A lifelong interest and a pathway to medicine: the mind-brain
For Dr. Buckle, medicine was never just a profession. It was a calling rooted in a deep curiosity about the human mind and brain.
After studying cognitive science, he was searching for a way to connect foundational research with real-world impact. Medicine offered exactly that. “It was an opportunity to take that science and apply it to improving mind-brain health. It was the ‘bench to bedside’ aspect that attracted me,” he says.
University of Ottawa: responsibility, perspective purpose and opportunity
Dr. Buckle describes his years at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine as being formative, reflecting on what sets uOttawa apart from other schools of medicine.
“Ottawa is a unique program. It’s not a huge, faceless medical school. It’s personalized and very reflective of Canada.”
He recalls the program’s culture of accountability. “We were treated like adults from day one. If you forgot something, you were responsible for it.”
That emphasis on ownership helped shape his autonomy.
Among his most influential mentors was Dr. Jeff Turnbull. “He is a role model for aspiring physicians – empathic, knowledgeable, committed to the Hippocratic oath - all that with no ego despite his many laurels.
He remains deeply grateful for the scholarships he received at the University of Ottawa. That support gave him the freedom to pursue unconventional paths without the burden of overwhelming debt.
“New ideas often occur at the junction of knowledge bases, if you stay open to them.”
Dr. Christopher Buckle
— MD 2005 alumnus
A non-linear and non-traditional career path
After graduating, Dr. Buckle began a neurology residency before pivoting to neuroradiology. He later completed an MBA at the University of Chicago, opening doors to executive roles.
At Carelon Health, a U.S.-based healthcare services organization focused on improving care quality and affordability, he took on senior leadership positions, ultimately serving as Chief Medical Officer for Physical Health and Innovation. In that role, he was accountable for evidence-based guideline development, clinical ai, compliance and strategy for more than a dozen specialty solutions affecting 50+ million lives. He also continued his clinical practice and started Snowy Owl Acute Radiology (SOAR), an acute care radiology practice that supports community radiologists with after hours and weekend coverage.“We are very fortunate to have an outstanding group of radiologists committed to this important work”.
Looking back, he says “I’ve found that many personal and professional opportunities came from unexpected places at unexpected times.”
“Linger at intersections”: where innovation happens
One phrase has profoundly shaped his professional philosophy: “linger at intersections.”
As he explains, “New ideas often occur at the junction of knowledge bases, if you stay open to them. In medicine, linger at those intersections not just with clinical colleagues but with data scientists, engineers and business people. You teach each other and novel ideas often emerge.”
For current students he sums it up:“It’s fine to say ‘I don’t know’ -don’t worry if your career isn’t a straight line, instead linger at intersections, stay open and let serendipity do its thing.”
Back to the future: Building in cognitive health
Dr. Buckle recently left Carelon to return to his original facination – mind-brain health. He hopes to extend his virtual care experience into evidence-based cognitive health, leveraging lessons learned from practicing on both sides of the border in both clinical and administrative roles. He’s currently looking for collaborators -“I’ve got a lot of lingering to do…”
Supporting the next generation in health care
Scholarships played a defining role in Dr. Buckle’s journey, giving him the freedom to explore unconventional paths and eased the burden of significant debt.
You can help provide that same opportunity to today’s learners.
By supporting the Student Assistance Fund at the Faculty of Medicine, you help students pursue their education, thrive, and shape the future of health care.