Hometown: Fort St. John, BC
Program: Northern Medical Program
Residency: Rural Family Medicine in Fort St. John
What attracted you to your field?
I was raised in the rural community of Fort St. John in northern B.C., where consistent access to healthcare was a significant challenge. The turning point in my life came when my family was connected to a compassionate and empathetic family doctor. His impact propelled me to choose a career in family medicine, with a specific intent to serve rural and remote communities in our province who face inequitable access to health care.
What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
Among the many enriching experiences at UBC, the one that stands out the most was joining my partner Kim, who is also a graduate of the Northern Medical Program (NMP), for an elective in Haida Gwaii. We were deeply touched by the community’s hospitality and the opportunity to contribute to the opening of the new Skidegate Health Centre. The ingenuity and dedication of the medical professionals there left a lasting impression, and I can’t wait to return to this vibrant community soon.
I want to give special thanks to the Chilliwack Integrated Community Clerkship program director, Dr. Scott Bakker, and the program coordinator, Trudy Sargent, for supporting my path. I also want to thank the entire medical community at the Hope Medical Centre for mentoring and inspiring me to pursue a career in rural family medicine and to become a future rural clinical educator.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
Be true to yourself. Studying medicine can be tough and sometimes you’ll feel worn out. Remember the root reasons why you wanted to do this in the first place – and keep those at the forefront throughout your medical school journey. You got into this program because of your unique story, so hold on to that, especially when things get difficult.
What’s next for you?
While I’ll miss my friends from the NMP, I’m very excited and grateful to be returning to my hometown of Fort St. John for my residency in rural family medicine. It really is a full circle moment!
What are you looking forward to most about the program you’ve matched to and the community you’ll be joining as a future resident?
I’m looking forward to the opportunity and privilege to work and train as a family medicine resident in the community I grew up in. I’m eager to learn from the phenomenal rural clinicians of northern B.C. and give back to the community that raised me and supported me throughout my journey to become a family doctor.