UBC Reports | Vol. 47 | No. 09 | May 10, 2001

Publican finds new career next door

A former engineer learns to rely on rubber dams instead of pints

Not too many people are eager to visit a dentist's office in their spare time.

But Dentistry graduate Walter Payne did exactly that while he was a pub owner in Prince George. What he witnessed inspired him to change his career.

The 37-year-old originally earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta in 1986. After working as an engineer for two years, however, the constant absences from home prompted him to buy a pub and beer and wine store.

It was the dentist next door who got Payne interested in his future career. He began visiting as an observer during dental procedures and quickly got hooked on dentistry.

"The constantly evolving technology and techniques fascinated me," says Payne who adds that he loves interacting with people and being his own boss.

After five years of pub ownership and a year of travelling, Payne made inquiries at UBC's dental school. He was advised to get an additional degree to improve his chance of selection and earned his MBA from the University of Victoria in 1997.

He describes student life as "all-encompassing" -- similar to his experience running the business. His wife, Brenda, knows exactly what the stresses are. A former nurse, she will graduate with a master's degree in English Literature from UBC this month.

While the couple have been busy cracking the books, they have also been busy changing diapers since the arrival of their daughter, Colby, in December.

After he receives his Bachelor of Dental Science, Payne and family will return to Prince George where Brenda will seek a teaching position.

He will be returning to familiar territory, going back to the dentist's office that he first visited years ago. This time, however, not as an observer; his name will be on the door as a partner in the practice.