Churchill

Recently, I had an opportunity to work at Churchill Dental clinic, which is a CCOH clinic run by the University of Manitiba. Today I will share my experience with you.

My family decided to tag along and this was our very first ever trip to Churchill. We took Via Rail from Thompson. Because of Covid, the sleeper class was closed and the economy class was  the only option available. The kitchen was also closed because of Covid and masks were mandatory throughout the trip except for when eating. The train was not too busy, light snacks like chips and tea/coffee etc were available for purchase. It was a 16-hour ride, we left at 5 pm. We took our food and blankets for the long ride. The seats on the train reclined and we slept comfortably for most of our journey, that being said, I hope the sleeper class opens up before my next trip.

We reached Churchill at 9 am and maintenance person  from Churchill hospital picked us up and took us to our one-bedroom apartment that was provided by the University, it has a full kitchen and it was nice and spacious. It was only a 1-minute walk from the hospital and a 2-minute walk to The Bay!

Churchill hospital is a beautiful facility, they are an equal opportunity employer and the staff seems very happy and very approachable. I met with the COO of the hospital and he was a pleasure to talk to. 

The dental clinic was very spacious and well equipt. My dental assistant Kathy was a pleasure to work with. She helped me book tours for my family including dog sledding, a guided tour with a local who talked about the history of the town and showed them the whole town, a trip to the shipwreck etc.

We reached Churchill at 9 am and my clinic started at 10 am. It was very busy from the very beginning, I was able to take care of all the emergencies, had to keep the clinic open till 8 pm the first day and beyond 5 pm on other days but the patients were very appreciative and it was a very fruitful experience. 

I was able to do the beluga experience with my family Friday evening, it was an ethereal experience! The whales swam right next to our boat and pocked their heads out to say hello. The tour guide, dipped a mike in the water and we could hear the whales chatting away, it was like a little city in the ocean.  

On Saturday, we took the Tundra buggy trip, the buggy drove up to Nunavut and we saw the beautiful arctic landscape, came across many arctic birds but did not see any polar bears. October is polar bear season so we didn't see much in August. 

It is an exciting opportunity and I can't wait to go back to that beautiful community. Service northern remote communities brings peace to my soul and it feels like I am making a difference. I am so thankful to the universe for all these opportunities that bring me peace and joy.

So all you beautiful people out there, follow your heart and see where it takes you ❤️ you will go farther than you ever imagined.

Your friend,

The Travelling Dentist