Your Editorial Board: Dr. Harriet MacMillan
CMAJ 1998;159:1236
© 1998 Canadian Medical Association
Dr. Harriet MacMillan is one of the rare clinicians to pursue 2 specialties. A 1982 graduate of Queen's University, she is certified in both pediatrics and psychiatry. She is on the active staff at the Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation and is an associate professor at McMaster University.
Who was your most influential teacher?
I have been fortunate. I have had several wonderful mentors, but I wouldn't want to single out one of them.
What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?
Two aspects. The diversity of opportunities available through clinical, research and teaching activities, and the chance for collaborating with people in other areas such as social work, education, law and community agencies.
What is your favourite pastime?
Downhill skiing.
What book did you last read?
Simone de Beauvoir: A Biography, by Deirdre Bair.
What alternative profession would you have liked to pursue?
Journalism. This is another profession in which one has the opportunity to interview people.
What illness do you fear most?
Cancer. We hear so much about the risk factors and yet there are still major gaps in our knowledge about it.
What complementary therapies have you tried?
None.
What advice do you have for a young physician?
If you are thinking about a career that combines clinical activity and research, it can certainly lead to great rewards. However, there are also big sacrifices necessary in terms of time commitment and restriction to a narrow content area.
What was your biggest mistake?
I have made many, but the one I am most acutely aware of at the moment is that I did not learn computer skills early in my career.
What was your biggest achievement?
I felt a sense of accomplishment in following through with my plan to qualify in 2 specialties.
What make and year of car do you drive?
A 1994 Volvo 850 Turbo.
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