Before we dive into rural General Surgery… a sage piece of advice from our very sage guest: Time flies. On day 1 of practice – plan how and when you want to retire! Review your plan!
Host Cameron Wong sits down with Yemi Laosebikan, MD, FRCSC, a General Surgeon practicing in Melfort, Saskatchewan, to explore what it truly means to serve a rural community in Canada.
This conversation goes far beyond the scope of general surgery. From managing surgical emergencies with limited resources to advocating for systemic change and mentoring the next generation of physicians, Dr. Laosebikan shares the reality of being the only surgeon—and the only specialist in a town of 7,000 with a catchment area of 20,000. He reflects on how trauma-informed training, preventative medicine, community engagement, and long-term planning all shape his approach to rural practice. Whether you're considering general surgery or curious about the role of specialists in rural health care, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, humility, and service.
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