This Faculty Spotlight highlights Dr. Jennifer Walker, whose work and dedication continue to make a meaningful impact within our faculty and broader community.
- What inspired you to choose palliative care/family medicine?
As a full service family physician caring for my FP patients in hospital since 2003 I always enjoyed the staff and atmosphere on the palliative unit at Lions Gate Hospital. In 2005 the hospital was looking for physicians interested in being part of a palliative care team and I joined up, completing first the Victoria Hospice Course and then a 2 year postgraduate diploma in palliative medicine in Cardiff, Wales and getting my Certificate of Added Competence from the CFPC. - What’s been the most memorable or meaningful moment in your career so far?
My most meaningful moment was being part of the winning team for the 2023 Health Quality BC Award for our collaborative work to improve palliative services to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation of the North Shore(Indigenous Palliative Care Collaborative-Coping with Transition from Life). - Who has been an influential mentor for you, and why?
Dr. Pippa Hawley , the former UBC Palliative Division Lead , was a huge mentor in supporting us taking residents as learners to our North Shore site and as the Palliative Education lead from 2014-2023 I derived great satisfaction from meeting and working with the learners. - What’s something outside of medicine that brings you joy?
Spending time with my four adult children, their partners and pets gives me great pleasure.
- A podcast, show, or movie you’d recommend right now:
I have been enjoying the Knowledge Network series “ Search and Rescue: North Shore” which shows the amazing work done by North Shore Rescue and many colleagues from the Lions Gate Hospital ED. I also have been enjoying the podcast “Dharma Lab” with Drs. Richard Davidson and Cortland Dahl which explores how we can build resiliency in these challenging times through exploring ancient contemplative wisdom with a neuroscientific lens. - Where’s your favourite place to relax or recharge?
My favourite place to relax and recharge is at our cabin on beautiful Hornby Island.
- What do you hope patients, families, or colleagues remember most about you?
I hope that I can be remembered for taking time and being present with patients, families and colleagues. - Favourite comfort food:
Current favourite comfort foods are salted caramel ice cream and Hawkins cheesies (not together!).
- Favourite way to spend a day off:
I love to spend time off working in my garden, bird watching or hiking the trails in Lynn Valley.
- Best advice you’ve ever received (medical or personal):
The best advice I have received(though it took me awhile to understand it’s importance) is to slow down, be present and enjoy the “here and now”.
Kayaking in Haida Gwaii
Mountain biking near Kalamalka Lake, Vernon.
Enjoying time with family pets.