Our Stories

Dr. Alicia Roy
Emergency Room Doctor | Corner Brook, NL

Everyone knows someone who moves to Newfoundland and Labrador and never leaves. Now you know another: me!

Coming from Ontario, I chose the west coast of Newfoundland for my residency as an exciting new adventure with experience in rural medicine that was too hard to pass up. I was welcomed with open arms and a supportive community which helped make the move seamless.

My colleagues became friends quicker than I could have imagined inviting me over for meals and showing me incredible hiking and skiing trails close by.

Given the scope of work and teaching opportunities available, my career has evolved faster than it would have anywhere else. Now that I’ve been here awhile, I’m thrilled to extend the same warm welcome to new grads and help support my future colleagues.

Standly Babila
Registered Nurse | Placentia, NL

When I think about why I got started in health care, my reasons bring me back to my childhood. In Cameroon, I made so many visits to the hospital with my mom who was sick at the time. I would ask myself: what can be done so that she doesn’t have to visit the hospital? Is there something to improve her health? I had so many questions that I wanted answers to so I could help her better.

Fast forward to many years later, I was recruited after meeting some friendly faces at a job fair. I worked as a Personal Care Assistant until receiving my license to become a Resident Nurse last summer. (Looking ahead, I aspire to apply for the Nurse Practitioner Program at Memorial University.)

I enjoy every bit of my role. I get so happy when after two or three days upon caring for someone with an injury they can say, “Oh I feel better now!” Sometimes I find I interact with family members more than patients, and that’s just as important. Helping each other isn’t only about health care. It’s about putting a smile on someone’s face.

Adjusting to a new city and country was made so easy because of the people. Colleagues insisted on showing me their favourite places in St. John’s and I quickly found ways to get involved in the community too. I’ve recently moved to Placentia and am loving this part of the province that still feels new and familiar to me. Even helping my neighbour clear snow from their driveway is important to me. That must make me a true Newfoundlander, right?

Dr. Shanda Slipp
Family Doctor | Corner Brook, NL

I wouldn’t be the kind of doctor I am if it wasn’t for choosing to go medical school at MUN. The opportunities and people have had such an impact on me. I also met my husband Aiden during that time, and we’ve shaped our practices and lives in a way that I wouldn’t trade.

Newfoundland and Labrador is a little bit different than other provinces. Our history and time zone aren’t the only things worth talking about.

I’m so proud that we’re the only province that has a 10-year health transformation strategy. We’re playing a very active role in what our future looks like for patients and professionals. Innovative solutions, better access to care and more collaboration.

Dr. Rabab Aboalmaali
Family Doctor | Corner Brook, NL

For anyone considering a career here, I would say just make the visit.

My children are around the same age I was when I first came to Newfoundland and Labrador. The memory of seeing the stunning landscapes for the first time is something I cherish.

It’s surreal to think that I’m practicing medicine and raising my family here all those years later. This place is just the right size—not too big or too small— and provides a sense of safety, support, and belonging.

My husband and I are both doctors and we’ve found many ways to broaden our scope of work and take on new opportunities while still keeping up with our busy family life. I truly love it here.

Dr. David Thomas
Family Doctor | Port aux Basques, NL

I was born and raised on the other side of the province and came to Port aux Basques for a rural rotation during my medical school at MUN. Once it ended, I never considered leaving and have stayed ever since. Here, I get to be so many things for my patients, neighbours and community.

In smaller places like ours, doctors can make a big impact. We are a tight-knit community and face everything together. What I’m able to do for my patients is unmatched, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated teams.

Maud Addai
Midwife | Gander, NL

I’m happy that my life’s path has led me to Newfoundland and Labrador. I was born and raised near the salt water in Ghana, West Africa. Access to the Atlantic Ocean and the province’s gorgeous greenery keeps me here because it’s a reminder of what I liked growing up. Of course, I choose to stay for the people and my job too.

One of my favourite sayings is “with you, not to you.” I think that’s what any health care experience should feel like. It sums up our role as midwives in helping new moms feel empowered and informed during their birthing experience. I love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Our team of midwives is growing, and we’d love to have you with us.

Marieke Van Den Berg
Registered Nurse | Labrador City, NL

Ever since I was a little, I have liked taking care of people. I quickly learned that it doesn’t take much to help people.

I truly think I have one of the best jobs in the world. Little Marieke would be so proud that I became an RN, and maybe a little surprised that I now live in Labrador City, after growing up in The Netherlands, living in Australia and having travelled the world.

Now that I’m a manager, I’m not taking care of patients as much as I did; I’m caring for the staff who take care of them. Being a part of the team in Labrador West means having a family at work. We keep showing up for each other through all the good times and bad. One of the good moments recently was when one of my close co-workers moved up into a senior director role. She tells me that she couldn't do her job without me (but I believe otherwise).

I’ve lived here for over six years now, and I don't have the inkling to live anywhere else. There’s always something to do and people to talk to. One of my earliest memories is walking down the road and having a total stranger offer me a lift. I’m happy to say that I’d now do the same if I saw someone like that. Everyone here is just so friendly!

I’m proud to work in health care in NL because I see the effort that is being put into achieving change for the better. We’re really making a difference for our people and our communities.

Vinita Thakur
Clinical Biochemist | St. John's, NL

I really do believe that things happen for a reason. The day I got recruited for a position in St. John’s is very significant because it’s also the anniversary of my mom’s passing. She was the greatest admirer of me and I’m confident she blessed me that day to find the path of my career in a new place.

My skills and contributions at NLHS have been recognized in ways that mean so much to me. I’ve been encouraged to keep growing and seize opportunities that I’m passionate about for improving patient care. And I never have to do that alone. I work with such a great team of people who care about the same things and share the same goals as me. Any of my accomplishments are shared with them.

Living and working in Newfoundland and Labrador is a wonderful gift. I’m blown away with its immense beauty and how friendly people can be. Sometimes I wonder why these things are true! This place and what I can accomplish here are truly unique.

Dr. Andrew Furey
Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon

I’m incredibly passionate about our health care system. The reason I chose medicine is like the reason most do: to make a difference in patients' lives.

In our province, despite the challenges, the people and the patients make it all worthwhile. We’re not just dreaming big; we’re taking bold action with a ten-year plan called Health Accord NL.

Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, you will find more than just a job — you’ll find purpose; you’ll find your new home. Your expertise can truly shape a community's future with incredible views and vistas — and a work-life balance to go with it. Not many people can say that but we can here because we have it all.

Dr. Jackie Elliott
Family Doctor | Port Blandford, NL

At my clinic, my patients know me as Dr. Elliott, but if I’m anywhere else in town, like out at the grocery store, I’m known as Jackie. Practicing in a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador, I really value the sense of community, safety and relationships I have with patients. I don’t think I could get it anywhere else.

As a family physician, I’m so glad that I get to be a part of many people’s lives and stay connected to them as they grow up. Patient care is truly at the centre of my work and the people in Port Blandford and our neighbouring communities make it easy.

For someone considering moving and practicing in a smaller community in Newfoundland and Labrador, I would say welcome the opportunity with open arms, because that’s exactly how you would be welcomed into your role in the community.

Marco Mueller
Radiation Therapist | St. John's, NL

I moved to St. John’s about three years ago because I wasn’t feeling fully settled in a big city like Toronto. Most of the time I felt anonymous, and I kept dreaming of being in a place that was close-knit and gave me the opportunities to create special relationships with coworkers and patients.

Working in health care is a pretty natural fit for me and I’ve always been interested in the radiation aspect of physics. As a radiation therapist at the Cancer Care Centre, I get to work with some of the most intelligent, compassionate people. I also get to work with technology that I didn’t think a place like St. John’s would have access to.

My job has a lot to do with the relationships. With coworkers, patients and their family and friends. We develop connections with each other faster than others do. Going through treatment, we may see each other for 39 days straight.

Even on days that can feel – and are – so challenging, we get through them together.

Rahul Girijappan
Registered Nurse | Gander, NL

I choose to live and work in central Newfoundland and Labrador primarily because of the people. When I began my career here about 12 years ago, colleagues welcomed and supported me and helped me transition from living in Kerala.

It's difficult for me to point out a single reason why I wanted to be a registered nurse. There's a constant challenge due to the dynamic nature of the role. I'm always looking to grow through continuous learning and to advance by my field. This profession allows me to reach well beyond my potential while ensuring that our patients get the best care possible when they need it.

I will never regret that I made the move to Newfoundland and Labrador. I live here with my wife, who is also a registered nurse, currently working as the interim nursing supervisor for the new long-term care in Grand Falls-Windsor, and two children, and they love it just as much as I do. A safe environment surrounds us here, with recreational activities year-round for us to bring forward our growing family. The people's warm, friendly and welcoming nature truly made us stay and grow.

Dr. Sean Dillon
Family Doctor | Goose Bay, NL

I was practicing as a nurse for 11 years in Newfoundland and Labrador and always knew I wanted to be a physician. Two of the best decisions I have made for my life and career are: completing my residency in Goose Bay and then choosing to call it home.

Limited resources can make working and living in rural areas challenging, but I think that's why I really enjoy it Whether I’m at work or at home, I’m constantly thinking on my feet and managing with what’s available to me right now. I get to collaborate with my coworkers all the time and the care and solutions we provide for our community and patients are so valuable because of how we work together.

I’ve lived in other cities across Newfoundland and Labrador and I’m amazed at the sense of the community the farther I go north. For six weeks, I get to run a clinic in Nain, the most northern and largest Inuit community in our province. I get to meet and help people who may not have access to healthcare as often as others and I consider it to be the highlight of my career.

Andrew Dawe
Pharmacist | Grand Falls-Windsor

I love that everyone has a reason for working in health care. It feels extra special to say that mine is because of my grandparents. When I was young, I’d tag along with them to the pharmacy and watch them get help with their medications. The pharmacists were always so caring and patient. I could see myself doing something like that too.

When I was going through school, I had placements in the community I grew up in. My family and friends were able to watch me through my journey from a student to a professional while I was helping to take care of them.

Counseling patients, speaking to families and finding solutions to improve their health is the thing I enjoy most about this career, and I love doing so with a big team around me. I get to work with all sorts of health care professionals. We see people come in acutely unwell and watching them go home healthier is the best feeling.

I’m so proud to be where I’m from and helping those who choose to live here too.

Beverly Payne
Recreational Therapist | Bonne Bay, NL

Connection is truly what keeps me going at work. I get to meet our residents exactly where they are and help make moments really matter. I feel like I’m in a job and a place that was really meant for me. At our Health Centre, everyone wants everyone to succeed, whether you’re a professional or a resident. We each have our own individual goals that add up to something bigger than ourselves. I love making sure that people around me feel comfortable and that I can help them reach their full potential.

I haven’t always been working in healthcare. I would say to anyone that it’s never to late to decide or make the switch. The experiences I had volunteering at a long-term care centre in my 20s really stuck with me. I knew I wanted to eventually be working in a place like this and so close to home.