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The JOCS’ Over the next few months - Focus on Scugog will reinstate “The Docs” feature to introduce Medical Associates physicians who have practiced here for a number of years — and also some of the newer doctors to the community. Dr. Jessica Ross There was never any doubt in Dr. Jessica Ross’ mind that she would set up her practice in Port Perry when she graduated last year. “Port Perry is actually home for me,” she said, explain- ing that her family moved to town when she was young and she graduated from Port Perry High School. Now married to the man she met during undergradu- ate studies at the University of Guelph, they enjoy life with a bustling toddler in their Scugog Island home. “Tt had always been our plan to return to Port to work, live and start our family,” she explained, and with a num- ber of close friends in town and her parents living near the hospital, where she occasionally escapes for a lunch break, working in her old home town is a perfect fit. Dr. Ross says her decision to enter medicine was a culmination of a number of experiences and the influence of a number of people. One such mentor was Dr. Merrilee Brown, her fam- ily physician when she was growing up. “She is a stellar physician and woman, and she was a great influence on me throughout my schooling.” Her journey to Port Perry was a long, winding, glo- betrotting path. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph she decided some adventure was in order, so along with her husband they travelled across the world to Adelaide, Australia where she attended medical school at Flinders University of South Australia. “During one of my clinical training years, I also spent several months on an obstetric and paediatric exchange at St. George’s University in London, England,” she said. Following medical school she returned to Canada and completed her residency training at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. In addition to her family practice at Medical Assoicates of Port Perry, this busy young doctor also works in the ER both in Port Perry and Oshawa. “] find that it’s a wonderful mix from paediatrics and 04. APRIL 2012.2 finalindd 13 DR. JESSICA ROSS women’s health to geriatrics; the adrenaline and acu- ity of the ER is a nice complement to forming long- term relationships with patients and caring for their health through prevention and day-to-day illness experiences,” she says. While some new physicians may find working in asmall town difficult, Dr. Ross welcomes the change from working in the city. “Tt is not only nice to see patients in a relaxed, social setting - I find that it also allows you to better Please turn to page 14 FOCUS - APRIL 2012 13 20019 oaoam| |