Thomsen D’Hont, MD’20

Rooted in the North, Driven by Purpose — Dr. Thomsen D’Hont, MD’20, brings care, advocacy, and heart to the communities that shaped him.

Thomsen D’Hont graduated from UBC’s Northern Medical Program in 2020 and completed his family medicine residency training in 2022 with the University of Alberta’s program in Yellowknife. Thomsen is Métis and was born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories where he has returned to work and to have a family. In his spare time he enjoys cross country skiing, cycling, hunting, camping and spending time with his partner, Dr. Kajsa Heyes, MD’20, and their two young kids.  

What is a favourite memory or biggest takeway from your time in the NMP? 
Clerkship in Prince George was my biggest takeaway with NMP. It taught me so much and shaped me as a doctor. It was a rigorous, rich, difficult year. I wouldn’t have endured it without having close, supportive classmates by my side. Other favourite memories are of course the hundreds of hours spent enjoying the world-class mountain biking and cross country skiing of Otway and Pidherny!

What is your current role and what do you find most interesting about your career? 
I am currently employed as a salaried staff physician with the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. My work includes hospitalist and ER in Yellowknife and primary care in Behchoko and the rest of the Tlicho region. I have wanted to give back to these communities since before I got into medicine and I find it very rewarding to now be able to give back, especially in some of the underserved areas that I work in.

Where do you find inspiration? 
Professionally, I am always inspired by the Indigenous physicians who have come before me and paved the path for the next generation of Indigenous physicians. They faced many hurdles that my generation of Indigenous physicians didn’t have to face and showed my generation that achieving a career as a doctor is possible.

I also draw inspiration from endurance athletes, especially in the sport of cross country skiing (a sport I used to compete in at a fairly high level), who inspire me to find time to get out the door and to stay active. Staying active is crucial for my overall wellness and ability to balance the rigors of work while also raising young kids.
 
What is one thing you hope to accomplish? 
At this point in my early career, my immediate professional goals are to continue to improve my acute care skills while also providing continuity of care in underserved communities that often don’t have a consistent healthcare provider. Beyond that, I also hope to change the fact that many of these communities are underserved, and advocate for improving resource allocation to ensure they are “well-served” from a physician standpoint in the future.