The most common question that my colleagues have been asking me is “Why are you staying in Thunder Bay? Is it not 40 below in the winter, have incomplete cardiac services, and have the worst longevity in the country.”

My simple reply is, “Thunder Bay is the centre of Canada. It has 6 daily flights to Toronto, 4 flights to Winnipeg, and 2 flights to Minneapolis. It is 25 to 29 above in the summer and it has four beautiful seasons. It has the convenience of driving to work in 15 minutes or less and the leisure activities of a big city, with the price of a small town. It has opportunities. It has supportive colleagues. It has a progressive administration. Above all, it has the forever-thankful patients for your work!”

Dr. Christopher Lai
Cardiology

"I came to Thunder Bay looking for a challenging professional practice. Nine years later I still have a busy and rewarding practice as well as a great lifestyle. In the winter my family and I ski three days a week and I can commute to work from our cottage in the summer. There is no such thing as an air quality warning or traffic report and my family enjoys a standard of living that would be unaffordable in a large urban community. Our children get to grow and learn in an environment that most other kids only visit on vacation. We work hard up here but for anyone with a bit of initiative, the rewards are tremendous. Putting down roots in Thunder Bay was a great decision for us."

Dr. Ian Dobson
Chief of Anesthesia

"All surgeons have elective subspecialty practices. Members are involved in academic activities including the teaching of medical students and residents, as well as weekly Orthopaedic rounds."

Dr. Tracy Wilson
Dr. Claude Cullinan
Orthopaedic Surgeons

"The events of 911 influenced my decision to practice at TBRHSC. Thunder Bay is a nice community and TBRHSC was quick to respond to both my career and family needs."

Dr. I. Haq
Neurosurgery

"The Renal Service at TBRHSC provides an opportunity to practice a full spectrum of nephrology in an exciting multi-discipline environment. Layered on this is the establishment of the new Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the education and research challenges it will bring."

Dr. Armour Boake
Nephrology

"I have enjoyed practicing pathology in Thunder Bay since 1986. From a professional perspective the variety and complexity of the pathology service work is a rewarding experience at any stage of a Pathologist’s career. From a personal perspective it is very beautiful here and easy to find peace and solitude. There is plenty of time off for self development, to attend meetings or pursue special interests. You can travel, explore, and enjoy the wide variety of cultural and recreational opportunities in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.”

Dr. J. F. Wasielewski
Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Director

"I originally was introduced to Thunder Bay in 1990 as a Locum, and the region’s lifestyle opportunities provided the incentive to relocate permanently. Eventually, I became a part of the dedicated visionary team that has transformed medical care in Thunder Bay. This has included the development of a state-of-the-art closed Intensivist-led ICU, the move to a spectacular new hospital facility, and the formation of the new Northern Ontario School of Medicine. The career opportunities are exceptionally rewarding, and have also provided generous opportunity for family and personal pursuits through the wide variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available. Where else can you practice in a state-of-the-art ICU and, after your shift, stop at the ski hill for a few runs, go for a sail on the way home for dinner, or play 18 holes of golf every day after dinner with daylight left over? Work Hard, Play Hard, Live Well … and enjoy.”

Dr. Mike Scott
Director of Critical Care

"Excellent staff, supportive colleagues, and a wide variety or interesting cases make for a great environment in our new state-of-the-art department. The new Medical School gives an added dimension for those interested in teaching. Thunder Bay is a great place to raise a family and has a lot to offer the outdoor enthusiast."

Dr. John O'Brien
Radiology

"Our mission within the Department of Cardiology at TBRHSC is to provide frontline tertiary cardiac services to patients in NWO thus bringing care closer to home. The addition of a second catheterization lab capable of delivering on site coronary angioplasty will make this goal realized. Opportunities for research and program expansion make the future of Cardiology at TBRHSC look bright."

Dr. Frank Nigro
Cardiology

"We offer a challenging inpatient medical practice in addition to an attractive lifestyle, salary, CME and vacation time."

Dr. Arnold Kim
Lead Hospitalist