Yellowknife (May 17/06) - "It will be my first official day working as Doctor Whitford," said Amber Whitford of her upcoming residency at Kingston General Hospital.

On June 9, Amber Whitford will make North Slave Metis Alliance history by becoming its first member to graduate with a degree in medicine. Here, Amber is pictured with her father Marc and brother Jon - photo courtesy of Amber Whitford

The 26-year-old Yellowknifer will make North Slave Metis Alliance (NSMA) history on June 9 when she receives her degree in medicine from the University of Alberta. She will become the Metis organization's first doctor.

"On a personal level, I'm just thrilled," said NSMA president Bill Enge of Whitford's achievement.

"It's one I hope bodes well for the future of the North Slave Metis people and I hope it's a marker that there will be more successes like hers in the future."

Now spending two weeks at home, Whitford is catching up with friends, getting ready for her June convocation and preparing to move to Kingston, Ont., where she will complete a five-year residency specializing in gynecology and obstetrics.

"I chose this path because of all the positive role models I had," Whitford said of her career pursuit. "I was always impressed with the things doctors could do. The doctors up here fill a lot larger role than the ones down south, I think, and I've always been intrigued by that."

Though Whitford will be leaving the community to further her expertise, she plans to return to the North when her residency is complete.

"I was born and raised in Yellowknife, so certainly that's where I'd like to practice medicine," she said.

Whitford graduated from Sir John Franklin high school in 1997 and attended the University of Alberta, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree, then a graduate diploma in Health Services Administration before she embarked upon studies in medicine. Nine years later, she's now a doctor.

When asked what kept her motivated during nearly a decade of post-secondary education, she said:

"Keep focused, and if you want it, go after it. If it's something you like, it's probably not as hard as it seems," she said.

On Saturday, a party was held in Whitford's honour. Metis Alliance members, past co-workers, friends and family came out to celebrate her accomplishment.