UBC’s Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science program supports students in gaining practical, hands-on laboratory skills and advanced knowledge of the scientific principles underlying the disciplines practiced in hospital and medical research laboratories around the world.
This spring, 23 BMLSc students will earn their degrees and embark on the next stage of their journey. As part of the Faculty of Medicine’s 2015 Spring Graduation Series, we sat down with three graduates from the Class of 2015 to find out what they enjoyed most about the program, and where they’re headed next.
Jessie Wang
What have you enjoyed most about your experience with the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science program at UBC?
I loved the fact that I could really take ownership of my learning in the BMLSc Program at UBC. The courses were extremely interesting and my professors went beyond the textbook and even beyond the bench to incorporate clinical relevance.
What surprised or challenged you over the course of the program?
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I got out of one third-year class: Modern Microscopy. The class involved quite a bit of theory on light and electron microscopy, but students were also given the opportunity to complete a practical project on a particular tissue – I chose the ovary and fallopian tube. Through this project, I built a strong foundation in ovarian histology and produced a high-quality micrography portfolio, which helped me secure a summer position in an ovarian cancer research lab.
What advice would you offer to incoming students?
Make the most out of cohort learning – collaborate with your peers and have fun together!
What’s next for you?
This summer, I am working under the direction of Dr. David Huntsman, co-founder of the internationally recognized, highly interdisciplinary ovarian cancer research program OVCARE. My project involves assessing changes in cell type and surface marker expression in high grade serous carcinoma – the type of ovarian cancer with the highest death toll.
Brinn Powell
What have you enjoyed most about your experience with the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science program at UBC?
I have really enjoyed the diversity of courses taught within UBC’s Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science program, especially the hematology, histology, toxicology, and pathology courses.
What surprised or challenged you over the course of the program?
I was challenged to learn many new laboratory skills, acquire knowledge in a wide variety of different subjects, write lab reports, and improve my presentation skills. Over the course of the program, I was delighted by the amount of support I received from my fellow students and the program staff.
What advice would you offer to incoming students?
Get to know the other students in your program, and work as a team!
What’s next for you?
After a period of working and volunteering, I plan to apply for medical school and the genetic counseling program.
Xinya Wang
What have you enjoyed most about your experience with the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science program at UBC?
The people: an incredible array of brilliant and inspiring individuals. It has been an amazing opportunity to learn from, and interact with all the program faculty, lecturers, and staff. Additionally, it was an immense privilege to have spent the past two years with the rest of the BMLSc cohort — they have become some of my closest friends and biggest influencers.
What surprised or challenged you over the course of the program?
During interactions with other students and peers, I’ve realized that the title of “Medical Laboratory Science” will frequently lead to a misinterpretation of what the program entails. Many believe that we spend a majority of our time in the lab, learning skills directly relevant to the work of a medical laboratory technologist. It can be a challenge to clarify the specifics of the program, primarily because the BMLSc program is a smorgasbord of various medical disciplines. Going into the program, I did not anticipate such a diversity of experiences. This program has not only helped me to build a strong foundation in numerous areas, such as microbiology, histology, microscopy, histochemistry, and cytogenetics, but develop my personal and professional skills.
What advice would you offer to incoming students?
Be curious, be open, and be appreciative of the journey that you’re about to embark on. But don’t lose sight of the wider campus community — it’s a dazzling and vibrant place, filled with untapped reservoirs of new experiences and learning opportunities (in other words: get involved)!
What’s next for you?
Currently, I’m taking some time to enjoy the void. My next step is still to be determined, but eventually I hope to pursue law school. I’m passionate about women’s health —particularly maternal health — and I also enjoy writing and content creation. I’m undecided in multiple facets, but ultimately excited to see how the future unfolds!