Why did you choose to pursue medicine?

I was interested in medicine for as long as I can remember with my mother being an Emergency Room nurse. After she had a debilitating car accident, I started to care for her from a young age. I was drawn to how rewarding this was, and I wanted to be able to care for other people as my profession. I think through doing a combination of research and patient care, one can profoundly impact those around them.

What is your greatest achievement to date?

My greatest academic achievement was being awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship during my MD/PhD training at the University of Toronto. This award is the top research training scholarship in Canada and it is awarded on the basis of leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement. This award gave me the confidence to keep continuing my extended training for an academic career as a clinician-scientist, as well as the financial support to focus on my training. 

What is the most important lesson you have learned through patient care?

Patients want a chance to tell their story. Although a diagnosis may be easy to reach, making sure the patient feels heard is just as important as the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What inspires you?

Obstetrics is a unique field in that we commonly share the happiest moment in someone’s life with them. This is in contrast to other specialties where most patients present with an illness. Sharing this special moment every call shift is a gift and inspires me to go to work every time.

What has been your greatest challenge to date?

My greatest challenge was my PhD oral defence. To be the expert in the room in a specific area was daunting and required strategic reading and preparation.

What project would you consider your most significant career accomplishment to date?

I was fortunate to be published in the Journal of the American Medical Association with our paper “Recurrence and Mortality Following Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions,” which was one of my goals during graduate school in clinical pharmacology and toxicology.

What challenges have you encountered in your residency?

Fatigue management is a challenge in residency. Blackout blinds were my most important purchase in the last four years.

What have you learned about yourself and others through your residency?

Never be hesitant to ask for help. Other physicians and health care professionals have different experiences, and we all bring something unique to work with us.