Leah Kosyakovsky

What attracted you to your field?

I always had a strong sense that I wanted to spend my life making a difference for other people. What I really love about medicine is that you can find meaning in every patient encounter.

In 10 years, what UBC moment will you still be talking about?

There are so many moments. Medical school has changed me in a lot of different ways. These years have given me an appreciation of what it truly means to be a doctor — to be the person who has to figure out what’s wrong, to be the person who has to deliver a treatment that may not work, to be the person who is there for someone when their family member is passing away.

Outside of all the clinical experiences, I really enjoyed exploring my creative side — directing skits for student galas, and partnering with my classmates to start up an a cappella group, known as the FIFE Girls, comprised of female medical students.

What’s next for you?

I will be heading to Toronto this summer to start my residency training in internal medicine! Internal medicine is a broad field that affords you an opportunity to support patients across the entire spectrum. I really enjoy being able to use different diagnostic tools to help uncover underlying medical issues – ultimately it’s about finding the best treatment and giving the best care to patients as possible.

Down the road, I’d like to be a faculty member at an academic institution, where I can combine my passions: supporting patients, conducting cutting-edge research and teaching the next generation. Being able to teach others — to influence how a person is able to see a problem, how they are able to think about medicine, and how they are able to become a better doctor — is a huge privilege. For me, making the most out of my life is about paying it forward.

As you look ahead, what (or who) inspires you?

So many people have inspired me over the years — from great scientists and physicians to the great detectives in the books I loved as a kid. But in the end, it’s been my family. They all inspired me to work hard, and to make the most of every day you have. So much of what drives me came from their example. None of this would have been possible without them.

Name one thing on your bucket list.

I’ve loved writing since I was very young — so much of my interest in science and medicine came from books to begin with! I’d love to be able to write a novel, and hopefully I can draw on my experiences in medicine to build it.