Dialogue Volume 10 Issue 2 2014 | Page 39

PRACTICE PARTNER Name: Terrence McAllister Practice Location: Sault Ste. Marie Area of Practice: Orthopedic Surgery How long have you been an assessor? Six years Why did you decide to go into medicine?   My sister received poor medical care and it led directly to a disability.  I went into medicine to find the answers which were never fully explained to my parents.  As a result, I spend a lot of time teaching patients about their problems.  I see it as a big part of my responsibility as a physician. It is something I also try to impart to trainees i.e., teach/explain to your patients in a language they can understand.  How would your patients describe you? Honest and straight-forward. What attracted you to Orthopedic Surgery?  The simplicity of musculoskeletal architecture and its effect on function. What is the most effective way for you to participate in continuous professional development? I never stop reading. I also think it is important to be critical of your own work. What has been a great moment for you as a peer assessor? It is those occasions when I am doing a reassessment and I note an improvement in the doctor’s record-keeping. I also enjoy seeing how such improvements can have a ripple effect on the trainees’ recordkeeping habits. DIALOGUE • Issue 2, 2014 PRACTICE PARTNER Assessor Close-Up: Dr. Terrence McAllister 39