MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE
Dr. Kira McClellan President (Family & Hospitalist Medicine)
Born and raised in St. John's, Newfoundland, I completed both my B.Sc. (Biology) and MD at Memorial University before packing a U-Haul, my Great Dane, and my significant other (in no particular order) and travelling against prevailing winds to Thunder Bay, ON for a residency in Rural Family Medicine. In search of the best Nordic skiing the country could offer, I arrived in Vernon in 2003. I maintained locum status in the area until 2008 when I helped to start a new Family Medicine clinic in Armstrong, BC. Currently, I proudly work as a family practitioner in Armstrong, a hospitalist at VJH, and I provide care at Options for Sexual Health. I also hold a clinical instructor appointment with UBC. The Facility Engagement initiative is an exciting new venture for me. Seeing our local medical staff come together for this valuable work is both energizing and refreshing.
The elusive life/work balance is always front and centre in my sights. I balance my professional life with Nordic skiing, cycling, backcountry skiing, and the occasional blast back into a climbing harness, all the while trying not to get injured and spending as much time as possible with my family.
Dr. Jason Doyle Secreatry-Treasurer (Lab Medicine)
Dr. Yann Brierley Vice President (Lab Medicine)
I am a Vancouver Island boy who cross country and downhill skied at Mt. Washington every weekend. I attended Queen's University for a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Life Science, and was on the varsity water polo team (Go Gaels) while loving the all-you-can-eat meal plan. Subsequently, I attended the University of British Columbia for medical school where I also learned how to skate and play hockey for the first time, and then did my residency training at the University of Alberta in General Pathology, part of which I spent a 4 week summer elective at VJH in 2007 with Drs. Jason Doyle and Doug Hardy. Upon completion of residency, it was straight to Vernon for the good life, following royal college certification, as a full-time general pathologist with a 10-week-old daughter and miniature schnauzer in tow and Edmonton in the rearview mirror. Five years later and three more children (boy, girl, boy) my family was complete.
As demands on dad have mercifully diminished, more time and energy is available for hospital related activities. By joining the VJH Physician Society, I hope to encourage improvement and innovation in patient care, help foster multidisciplinary cooperation, as well as optimize the VJH workplace for patients and health professionals alike. When away from the hospital, I am active outside, with and without the family, and enjoy cycling and skiing, in all its various forms, as well as backpacking and camping.