Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” In this month’s article, Faces of Family Medicine has the honor of sharing the story of someone who exemplifies this sentiment daily, Dr. Karen Vaillant.
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Vaillant spent her weekends in the small rural village where her grandparents resided. It was there that she witnessed firsthand how the power of community can be a source of strength and resilience. This belief continued to grow as she watched her mother, a nurse with the Ontario Health System, launch the first mobile clinic and meal support service for unhoused patients in their area. By witnessing her mother provide not only healthcare but also essentials like food and clothing to those in need, Dr. Vaillant saw the profound healing that medicine can bring to underserved patients. These experiences planted the seed of medicine as an act of service, a principle that continues to guide her in her multiple roles as a rural and academic family medicine physician.
Dr. Vaillant took an unconventional path to becoming a physician. She devoted ten years to nursing, where she provided compassionate care, but felt a strong drive to contribute even further. At twenty-nine, without any family or close friends in medicine, she boldly decided to pursue her goal of becoming a doctor. Although it was not easy- returning to university, she juggled part-time nursing shifts on weekends to support herself, while taking extra courses in the summer to finish her degree a year early. Through late nights and rigorous coursework she persevered, knowing that her hard work would pave the way for her future patients and her acceptance to medical school.
Upon graduating university, Dr. Vaillant went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Western Ontario School of Medicine and completed her residency at the McMaster Family Medicine Residency Program. After residency, she excelled as a private practice family physician. However, she soon felt called to extend her service beyond the confines of her clinic—and even beyond her home country. Recognized for her expertise and dedication, Dr. Vaillant was invited to become a founding member and Program Director of the Eastern New Mexico Family Practice Residency Program in Roswell, New Mexico. For 18 years, she wholeheartedly embraced this role, guiding resident physicians through the unique demands of rural medicine and encouraging them to become integral parts of their communities. Under her leadership, the program graduated over forty-five family medicine physicians, many of whom chose to stay and serve rural areas of the Southwest, inspired by her mentorship and the strong foundation she built within the program.
The challenges of practicing medicine in rural settings are not for the faint of heart. More often than not, Dr. Vaillant was the first and last line of defense for her patients. Whether managing chronic diseases in her clinic or rushing to the hospital in the middle of the night for emergencies, she faced each challenge with courage and skill. What truly sets Dr. Vaillant apart, however, is her deep connection with her patients.
As a dedicated lifelong learner, she acknowledges the vast amount of knowledge that family medicine physicians, especially those in rural areas, must continually seek. When a patient once needed access to a neurologist but was unable to travel due to financial limitations, Dr. Valliant took it upon herself to undergo further training in basic neurological diseases, ensuring her patient received the care they needed. Her legacy of trust, compassion, and commitment to serving rural populations was even commemorated by a tree and plaque placement at the Eastern New Mexico Medical Center.
Dr. Vaillant’s career stands as a testament to the idea that physicians in rural areas can continue to advance professionally. She has been an active member and leader in several New Mexico state and county medical societies, including the New Mexico Academy of Family Physicians and the Dona Ana County Medical Society. Today, Dr. Vaillant serves as the Assistant Dean of the Eastern New Mexico Regional Academic Center and the Family Medicine Clerkship Director at Burrell College. Two roles in which she teaches future doctors not only clinical skills but also the importance of being trusted advocates in their communities.
While this article only highlights a fraction of her work, her journey as a family medicine physician reminds us that medicine is not just about treating illness; it’s about building relationships, fostering community, and, above all, caring deeply for the people you serve.
What is National Rural Health Day?
National Rural Health Day is a celebration founded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health that highlights the impact and achievements of rural healthcare providers. Rural physicians develop deep connections within the local community often being the sole life-line for many patient’s health needs. To learn more about national rural health day at: https://powerofrural.org/
About the Authors
Anamaria Ancheta is a first-year medical student at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from UC San Diego in 2021 and is passionate about increasing educational and mentorship opportunities for other Latinas through her involvement as a college mentor for MANA de San Diego and Vice President of the Burrell Latino Medical Student Association. As the daughter of two farmer workers turned military veterans she is dedicated to increasing access to healthcare services to those in rural and underserved communities as a future family medicine physician.
With her maternal family having resided in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico for over 80 years she was greatly inspired to serve as a New Mexico AHEC scholar. Through which, she has been able to share about her research on investigating the underlying factors of high cesarean section rates and adolescent pregnancies amongst Latinas in the border region. As an osteopathic medical student she believes in the healing power of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and serves as the president of the Burrell Student American Academy of Osteopathy Organization. In her free time, Anamaria enjoys capturing memories as a photographer.
Marc James Thor Uy, a New Mexico AHEC scholar, is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in healthcare. He is a second-year osteopathic medical student at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, driven by a dedication to holistic wellness and community-centered care. With a master’s in public health nutrition from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s in microbiology from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Marc James has a diverse academic background that enriches his understanding of health from various perspectives.
Marc James’s professional expedition has mirrored this diversity, encompassing roles such as Medical Assistant and Research Project Coordinator, alongside his volunteer work within healthcare settings. He has had the privilege of contributing to research endeavors focused on elucidating and enhancing child nutrition and family health behaviors. Outside of studying, Marc James finds fulfillment in community service and music, being trained in classical Opera and Broadway styles. His aspiration is to practice full-spectrum Family Medicine, advocating for its importance in addressing diverse healthcare needs. Through his dedication, Marc James aims to advance Family Medicine as a cornerstone of healthcare.
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