As I begin my medical residency journey in Lethbridge, I am excited to embrace this new chapter in my career. Originally from Winnipeg and a graduate of the University of Manitoba, I am now navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with relocating to a new city. Moving away from my hometown has been a significant transition, offering me a unique perspective on the experiences of fellow residents who are also adapting to new environments. I am passionate about family medicine and look forward to serving the community while continuing to grow both personally and professionally in Lethbridge.
Before the move, I took the opportunity to travel after graduation alongside my closest medical school friends, a well-deserved break before diving into residency. However, returning home meant facing a whirlwind of activity - just a few stressful days to pack up my life and move away, leaving little to no time to catch up with all the friends and family I wanted to see. In the middle of a hot June day, I found myself standing beside a U-Haul truck, packed with everything I owned. As the sun beat down and I loaded the last of my belongings, the reality of moving away from Winnipeg sank in with each box. It was a surreal moment, leaving behind the familiar streets of my hometown and the colleagues who had become friends over the years, to start life from scratch in Lethbridge. As I shut the truck’s door and took one last look around, I realized this move was more than just a physical transition, it was a leap into the unknown, a chance to embrace new challenges and opportunities.
Fortunately, the transition has been made smoother and more rewarding by the warm and welcoming nature of Southern Alberta residents. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with kindness and a genuine sense of community that has made settling in easier.
Since arriving, I’ve immersed myself in new outdoor adventures, exploring the natural beauty of southern Alberta. Alongside this, I’ve started forming new friendships and expanding my professional network. Navigating a new city has had its share of challenges as well; I’ve found myself getting lost more than once, with Google Maps often guiding me as I discovered new routes back home. Despite the challenges of leaving behind a well-connected life, I’ve made it a priority to stay in touch with close friends through video and phone calls, whether they’re back home or have moved away just like I did. Though daunting, this journey has been a rewarding step in my personal growth and medical career, thanks in large part to the warm embrace of my new community.
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Dr. Prabhnoor Osahan is a rural family medicine resident physician at the U of C.
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