Deborah Money, MD’85 has been appointed Executive Vice Dean effective April 1, 2016.
Deborah Money, MD’85
Harvey Lui, MD’86
Harvey Lui, MD’86 is the current President of the International League of Dermatological Societies.
Vancouver Medical Association’s Annual Osler Dinner, Nov 2015
Caroline Wang, MD’84 and Steven Mathias, MD’01, were the Primus Inter Pares recipients at the Vancouver Medical Association’s Annual Osler Dinner on Nov 26, 2015.
Faculty of Medicine Awards, June 2015
At the Faculty of Medicine Awards in June 2015, the following alumni were honored:
Kenneth Gin MD’85, Clinical Faculty Award for Career Excellence in Clinical Teaching
Linlea Armstrong, MD’98, Clinical Faculty Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching
Steven Sullivan, MD’72, Clinical Faculty Award for Career Excellence in Clinical Teaching
Glen Bowlsby, MD’83, Clinical Faculty Award for Excellence in Community Practice Teaching
Michael Marin, MD’12, Excellence in Education
Mary Bennett, MD’83, Distinguished Service to CME-CPD Award
Mark Schonfeld, MD’72
For his contributions to the Medical Profession and the community at large, Mark Schonfeld, MD’72, received a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, for the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Doctors of BC Annual Awards Ceremony, June 6, 2015
At the Doctors of BC Annual Awards Ceremony, June 6, 2015, CMA Honorary Membership was accorded to Richard Beauchamp, MD’71, Jack Burak, MD’76, Dr. Judith Hall (Hon.), Victor Huckell, MD’69 and Mark Schonfeld, MD’72.
Dr. Dorothy Shaw (Hon.) and Dr. Larry Goldenberg (Hon.) were recipients of the Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service. This award, established in 1986, confers the Association’s highest honor.
The Dr. Don Rix Award was presented to Linda Warren MD’68 and the Dr. Cam Coady Award was presented to David Hardwick, MD’57.
Matthew Petzold, MD’12, received the Dr. David Bachop Silver Medal in General Practice.
Dr. Michael Myers (Hon.) was presented with the Doctors of BC Honorary Members Award.
The Doctors of BC Changemaker Award – Student Advocate – recipient was Elisa Assadi, MD’15. This award was begun in 2014.
Trina Larsen Soles, MD’86 was installed as Chair of the General Assembly for 2015-16. Bill Cavers, MD’77 is the Past President.
- Dr. Dorothy Shaw (Hon.) receiving the Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service.
- David Hardwick, MD ’57, recipient of the Dr. Cam Coady Award
- Dr. Larry Goldenberg (Hon.) receiving the recipients of the Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service
- Dr. Matthew Petzold, MD’12, received the Dr. David Bachop Silver Medal in General Practice
- Remarks by Linda Warren MD’68, recipient of The Dr. Don Rix Award
Doug Hassan, MD’87
It’s not easy to balance a busy orthopedic surgery practice and write a fiction novel, but that’s exactly what Douglas Hassan, BSc’83, MD’87 accomplished. Hassan spent the better part of a year writing and publishing his first novel, ‘The Reservoir’, a page turning, plot driven adventure thriller. Sparked by the desire for a creative outlet, Hassan sought out to challenge himself to write a compelling story that people would want to read. Published in June 2015, The Reservoir touches on themes of bioterrorism, justice and transcontinental socio political conflict. Looking back on pursuing a creative project, Hassan thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. “The rigid demands of practicing surgery leave little measurement for creativity; it was a gratifying opportunity to explore writing as a creative outlet.”
While it was challenging to juggle his practice, family life, and write The Reservoir, Hassan attributed his success to being highly organized and ultimately from getting a lot of joy out of writing. “Managing my time was often difficult; there were many late evenings and weekends, but I quickly began to anticipate and look forward to writing, making it easier to find the time.”
Publishing a fiction novel was undeniably a big risk for Hassan. However, he relates this to a risk he took early on in his medical career. Starting out initially as a family doctor, Hassan made the decision to specialize in orthopedics, ‘‘The decision to go back into training and complete an orthopedic residency felt like a big risk. I knew it would be demanding with long hours. I was concerned that it would be difficult for my wife and whether I could do it. No one wants to experience failure. But it turned out to be a great decision!” Currently a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive expertise in hand surgery, Hassan provides advanced surgical treatment for conditions of the hand and upper extremity resulting from trauma, disease or sports related injury. 
Hassan’s fascination in surgery led him to pursue his area of concentration. He was intrigued by the complex structure and evolutionary significance of the human hand, as well as the variety that orthopedics offered. Hassan credits his belief in the importance of clear communication with each patient back to his time as a medical student at UBC, “Looking back at my time as a medical student, the professors really emphasized the importance of listening to each patient. Listening builds trust and establishes a connection. Ultimately, it’s the most important piece of information.” Outside of the classroom, Hassan recalls the annual Skits Nights, along with the camaraderie and friendships developed during his time at UBC. Overall, he fondly remembers his time at UBC and the process of learning to become a physician and a surgeon.
A member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, Hassan currently resides in Washington State with his family. Hassan enjoys skiing, golf and is currently working on his second novel, a sequel to The Reservoir.
Nazneen Chow BSc’91 (OT)
Degree and Grad Year: BSc 1991 (Occupational Therapy)
Current home city: Richmond, BC
Current Profession: Occupational Therapist, Director of Optimum Therapy Rehabilitation Services Inc.
Chow owns a Richmond BC occupational therapy practice, Optimum Therapy Rehabilitation Services Inc. While managing the administrative duties that go along with running a small business, Chow, who continues to manage a caseload of clients, believes in the importance of remaining ‘hands-on’ at a grass roots levels and remains connected with her clients.
1. Today in healthcare it’s important to…
Ensure that we are providing evidence-based care with demonstrable and measurable outcomes. With the limited funding and resources in today’s system, learning to be cost-efficient and delivering quality care is a delicate balance.
2. What made you interested in occupational therapy?
I wanted to help individuals achieve their optimal level of functioning in day to day situations and be able to work with people in the community, in their own environment. Teaching clients to advocate for themselves and empowering them to overcome their disabilities and turn their limitations into abilities.
3. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I’m not there yet…I love learning and I think it’s really important to achieve life balance….juggling my roles as business owner, therapist, wife, mother, volunteer and a lifelong learner. In terms of achievements, I think of the little successes each day, reflecting on what I did today to make a difference in someone else’s life. When a client achieves success or reaches a higher level of functioning, I feel like that in itself is an achievement.
4. Name the last book you couldn’t put down.
A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout. It’s a true story about a Canadian reporter who travelled to Somalia and was then abducted and held captive for 15 months.
5. What is the best professional advice you’ve received?
Never panic about the feast or famine nature of work in private practice. If you do good work, there will always be a referral coming your way.
6. What is your favourite UBC memory?
The close-knit relationships that we had within the School of Occupational Therapy. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with classmates on various projects and assignments as well as the application of theory to practice and case studies.
7. Who was your favourite UBC Faculty of Medicine professor?
Dr. Susan Stanton, who was then the Department Head of Occupational Therapy. She taught us our very first Occupational Therapy class on my first day in the Faculty. We were fortunate to have excellent professors throughout our program, but that first impression that she made and the passion that she inspired in me for the profession has stuck with me to this day.
8. Biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Making the decision to open up my own private practice in 1996 was a big risk. At the time, the company that I was working for had been bought out by another larger firm and I was at a pivotal decision-making point in terms of choosing the path to venture off on my own or work for another organization. I decided to start up Optimum Therapy Rehabilitation Services Inc and haven’t looked back since.
9. What advice would you give to current occupational therapy students?
We are so fortunate to have chosen a profession where we can help others and at the same time have the opportunity to work in such diverse areas of practice within the field of occupational therapy. When you graduate from the program, you will embark on another lifelong journey of continuous learning. My learning continues….everyday…..I learn from other healthcare professionals, clients, family members…. I learn through my volunteer pursuits….. I learn from my child….Learning is the fuel that gives you more energy to do what you do. And, whatever you do…give it your full effort!
10. What profession might you have pursued, if not for occupational therapy?
Veterinary medicine. I love animals and had I not been accepted into the Occupational Therapy Program my back up options were to apply to Veterinary Medicine.
11. Name a few of your favourite hobbies and activities
Doing Pilates. I have been practicing Pilates for the past 16 years and find it to be extremely therapeutic in terms of incorporating breathing, relaxation, toning and strengthening into one discipline. I also enjoy volleyball, cycling, spending time on the beach and going on walks with my dog.
12. Bucket List Item?
Assisting in some capacity with an occupational therapy program or project in an under-developed country. When my daughter graduates from high school, I would like to become involved with an organization in this capacity.
Chow recently completed 6 years serving 3 consecutive terms as an elected Board Member for the College of Occupational Therapist of British Columbia where she volunteered on the College’s Continuing Competency and on the Inquiry Committee. Prior to starting her private practice, Chow worked as an OT working for a Psychiatric Outpatient Day Program, and also worked in Orthopaedics, Spinal Cord Injury and Mental Health in Acute Care. Chow has been recognized as an Expert Witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia in the areas of Occupational Therapy and Life Care Planning.
MSAC IMP Opening Celebration
A ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted to inaugurate the MSAC IMP room.
The Island Medical Program opened its doors to its own Medical Student and Alumni Centre on January 30. Located on the 2nd floor of the Coronation Annex at Royal Jubilee Hospital, students and alumni finally have a space to call their own.
The MSAC IMP room features board room style chairs and tables, lounge space to relax, kitchenette and video-conference capabilities. This special room, is a space to study, relax, socialize with classmates and colleagues, connect to others across the province and most importantly, is there to help build a strong community and network that will assist students with their careers in medicine.
MSAC IMP is a social and recreational space dedicated to medical students & alumni. Victoria is the second medical site at UBC to secure a MSAC space, and it is hoped that our students and alumni in Kelowna and Prince George will also have a similar space one day. A lot of hard work went into the creation of MSAC IMP and sincere gratitude is sent to David Hardwick, MD’57, Ian Courtice, MD’84 & Dr. Oscar Casiro (Hon.), as well as the Medical Alumni Association and alumni who continue to support MSAC’s & students annually.
- MSAC IMP Opening Celebration
- MSAC IMP videoconferencing technology
- MSAC IMP lounge
- MSAC IMP lounge
- Dr. Hardwick at the MSAC IMP space
- Inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony
- Remarks given by Dr. Casiro
- MSAC IMP Opening Celebration
- Students and Alumni enjoying the MSAC IMP space
- Students and Alumni enjoying the MSAC IMP space
- Inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony
- Inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony
UBC Run for Rural Medicine 2016
Register for the 12th Annual Run for Rural Medicine! Organized by UBC medical students, all proceeds for the run support Hope Air, a charity that provides free flights for Canadians in need to get to urban centres for medical care.
There will be both a 5K walk/run and a 10K run, as well as prizes and snacks to look forward to following the race!
When: March 19 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
Registration is only $30, so invite your friends/family so do it NOW: https://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=12830
Early bird special: Register before February 20th to receive a free t-shirt
Deadline to register: March 16 2016
Enjoy the scenic waterfront route along Jericho and Spanish Banks beaches in Vancouver while supporting health care in rural communities!
Not a runner but would like to help out?
- Please help help us in supporting Hope Air’s 30th anniversary by donating or raising funds using the “Donate” tab on the registration page above.
- We also need volunteers for race day! This is a great opportunity to get involved with a UBC Faculty of Medicine event. If you are interested please contact ubcmed.ruralrun@gmail.com. Any questions may also be directed to this email.
This run is a partnership between the UBC Faculty of Medicine and the community, so please invite your friends and family!