We are so excited to welcome Dr. Graham Ellingsen to our team! Graham was a veterinary student who worked with us in the summer of 2014, and we were all impressed by his intelligence and compassion with our patients. Graham is originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and he graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2015. He is now a full-time veterinarian with the Alpine team.

What interested you in working up in the Yukon as a veterinarian?

Working in the Yukon as a veterinarian is a special experience - because we're so isolated and we're far from referral centres, we have to take on complex and unique cases. I also love dogs and the Yukon is the community to be in if you're a dog person.

What are your favourite things about being a veterinarian?

I really enjoy being able to help both people and animals, and I like the challenge of decision-making in stressful situations. This is a profession where you're constantly learning and every day is different from the last. I find it very rewarding to send a patient home to its family after helping it feel better.

Tell us about your dog!

I was ready for a dog and met Cohen at the Any Domestic Animal Rescue. Cohen is a 4 year old mixed breed who is a good size and energy level for activities up here. Cohen seemed to bond to me right away and he still enjoys staring into my soul for hours at a time.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

In the summer, I enjoy hiking, canoeing, and camping outside with my girlfriend and dog. In the winter I enjoy snowboarding, and more recently have gotten into curling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.