Meet Kate Bacon, MD, LMCC, CCFP-EM
Kate is originally from Ontario and earned her medical degree from the University of Toronto in 2013. She subsequently completed her family medicine residency and enhanced skills training in emergency medicine at the University of Alberta and has made Edmonton her home ever since.
Kate currently practices emergency medicine as a CCFP-EM at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Northeast Community Health Centre. Her clinical expertise spans a comprehensive range of services, including family practice, minor surgical procedures, and specialized care in women's health (including prenatal care), mental health, senior care, chronic disease management, obesity medicine, sexual health, and pain management. She joined the PFSP as an Assessment Physician in 2025.
What inspired you to become a PFSP Assessment Physician?
I had just finished my term as site lead for our department when I saw the posting for the PFSP AP roles. Part of my job in the site lead role was to provide support for colleagues who were navigating various challenges. I have also been a facilitator for the Physician Discussion Group curriculum at UofA, and it was very special to spend time with medical students as they navigate and grow throughout medical school. Being a support to learners of all levels and to colleagues is important to me, and this role allows me to continue doing that.
What expectations did you have going into this role, and which of those expectations have been realized?
I am just starting in my role as an AP and expect to hear a lot of concerns about managing work-life balance.
What has surprised you most about the role when providing peer support?
I am surprised by how many calls from learners I have received. As a medical student, I was unaware of any resources like this that existed, and it was sometimes quite isolating feeling like you might have been the only one struggling. It is awesome to see students and residents accessing the support available to them.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your role as an Assessment Physician?
Being there for my colleagues when they need someone is a true privilege.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of being an Assessment Physician?
The most challenging aspect of the AP role for me so far is making sure I am providing enough support for those that I speak to and learning the additional resources available throughout the province.
What are some key lessons you have learned when providing peer support as a PFSP Assessment Physician?
Medicine as a career is difficult and not a "normal" job. It can be difficult to find someone who "gets it" and provides a safe space. Even if the AP on the other side of the line has a completely different career background from you, there is common ground, and they truly are there to help.
What peer support advice would you share with AB physicians about caring for their wellness?
Our system is struggling like never before. You can see this on an individual, site, zone, provincial, national and international level. As individuals, it can be difficult to acknowledge we can't fix the system, but we can be there for each other and our patients. Make sure you spend time doing something you love regularly.
Please share a quote/statement that best describes your experience when providing peer support as a PFSP Assessment Physician.
“Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.”
Princess Diana
What interesting/fun fact would you like to share about yourself?
My daughter regularly asks why we won't live in the mountains... I haven't found a great answer to this question yet.