Medical student following in mother’s footsteps

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This article was published 27/01/2025 (235 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon’s family physician in oncology Dr. Erika Moller has dedicated over two decades of her life to treating cancer patients at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre.

Now, her daughter, Chloe Janse van Rensburg, is stepping into her mother’s world of medicine, carrying forward a shared passion for care, compassion, and community.

For Moller, medicine has always been more than just a profession — it’s a calling. Working full-time in oncology, she oversees chemotherapy delivery and supports radiation oncology patients. However, it was motherhood that reshaped her career path.

“When my daughter Chloe was born, I realized I couldn’t manage a full-time family practice,” she shared. Instead, she chose a focused role at the cancer centre in 2002, where she’s worked ever since.

Now, Chloe, a first-year medical student with the University of Manitoba’s Rural Interest Group, is following in her parents’ footsteps. Raised in a family of physicians — her father also practices medicine at the Brandon Clinic — Chloe’s journey into health care was both personal and deeply meaningful.

At just five years old, Chloe was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a condition that profoundly shaped her aspirations.

“The only rheumatologist for my disease was in Winnipeg, so my mom and I had to drive five hours round trip every few months. That experience made a big impact on me,” Chloe recalled. “My physician’s care changed my life. Without her, my disease would have been debilitating. I want to make that kind of impact on others.”

Her journey is also a testament to perseverance. Moller admits to initially feeling apprehensive about Chloe’s dream of becoming a doctor, given the competitive and demanding nature of medical school admissions.

“This has been her dream since she was little, and there was no Plan B. It made us nervous, but she never wavered,” Moller said. “Seeing her hard work pay off is humbling and exciting.”

Despite her first year in medicine being early days, Chloe is thriving. She’s had hands-on experiences that have reaffirmed her passion. One standout moment was working with pig lungs in a simulation.

“We learned to intubate and bag the trachea, and watching the lungs inflate was incredible. It brought life to what I’ve studied,” Chloe said enthusiastically.

As Chloe embarks on her medical journey, the support of her parents, both seasoned practitioners, is invaluable. But it’s not all one-sided — Dr. Moller notes that her daughter’s fresh perspective has brought new energy into their home. “She’s teaching us too. Medicine evolves, and it’s exciting to see how much she’s learning,” Moller said.

Regarding her long-term plans, Chloe is clear: she wants to give back to the community that raised her. “Brandon means so much to me. I’d love to return here. The traffic in Winnipeg is horrible, and I miss the close-knit feel of home,” she said with a laugh.

The bond between mother and daughter extends beyond shared career goals. For Moller, watching Chloe embrace medicine is deeply personal. “It’s wonderful to share this journey with her. She’s living her dream, and that’s all we’ve ever wanted for her,” she said.

As Chloe navigates her way through medical school, one thing is certain: she’s not just carrying forward a family legacy, but also a heartfelt mission to bring care and hope to her community.

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