Congratulations to Elycia Monaghan on Attaining Her Medical Degree from NOSM University

Elycia Monaghan, whose Mother is from Cambridge Bay recently earned a Doctor of Medicine Degree from NOSM University. While this impressive accomplishment was the direct result of her hard work, dedication and support from her family, Dr. Monaghan (now that she has more than earned that title) also benefited from the Kitikmeot Inuit Association’s (KIA) Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) Program. IPSE is designed to support Inuit students from land claim organizations in accessing and succeeding in college or university. The program provides financial assistance for tuition, books, living expenses, travel, childcare, and other education-related costs. It aims to reduce barriers and increase Inuit participation in post-secondary education by offering support tailored to the unique needs of Inuit learners. The IPSE also includes services such as academic and career counseling, mentorship, and culturally relevant guidance. The goal of IPSE is to empower Inuit students to reach their education goals and close the education gap between Inuit and non-Indigenous Canadians. Please read below for her own description of her experience and how the KIA’s IPSE helped her reach her impressive goal. Learn more about KIA student funding.

I decided to pursue medicine because I care deeply about helping others and want to be the change that I want to see in the world. I went into medical school hoping to become Canada’s first Inuk psychiatrist because I know how much Inuit people, Indigenous people, and Canadians in general need to feel heard, validated, and cared for in a healthcare system that is complex in our everchanging world.

My advice is to believe in yourself and surround yourself with a team of people that will support you through self-doubt and the challenges that often come with post-secondary education when you are from the North. Moving away from home can be hard and meeting new people can be intimidating, but if you stay the course, you will end up in places you never imagined or dreamed possible. My other advice is to study hard and be open to new ways of studying. When I first got into medical school, I thought that I could continue my usual methods of studying by making notes and reviewing them afterwards mentally. I quickly realized that medical school pushes you to take an active approach to learning. This means writing on whiteboards, teaching what you have learned to family members, reading around cases, using flashcards to memorize anatomy, and being prepared with questions so that you can remember discussions. What has perhaps been most helpful is being unafraid to put yourself out there and make some friends who will study with you and encourage you when times get tough. Make some time for rest and fun but never forget what you are striving for! My last piece of advice is something practical as medical school and post-secondary education in general can be a very busy time in your life be prepared for your courses by making a to-do list or keeping an agenda or planner to keep track of upcoming assignments and exams. Prioritize study time for areas that you need improvement in and celebrate the small wins of crossing things off your to-do list with a coffee or a nice treat!

I started off my journey towards becoming a medical doctor by knowing in high school that if I could dream it, I could do it. I knew I wanted an unconventional life where I decided to stay in the NWT for my social work diploma and let myself be drawn to areas of passion and things that helped others, such as working as a respite worker for foster children. I met my future husband and became pregnant in my second year of my social work studies and decided to pursue a nursing degree (also in Yellowknife). During my time in nursing school, I realized how big a need there was for Inuit doctors, so I applied for medical school and got into NOSM University. The rest from there is history!

KIA provided me with the blessings of financial support with assistance with rent, daycare, and a living allowance which allowed me to be more so financially independent during my schooling. This alleviated a lot of stress that comes with being a medical student and parent at the same time, and it provided me with a sense of support in a way where I knew that KIA was with me during all of the changes that came with going forward in medical school.

I would like to add that it has been an honour to be supported by KIA and without their support I would not be where I am today. I hope to one day serve the Kitikmeot as a psychiatrist and pay it forward to my people and community, of which I am so proud to be a part of.

Quana,

Dr. Elycia Ekvana Monaghan