Program: PhD Population and Public Health
Year in program: 1st year
Hometown: Penticton, BC
What inspired you to pursue your program?
I have always had an interest in medicine, but was never sure whether I wanted to pursue a clinical degree. After completing my undergrad, I was exposed to epidemiology and health economics and really enjoyed this area of focus. The health system is complicated, and there are challenging decisions to be made by policy makers, and individual patients during clinical encounters. I was interested in improving decision-making at both levels, and the PhD program at the UBC School of Population and Public Health was a natural fit. I was able to get a strong foundation in epidemiology and biostatistics, but also specialize in health economics that seeks to inform policy and patient decision-making.
What are you looking forward to most this upcoming year?
Being done! Thus far, the PhD program has been an extremely rewarding experience (and a fair amount of work). I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel, and look forward to wrapping up all the loose ends that remain and move onto the next chapter.
What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
Most people are surprised to learn that my first name is Michael – I have gone by my middle name for as long as I can remember.
Best piece of advice:
With respect to graduate research, the best advice I received was to carefully choose the people you work with. Obviously, working on a project that inspires you and makes a meaningful contribution is important, but the people involved have a massive impact on how much you enjoy the research, and the final product.
What superpower do you wish you had?
Retractable bone claws, an adamantium skeleton, and the ability to self-heal.
Where in the world would you like to get lost?
I’ve always wanted to visit Patagonia, but have never found the time. Maybe next year?