Dr. Bacenas began to appreciate the unique nature of rural, remote, northern communities at a young age when her family relocated from America’s Deep South to the Canadian Shield. After the shock of -40° C wore off, the future doctor made a strong commitment to her new environment.

After completing her MD at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Dr. Bacenas finished her Family Practice residency at UBC’s Northern Rural program. This ultimately brought her to Bella Coola, BC where she joined an excellent team of rural generalists.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Bacenas has held leadership positions including Local Medical Director for Bella Coola General Hospital and physician lead for the Bella Coola Chapter of the Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice.

When not working, Dr. Bacenas can be found hiking the Central Coast alpine with her furry four-legged friends.