Taylor Da Silva, BMLSc’22

Taylor Da Silva (she/her) recently graduated from the BMLSc class of 2022. In her fourth year, Taylor completed the PATH 438 directed studies research course in the Devine lab at the Centre for Blood Research. She studied the expression of certain proteins in platelet concentrates during storage to identify biomarkers for the prediction of platelet transfusion outcomes. Taylor is interested in blood research and transfusion medicine specifically due to her family’s history with blood disorders. Her younger sister was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 2011 and has since made a full recovery, and Taylor has had immune thrombocytopenic purpura since 2014.

What drew you to the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) degree at UBC?

Before attending a BMLSc info session in my first year in sciences at UBC, I didn’t know anything about the program. However, after learning about the program from the instructors and speaking directly with current students, I knew that I wanted to apply to enter the program in my third year. The focus on human diseases, variety of lab experiences, and small class setting were what drew me to the program.

How has studying in the BMLSc program made an impact on you?

The BMLSc program has made a huge impact on my experience at UBC. In this program, I have pursued my passion for hematopathology, gained incredible research experience, and met some amazing friends. Graduating from this program has opened the doors to many opportunities for me in the future.

What was something you learned in the BMLSc program that surprised you?

Before entering the BMLSc program, giving presentations wasn’t one of my strengths. However, the PATH 405: Seminars in Current Topics course helped to change that. In PATH 405, I was surprised by the confidence that I gained in my presentation skills and I found that I truly learned how to teach.

What advice do you have for students entering the BMLSc program?

My advice to students entering the BMLSc program would be to never be afraid to ask for help. Whether you seek help from instructors, mentors, or fellow students, there are so many people who can offer support to help you achieve excellence in the program.

Where do you find inspiration?

I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare when my sister was being treated for aplastic anemia at BC Children’s Hospital. The nurses and doctors provided such excellent care to my sister and our family, and I was inspired to provide the same standard of care to others in the future.

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to begin the Master of Science in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine program at UBC Vancouver starting in September 2022. I also intend to begin applying to Canadian medical schools as I aspire to become a doctor someday.

What does a healthy society mean to you?

To me, a healthy society is one that values mental health as much as physical health. In addition, a healthy society is one where everyone has equal access to mental and physical healthcare, no matter their race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status. So many people still face barriers to accessing the care that they need and I believe that intersectionality is essential to achieving equity in healthcare.

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