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