Dr. Huggins’ multifaceted career extends beyond family medicine. She balances hospitalist duties in Niagara Health’s Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Unit, community medicine, palliative care and even a dermatology clinic in South Niagara.
Dr. Whitney Huggins is glad she didn’t listen to her younger self when she dreamed of working with sea creatures, especially given her healthy fear of the ocean.
“I didn’t grow up wanting to be a doctor,” the Niagara Health hospitalist and community physician recalls, reflecting on a childhood note that revealed her dream of becoming a marine biologist. Dr. Huggins eclectic interests – ranging from fine arts to neuroscience – ultimately guided her to the medical field.
Dr. Huggins chose family medicine because it allowed her to blend her varied passions into one fulfilling career. The specialty, she explains, not only offers the variety she craves but also the opportunity to forge lasting relationships with patients and their families.
Her decision to settle in the Niagara region was deeply personal and practical.
"While I wanted to be close to my family in Toronto, I knew from a young age that I wanted to live and work in a smaller town or city with a vibrant downtown and proximity to outdoor activities," says Dr. Huggins.
During her residency at McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Niagara Region Campus, she immersed herself in the Niagara community and decided to make the region her permanent home.
Dr. Huggins’ multifaceted career extends beyond family medicine. She balances hospitalist duties in Niagara Health’s Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Unit, community medicine, palliative care and even a dermatology clinic in South Niagara.
We sat down with Dr. Huggins to learn more about her diverse work and perspectives.
Q: Can you tell me about your role in Niagara Health’s ALC Unit?
A: An Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Unit refers to a specialized unit where patients are admitted for care that is not aligned with the typical acute care needs of a hospital but are still unwell to go home without supports.
Joining the ALC Unit felt like a natural fit due to my experience in long-term care, geriatrics and palliative care. I saw it as an opportunity to re-engage with hospitalist care and support my colleagues by managing patients awaiting long-term care or rehabilitation. My background in community medicine allows me to advocate effectively for patients’ transitions and help tailor discharge plans that align with community realities.
Q: How has working as both a hospitalist and a community physician influenced your approach to patient care?
A: Working both inside the hospital and in the community provides me with a unique dual perspective. Knowing the constraints and strengths of both environments allows me to design realistic and holistic care plans for my patients. For instance, I often call community physicians directly to provide updates before formal hospital paperwork arrives, ensuring smoother transitions. This overlap enables me to better align hospital and home care with patient goals, particularly in palliative cases.
Q: What role does palliative care play in your practice?
A: Palliative care has always been central to my work. Whether in hospice, hospital or home settings, I incorporate palliative principles early in conversations about life-altering diseases. Balancing this with other aspects of my practice allows me to remain empathetic while staying energized. I strive to ensure patients and families understand their options and expectations, avoiding unnecessary hospital visits when they don't align with the patient's goals.
Q: Why did you decide to add dermatology to your repertoire?
A: Dermatology has always fascinated me, especially its hands-on aspects like lesion removals and biopsies. The Niagara region desperately needs more dermatology services and I wanted to fill that gap. Patients deeply appreciate care that helps them feel confident and healthy in their skin, which makes this work incredibly rewarding.
Q: In your opinion, what makes family medicine so versatile and rewarding?
A: Family medicine’s breadth is unparalleled. It allows me to shape a dynamic career that evolves with my personal and professional goals. I love the variety it offers – from clinic days to home visits, hospital work and dermatology. Every day is different, which keeps me engaged and fulfilled.
To learn more about current physician opportunities at Niagara Health, visit NiagaraHealth.on.ca/Physician-Recruitment or contact Medicalaffairs@niagarahealth.on.ca.
