BACK TO SCHOOL 2024

Hometown: Valemount, B.C.
Program: Master of Physical Therapy – North
Year in Program: 2

What inspired you to pursue your program?

I was ready for a career change and was dealing with some of my own injuries at the time. A physiotherapist helped change my mindset from thinking that I was broken and going to be living with those injuries forever, to fully believing in my capacity to heal myself.

Injury or pain is not only a neurological signal, but also the interplay between the biological, psychological and social factors surrounding it. Physiotherapists, like all healthcare providers, have the potential to help patients transform their beliefs around healing and overall wellbeing.

Why did you choose UBC?

UBC’s Master of Physical Therapy program in Prince George was an obvious choice for me because of my love for small town living and access to the great outdoors. I really appreciate the small class size and wonderful instructors here. It’s a family that supports one another.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Community placements! This is our chance to put our learning into practice, interact with real people and explore the province.

Hometown: Duncan, B.C.
Program: Island Medical Program
Year in Program: 1

What inspired you to pursue your program?

Living in the Cowichan Valley, I witnessed a lack of respect for Indigenous knowledge, as well as health disparities in our healthcare system. I experienced discrimination as a teenager when I went to a hospital to seek care, only to be racially profiled. I recognize my experience is not unique and that these experiences that Indigenous peoples face, impact the quality of healthcare Indigenous peoples receive in Canada. This passion, along with my education and connections to my community, has motivated my drive for becoming a culturally-informed First Nations physician through UBC’s medical program.

Why did you choose UBC?

My professional goal is to be a First Nations family physician in the Cowichan Valley that is capable of meeting the local and specific needs of my Indigenous community. Being able to be part of the Island Medical Program allows me to learn in my community and stay close to family and friends. Lastly, having completed my undergraduate degree at UBC Vancouver, I am excited to continue being part of a supportive and welcoming community.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to the first week of orientation in Vancouver. It will be exciting to have all of the UBC medical students together as we begin our journey.

Program: MD/PhD
Year in Program: 6

What inspired you to pursue your program?

The MD/PhD program allows me to merge my passion for discovery with my strong desire to improve the lives of patients. Combining medical training with rigorous scientific research, I aim to bridge the gap between the lab and the clinic, translating discoveries to benefit patients. This program offers the perfect platform to cultivate my dual aspirations of becoming a compassionate physician and a pioneering researcher in the future.

Why did you choose UBC?

UBC is an internationally renowned institution where cutting-edge research is performed and there is unprecedented access to research infrastructure. Additionally, the UBC medical school is one of the best in Canada, offering excellent clinical training. On top of all that, Vancouver is such a fun place to live – from the awesome beaches to local mountains, not to mention the amazing craft beer scene, I love living and studying here!

Tell me about your research.

I work with an amazing team in Dr. Sriram Subramaniam’s lab where we visualize proteins in 3D using a technique called cryo-electron microscopy. By firing beams of electrons at samples frozen to nearly -196°C, our team produces detailed structural images of the proteins within human tissue, tumours, bacteria and viruses. Our efforts are focused on accelerating the development of effective therapeutic agents to treat cancer, disorders of the brain and infectious diseases.  My specific research focused on characterizing the structure, function, and vulnerabilities of SARS-COV-2 variant spike proteins during the COVID-19 pandemic

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am completing my final year in the program and am super excited to go through my medical electives, graduate and see where the next phase of my training will take me!

Hometown: Ogun State, Nigeria/Vancouver, B.C.
Program: Vancouver Fraser Medical Program
Year in Program: 3

What inspired you to pursue your program?

From a young age and through my lived experiences, I have always believed that health is a crucial determinant of a good life, much like how poverty significantly impacts well-being. Consequently, I have felt that by addressing someone’s health concerns, I can help them manage at least one factor impacting their ability to live a fulfilling life. Medicine provides me with the ability to do just that.

Why did you choose UBC?

I have lived in Vancouver since I immigrated from Nigeria nine years ago. Over the years I’ve been here, I’ve come to make lifelong friends, met my partner, and I’ve had dear family members also move close by. While I’ve had the opportunity to visit a few other cities in Canada, Vancouver will always be home to me. I went to UBC for my undergraduate degree and felt very supported throughout the entire process. I couldn’t imagine pursuing my medical training anywhere else!

What are you most looking forward to this year?

This year I will be going through my clinical rotations. I’m really looking forward to seeing and doing a lot of what we have learned from lectures in the clinic and hospital setting. Most of all, I’m looking forward to interacting with patients, being a useful member of their care team and supporting them in their times of need.

Hometown: Burnaby, B.C.
Program: PhD Neuroscience
Year in Program: 2

What inspired you to pursue your program?

I had quite a serendipitous journey to neuroscience. I have always been fascinated with understanding the molecular underpinnings of how things work, which initially drove me to pursue a degree in biochemistry during my undergrad degree at UBC.  During my final undergraduate year, I was fortunate enough to complete my directed studies project in Dr. Annie Ciernia’s lab. Her research bridged the gap between neuroscience and biochemistry and was my first introduction to the field of molecular neuroscience. After this experience, I knew I wanted to continue exploring the mysteries of the brain in my future research pursuits.

Why did you choose UBC?

I always knew I wanted to pursue graduate studies but wasn’t sure where that journey would take me. When the pandemic happened during my graduation year, my plans for grad school were momentarily halted. Luckily, I got a job as a research technician in Dr. Mark Cembrowski’s lab. I enjoyed the multidisciplinary lab dynamic and the research being performed, so I decided to stay there for grad school. As for why UBC specifically, I love being close to my family and friends, as well as having access to the ocean and beaches when I feel like taking a break from research.

Tell me about your research.

My project investigates a novel cell in the cortex of the brain, which uniquely expresses a hybrid of genes normally associated with distinct and separate cell types. As this cell has not been documented before, I aim to better understand them using histological, cell culture and viral labeling techniques to describe their structure and connectivity. I hope that by exploring the molecular and cellular aspects of this newly discovered cell type, it will help to determine its function within the brain in both health and disease. 

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am excited to move forward in my research project by employing the novel techniques I’ve learned over the past few years to continue acquiring new data. Additionally, I’m looking forward to completing my comprehensive exam and officially becoming a PhD candidate!

Hometown: Prince George, B.C.
Program: Family Medicine – Rural Immersion, Quesnel
Year in Program: 1

What inspired you to pursue your program?

I feel fortunate to have lived and worked in several small communities across northern B.C. prior to starting medical school. The amazing mentors I met in these communities impacted my life and really fostered my interest in rural family medicine. In medical school, I had numerous rural training experiences that cemented my decision to pursue this as a career. The ability to provide full-scope care while developing relationships with not only your patients but also the community is something I find very meaningful.

Why did you choose UBC?

Being from B.C., I have a strong connection to the province and a desire to contribute to the well-being of its residents. Furthermore, the opportunity to be part of a new family medicine residency program at UBC tailored to rural practice was too exciting to pass up. The chance to receive excellent clinical training while being immersed in a smaller community, fills me with gratitude.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

During my third year of medical school, I spent the entire year training in the community of Fort St. John. While the clinical exposure and hands-on experiences I had were fantastic, what stood out to me most was the ability to forge meaningful relationships and learn from both the healthcare team and the community. I am particularly excited to build similar relationships in a new community and undergo training in the rural environment where I plan to practice.

Hometown: Victoria, B.C.
Program: MSc, Genetic Counselling – Victoria
Year in Program: 2

What inspired you to pursue your program?

As someone who loved genetics and medical sciences from a young age, genetic counselling perfectly aligned with my drive for lifelong learning. Genetics is a constantly evolving field (pun intended) and I am excited to be able to learn and grow with it. The genetic counselling values of patient autonomy and education resonated with me equally. The challenge of being able to meet every patient where they are at and explore their values and emotions to help them move forward in the best way for them, is an aspect of genetic counselling that has been the most rewarding so far.

Why did you choose UBC?

UBC’s genetic counseling program was perfect for me both in location and program format. The emphasis on clinical experiential learning aligned with my learning style. Additionally, the well-rounded curriculum of research and coursework made me feel confident to enter the field prepared. The location of Vancouver offers hiking, biking, backpacking, kayaking and cultural experiences year-round, which are all things that were important to me to maintain my mental health while in a challenging program.

Tell me about your research.

For individuals with a genetic condition that increases their risk of ovarian cancer, removal of their ovaries can be an effective way to reduce their risk. However, doing so causes immediate menopause (surgical menopause) which can have negative impacts on quality of life and health. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for menopause symptoms, however, many patients report seeing contradictory safety information in the media and experience fear of long-term health effects of HRT. My research aims to explore the experience of people when deciding to use HRT to treat surgical menopause with an aim to improve patient resources and counselling for HRT.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

As the first cohort in UBC’s genetic counselling program in Victoria, I am looking forward to learning in a new environment and learning from the amazing genetic counsellors on Vancouver Island. I am eager to grow and feel more independent as I complete this last year to become a board eligible genetic counsellor. I am also looking forward to welcoming in the cohort of 2024, reuniting with my amazing classmates and making more lasting memories. 

Hometown: Surrey, B.C.
Program: Internal Medicine – Fraser
Year in Program: 1

What inspired you to pursue your program?

My inspiration to pursue a career in medicine began with my own experiences as a patient, sparking a deep interest in understanding and improving health. Through my experiences in medical school, this evolved into a passion for internal medicine, where I found balancing acute medical emergencies with managing complex cases incredibly satisfying. The field’s broad and dynamic nature, combined with opportunities for teaching, has further fueled my commitment. I know residency will be a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I’m excited to learn, grow and see where this path takes me.

Why did you choose UBC?

UBC has become my home away from home. From my home in Surrey, B.C., I commuted to campus knowing I would receive an outstanding education and connect with inspiring peers and mentors. I was fortunate to match to UBC’s new Internal Medicine Residency program in the Fraser and am excited to be in its first cohort. I’m passionate about working in this region and giving back to the community that shaped me. Residency is undoubtedly challenging but being close to family and friends means I’ll have the support I need. Nothing beats homemade paneer tikka masala.

Tell me about your research.

My research interests are broad and stem from the patients and stories I encounter. I’ve conducted research on diabetes and celiac disease, identifying a gap in knowledge about managing these two complex conditions. Additionally, I examined the use of semaglutide (e.g., Ozempic) for liver disease, given its popularity for diabetes and weight loss. Currently, I’m working on a project focused on addiction medicine, aiming to develop more effective, culturally sensitive interventions for those struggling with substance use. My goal is to bridge gaps in healthcare knowledge and improve patient outcomes through targeted research.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

This year, I am most looking forward to my role as a resident doctor, where I will have significant responsibility and the opportunity to take care of patients directly. Additionally, I am excited to be part of the first cohort of UBC’s new Internal Medicine program in the Fraser. This unique opportunity allows me to help its growth from the ground up. Being a part of a new program is incredibly rewarding, and I am eager to see the program grow in the future.

Hometown: Surrey, B.C.
Program: MSc Speech-Language Pathology – Victoria
Year in Program: 1

What inspired you to pursue your program?

After witnessing the pivotal role speech-language pathology (SLP) had in a family member’s recovery and rehabilitation, I knew I wanted to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing communication challenges. Amalgamating three of my passions – language, people, and science – I appreciate how clinical practice in SLP is built on scientific research, yet practitioners need to continuously adapt their interventions to align with their client’s individual values and goals.

Why did you choose UBC?

UBC’s School of Audiology and Speech Sciences program is recognized for its excellence in clinical and research training. The program offers a strong academic foundation combined with real-world clinical experience through various internships across B.C. There are also opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research, allowing you to expand the breadth of professional practice and quality of care for clients.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I have been to many beautiful places in B.C. but have yet to visit Tofino. I have always been drawn to its natural beauty, rich culture and stunning coastal landscapes. I would love to explore the hiking trails and local shops. It is definitely on my list of things to do while on Vancouver Island.

Hometown: Kelowna, B.C.
Program: Southern Medical Program
Year in Program: 3

What inspired you to pursue your program?

About five years ago, I volunteered as a practice patient for the Southern Medical Program here in Kelowna. I was amazed at the seemingly endless knowledge the first-year students had and was curious about the interpretation of their physical exams. I found myself trying to learn more about their clinical skills when I went home after volunteering. I’ve always known that I wanted to work in a job where I would have the opportunity to meet and help many different people, and where I’d always need to learn new things. And, those patient volunteering sessions set me in the right direction!

Why did you choose UBC?

I knew that I wanted to live in Kelowna to be close to friends and family. My support network is important to my success, and I have a community of people here who I can rely on when I feel like I need it. UBC is also a renowned program for its teaching and innovation, so that was a bonus.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I cannot wait to start clinical placements. I am excited to build my skillset and learn from the kind and skillful practitioners here in Kelowna. I am also particularly excited for my rural family practice rotation, where I can experience medicine in another part of B.C.

Hometown: Surrey, B.C.
Program: Master of Occupational Therapy – Fraser
Year in Program: 2

What inspired you to pursue your program?

After my undergrad degree, I was able to connect with many occupational therapists (OT) who shared the unique and impactful contribution occupational therapy has made in healthcare. As someone who values opportunities for lifelong learning and helping others fulfill their potential in a meaningful way, I saw myself growing with this vibrant community. Being an OT means journeying closely and intentionally with those you have the privilege of working with. Since every therapeutic experience is unique to every patient’s story, there will never be a dull day as an OT. This excites me and continues to motivate me in my studies.  

Why did you choose UBC?

At the time I was applying for my Master’s program, I had a friend in UBC’s Master of Occupational Therapy program who spoke highly of the incredibly supportive faculty and staff that prioritized the well-being of their students. During that year, UBC also announced that the program was expanding to the Fraser, which is much closer to my home and the community I have grown to love. Knowing that I can have a positive learning experience while being a part of a new team of OTs in the Fraser region made UBC a top choice for me.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

As second year learners, we get to have three more clinical placements before graduation. For me, fieldwork has been a positive experience and I am looking forward to exploring more OT skills and learning from my future colleagues and patients. 

Hometown: Courtenay, B.C.
Program: Master of Health Administration
Year in Program: 2

What inspired you to pursue your program?

I had been working in laboratory services on Vancouver Island since 2006 and saw a huge shift over the last five years that was impacting the delivery of care. This was mainly due to environmental disasters, public health emergencies and other workforce challenges. I wanted to further my education and gain a better understanding of the healthcare system to continue progressing on my leadership journey and find ways to make a difference. The UBC MHA program meant I could keep working while enhancing my knowledge, so I’m able to take my learnings back and apply them in real time.

Why did you choose UBC?

I looked into several programs across Canada and kept coming back to UBC because of its strong reputation. As healthcare leaders, we are facing many complex issues and a locally based MHA program framed around our current realities was an obvious choice. I completed my undergrad degree independently through distance education, so the cohort model and opportunity to learn with, and from, other professionals from across B.C. appealed to me immensely. It’s a bit of a trek to get to the UBC Vancouver campus from Courtenay, but the experience is totally worth it and I’m glad I made the decision.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Graduating, of course! I’ve enjoyed the material we’ve covered to date, and there have been some amazing instructors and guest lecturers from various organizations around the province. I’m looking forward to what this year has in store for us and building on the knowledge from last year. Also, our cohort is awesome, so it’ll be fun to reconnect with my classmates for year two!

Hometown: Richmond, B.C.
Program: Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
Year in Program: 4

What inspired you to pursue your program?

I wanted to pursue the medical laboratory sciences program as I had always enjoyed wet lab and hands on learning experiences more than traditional theory-based learning that took place in classrooms with hundreds of students. The specialized selection of courses, such as histology and human pathology, definitely drew my attention to this program. I realized that the small cohort size would give me the perfect opportunity to enjoy more lab work with a tight-knit community while pursuing my dreams of working in the healthcare system.

Why did you choose UBC?

I chose UBC because of its prestigious academic reputation, innovative research and work opportunities, and stunning campus. I visited the UBC campus when I was younger to walk around and enjoy the views of the different architectural designs of department buildings and the Rose Garden. During high school, previous graduates returned to visit and shared their experiences at UBC, which sparked my interest in pursuing my studies here. Additionally, attending UBC allowed me to stay close to home and keep in touch with my pets, friends, family and the community I grew up in.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to continuing my last year of undergraduate studies with my close-knit and supportive BMLSc cohort and professors while making more core memories as we work through the semesters together. I am very excited to learn and practice the various components of laboratory medicine which are incorporated into our courses such as hematology, immunopathology, toxicology, and many more. Lastly, I am most looking forward to, as well as nervous about, starting a new chapter of my life and seeing where my pursuit of education will lead me after graduation.

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Program: Pediatrics – Victoria
Year in Program: 4

What inspired you to pursue your program?

I am honoured for the opportunity to look after the children and families of Vancouver Island and British Columbia.  As a pediatrician I get to make longitudinal relationships with families, impact the trajectory of child and adolescent health for the rest of their lives, and treat a wide range of patients from premature infants to young adults.

Why did you choose UBC?

I chose UBC due to its dedication to distributed learning and rural exposures. The Vancouver Island program has allowed for amazing one-on-one experiences with preceptors, longitudinal exposure to pediatric subspecialties and excellent exposure to community pediatrics. Paired with our time at BC Children’s Hospital, the program is one-of-a-kind in Canada for excellent distributed community training with wonderful exposure to the wide breadth of  pediatric medicine.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am most looking forward to finishing my licensing exams, completing my general pediatrics residency, and enjoying the remainder of my time in beautiful Victoria, B.C. with my wonderful wife.

Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.
Program: MSc Audiology
Year in Program: 2

What inspired you to pursue your program?

I have always been drawn to healthcare due to my passion for biology and my desire to help others. Frequent ear infections during my childhood sparked my interest in studying hearing. This interest was further deepened when I witnessed an older family member struggle with age-related hearing loss, which led to significant social isolation. Effective communication is critical at all stages of life. Pursuing audiology allows me to support individuals with their listening needs and enhance their ability to connect with the world around them.

Why did you choose UBC?

Choosing to attend UBC was an easy decision for me. UBC is one of the few institutions in Canada, and the only one in British Columbia, that offers a graduate program in audiology. The UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences offers students opportunities to engage in research, gain theoretical knowledge and develop clinical skills. The campus is beautiful and provides numerous spaces for studying. Since I am from Vancouver, the location of the campus allows me to remain close to my support network of family and friends.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

My studies have provided me with a solid theoretical foundation in audiology over the past year. This year I am looking forward to delving deeper into my studies. In particular, I am most excited to learn more about pediatric audiology, especially now that I have gained hands-on clinical experience through summer placements. Additionally, my cohort and I are looking forward to attending the Canadian Academy of Audiology Conference, which will be a valuable opportunity for us.