Degree: MD Undergraduate Program
Campus: Northern Medical Program
Year: 4th year as of August 2024
What drew you to the MD Program at UBC?
The medical program at UBC has been a dream of mine since I was a young girl. Like many of my colleagues, I grew up fascinated by the art and science of the human body and the desire to help people. My interest in medicine sparked initially in middle school when I attended a Northern Medical Program information session which discussed the need and impact physicians can make in northern communities. Later, as I entered high school, this kindling grew into a flame when I experienced a loss in my family. My family physician’s care and compassion towards my relatives and me during those difficult times were inspiring. It made me realize that I wanted to support others in the same manner as my family doctor. The MD Program at UBC offers exceptional education while also trying to address the need for physicians within rural communities with the three distributed sites in Victoria, Kelowna, and Prince George. The UBC Northern Medical Program in Prince George was the ideal choice because it allowed me to be close to my family while having excellent hands-on learning in smaller clinical settings. It has been surreal training in the north and having the opportunity to learn and give back to the community that inspired my medical career.
What are some highlights of your studies so far?
Some of the significant highlights of medical school are the friendships and connections I have made. I was very fortunate to be a part of a club called the Reading Bear Society (RBS), a non-profit organization that aims to promote early childhood literacy. Through RBS, I have connected with over 500 students through Dr. Bear’s visits. We educated children about standard procedures in clinics and hospitals, such as vaccinations, x-rays, and physical exams. These visits were always heartwarming and provided much perspective into the impact education and compassion can make on early childhood development. Through toy and book drives, RBS also allowed me to give back to other organizations within my community, such as Carrier Sekani Family Services and the Elizabeth Fry Society.
How has your identity affected your perspective on medicine and future pursuits?
I am passionate about giving back to the community that has helped me become who I am today. I have noticed the shortage of physicians taking an enormous toll on the medical system. Many individuals do not have family physicians, thus placing significant strain on emergency departments, walk-in clinics, and specialists, ultimately resulting in poor patient-centered care. On the one hand, this saddens me. On the other, it motivates me to get into the workforce and be part of the next generation of physicians, which will hopefully ameliorate the healthcare system in Canada.
What are you most excited about a career in medicine?
I am most excited about putting all the clinical knowledge I have gained from my training into practice.
What specialties are you currently considering and what factors have influenced your considerations?
I am currently considering plastic surgery and family practice. Some may say they are very different specialties, but I am passionate about them because of the diversity within their practices. Both specialties can see various patients, from young to middle-aged to elderly. Plastic surgeons and family physicians can also work in hospital and clinic settings. I find plastic surgery incredibly fascinating, with the breadth of reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. It effortlessly blends artistry with clinical knowledge and stimulates me with all the hands-on work.
Meanwhile, family practice has been at the forefront of my mind since beginning medical school. You have the privilege of providing care for people and families from all walks of life and following them through their life journeys. You are at the frontline of all medical concerns and can be a safe person your patients can turn to whenever they need you. Family practice also provides much flexibility to your practice as you can work in various roles such as in the emergency department, obstetrics, surgical assist, oncology, etc. Family practice would allow me to pursue many interests within a single career.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
A healthy society, to me, means a happy and supportive community. People are nourished, housed, exercising, have easy access to health care, and feel safe to turn to their community when needed.
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