Dogs tag along with couple during rural learning journey

Dr. Asha Cadrin knew she wanted to be a doctor since the fourth grade in elementary school.

So, when Asha and her husband Dr. Joel Cadrin received support from RhPAP’s rural accommodation program during her clerkship and his residency in Bonnyville, she knew they were one step closer to their dream.

Not only did the Cadrins need housing for themselves, but they also wanted their two mini Schnauzers, Kaiser and Captain, to join them while they were training in the community 240 km northeast of Edmonton.

Luckily, RhPAP’s rural housing coordinator-north came through to match the couple’s request.

“[RhPAP’s] Donna Bonsteel was instrumental in making my first year of clerkship and Joel’s last year of residency less stressful by organizing accommodations that really fit our needs,”said Asha, who was studying at the University of Alberta (U of A), along with Joel at the time.

“The permission to bring our two dogs to Bonnyville meant our little family could stay together. Pets are so important for both mental and physical health. We were especially happy to have them while doing our medical training.”

Bonsteel said that medical students who participate in rural rotations may qualify for accommodation support through a partnership between RhPAP and post-secondary initiatives such as the U of A’s rural family medicine residency program. The two organizations work closely to ensure students have local housing when they take on rural placements.

“It is an excellent program that I believe makes a difference for students when considering a rural career. These are the types of programs that will help bridge the gap between urban and rural health-care access by immersing students in rural communities without added financial stress. Thank you, RhPAP!”
– Dr. Asha Cadrin, who received funding through RhPAP’s accommodation program

Asha maintains that having RhPAP arrange for and cover the cost of housing provided a smooth transition for the couple. Finding local accommodation on their own may have been very difficult, she said.

Both physicians now practice medicine at the Bonnyville Medical Clinic. Asha signed on in August 2021 and was thrilled to join Joel in the thriving medical practice in Bonnyville. They’ve since put down roots in the area.

Asha grew up nearby and is thrilled to be living in a rural community close to her family.

“I grew up rurally in Cold Lake … until I graduated from high school and moved to attend university,” she said. “ I loved growing up in a small town. The tight-knit community is one of best aspects of rural living.”

Asha said their experience with the accommodations program with RhPAP “worked so well because the housing was just minutes away from the hospital, from walking trails, and we were allowed to bring our two hypoallergenic dogs. If the accommodation was not funded, it would have meant finding [our] own rental space which can be very difficult in small towns.”

Bonsteel set the Cadrin’s up in a fully furnished duplex located close to both the hospital and Jesse Lake. The recreation area boasts a 15 km trail, wildlife, and spectacular scenery.

The doctors have since purchased a home near Bonnyville, and are excited to call the area home.

“The permission to bring our two dogs to Bonnyville meant our little family could stay together. Pets are so important for both mental and physical health. We were especially happy to have them while doing our medical training.” – Dr. Asha Cadrin

Asha has always been interested in rural practice because it allows for a very broad scope with the use of a diverse skill set.

“[Practising rural] provides a very interesting and rewarding job as many rural Albertan communities are understaffed. Bonnyville was attractive because it is close to my hometown and has a very collegial, supportive team,” she said.

“I am currently working in the clinic, in the ER [emergency room], on the hospital wards and assisting in the OR [operating room].”

She highly recommends students work with the RhPAP rural accommodations program if possible.

“It is an excellent program that I believe makes a difference for students when considering a rural career. These are the types of programs that will help bridge the gap between urban and rural health-care access by immersing students in rural communities without added financial stress. Thank you, RhPAP!”

For more information about RhPAP rural Alberta accommodations for health professions students, visit rhpap.ca/accommodations.

— Billi Miller