“Don't let anything hold you back from really building those relationships. If you believe it's possible – you'll find a way.”
Meet Dr. Eleanor Parton, a family physician who works with a dedicated interdisciplinary team to provide culturally safe, holistic care at the Indigenous Primary Health and Wellness clinics in Surrey.
Growing up on reserve she remembers seeing a lot of health disparities and inequality with access to health care. This inspired her to do the work she does today.
“I wanted someone else to do something about it, then I thought, I could do something about it and decided to go into medicine to become a family doctor,” says Eleanor.
When the pandemic first hit, Eleanor was finishing her family medicine residency. She recalls telehealth moving swiftly to the top of the curriculum.
Eleanor was once skeptical about virtual health, but her determination to make sure clients could access culturally safe care overcame any doubt she felt.
“I've learned we are able to provide culturally safe care over the phone. I've been surprised at the relationships that I've been able to build with patients over the phone, or over video calls,” she says.
“Don't let anything hold you back from really building those relationships. If you believe it's possible – you'll find a way.”
When it comes to person-centred care, Eleanor explains, “It’s important to be flexible and accommodate people.”
“Everybody has different needs. We field many questions, meet people where they’re at and we still take people for walk-in appointments. We reassure clients that we're still here for them.”
Cultural advisors and traditional health options support the work at the Indigenous health and wellness clinics, helping to meet these unique needs.
This has been inspiring for Eleanor.
“I'm really lucky to work with an interdisciplinary team including an Elder, family doctors, nurse practitioners, social workers and nurses. I'm quite honoured to be a part of the team,” she says.
Eleanor finds community togetherness and partnership uplifting during these challenging times.
“One my fondest memories is working with our social worker. She has helped multiple patients who struggle with homelessness to find either temporary or long-term housing. The impact on patients is profound. I’m grateful that we’re able to provide that at our clinic.”