Explore the unique stories of our diverse alumni, where passion meets purpose. Their profiles offer a glimpse into their diverse career paths, lessons learned, and the impact they’re making in their communities and industries.
Kathleen O’Malley, MD’08
Kathleen O'Malley (she/her) is a family physician who has been practicing in Prince George since 2010 with a strong focus on obstetrics. She has also provided care through the SCAN Clinic and adult sexual assault services at UHNBC. Read More >
Thomsen D’Hont, MD’20
Rooted in the North, Driven by Purpose — Dr. Thomsen D’Hont, MD’20, brings care, advocacy, and heart to the communities that shaped him. Thomsen D’Hont graduated from UBC’s Northern Medical Program in 2020 and completed his family medicine residency training in 2022 with the University of Alberta’s program in Yellowknife. Thomsen is Métis and was […] Read More >
Sonny Thiara, MD’14
From Northern Roots to Global Impact — Dr. Sonny Thiara, MD’14, is redefining critical care through research, leadership, and heart. Sonny Thiara graduated from the NMP in 2014 and went on to complete an Internal Medicine residency (UBC), fellowship in Critical Care Medicine (UBC), fellowship in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Melbourne) and an MPH in Clinical […] Read More >
Dr. Amy Dawson, MSc’16, MD’23
Since graduating from UBC, Dr. Dawson has built a vibrant life in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. From coastal hikes to community connections, she shares what makes Canada’s easternmost city so special. Read More >
Giovanna Boniface, BSc’92, BSc(Occ Ther)’97, MRSc’ 19
Giovanna Boniface is the 2024–25 UBC Alumni Builder Award – UBC Faculty of Medicine recipient. Giovanna has been a devoted contributor to the UBC Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and has become a leader in provincial, national, and international communities. As a guest instructor, preceptor, and capstone research partner, she bridged academic theory with practical experience — she thereby enriched the curriculum and prepared students for real-world challenges. Read More >
Dr. Lisa Weger, BSc’05, MHA’10, MD’15
Witnessing the enthusiasm of the medical students Dr. Weger educates and mentors serves as a reminder of the privilege of teaching and the importance of preserving the same eagerness they bring to mastering clinical skills. Read More >
Dr. Alissa Zhang, MD’24
Originally drawn to UBC for its strong sense of community and beautiful landscapes, Dr. Zhang's experiences in the program deepened her commitment to providing culturally sensitive and equitable care, particularly in underserved communities. During her studies, Dr. Zhang co-chaired the Vancouver Chapter of the Reading Bear Society, where she led initiatives to promote early childhood literacy and community engagement. Read More >
Dr. Babak Shadgan, PhD’11
As an Olympic Sports Physician and chairman of the Medical & Anti-Doping Commission of the United World Wrestling, Dr. Babak Shadgan has directed medical coverage of wrestling competitions in world championships and Olympic Games since 2003, including the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Read More >
Dr. Randip Gill, BSc’14, BEd (Sec)’15, MA’18, PhD’24
Dr. Randip Gill's PhD work focused on how different types of childhood poverty experience affect children’s development, health, and school success from kindergarten to high school graduation in B.C., and how these relationships differ by the child’s immigration background. Read More >
Phoebe Tuyishime, MPH’24
Phoebe Tuyishime has a strong passion for tackling public health issues, particularly nutrition and food insecurity. Her experiences, including working with the Clinton Health Access Initiative in Rwanda, have shown her the positive impact of effective public health efforts, especially in addressing critical issues like nutrition, sanitation, and infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Read More >