The position of Medical Officer aboard Class Afloat would be a dream come true allowing my passion for medicine and travel to unite to form one of the greatest adventures yet!
Born in Ireland, growing up in Canada, studying medicine in Europe, backpacking the continents…. I have never sat still for long!
After graduating from Trinity College Dublin in 2007, I returned to Canada to do my residency training in both Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine. I am currently a practicing Emergency Physician in Edmonton. I have always had an interest in Travel Medicine and this has lead me to many ventures including the completion of a Tropical Medicine Diploma course, work in a medical clinic in a small village in Malawi as well as joining a team of Canadian physicians to help when natural disasters occur.
There are many qualities a Medical Officer aboard Class Afloat must possess. One must be Knowledgeable, a hard worker and a team player. The Medical Officer has to be quick thinking, resourceful and decisive. The Officer must be approachable and supportive. Any staff member aboard Class Afloat must be a good role model and advocate lifelong learning. They should have commonalities with the students and share in the students wonder as the corners of the world are explored together. One must be energetic, upbeat, love the sea, and have a great sense of adventure.
I believe that my background training and knowledge in the fields of Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Tropical Medicine would allow me to provide the highest standard of care to the staff and students of Class Afloat. My training in these varied areas would ensure a large knowledge base that I could draw upon in any situation.
I am a hard worker and very energetic. Anything I peruse I give it one hundred percent and nothing less. My career has given me lots of opportunity to demonstrate this hard working ethos. A journey of thousands of hours of study, research and clinical work has gotten me to where I am in my career today.
Being a team player is a part of my everyday life in the Emergency Department and is of paramount importance. I enjoy team work and should I be granted the opportunity to become the Medical Officer I would look forward to participating in team building activities and contributing to the team spirit aboard Class Afloat.
It is very important that both staff and students of class Afloat feel comfortable speaking with the Medical officer aboard. The Officer must be approachable and there for them in confidence should any health matters need to be discussed. I am a very approachable, understanding, supportive and non judgmental physician and would look forward to dealing with any health matters that arise aboard Class Afloat.
Good role models are very important at this impressionable age. I believe that I represent the mantra “Work hard play hard” to its entirety. I have a continuous thrust for knowledge and I am a lifelong learner.
I caught the travel bug in my teenage years and this lead me on many adventures from representing Canada at international Girl Guiding and leadership conferences to backpacking Europe, South America and Africa. I have hiked the jungles of Colombia, climbed the heights of Kilimanjaro and dove the depths of the Red Sea. I think I would have a lot in common with the Class Afloat students and staff, all brought together with a desire for adventure, wonder and learning. I would thrive in this environment!
During my medical training, I have had ample opportunity to teach medicial students and junior residents. I was the recipient of the “Resident Teaching Award- 2010” and would look forward to teaching the Class Afloat students Basic Life Support skills at your request.
The opportunity to sail around the world would be a dream come true. I completed the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) Day Skipper course last summer. In Feb 2010 I spent 11 days, crew and helm, in the Caribbean with a group sailing around the world. I love to sail and I have lots to learn. Class Afloat would provide me with a wonderful opportunity to build on my sailing skills.
The position of Medical Officer aboard Class Afloat would be an unforgettable experience, and a dream come true!
Thank you for considering me for this position.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Gawley
MB; Bch; B.A.O. B.A. M.D; CCFP, CCFP (EM)
