Proust questionnaire: Cathy Clelland, MD
What profession might you have pursued, if not for medicine?
Law.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Instant recall of memory.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Advocating for family medicine in BC.
Who are your heroes?
Barbara Starfield, my mom, and my dad.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happy and healthy family, comfortable and safe home, no wars.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Going to the Olympic opening ceremonies—what an amazing, memorable event.
What is your greatest fear?
That my daughter or husband will get seriously ill.
What characteristic do your favorite patients share?
Sense of humor.
What is your favorite activity?
Spending time with my daughter.
On what occasion do you lie?
When the truth might hurt someone I love.
What medical advance do you most anticipate?
Ability to diagnose cancer before it causes harm.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Ability with numbers.
What do you most value in your colleagues?
Honesty.
What is your most treasured possession?
My daughter.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Hearing about the horrible things that some cruel people force their children to live through.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Pierre Trudeau.
Who are your favorite writers?
Farley Mowat.
What is it that you most dislike?
Low cloud, rainy days on the wet coast.
What is your current state of mind?
Content with life.
How would you like to die?
In my sleep at 101.
What is your motto?
Life is too short to worry about things I cannot influence or change.