Trailblazing Women in Rural Medicine aims to highlight and celebrate women's remarkable achievements and unique experiences in rural healthcare. Through a series of enlightening interviews, we're proud to showcase the voices of inspiring women who are making a meaningful impact in rural communities in Canada.
Dr. Trina Larsen Soles, a rural generalist physician based in Golden, BC, embodies resilience, dedication, and leadership in rural medicine. Dr. Soles generously shared insights from her remarkable career spanning over three decades. Her journey began with a deep passion for medicine, rooted in the values of service from her upbringing. Reflecting on her childhood dreams, she remarked, "I always wanted to be a doctor," starting her transformative path in rural medicine.
The appeal of rural practice, with its diverse challenges and opportunities, captivated Dr. Soles from the start. "Nowhere else do you get such varied work," she noted, describing the excitement of delivering a baby one moment and tending to an elderly patient with lung disease the next.
Throughout her career, Dr. Soles has been a strong advocate for rural healthcare, serving in key leadership roles such as President of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) and President of Doctors of BC. Her advocacy extends beyond policy to addressing practical challenges faced by rural communities, such as improving transportation for rural patients.
Dr. Soles's journey exemplifies the concept of "accidental leadership," as she described. "You see a need in your community, and you realize you're the one to do something about it," she explained.
Yet, amidst her professional successes, Dr. Soles acknowledges the personal sacrifices required, particularly as a mother balancing her medical career with childcare responsibilities. Her reflections underscore the ongoing need for support systems for women in medicine.
Dr. Soles's story is a source of inspiration for aspiring physicians, demonstrating that with determination and passion, obstacles can be overcome.
To watch the full interview with Dr. Trina Larsen Soles, click Youtube link. Join us in celebrating her pioneering contributions to rural medicine and her enduring legacy of leadership and advocacy.
