Community and connection
Jason Shack on 25 years in northern medicine and the importance of giving back
Jason Shack (MD ’00, PGME Family Medicine) has spent over two decades practicing family medicine across northern Canada, from Nunavut to Fort Frances and now Thunder Bay. His career reflects a deep commitment to health care in historically underserved rural and remote communities, medical education and connecting with the patients he serves. We talked to Shack about the challenges and rewards of becoming a rural general practitioner, the relationships doctors in remote communities build with their communities and the importance of supporting new generations of medical learners in multiple ways.
What drew you to rural medicine and family practice?
I’ve always been drawn to smaller communities. I grew up in Schreiber, Ontario, which at that time was a town of about 2,000 people. I was accustomed to close-knit environments.
When I entered medicine, I knew I wanted to be a family doctor and work in a rural setting. I liked all the specialties during medical school, but I didn’t want to choose just one. Family medicine gave me the opportunity to do a bit of everything: emergency care, hospital work, anesthetics, even some prenatal care. What really drew me in was the continuity of care and the chance to build long-term relationships with patients and their families.
What was your experience like working in the Arctic?
Working in Nunavut was a transformative experience. What stood out most was the cultural aspect. I saw how traditional practices and community support could significantly impact healing. Many times there would be an elder in the hospital who would be getting somewhat better in a medical sense, but wasn’t getting better to the point that we could send them home. And then someone would bring in traditional food or clothing, and they would perk up and quickly be ready to go home. It was a powerful reminder that medicine isn’t just about clinical treatment — it’s about understanding the whole person and their context.
How did your time at U of T prepare you for this path?
U of T is often seen as a very urban, specialized institution, but I found it incredibly supportive of my goals. I was honest with my preceptors about wanting to be a rural family doctor, and they responded by giving me opportunities to learn procedures and take on responsibilities that would prepare me for that. I never felt like “just a student.” People pulled me aside and said, “You’re going to need to know this someday.” That kind of mentorship made a big difference.
What has been most rewarding in your career?
Without a doubt, it’s the relationships. It’s humbling how much trust patients place in you. People will come back after seeing specialists and say, “I want your opinion.” That continuity and connection are what keeps me grounded. Even at this point in my career, I don’t want to take on full-time non-clinical roles that would pull me away from clinical practice. Clinical practice is where my real reward is.
After practicing in Nunavut, you moved to Fort Frances in Northwest Ontario and finally to Thunder Bay where you are now. What was that transition like?
Fort Frances was a great community, and I spent 11 years there doing everything —emergency, hospital work, anesthetics and even some nursing home care. My clinical commitment was significant but it was very rewarding. Moving to Thunder Bay was partly a family decision — both my parents and my wife’s family are here — and partly about finding more balance. Now, I’m home for dinner most nights, and I’ve stepped away from overnight call. It’s a different pace, but it’s allowed me to focus more on my family and my academic role.
Can you tell us about your role as Assistant Dean of Learner Affairs at NOSM University?
It’s an important support role for students— overseeing everything from financial aid and accommodations, to personal and professional development. We help students navigate challenges and facilitate problem solving. I don’t do any formal teaching in this role, but I see myself as a kind of guidance counselor for medical learners.
Students now face a lot of complexity in their lives. Financial pressures, mental health, career uncertainty — it’s a lot. Our role is to help them feel seen and supported, and to make sure they know they’re not alone. We also try to be proactive, helping them build resilience and find the resources they need before things become overwhelming.
You’ve also stayed very connected to the U of T alumni community and also support student awards at Temerty Medicine through monthly donations. What inspires you to maintain such strong ties?
I think of it as paying it forward — or maybe backward, to support the future. Medical school is expensive, and we want to reduce barriers for students to thrive in medicine. Another part of it is that diversity in any area, but especially diversity in medicine, is a good thing. It’s important to support groups that have historically faced social and economic barriers to becoming doctors, which helps bolster the profession itself and make it more responsive and agile.
It’s also not just about money. It’s about showing students that someone cares if they succeed. That kind of support can sometimes be just as powerful.
What would you say to fellow alumni considering giving back?
Think back to when you were a student — how much support meant to you. We all had people who helped us along the way. Now it’s our turn to be those people for the next generation. Whether it’s financial gifts, mentorship, or just encouragement, it all matters. Supporting future colleagues is one of the most meaningful things we can do.
What advice would you give to students considering rural practice?
Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Rural medicine offers incredible variety and autonomy. You’ll learn more than you ever imagined, and the community connection is deeply fulfilling. Yes, it can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’re not just a doctor — you’re part of the community.
