Getting to know Dr. Lisa Bonang
by Darcy Rhyno
Since 1993, Dr. Lisa Bonang has worked as a family physician in Musquodoboit Harbour, N.S. She’s also the Director of Community Faculty Development in the Department of Continuing Professional Development at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine. Twice she’s been recognized for her dedication and passion in providing medical care to her rural community as well as her leadership and support for medical residents and students. In 2007, she was named the Nova Scotia Family Physician of the Year by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and in 2017 the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association awarded her their Family Physician of the Year Award. Saltscapes spoke with Dr. Lisa Bonang about a healthy childhood, recruiting family physicians and plates of cookies.
Where did you grow up?
In Head of Chezzetcook, overlooking the salt marsh where I learned to swim. It was healthy living. You could go out and play from morning until dusk. We made our own recreation, playing softball, baseball, skating on the pond. My mother didn’t worry about where I was. Unfortunately, today we don’t see that same carefree way of living.
Tell me about your family. Were they in healthcare?
I’m the youngest of four siblings. We all still live in the area. There’s no history of medicine in my family, but all my siblings are in health. My oldest sister is a laboratory technologist. My brother was too, and now is a dental hygienist. My other sister is a dentist.
What led you all to health care?
It just grew out of our interest in school and science. My goal was to become a phys-ed teacher. Deep down I wanted to return to my community to make a difference. I briefly considered a job in pathology, but my passion was family medicine and coming home to practise.
Are you the answer to the doctor shortage in Nova Scotia?
I don’t know if I’m the answer, but being part of the community is important. If we can get people who are already part of the fabric of the community and support them through their training, we may retain those positions. In high school, I didn’t know anybody who went to medical school, but since then there have been several graduates to get their medical doctor degree and are practising in the area. Having those role models is important.
What’s most rewarding about being a family physician?
The privilege of being part of a patient’s life, being with them through the good times and helping them through the bad times. Being in a rural community can be joyful and difficult because you know all the families.
Do you think NS is in a health care crisis?
Yes. We see the strains in the system no matter where you look. People are suffering ill effects because they are not able to access timely care. I think we’re reaching a tipping point that will require serious action. More and more physicians are retiring. Many are still hanging on, hoping they can get replacements. They’re tired and eventually they’ll decide to go. That’s not just rural. It’s across the province. I don’t believe Nova Scotia is any different than many areas across this country.
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about you?
I’m a proud Nova Scotian. I really want to serve my community. As a physician, what people don’t understand is that the little things feed our soul. We don’t want gifts, but the thoughtfulness of a plate of cookies or a bran muffin goes a long way. On an individual basis I see that appreciation—but from the political side, you feel almost under siege.