Dr. Alissa Zhang, MD’24
Dr. Alissa Zhang (she/her) is a first-year obstetrics and gynaecology resident, having graduated from the UBC MD program in 2024. During her time at UBC, she served as Co-Chair of the Vancouver Chapter of the Reading Bear Society, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting early childhood literacy.
What drew you to the MD Program at UBC?
Growing up in Ontario, I was initially drawn to UBC for the opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes, from the coastal beaches to the majestic mountains, while pursuing medical school. The strong sense of community and collegiality at UBC that I experienced during medical school interviews further solidified my interests in UBC. Now, since completing the MD program, I appreciate the many strengths that the MD program at UBC provides. I am grateful to have rotated through rural BC, as it allowed me to experience and appreciate the diverse healthcare needs of various communities across the province. UBC’s emphasis on community engagement and serving diverse populations resonated with my personal values of providing healthcare to underrepresented communities.
What is a memorable highlight from your time at UBC?
A memorable highlight for me was being a part of the Reading Bear Society! Throughout medical school, I worked as the Vancouver Chapter Co-Chair, and helped to create many resources for children and families including a Bear Yoga video, Vaccination resources, and a Reading Corner. The Reading Bear Society has allowed me to unleash my creativity, share my passions, and connect with children and families through movement, art, and reading. It really has allowed me to develop into the person that I am today, providing me with leadership opportunities through collaborating with fellow medical students, physicians, allied healthcare professionals, children, families and organizations in our communities.
How has your identity affected your perspective on the field of medicine and future pursuits?
As a first-generation immigrant from China, my identity has profoundly shaped my perspectives on medicine. Navigating the healthcare system as a member of an immigrant community gave me heightened awareness of the cultural and systemic barriers that many patients face. These personal experiences fueled my passion for advocating for equitable healthcare, and it also has driven me to pursue OBGYN, where I can provide culturally sensitive care and support women and families from diverse backgrounds.
What are you most excited for about a career in medicine?
I am excited about the opportunity to care for my future patients navigating their most life-changing and vulnerable moments. The prospect of combining my clinical skills with my passion for women’s health to empower women through various stages of their lives is incredibly fulfilling. Whether during childbirth, managing complex pregnancies, or when facing life-altering diagnoses, I hope to use the medical knowledge I learned at UBC to provide evidence-based and compassionate care.
What is your medical specialty and what factors have influenced your decision to pursue this specialty?
I am excited to start residency in OBGYN, and several factors have influenced this decision. OBGYN offers the unique opportunity to practice both medicine and surgery, allowing for a dynamic scope of work. Additionally, I am drawn to the fast-paced environment of OBGYN, which often involves working in high-pressure situations where quick decision-making is crucial. This environment reminds me of playing rugby, where teamwork, communication, and adaptability are essential. Finally, promoting women’s health and supporting women through some of the most significant moments of their lives have also guided my choice.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
As someone who loves sports and has personally benefited from physical activity, a healthy society, to me, is one where everyone has access to healthcare, education, and resources that enable active and fulfilling lives. This includes encouraging regular exercise and balanced nutrition, while also valuing inclusivity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can thrive. It is a society that invests in the well-being of its members, recognizing that health is not merely the absence of disease.
Carmen Huang
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.
Dr. Babak Shadgan, PhD’11
Dr. Babak Shadgan is an assistant professor at the UBC Department of Orthopaedics and an associate faculty member at the School of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Pathology. He is a sports physician with a Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine from UBC. Dr. Shadgan is a Fellow of the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE). He completed a fellowship on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging of Harvard University. His postdoctoral fellowship at the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) focused on the clinical application of NIRS in people with spinal cord injury. Dr. Shadgan is a principal investigator at ICORD, where he directs the Implantable Biosensing Laboratory. His research focuses on wearable and implantable biosensing applications. Additionally, as an Olympic Sports Physician and chairman of the Medical & Anti-Doping Commission of the United World Wrestling, Dr. Shadgan has directed medical coverage of wrestling competitions in world championships and Olympic Games since 2003.
What drew you to the PhD in Experimental Medicine program at UBC?
In 2004, a patient of mine, who was a gold medalist wrestler, had to withdraw from the Athens 2004 Olympic Games due to increasing leg pain called chronic exertional leg pain syndrome. A common cause of this condition is chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). CECS leads to a gradual increase in pressure within one or more compartments of the leg, interrupting intra-compartmental blood flow and resulting in painful and disabling tissue ischemia. The ultimate treatment for CECS requires an early and accurate diagnosis. This Olympic experience inspired me to develop a non-invasive method for the accurate diagnosis of CECS. Consequently, I joined the Experimental Medicine program at UBC in 2006 to address this clinical challenge.
Dr. Shadgan at the Implantable Biosensing Laboratory. Photo courtesy of Dr. Babak Shadgan.
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
One of my earliest memorable experiences at UBC was receiving a letter from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) in 2007, informing me that I had been awarded a 3-year Senior Graduate Trainee Award. That moment is a wonderful memory, and the support I received was extremely encouraging and instrumental in my successful journey at UBC.
What has been your journey since graduating from UBC?
In 2011, I was granted a 3-year postdoctoral award from and began a postdoctoral fellowship at the International Collaboration in Repair Discoveries (ICORD) after completing my PhD at UBC. During my fellowship at UBC Hospital, I developed a new optical technique using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to noninvasively evaluate bladder dysfunction. Subsequently, in 2013, I accepted a Research Associate position to expand my technique for evaluating bladder dysfunction in individuals with spinal cord injuries. In 2016, I transferred to the UBC Department of Orthopaedics to work on developing an implantable optical sensor for monitoring spinal cord hemodynamics in acute spinal cord injuries.
After receiving a Scholar award from MSFHR in 2018, I was appointed Assistant Professor at the Department of Orthopaedics. Later, I became a member of the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as an Associate Faculty member. In 2020, I established the Implantable Biosensing Laboratory (IBL) in ICORD, where my team has been exploring advanced biosensing techniques, focusing on the design, development, and examination of novel implantable biosensors and their clinical applications. IBL serves as a unique laboratory for research and for training graduate students and post-doctoral fellows interested in wearable and implantable biosensors and their applications in exercise, health, and disease.
Dr. Shadgan assessing an wrestling athlete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK. Photo courtesy of Dr. Babak Shadgan.
In December 2020, I was promoted to the Fellow rank of the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE). SPIE Fellows are distinguished members who have made significant scientific and technical contributions in the fields of optics, photonics, and imaging. I was recognized for my scientific activities in the design and development of advanced wearable and implantable optical sensors.
This is your 6th consecutive Olympic Games experience. How did you first get involved?
After completing my education in Sports and Exercise Medicine at the University of London (England) in 2003, I became a member of the Medical Commission of the International Federation for Olympic Styles Wrestling (FILA). I was fortunate to be appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for the wrestling competitions at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, which marked my first Olympic experience. Since then, I have continued to be involved and have been promoted to the role of Chairman of the Medical Commission. This has led to my participation as the Medical Director of wrestling competitions at the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio, and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Additionally, I volunteered as a sports physician at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games and participated as an IOC sports medicine researcher at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.
What is your role at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris?
In my role as the Medical Director of Olympic wrestling competitions, I will oversee the pre-competition medical examination and treatment of wrestlers for injuries and illnesses during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. I will also be responsible for supervising the doping control process. Furthermore, my medical team and I will study Olympic wrestling injuries by monitoring and documenting incidences, details, specifications and mechanisms of sports injuries during the Paris wrestling competitions.
Dr. Shadgan at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo.
How did your experience in the PhD program prepare you for working with Olympic athletes?
An incident at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games prompted me to join UBC to conduct research on a sports medicine condition. You can read more about it here: From Olympics to Optics. My PhD training subsequently enhanced my research on wrestling injuries during the Olympic Games, allowing me to develop more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of wrestling injuries.
What does it mean to you to be able to work for the Olympic Games?
Being selected to work as a sports physician and medical director at the highest international level, at the Olympic Games, is one of the greatest honours I could have wished for. More importantly, by studying the mechanisms and risk factors of wrestling injuries and illnesses during the Olympic Games since 2004, I was successful in modifying several regulations in amateur wrestling sports to eliminate several harmful practices and dangerous actions. These modifications led to a significant reduction in injuries, from 24.2% at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games to 9.8% at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. I am proud of this professional achievement, which reflects many years of dedicated translational research and scientific sports medicine practice.
Dr. Shadgan at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Photo courtesy of Dr. Babak Shadgan.
What are you most excited about at the Olympics?
I am thrilled to be working closely with my colleagues and Olympic athletes and witness exceptional wrestling performances from the field of play.
I am especially looking forward to seeing the outcomes of our injury prevention program, particularly a new approach I have developed to improve the prevention of wrestling injuries during the Olympic Games. After analyzing numerous video clips of wrestling injuries from previous Olympic Games and World Championships, I realized that referees could prevent some injuries by stopping dangerous actions before they resulted in injuries. As a result, I initiated a program to educate international and Olympic referees along with my colleagues at the United World Wrestling Medical Commission. I am excited to witness the impact of this new injury prevention approach during the Paris wrestling competitions.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
A healthy society is one in which people have the resources, support, and opportunities to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. As a sports physician, my role is to contribute to this vision by promoting effective physical activity, preventing injuries and illnesses, and advocating for holistic health approaches that integrate physical, mental, and social well-being.
Dr. Randip Gill, BSc’14, BEd (Sec)’15, MA’18, PhD’24
Dr. Randip Gill (he/his) is a PhD graduate from the School of Population and Public Health at UBC. Randip was born and raised in Surrey, BC. His 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 British Columbia, and how these relationships differ by the child’s immigration background. The goal of this work was to further our understanding in this area, and to inform intervention and policy to reduce harms related to poverty.
Outside of work, Dr. Gill tries to have fun and relax by spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, tech and video games, and dabbling in just about any recreational activity, from fencing, fitness classes, or dance.
What drew you to the PhD in Population and Public Health program at UBC?
I was drawn to this program by the alignment of the faculty and coursework to my research interest and goals, specifically the presence of the interdisciplinary research team including my research supervisor, Dr. Anne Gadermann, at the Human Early Learning Partnership. The research team and opportunity to utilize data linkages spanning developmental surveys completed by children, their parents, and their teachers, to administrative data including health, immigration, and education records was incredibly appealing to potentially utilize in my dissertation research.
What led you to your research focus?
I was led to my research focus both in the coursework and experiences that I had prior to my PhD, as well as my personal experience in the ties between my doctoral research and my family’s experience in BC. Learning how intertwined poverty, immigration background, and children’s developmental outcomes are, I was inspired to explore this research further in my doctoral work.
How has your time at UBC made an impact on you?
There likely isn’t an area of my life where my time at UBC hasn’t made an impact. From the knowledge and skills that I’ve gained, exposure to experiences and perspectives that I’ve had the opportunity to interact with and learn from, and the friendships I’ve obtained, it’s been an absolute privilege to have spent the time that I’ve had here.
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
There is definitely a recency bias, but I would say that my PhD graduation is my favorite memory of my time at UBC. Experiencing the culmination of years of work in a topic that I’m passionate about, alongside those who care about me and have enabled me to pursue this work is a moment I will cherish.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration on two fronts. I have an innate curiosity to learn about just about any science, and I find enjoyment in the process of scientific pursuit and contributing in my own small way to knowledge and knowledge translation. I also find inspiration from my family. My parents are immigrants from India who started with very little in Canada to ultimately build a prosperous life for themselves and their children. I’m inspired to build upon the work and efforts that they’ve made. I aim to contribute, in whatever small way, to improving the health and developmental outcomes for children in BC and elsewhere, particularly those who experience socioeconomic hardship.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
A healthy society to me means a society in which every individual has an opportunity to thrive, and that supports are provided to empower individuals to create these conditions for positive health, development, and educational outcomes.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow at UBC with the Human Early Learning Partnership. I am continuing my work towards understanding how early risk factors affect children’s development and health outcomes. This work includes a project examining how early childhood experiences may biologically embed through mechanisms such as epigenetic modification to affect children’s health outcomes.
Phoebe Tuyishime, MPH’24
Phoebe Tuyishime recently completed their Master in Public Health at UBC. She was awarded the prestigious MasterCard Foundation Scholarship, which enabled her to pursue her undergraduate degree in Public Health Nutrition and a minor in Global Public Health and Epidemiology from Michigan State University. Subsequently, Phoebe received a similar scholarship for her Master’s studies at UBC.
She has a strong passion for tackling public health issues, particularly nutrition and food insecurity. Phoebe’s 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. Phoebe’s ultimate goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in a few years and establish a Public Health Nutrition Research and Policy Institute in Rwanda.
What drew you to the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at UBC?
In pursuit of my career aspirations, I sought to strengthen my fundamental public health skills, including epidemiology and knowledge translation, while enhancing my understanding of global health issues. The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at UBC emerged as the ideal fit, as it encompasses learnings in epidemiology, biostatistics, and global health. I was especially drawn to the global health initiative targeting cervical cancer spearheaded by Dr. Gina Ogilvie at the School of Population and Public Health. Her holistic approach to addressing global public health challenges, which integrates community insights to tackle critical issues in low-income countries, deeply resonated with me and left a lasting impression.
How has studying in the MPH program made an impact on you?
My studies increased my understanding of the inequities faced by minority populations and their roots in systemic discrimination and colonization. The program has also provided me with valuable knowledge in program planning, implementation, and evaluation, using epidemiological methods.
What was something you learned in the MPH program that surprised you?
One of the most eye-opening experiences was learning about Indigenous approaches to health, which emphasize a holistic balance of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. This contrasts with the Western biomedical focus and underscores the importance of incorporating culturally safe practices, even in research.
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
My favorite memories include sharing meals with colleagues after exams and engaging in open dialogues with professors about colonization, racism, and discrimination, which broadened my perspective on these issues.
Where do you find inspiration?
When I was in my undergraduate program, the program advisor of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Michigan State University used to say, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ I grew up in a very small country, where only 3% of people have college degrees. My country still has lots of public health nutrition problems like chronic undernutrition among children (stunting), and high rates of infectious diseases. I feel indebted to these children and this gives me the inspiration to move forward.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
A healthy society is one that ensures equity by providing equal access to healthcare and other determinants of health, thereby eliminating injustices and inequalities. Tackling income disparities is essential for achieving such a society.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently working in Student Health and Wellbeing at UBC, where I focus on food insecurity. I am excited to leverage my public health expertise to assist implementation and evaluation of interventions aimed at reducing poor health and academic outcomes among university students, particularly among minority groups.
Brian Martin, BMLSc’24
Brian (he/him) is a graduate of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science program. During his fourth year, he acted as a Student Liaison in addition to his studies. Upon graduation, he received the William J. Godolphin Prize for Excellence in Critical Thinking and a Faculty of Medicine Summer Student Research Award. Living in a rural community, his experience of healthcare has motivated him to pursue a career in medicine. Outside of school, Brian can be found completing a variety of outdoor activities in the West Kootenay region including being a member of his local search and rescue team.
What drew you to the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) degree at UBC?
Multiple factors motivated me to pursue my BMLSc degree. The unique curriculum fulfilled my desire to better understand the complex processes that occur with disease. Additionally, I preferred the small class size as well as the combination of both didactic and experiential learning. The incredibly knowledgeable professors and supportive faculty ensured that I remained engaged throughout my studies.
How has studying in the BMLSc program made an impact on you?
Studying in the BMLSc program has impacted me in countless ways beyond expanding my knowledge of pathology and lab medicine. Specific examples include coursework devoted to preparing students for future research or career activities as well as teaching students the fundamentals of teaching and learning. I believe that my acquired knowledge and skillset have expanded my opportunities and adequately prepared me for my future endeavors.
What was something you learned in the BMLSc program that surprised you?
I learned many compelling facts related to hematology, pathology, toxicology, genetics, etc. throughout my studies. Yet, the most surprising learning experience occurred over the entirety of my fourth year. Prior to graduation, students in the BMLSc program complete the PATH 405 course that involves presentation, discussion, feedback, critical appraisal, and writing. During the course, I applied the concepts learned in the introductory lectures and embarked on a journey of self-reflection and peer facilitated learning to develop the invaluable skill of teaching.
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
In my third year, I was fortunate to live on the seventeenth floor of the Ponderosa Commons Cedar House residence. Each day, I would receive amazing sunset views looking over the sea towards Vancouver Island.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration and motivation in many places. A leading cause of my own inspiration is from experiencing the beneficial impact caused by those who have devoted time and effort to contribute in the past and present.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
A healthy society is one that views and cares for wellbeing in a multidimensional manner. Key characteristics include equity, justice, and compassion. Moreover, individuals collaborate to continually improve and advance society through collective action.
What are your plans after graduation?
I was fortunate to be awarded funding from the Faculty of Medicine Summer Student Research Program. In the short term, I will be completing work in the Implementation Science & Isolated Communities Lab led by Dr. Femke Hoekstra. My project is investigating virtual health innovations that have been implemented in rural and remote communities of BC. Following completion of the project, I will live, recreate, and work in my own rural community. Ultimately, I hope to continue my education and pursue a career in medicine.
Kristen Danielle Go, BMLSc’24
Kristen Danielle (she/her), who goes by Dana, is a graduate of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) program. Pursuing a career related to medicine to be able to help others has been her dream for as long as she can remember. Dana grew up in the Philippines, where she was homeschooled. During her 4th year in the BMLSc program, she did research on single molecule assays (SiMoA) for neurological biomarkers in blood as a directed studies student at Wellington Laboratories at Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. Dana is an awardee of the B.J. Twaites Prize for Excellence in Laboratory Administration. In addition to working in research, she works as a secretary at UBC hospital. In her free time, some of her favourite things to do are puzzles, going on scenic hikes, and discovering amazing food spots with her friends (especially for desserts!).
What drew you to the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) degree at UBC?
Online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic made me really miss hands-on learning and close interactions with my peers. I stumbled across the BMLSc program website by chance while I was doing research for one of my courses, and was really excited by its small class size and emphasis on medical laboratory techniques.
How has studying in the BMLSc program made an impact on you?
The BMLSc program has opened the door to research for me, and built a foundation for me as a researcher. Prior to the program, I had zero research experience and no idea how to find a research position. However, the BMLSc program provided me with so many experiences that I never would have imagined myself having as an undergraduate student. Some of these highlights included site visits to local laboratories, a summer trip to Northern BC with the Travelling Healthcare Roadshow, and running my own research project as a directed studies student.
What was something you learned in the BMLSc program that surprised you?
The BMLSc program gave me many opportunities to get involved with research in the pathology department, which led me to learn a lot about the research community. Something that surprised me was the interdisciplinary collaboration that goes into research and how many different focuses there are for research topics. People with all different backgrounds and skill sets work together in a research laboratory. There is such a wide range of research interests that there is something for everyone.
What is your favourite memory from your time at UBC?
My favourite memory has to be getting to know my BMLSc family. I formed close friendships with several students in my cohort, who are some of the most hard-working and compassionate people I know. I have learned so much from them through long study sessions and exam periods, trips to Rain or Shine ice cream, and traveling together during the summer.
Where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by my dad, who has always encouraged me to be curious and seek out truths. Our many conversations exploring philosophical topics built me the habit to think critically about the world around me. My dad’s constant support gave me the courage to try new things and pursue many opportunities in my time at UBC, which eventually led me to discover my passion for research.
What does a healthy society mean to you?
A healthy society works hard and sacrifices to build better lives and opportunities for future generations. Its people aim to leave the world better than they found it.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek Proverb
What are your plans after graduation?
My friends and I are planning to travel to Japan to celebrate our graduation. For the summer, I have accepted a research position to continue to work on furthering my investigation of blood-based neurological biomarkers at Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, at the laboratory where I completed my directed studies project. Afterwards, I would like to pursue grad school to continue building my research experience and eventually apply for medical school somewhere down the line.
Davy Lau
Davy Lau is a 2023 recipient of the UBC Medical Alumni Association Student Leadership Award.
Davy is a 3rd year medical student at the Vancouver-Fraser Medical Program. Having witnessed the impact of the pandemic on his classmates and healthcare professionals, he wanted to spark a cultural change, where students develop the habit of seeking out support for their mental health now, that will carry with them in their roles as future physicians. As such, he-cofounded Medline, a 1-on-1 peer support service that allows UBC medical students to chat anonymously with other students – “peer supporters” that have been trained in active listening. In its 1st year, Medline has been well-received by the medical student community, with supporters having conducted several sessions for students seeking support on a variety of topics.
Davy is also passionate about his work with the Political Advocacy Committee (PAC). He’s had the privilege of speaking to federal MPs and CBC Radio on the importance of Universal Access to Contraception. This year, he’s leading a team to advocate on addressing surgical waitlist times, with a policy paper underway and meetings with provincial MLAs in the Spring.
Prior to medicine, he spent 3 years at UBC studying Cellular & Physiological Sciences, and over a decade playing classical piano. Outside of school, you can find him on the piano, in ballet class, or on the couch with his mum. He’s also been a part of UBC Med’s contemporary dance group Terpsichore and the theatre group MedPlay.
Karen Rofaeel
Karen Rofaeel is a 2023 recipient of the UBC Medical Alumni Association Student Leadership Award.
Karen is a second-year medical student at the Vancouver Fraser Medical Program. She has served as Class President for the past two years and has prioritized advocating for the needs of her class through this role. She was instrumental in improving student scheduling of clinical sessions, lecture timing, maintaining in-person learning whenever possible during the pandemic, and reinstating The Cadaveric Body Donor Memorial Service. Karen is also very passionate about mentorship, which is evident in her involvement with UBC’s Pathways to Medicine, the Student Affairs Mentorship Program, FLEX Activity Day, and Year 1 Orientation. Outside of medicine, Karen is also involved in an outreach service for houseless individuals in the Downtown Eastside and co-founded an Alumni Network for her undergraduate program prior to medical school. Karen also enjoys being outdoors, travelling, reading, and is always on the hunt for a good cup of coffee. Karen would like to thank the UBC Medical Alumni Association for recognizing her with this award, as well as her mentors, colleagues, and peers for their continuous support.