Southwest Middlesex Health Centre

09/10/2025

World Su***de Prevention Day is a crucial reminder that mental health conversations need to be ongoing, honest, and stigma-free. This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Su***de,” encourages all of us to:

- Listen without judgment.
- Speak with compassion.
- Support with intention.
- Advocate for accessible mental health care.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. You are not alone, and your life matters.

More info: https://suicideprevention.ca/

***dePreventionDay

09/08/2025

Let's say hello again to Dr. Melika Farshidianfar!

Q: Welcome back! What have you been up to since your last rotation at SMHC?
Since my last time here, I’ve completed rotations in geriatrics, OB, and dermatology, and I also enjoyed a short summer vacation to recharge!🩺🌞

Q: What skills or experiences have you gained since you were last here that you’re excited to bring to this rotation?
I had the opportunity to do two dermatology electives, where I learned a lot about skin conditions, dermoscopy, and skin procedures. I’m really excited to bring these new skills to my practice here.🥼

Q: What are you hoping to focus on or improve during this rotation?
I’m hoping to further strengthen my dermoscopy skills, continue improving my procedural abilities, and build confidence as I prepare for independent practice.🏥

Q: What do you enjoy most about being back at SMHC?
I absolutely love the beautiful drives surrounded by greenery on the way here, and the patients are always so kind. Plus, it’s extra special this time because my best friend is also doing an elective here!🌲🌲

Q: Have you discovered any new hobbies or interests since your last time here?
Yes! I’ve been playing more tennis and biking recently, which has been a lot of fun and a great way to stay active outside of work. 🚴‍♀️🎾

Q: If you could give advice to your past self on Day 1 of residency, what would it be?
I would tell myself: this is the best place you could have chosen for residency! You’ll find amazing friends, work alongside the most supportive staff and nurses, and learn in an environment that truly helps you thrive.🏥

Q: What’s something you’re looking forward to in the next year—professionally or personally?
I’m excited to build on my Zumba instructor training and hopefully start teaching my own classes, learn a new language, and work on the skills I need to eventually run my own practice. Most of all, I’m looking forward to enjoying my final year of residency and making lots of memories along the way!🎓🥼

09/05/2025

Southwest Middlesex Health Centre is using its $138,544 Community Vitality grant to enhance its services for Indigenous patients, including improvements to mental health supports and foot care. The centre is also ensuring that all staff are trained in culturally safe healthcare, enabling Indigenous patients to feel respected, safe, and represented during their care. Find out more at https://loom.ly/ffTT-Kc

09/04/2025

Since 1974, we’ve proudly called Mount Brydges home, growing from a small teaching clinic into a cornerstone of medical education. Over the past 50+ years, we’ve remained dedicated to training the next generation of Family Medicine physicians, ensuring they are equipped to provide exceptional care in their own practices. While we've expanded and evolved, our commitment to both patient care and resident education has never wavered. Here's to continuing this journey for many years to come!

09/01/2025

Our clinic is closed today for to give our team a well-deserved break, but we couldn’t resist keeping up our tradition! So today, we’re revisiting one of our past spotlights, let’s reintroduce you to Dr. Shiza Shafique!

🌎Where are you from?
Karachi, Pakistan

🎓Where did you go to medical school?
Dow Medical College

💡What inspired you to pursue family medicine?
- I’ve always loved both medicine and meaningful conversations. I enjoy getting to know my patients - not just their symptoms, but their stories, their struggles, and what matters to them. Family medicine gives me the chance to build those long-term connections and really partner with people through different stages of their lives. It’s the perfect mix of variety, general medicine, and human connection and that’s what makes it so special to me.

🏥🩺Why did you choose SMHC for your family medicine residency?
- I wanted a residency experience that was hands-on, full-spectrum, and grounded in community. As someone interested in rural and emergency medicine, I knew a regional site like SMHC would give me the chance to do it all—clinic, hospital, ER and nursing home. It’s the kind of training that truly prepares you for anything. On top of that, I’d heard amazing things about the staff and team culture here. It’s a place where you feel supported and challenged!

🎨🎵Go-to activity when you need to unwind?
- Painting is my go-to! There’s something really calming about putting on some music, grabbing a brush, and just letting the colors flow. I love the process more than the final piece—it’s messy, intuitive, and oddly meditative. I enjoy the feel of traditional painting—just me, the brush, and the canvas. Especially love painting women in different roles, capturing their strength and stories through modern art, along with landscapes and calligraphy.

🍲Favourite food or dish?
- Biryani! All day everyday any day!

🍅🥕Fun fact or hidden talent?
- I’m really into indoor gardening. It started with a few houseplants and slowly turned into a full-blown hobby. Recently, I decided to experiment with growing indoor vegetables and so far, the experiment is growing surprisingly well! It’s been fun figuring out what thrives where, but there’s something really rewarding about seeing tiny sprouts grow.

08/28/2025

Please note that our clinic and pharmacy will be closed on Monday September 1, 2025, for Labour Day. Wishing you a fun and safe long weekend ahead from all of us at Southwest Middlesex Health Centre!

08/25/2025

Today, let's reintroduce you to Dr. Melika Farshidianfar!

🌍 Where are you from?
Iran

🎓 Where did you go to medical school?
Mashhad, Iran

💡 What inspired you to pursue family medicine?
I chose family medicine because every day is an adventure! I get to build lasting relationships with patients, see a little bit of everything, and have the flexibility to shape my practice however I want—whether it’s delivering babies, doing procedures, diving into dermatology, or even exploring anesthesia!

🕺 👟 📺 What's your go-to activity when you need to unwind?
Zumba / dancing / Netflix
Also, I'm a licensed Zumba instructor and hoping to have my own class one day ☺️

🍣 What is your favourite food or dish?
Sushi of course! 😋

👯 Fun fact or hidden talent?
I'm part of a Persian dance group called "Parnak" where in Farsi means, a combination of "feather" (Par) and "delicate" (Naz) referring to soft and light movements. This group was formed by 5 Iranian girls with the aim of promoting graceful and captivating Iranian movements and showcasing Iran's rich culture. Parnak is not just a dance group for us, it has become a place where we escape from the noise, hardships, and bitterness of the world and take refuge in music and dance. For moments, the world becomes more beautiful, filled with love, harmony, gentleness, and safety. We hope for a day when the world becomes a safer, softer, and more loving place just like Parnak. 💗

08/21/2025

Thank you to the London Community Foundation for the generous Community Vitality Grant of $138,544.00 to support our Mental Health and Wellness Support Plan for Indigenous Patients at Southwest Middlesex Health Centre.

This funding will help us:
✅ Partner with Indigenous-led Noojimo Health to offer virtual, culturally appropriate mental health care.
✅ Provide on-site foot care for Indigenous patients, improving access and helping prevent serious complications from chronic conditions like diabetes.
✅ Create a culturally safe space for spiritual, emotional, and traditional practices like smudging.

08/19/2025

08/18/2025

‍
Let's say hello again to Dr. Nida Fatima!

🏥Welcome back! What have you been up to since your last rotation at SMHC?
While I was off rotation, I got to dive into both OBGYN and hospitalist work. I absolutely loved my OBGYN rotation specially — there’s nothing like working with newborns and helping new moms navigate such a special chapter. On top of that, I became Chief Resident for the Family Medicine program, and I’m really excited to advocate for my co-residents, bring their concerns forward, and support them however I can. Loving the role so far!

🤱👶 What skills or experiences have you gained since you were last here that you’re excited to bring to this rotation?
I’ve become much more confident with both pre- and postnatal check-ups, and I’m excited to bring that to this rotation. I feel better equipped to guide expecting moms through their pregnancy journey and help them know what to expect during delivery.

🏢 🩺What are you hoping to focus on or improve during this rotation?
Sharpen my procedural skills and have fun getting hands-on with both the usual office procedures and some you don’t see every day.

🏥 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What do you enjoy most about being back at SMHC?
I absolutely love my site, everything about it! What I enjoy most is the friendly, inclusive, and supportive work environment, where every single person is genuinely kind and amazing.

⛵ 🛶 Have you discovered any new hobbies or interests since your last time here?
I’ve been meaning to get my boat license ; haven’t gotten around to it yet, but one day for sure… lol

👍If you could give advice to your past self on Day 1 of residency, what would it be?
Take a deep breath — you’ll not only get through this, you’ll grow in ways you never imagined. Celebrate small wins, give yourself grace, and always remember; progress matters more than perfection.

🩺What's something you’re looking forward to in the next year—professionally or personally?
Can’t wait to keep learning from my amazing preceptor and team, ace my boards, and then brag about it just a little (just kidding)… in the most humble way possible, of course!! But most of all, I’m looking forward to growing into the kind of physician who makes a real difference for my patients.

08/11/2025

Meet Dr. Renu Nagarajan!

🌏Where are you from?
I’m from the city of Nagercoil, India—a place full of history, culture, and amazing food. 🍲🏙️

🎓Where did you go to medical school?
I earned my medical degree at The Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R Medical University, Chennai.

🩺What motivated you to pursue family medicine?
Family medicine gives me the privilege of caring for people at every stage of life, from newborns to grandparents. I love the variety, the continuity of care, and the chance to truly know my patients and their families. It also offers the flexibility to tailor my practice to my interests and maintain a healthy work–life balance, which is important for providing my best to patients while staying energized and fulfilled.

🥼 🏥Why did you choose SMHC for your family medicine residency?
SMHC stood out for its warm, supportive atmosphere, its commitment to community health, and its focus on well-rounded, compassionate care. I knew it was a place where I could grow as both a physician and a person.

🌲🚶‍♀️Go-to activity when you need to unwind?
A long walk in nature always clears my mind and recharges my energy.

Favourite food or dish?
Dosa—a crispy, golden South Indian classic that never fails to make me happy. 😋

🎭Fun fact or hidden talent?
I’m a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and enjoy expressing stories through this beautiful classical art form. I also love exploring other traditional dance and mandala art styles in my free time.

08/07/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Jay Taylor on receiving the Regional Best Core Family Medicine Teacher Award from the Schulich School of Medicine!