Biography:

Alana Hirsh is a Montreal born, McGill and UBC trained family doctor, with additional training and expertise in emergency medicine, addiction medicine, and international health. She has practiced in a variety of locations, from inner cities to remote areas throughout Eastern and Western Canada, the U.S.(Boston), and West Africa. She currently lives in Vancouver and works in the Downtown Eastside, one of Canada’s poorest communities, serving people with substance use disorders and mental illness. Her research focuses on the integration of trauma and substance use disorder treatment in primary care. She lives with her husband, 2 young kids, and dog. She is a fairly noncompliant patient.