Humans of DFCM— Dr. Dave Wheler
Having been in family and community medicine for almost four decades, Dr. Dave Wheler has been a pillar in the DFCM and Scarborough community. But, for Dr. Wheler, teaching has been one of his greatest professional accomplishments.
I’ve been fortunate to attend the University of Toronto, both for undergraduate and medical school and been involved in teaching [and] I believe the University of Toronto and Temerty Faculty of Medicine are great opportunities for students to progress in medicine.
With nearly 40 years of experience under his belt, Dr. Dave Wheler, BSc, MD, CCFP, has seen the field of family and community medicine continue to grow and evolve.
Born and raised in Scarborough, Dr. Wheler attended the University of Toronto, Scarborough where he acquired his bachelor of science. In 1981, he continued to the University of Toronto’s medical school, now known as the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. After completing a rotating internship, “back when there were such things,” at the Doctor’s Hospital, known today as Kensington Hospital, Dr. Wheler decided to take his skills back to his hometown of Scarborough to practice community medicine, specifically in long-term care.
Fast-forward to 1995, where after putting down roots in Scarborough as a community medicine physician, Dr. Wheler was introduced to clerkship and resident teaching, which would grow into one of his greatest professional passions.
As the undergraduate program director at Scarborough Health Network (SHN), Dr. Wheler went on to become more involved with the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) via workshops and student seminars, which he is still involved in today.
“I think that teaching has made the practice of medicine so much more enjoyable,” remarks Dr. Wheler.
From a lecturer to now an assistant professor for the DFCM, Dr. Wheler has been teaching the next generation of primary care doctors for nearly 20 years.
“It is hard to believe that I have taught over 5,000 University of Toronto graduates domestic violence and motivational interviewing skills over the last 20 years,” he says. “It is a joy when I meet some of the students [again] later in their careers.”
Although Dr. Wheler plans to step away from his role as undergraduate program director at SHN, he is excited to continue his practice and teaching for more years to come.
While his focus is in comprehensive care within his family medicine practice, Dr. Wheler has also explored his interest in working with adults with autism, developmental delays and/or head injuries by working with organizations like Community Living Toronto and Community Head Injury Resource Services.
“When I first joined [a] practice, a colleague of mine introduced me to Community Living,” says Dr. Wheler. “I enjoyed the multidisciplinary care and the difference a family physician can make to [patients'] wellness.”
The future of primary care and prioritizing personal wellness in family medicine
When asked his thoughts on family medicine today, Dr. Wheler’s optimism is apparent.
“I think the future of health care is exciting in Ontario,” he says. “The increase in funding for primary care is awesome [and] I think the opportunities for new innovations are great.”
With many wonderful years of practicing family and community medicine behind him, and many more to come, Dr. Wheler emphasizes the importance of finding a work-life balance and prioritizing the things that bring you joy.
In his life, finding joy takes many shapes. Whether it’s golfing or skiing, chatting with his wife, or entertaining friends and family, Dr. Wheler makes time for moments of joy outside of his work.
“Wellness and family balance are very important to me,” he says. “While practicing medicine has been fantastic, the greatest joys I get are from family and friends.”
