Etienne Cardinal
July 2022
Université Laval
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in Rouyn-Noranda, in northwestern Québec. I moved to Québec city for medical school and alpine skiing, ended up staying for the general surgery residency. I met my girlfriend here in Québec, she also came for medical school. We’re now a little trio with our rescue puppy, a lovely dog named Sky.
Why did you choose a career in general surgery?
I have always loved the “problem-solving” mentality in surgery. It is conceptually so simple; Pretty much any procedure we do can be explained in 5 minutes and simple drawings to someone who has no medical knowledge whatsoever. You get the feeling that your patients really understand what is going on and both them and you get to see the direct effect of your work, right there on the spot.
Now, we all know that the “simple” procedures I speak of take years of training to learn to perform and that they can all get complicated to an impressive degree. And there is also quite a lot of medicine involved in day to day care, especially for a surgical field. But that is just what makes general surgery so interesting. I find it’s the perfect balance of common sense, intellectual challenge, and technical skill.
What are your research or academic interests?
I have to say that I am not an avid researcher. I have participated in a few projects during my residency, but I am much more enthusiastic about teaching. Sharing my passion for surgery with medical students on rotation, and later mentoring my junior residents has always been very invigorating and motivating to me.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your training?
Your relationships with people are what keep you going when the going gets tough. Be it with your family, partner, friends or your colleagues and coworkers. So, take care of your relationships.
Surgical training can be overwhelming at times. There is comfort in knowing that you are going through it with people who understand and can support you if you need it. And that you will do the same for them.
Also don’t wear shoes with holes on the top part.
Do you have any call rituals?
I keep a bar of soap, a toothbrush and a clean pair of underwear and socks in my backpack. In a pinch, a quick shower and change will work as a substitute for sleep after an all-nighter.
What do you do for fun?
I like to play outside with my dog; walking, hiking, etc. I also love to ride my bike around Québec city and its many little hills. And in the summer, I’m always down for a round of golf.
What are your career goals?
I am headed to Ottawa next year for my fellowship in Vascular Surgery. What comes after is still a bit of a mystery. I can only hope to have a fulfilling and exciting practice with the chance to transmit my passion for surgery to others.
If you could go back and give advice to yourself as a junior resident what would it be?
Try a take a few more days off, rest and take care of yourself throughout this wild ride.
Also start reading more as a junior, PGY-5 will be easier.