Dr. Justin Blaauwendraat finds rejuvenation in the enthusiasm of energetic learners, reshaping his focus and reigniting his passion for medicine

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Dr. Justin Blaauwendraat seamlessly transitioned into the role of Research Residency Coordinator with the North Nova Cabinet, embodying the essence of mentorship and guidance.

“Contributing to medical education is immensely rewarding,” he shares, emphasizing the joy of witnessing students pursue their interests. Dr. Blaauwendraat’s role involves supporting residents through their required research projects, guiding them in selecting topics, crafting presentations, and facilitating journal clubs.

“When it comes to our residents, they consistently maintain a high standard of excellence and self-expectation, making my job very easy,” he adds. This reflects their individual qualities and our selection efforts in the North Nova program.

“It’s not just about overseeing; it’s about fostering personal connections and providing mentorship,” he said as he joked about identifying the “Swifties” among the residents. Knowing their personalities is critical to fostering their learning and building those connections.

Rooted in Nova Scotia’s Northern Zone, Dr. Blaauwendraat’s ties to the community run deep, stemming from his upbringing on a dairy farm outside of Truro. Despite opportunities elsewhere, he and his wife returned to their hometown of Truro after the birth of their firstborn daughter with a desire to give back. His involvement extends beyond medicine; he coaches hockey and soccer, provides coverage to the Truro Bearcats the local Junior A hockey team, and recently joined the Rath Eastlink Community Centre Board of Directors.

As a physician co-lead supporting physician recruitment and retention efforts in the zone, he emphasizes the importance of personal connections in recruitment. In his role with the board, he engages with residents to understand their interests and career goals, which can help recruit them to the area or guide them to work in family medicine that aligns with their aspirations.

“Not only rewarding but rejuvenating as well,” Dr. Blaauwendraat reflects. “It can be easy to get bogged down in the negativity associated with our current physician shortages and resource challenges, but to have a student with you, who is energetic and enthusiastic about their learning, that can often be contagious and helps to reshape that focus and remind me of why we got into medicine in the first place.”