Dr. Dawn-Ellen Young, physician

Recognizing the child health clinic’s work touches many and needs connections beyond the walls of the hospital, Dr. Dawn-Ellen Young works to create positive collaborative partnerships. She is fascinated by different points of view from different scopes in practice and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Young is working to understand the Indigenous population in and around Edmonton and the barriers they face in healthcare. She has successfully built relationships with the Edmonton Police Service, RCMP, Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, medical examiner’s office and the provider concerns response unit. Additionally, the foster care clinic works closely with Children’s Services.

Dr. Young strives to strengthen her team by building relationships and trust by learning together how to improve practice and make positive changes. She follows the 5 Cs strategy: care, connect, coach, contribute and congratulate. Dr. Young brings in speakers and other resources to build team confidence. For the last three years, the team has attended the Minnesota trauma conference virtually. The conference builds the team’s strength as a trauma-informed multidisciplinary unit.

Dr. Young wanted to memorialize the children who died while in her practice. The Foster Care Clinic’s first memorial service took place on November 1, 2023, with the support of Spiritual Care.

Her motivation techniques are unique. She finds fun ways to engage her team like a murder mystery party, Queen’s platinum jubilee party, scavenger hunt on Whyte Ave and a wellness event.