Relationships and Community: A Conversation with Dr. Jae Newton, Lindsay Gold Medalist

Relationships and Community: A Conversation with Dr. Jae Newton, Lindsay Gold Medalist 

Dr. Jae Newton (MD), recipient of the prestigious Lindsay Gold Medal, shared that the “relationships and community developed throughout my studies were what really grounded me and got me to where I am today. They are what I’m most passionate about.” 

Newton was born, raised and educated in Saskatchewan. She told us she is “deeply grateful for the strong connection I share with my community in Saskatoon and proud to have been shaped by the values of my home province – resilience, humility, and a deep respect for the land and its people.” 

When informed about her award, Newton was stunned: “I am humbled and grateful to receive the Lindsay Gold Medal for the Class of 2025, an honour made possible by the unwavering support of my family, peers, teachers, mentors, and community. I am especially thankful for the faculty who have gone above and beyond in their mentorship, the residents who welcomed me into clinical learning with generosity and patience, and my classmates who continually inspire me with their passion and perseverance.”  

We sat down with Newton to learn more about her medical journey and inspirations.  
 
The Lindsay Gold Medal is awarded to the graduating student with the most outstanding academic achievement in each year of training in the College of Medicine. How does it feel to receive this recognition?  

I was very humbled when I first found out. I put a lot of work and effort into the last four years, but receiving this award wouldn’t have been possible without my peers pushing me to be my best self. We went through a lot together over the last four years. Through group study sessions and projects, we created an extremely close-knit community, and this is something that I really value. We are a powerful class, and I couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishments over the last four years.  

I also had incredible mentors who helped me to discover and fine-tune my strengths. They helped me find opportunities to showcase my abilities and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I wouldn’t have gotten here without their guidance and support.  

What inspired you to study medicine?  

I am proud of my non-linear path to medicine because I believe that it shaped the person I am. I didn’t grow up knowing that I wanted to be a physician and was the first in my immediate family to pursue a career in health care. My parents were both educators who fostered my passion for teaching and learning. Ultimately, I discovered in my early university years that health care combines both education and supporting communities – two things that I am incredibly passionate about.  

Before entering the MD program, I completed two years in physiology and pharmacology, and two years in the Doctor of Pharmacy program. In these programs I discovered my passion for physiology and pharmacology. The transition to medicine was guided by a desire to further my knowledge in these areas and support patients at the bedside.  

What is your favourite memory throughout your years of study? Any best lessons learned?  

I’ll never forget my first shadowing experience in the hospital, my first patient encounters or my first times scrubbing into surgery. The first two years of the program are mostly spent in the classroom, and at times it can be hard to make the connection between the knowledge you’re acquiring and its application to patient care. The first few times you get to apply your classroom knowledge to patient care is incredibly empowering.  

On weeks where the studying felt overwhelming, it was critical for me to remember those experiences and the immense amount of pride and excitement that comes with helping people navigate the complexities of their health. Throughout the entire MD program, patient encounters were one of the biggest things that kept me motivated and helped me persevere.  

What drew you to anesthesiology and where will your residency take you?  

Having a background in pharmacy made anesthesiology the perfect extension. I focused on keeping an open mind early in my training, but the more I shadowed and learned, the more I fell in love with anesthesia. Under anesthesia, patients are often at their most vulnerable and must give up immense, or total, control. The ability to build relationships, learn about intimate details of patients’ lives, and act as their advocate is one of the main draws to anesthesia for me.  

I could not be more excited to continue my residency training in my home province at the University of Saskatchewan. I am confident that the program will challenge not only my medical knowledge but also my biases and belief systems - a goal that I have set out for myself.  

Teaching and mentorship have been incredibly important throughout my life. I got my passion for teaching from my parents and spent many years teaching dance, which brought me immense joy. Through extracurricular activities and volunteer work in medical school, I aimed to act as a leader, teacher, and mentor. The relationships I formed with residents showed me the impact that resident mentorship can have for medical students. I am so excited to be a resident mentor and participate in teaching and educational initiatives throughout residency.   

Last question. If you were to give any advice to future and current MD students, what would that be?  

My biggest piece of advice comes from something that helped me: when reflecting on my journey in medical school, I recognized that the experiences I’m most proud of, and that helped me grow the most, were the ones that initially felt uncomfortable. So I would say, “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Acting outside of your comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment is such a privilege and has really helped me grow as an individual and a clinician.   

One example that I can give is applying to do a rural externship in the Métis community of Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, prior to clerkship. It pushed me outside my comfort zone to travel to a remote community and try to integrate myself into the clinical setting without having completed any clinical rotations. Despite the initial discomfort, the experience was critical for my development.  

The community’s doctors trusted me and provided invaluable mentorship and guidance. I could not be more grateful for the relationships I have built. I had the opportunity to learn from Elders which grounded me and helped frame my “why medicine” statement. Before I left, I was gifted a beaded lanyard and mukluks which I hold as constant reminders of the importance of community and my privilege as a physician.  

One of the main reasons that I am so excited to stay in Saskatchewan for my training is because of the relationships and community that I have built throughout my medical education. The community in Saskatchewan has trusted me, believed in me, and challenged me by pushing me outside of my comfort zone which has created who I am today.