Meet Ieleen Taylor, BSc, MD, CCFP
Ieleen was born in the Fiji Islands and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. She completed her medical degree at the University of Alberta and a family medicine residency in Hamilton, Ontario. After returning to Alberta, Dr. Taylor worked in several rural medical practices as a "locum tenens" before settling in Sylvan Lake as a family physician for over 25 years. Ieleen enjoys the broad spectrum of rural generalist practice and teaching and has been with PFSP for 3 years as an AP and has offered numerous Physician Wellness sessions.
Ieleen is perpetually curious and committed to lifelong learning, with training in self-compassion, mindfulness, lifestyle medicine, nature-based wholeness, and transformative group facilitation. Having overcome her own struggles with people-pleasing and perfectionism, her mission is to inspire individuals to recognize their inherent worth—knowing they are 'good enough' without compromising excellence. By creating spaces for exploration, Ieleen fosters connection and resilience, eliciting responses like 'I'm not the only one,' 'I am no longer burnt out,' or 'This group probably saves lives.'
Grateful to have called Canada home for decades, Ieleen embraces winter adventures on snow-covered mountains. She adores her family, adult children, and grandbaby, and loves embarking on adventures with friends around the world. Her spirit animal is the elephant—and cats, all the cats.
What inspired you to become a PFSP Assessment Physician?
One day in the clinic, many years ago, I saw a patient whose chief complaint was "I'm tired and in pain." I snapped. "I don't care. I'm also tired and in pain, but no one cares about me." Of course, it was in my head, but that was the wake-up call; 'Houston, we have a problem."
Clearly, my 'try harder, do better' ways no longer worked. I knew I needed help, and so I reached out to PFSP. The Assessment Physician was so kind. They connected me with a counsellor, beginning my healing process. It was hard, challenging many beliefs, and not all relationships lasted.
I knew I was on the other side when another patient said, "Dr. Taylor, you looked so stressed before, but I'm glad to see you looking well.”
My life was good, but I could see many of my colleagues struggling. Reading about burnout and its impact on physicians had me in tears. I offered well-being sessions for physicians and residents. When I was asked to join the PFSP team, I knew it was the right fit. I wanted to be part of a system that would support my colleagues, just as I was supported years ago.
What expectations did you have going into this role, and which of those expectations have been realized?
I expected there would be a variety of concerns, including burnout, relationship difficulties, divorce, grief, anxiety, childhood/family of origin issues, substances, college complaints, system and governmental issues.
All of them and more have been realized.
What has surprised you most about the role when providing peer support?
What surprised me was how much physicians need space to speak and be heard. To have someone who listens and understands the pressures they are under is so powerful.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your role as an Assessment Physician?
Speaking with physicians and their families. Listening to them, validating, and sharing from my experience if appropriate. Hearing "I feel better." Knowing they will be connected to a skilled therapist, and they won't have to struggle on their own.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of being an Assessment Physician?
Hearing the heartbreak, the difficult situations, and the pain people are in. Some stories are really tragic.
What are some key lessons you have learned when providing peer support as a PFSP Assessment Physician?
How vital the peer support component of PFSP is.
Being present without judgment, generous listening, and asking gentle questions are my main focus.
As much as I want to, I can't “fix” anything. I'm here for support.
Practicing what I preach is important - self-care, self-compassion, debrief with my colleagues, and having my own therapist as needed.
What peer support advice would you share with AB physicians about caring for their wellness?
It's non-negotiable.
You matter, your needs matter.
You are not responsible for fixing system issues on your own.
Ask yourself what you would say to a colleague if they were in your situation.
Be kind to yourself.
Please share a quote/statement that best describes your experience when providing peer support as a PFSP Assessment Physician.
Sharing our stories with another human who gets it is healing.
What interesting/fun fact would you like to share about yourself?
I'm in the exciting process of authoring a book right now!