Steady hand, humble heart: Dr. Christopher Goy

As he wraps up his residency, the paramedic-turned-physician brings resilience, kindness and a passion for elder care to the field of geriatric medicine.

With a warm and reassuring competence, Chris Goy led people out of critical situations during his early career training as a paramedic.

Those days of delivering emergency care were transformative, igniting in Chris a deeper desire not just to heal, but to combine care and compassion in driving health systems change.

With that, he embarked on a career in medicine, becoming a physician seemingly destined to have great impact.

“I recognized the urgency of integrating geriatric medicine approaches into health care systems to provide safe, accessible and dignified care for older patients.”

Dr. Chris Goy

— Physician in geriatric medicine

Dr. Chris Goy’s medical journey began at the University of Limerick in Ireland, where he earned his MD. He completed a three-year residency in core internal medicine at Western University in London, Ontario.

There, he felt a persistent attraction to the holistic and person-centred nature of the subspecialty of geriatric medicine.

Safe, comprehensive care for older patients

Drawn to its approach of comprehensive care for the older patient, Dr. Goy began a two-year subspecialty residency within the postgraduate medical education (PGME) program at the University of Ottawa (91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�) Faculty of Medicine to better understand how to care for older adults.

“I recognized the urgency of integrating geriatric medicine approaches into health care systems to provide safe, accessible and dignified care for older patients,” he explains.

He found a supportive and caring learning environment at 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� and its partner, The Ottawa Hospital (TOH). “Attending staff are always available for resident review and support, and are exceptionally engaged in clinical care,” he says.

It inspired him, he says, to guide learners in their studies and give of himself as a mentor. Armed with a Master of Education earned prior to his MD studies, he was ready to get started.

A pillar of support

Dr. Goy soon became involved in supporting residents, both in London and on the Civic campus of TOH, becoming known not just for his clinical skills, but for his strength and generosity as a mentor. In the inpatient unit setting, he championed resident learners, offering guidance and targeted support, particularly during the chaotic peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over the course of his residency, Dr. Goy has consistently demonstrated excellence in all areas of training,” says Amanda Cabezas, program administrator of the geriatric medicine residency training program at 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� and TOH. “In addition to excelling academically, he has made remarkable contributions to the program.”

This leadership was recently recognized: Dr. Goy was the recipient of the 2024 PGME Award in Education for Professional Competency in recognition of his high level of professionalism in all encounters, as well as the 2024 Department of Medicine Resident Research Day Award.

Balancing challenges

Dr. Goy’s journey hasn’t been easy. Balancing full-time clinical duties and studying for Royal College board exams twice—residents write a challenging exam for each residency program they complete, no matter the length— while managing the personal demands of caring for family can overwhelm anyone.

But with the unwavering support of peers, family and his wife, Dr. Goy has persevered—with humility and lifelong learning as his compass.

“Being on the front lines of the pandemic through my internal medicine training has been one of the most challenging parts of my medical journey so far,” Dr. Goy says. “And then, of course, the long distance between my wife and I while studying abroad for medical school and at the beginning of my residency.”

Commitment and self-sacrifice

Dr. Goy’s calm, steady approach, long serving him in his career, now lends him the stoicism to focus on his next chapter.

He will remain in Ottawa, beginning an appointment next month as a geriatrician with the Department of Medicine at 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� and TOH.

“Dr. Goy has faced significant adversity during his training, yet he has never wavered in his commitment to learning, patient care and professional growth,” says Cabezas. “His resilience, achievements and dedication are truly inspiring and deserving of recognition.”

Dr. Goy explains the key to that commitment. “One must have humility, as well as a willingness to accept and learn from mistakes and to commit to lifelong learning,” he says.

As a seasoned mentor, Dr. Goy shares his tricks with learners to help manage their journey—for example, that a healthy work-life balance is vital in sustaining one’s personal strength.

“I believe that finding a passion in your career can lend itself to work life balance; however, it is important to recognize one’s limits, know when to ask for help, and recognize when it is time to to ‘mentally shut off.’”

He himself has a philosophy he is guided by. “Focus on the things you can control. Find satisfaction in the small joys of life,” he smiles.

He shares his biggest idea for making an impact, whether personal or professional.

“I’d like it to be through kindness and humility in my practice,” he says, “as well as in the teaching of other learners.”

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