PA Spotlight

Candace Byers PA, Pender Island, British Columbia
 

Candace Byers is a Physician Assistant who currently resides in Pender Island, British Columbia. Candace was born and raised in the United States (US). She moved to Canada several years ago to start a new life here with her husband. Little did she know that she would have difficulty finding employment in her chosen field.  Candace has over 22 years’ experience in the health care field. She graduated from the Primary Care Associate program at Stanford University in 1988 and began her career working in California in primary care and then in internal medicine. She found her role to be very fulfilling and was very content working in the US; however, personal reasons brought her to Canada.

Candace had heard there was development of the profession in Canada prior to relocating. She was excited to work in Canada and be at the forefront of this initiative. Being a seasoned professional and working in the US, she was familiar with the benefits that this profession could have on improving access to quality patient care and felt that she could make a valuable contribution to the BC health care system. Candace however, has not had the opportunity to share her experience or knowledge.

Due to the absence of employment opportunities in BC, Candace has been forced to cross the border to find work. Currently she is working in North Washington State as a PA. She is employed as an independent contractor at a rural health center. Candace makes the commute on a regular basis to Washington from BC. She enjoys her work and feels that she is making a big difference; however, she would very much like to find employment in BC where she can be closer to home. Candace sees a need for the profession in Canada especially given all of the challenges that Canadians face with access to health care. She feels that once the public is aware of the impact that this profession can have on optimizing patient care, it is only a matter of time before more PAs are integrated into the BC health system.