Cowichan Primary Care Network

Meghan has been part of the Maternity Clinic team since 2013. She completed her Medical Degree at UBC and subsequently did her Family Practice residency training in Victoria. Following this, she returned home to the Cowichan Valley to practice and found a love of maternity care at the Cowichan Maternity Clinic.

Outside of medicine, Meghan enjoys spending time with her family. As a mom of two young children, she realizes the impact great maternity care has on women and their families. Meghan is honoured to be part of the Maternity Clinic team that strives to provide compassionate and quality care to women in the Cowichan Valley.

Donna has been a member of the Cowichan Maternity Clinic since 2016. A graduate of the University of Alberta Medical School, she completed her Family Medicine residency at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Donna is passionate about maternity care and has an extensive background of family practice experience in Ontario, Alberta, and now, in her “semi-retirement” on Vancouver Island.

When not at the Cowichan Maternity Clinic or covering physician vacation leaves, Donna enjoys hiking, curling, traveling, cooking, knitting and relaxing with family and friends.

Donna appreciates the opportunity to bring outreach prenatal care to the Penelakut nation and enjoys volunteering with the House of Friendship Healthiest Babies Possible program.

Kate has been with the Maternity Clinic since 2015. She grew up in rural Alberta but moved to Vancouver Island for university and fell in love with the coast. She earned her medical degree at UBC (Prince George campus) and completed her family practice residency in Chilliwack. She was lucky to spend time during her medical training in Duncan and realized it was a special community that she wanted to return to when she was done with her training. She feels honoured to be part of such a great team, both within the clinic and on the maternity ward. She loves working with families and being a part of such a transformative time in family’s lives.

When she is not in the Maternity Clinic, she has a Family Practice at the Somenos Medical Clinic and can be found chasing her two young kids. She enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors hiking.

Ryan has enjoyed being part of the Maternity Clinic team since 2014. He completed his undergraduate degree at Queen’s University and his Medical Degree at the University of Alberta. After this, he did his residency training in Victoria and practiced maternity there after graduating. He has always loved the full spectrum of family practice and finds it a privilege to be a part of people’s maternity journeys.

It was a special experience for Ryan and his family to be patients at the Maternity Clinic for both of their children. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys adventuring with his family in any medium you can use to move outdoors (kayaking, biking, hiking, skiing, etc.).

Bridget has been with the Cowichan Maternity Clinic since 2018.  She grew up in Duncan and then left for many years to wander the province, working in Engineering in Pulp and Paper.  She then attended Medical School and residency in Prince George and was very excited when the opportunity arose to return to the Cowichan Valley to continue practicing medicine.

She leads a busy life with four children and when she finds time, enjoys attending dance classes.  She is thrilled to be working with the Cowichan Maternity Clinic and sharing such a meaningful and memorable time with her patients and their families.  Plus, the babies are really cute!

Hola! I’m Fernando Polanco, a family doctor with mixed Indigenous Mayan roots. I was born in Guatemala and came to Canada as a refugee during the Guatemalan Civil War. I completed my Master of Science (MSc) at the University of Victoria, focusing on Indigenous community genetics and social determinants of health. This was followed by earning my Medical Degree (MD) at St. George’s University School of Medicine. Subsequently, I completed a comprehensive 3-year rural family medicine residency in Oregon, USA, with a particular focus on obstetrical care, inpatient medicine, and working with Indigenous and immigrant health.

When I’m not working at CMC you’ll likely find me exploring more of the Coast Salish seas, on the soccer pitch, playing my guitar and listening to a wide variety of music, or cherishing moments with my daughter Una and my wife, Maddie! It is an immense honor for me to contribute to the well-being and health of maternity patients here in the Cowichan Valley.

Taanishi! I’m Nique (Dominique), a Métis family doctor with roots in the Red River Settlements in Manitoba on my mom’s side and a mixed European settler on my dad’s side. I grew up on Treaty 7 territory in Cochrane, AB and did medical school on Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan. I completed UBC’s Indigenous Family Medicine Residency Program with Duncan as my home base and have been working in the community since July 2021. When I’m not working, I am usually beading, reading, or spending time with my partner Chris and our dog Yoshi on the beach!

My name is Hilary and I am a Registered Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I have been working with the maternity clinic since 2022, focusing predominantly on prenatal, postpartum and lactation care.

I am originally from Ottawa but lived for many years and trained as a midwife in the UK, before moving to Cowichan in 2016. I have two young daughters, and when not spending time with my family, I can often be found at a fitness class. I love working with the team at CMC to deliver collaborative maternity care. My favourite part of the job is seeing you at home for your first postpartum visit with your new baby!

I am Linden Lalonde, the healthcare social worker for the Cowichan Maternity Clinic.  I grew up on the territories of the Wet’suwet’en people in northern BC and now call the lands of the Quw’utsun people home. My career has focused on supporting people facing complex challenges, including mental illness, poverty, the poisoned drug crisis, racialized violence and oppression, housing insecurity, and systemic oppression.

I completed my Bachelor of Social Work at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, where my education was rooted in Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.  I completed my Master’s at UBC, focusing on counselling.  Since joining the Cowichan Maternity Clinic in December 2023, I have been honoured to support the families who trust me to be a part of their pregnancy and early post-partum journeys.  Outside of work, I can usually be found spending time with my queer family, jumping in the ocean, and exploring this beautiful island.

Paula grew up in the Cowichan Valley and has been a Registered Nurse since 1993. She specializes in Obstetrics and has worked as a Labour and Delivery nurse for most of her nursing career. Paula joined the Cowichan Maternity Clinic in 2014 and has enjoyed working with women and their families and supporting them through pregnancy and the transition into parenthood.

Paula lives with her husband and daughter. When not working, she enjoys being outdoors, cycling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Tammy was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley and has been working as an MOA for a local family practice since 2003. She started working part-time in 2021 at the Cowichan Maternity Clinic and finds her work very rewarding. Tammy enjoys her role in supporting our patients throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Being asked to cuddle babies and entertain toddlers is her favourite part of her workday.

Outside of the office, Tammy is embracing life as a new grandma. She also spends most of her spare time on the West Coast, camping and fishing with her husband and three sons.

Rebecca is a lifelong Vancouver Island resident, born and raised in Victoria; she is now enthralled to call the Cowichan Valley home. With over 20 years of experience in medical office management, she ensures that operations run smoothly. Her dedication to providing solutions, based on her vast experience in the medical and wellness field, delivers consistent results. You can be assured that you are in good hands from the moment you make an appointment.

During her downtime, Rebecca enjoys activities with family and her adventure companion, Keeva, a black Labrador. She’s an avid reader and animal lover. Whether it’s a hike, spending time with friends, painting, or one of her other passions, she’s a true West Coast girl.