Celebrating UBC resident doctors and their transformative impact
1,490 UBC resident doctors are providing compassionate care to British Columbians across all corners of the province
In hospitals and clinics across British Columbia (B.C.), 1,490 UBC resident doctors are training in an array of specialties while enhancing care for patients and families in regional, rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
Resident doctors are training in many specialties such as family medicine, emergency and psychiatry and more, while at the same time shaping the future of health care in B.C. Whether it’s delivering life-saving emergency care, enhancing access and support for older adults and remote communities, advancing cutting-edge research or mentoring UBC medical students — their impact is far reaching.
“I am immensely proud of the dedication, enthusiasm and expertise that UBC resident doctors are bringing to patients and families across our province, thanks to the exceptional training and mentorship of thousands of UBC clinical faculty members,” says Dr. Ravi Sidhu, Associate Dean of Postgraduate Medical Education. “Together, they are strengthening communities and ensuring British Columbians have access to first-class medical care, no matter where they live. I would also like to congratulate and express gratitude to all the first-year resident doctors, who have already become invaluable members of their healthcare teams.”
As part of Resident Doctors Appreciation Week, we caught up with a few UBC resident doctors to ask them about their experiences and what the Faculty of Medicine’s vision of transforming health for everyone means to them.
Family Medicine, Rural Immersion, Chetwynd/Tumbler Ridge
Launch
Dr. Yonabeth Nava de Escalante
January 27, 2025
Program: Family Medicine, Rural Immersion
Location: Chetwynd/Tumbler Ridge
Year in Program: 1
What does the Faculty’s vision Transforming Health for Everyone mean to you as a resident doctor?
This vision means improving access to care and addressing health inequalities, especially in Indigenous and rural/remote communities. Our Rural Immersion program provides us with opportunities to become strong rural generalists. This benefits the community, as we can provide a broad range of medical services, therefore reducing the need for specialist referral. I have seen firsthand how much my presence has positively impacted the community where I live. I believe many of us will continue to serve these communities after graduation, which will be instrumental in further transforming our healthcare system into one that is more accessible and equitable for all.
What’s your favourite part about training in the community you’re in?
One of the best parts of training here is the variety of experiences I get in the clinic and the unpredictability of the emergency room. I have learned so much from the collegiality of the physicians, whose teamwork and mutual respect create a supportive environment. The preceptors are amazing — they are always willing to teach, share their expertise and provide guidance in a way that is both encouraging and constructive. Beyond work, the outdoor beauty here is unmatched, especially the Northern Lights. Every time they appear, it is a magical reminder of the incredible place I’m training in.

Internal Medicine, Fraser
Launch
Dr. Rehan Jessa
January 27, 2025
Program: Internal Medicine
Location: Fraser
Year in Program: 1
What does the Faculty’s vision Transforming Health for Everyone mean to you as a resident doctor?
As an internal medicine resident, I have the privilege of caring for patients facing complex health challenges. For me, “Transforming Health for Everyone,” highlights the importance of advocacy, empathy and humility in patient care. As I advance in my training, I recognize that both the field of internal medicine and the needs of my patients will continue to evolve. Committed to lifelong learning, I strive to integrate the latest medical knowledge into my practice, while always considering each patient’s unique background and circumstances.
What’s your favourite part about training in the community you’re in?
Training in the Fraser has been immensely rewarding. Surrey Memorial Hospital, the busiest regional center in the region, consistently provides unique learning and growth experiences. Caring for an aging population with increasing medical complexity has offered exceptional opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary care. The collegial environment at our site, and within the Internal Medicine program, fosters seamless collaboration among primary and specialty care physicians, allied health professionals and trainees. Together, we address diverse patient needs, solve complex medical challenges and nurture a supportive, dynamic learning environment. I am excited to continue serving the Fraser community in the future.

Indigenous Family Medicine, Vancouver
Launch
Dr. Caitlin Geary
January 27, 2025
Program: Indigenous Family Medicine
Location: Vancouver
Year in Program: 2
What does the Faculty’s vision Transforming Health for Everyone mean to you as a resident doctor?
As a resident in the Indigenous Family Medicine site, “Transforming Health for Everyone” means focusing on building meaningful relationships with Elders, communities and patients. It involves respecting Indigenous ways of knowing and integrating these values into Western medicine to create a more holistic approach to health. A key part of this vision is contributing to the decolonization of medicine by challenging systemic inequities and prioritizing trauma-informed, community-centered care. I’m grateful for preceptors in my program who model this approach, demonstrating how to bridge these perspectives to provide compassionate and culturally respectful care.
What’s your favourite part about training in the community you’re in?
My favorite part of training is coming together for our Indigenous site academic gatherings. These gatherings incorporate ceremony, traditional knowledge, community visits and academic activities, all guided by Elders who teach and support us. I also value the flexibility of the program, which allows me to learn in both urban and rural settings, enriching my understanding and skills as a family medicine resident.

Gastroenterology, Vancouver
Launch
Dr. Shirley Jian
January 27, 2025
Program: Gastroenterology
Location: Vancouver
Year in Program: 5
What does the Faculty’s vision Transforming Health for Everyone mean to you as a resident doctor?
To me, “Transforming Health for Everyone” is embodied by the Division’s dedication to patient care, medical education and innovation. As a gastroenterology (GI) fellow in Vancouver, I am trained by an exceptional teaching faculty, whose mentorship extends beyond clinical acumen but also prepares us to teach the next generation of physicians. We are given the foundation and opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and ultimately advance the care that we provide. Most importantly, this all ties back to a shared commitment to providing the highest standard of patient care for all.
What’s your favourite part about training in the community you’re in?
My favorite part about being a GI fellow in Vancouver is my colleagues. Each resident is uniquely inspiring for their incredible academic and personal achievements, from overhauling an academic lecture series or finding time to train for triathlons. From the newfound responsibility in year one to imminent graduation, my cohort has provided each other with endless support and encouragement. Over the years, we have all grown together, both professionally and personally.

Family Medicine, North Okanagan (Vernon and Lumby)
Launch
Dr. Amelia Johnston
January 27, 2025
Program: Family Medicine
Location: North Okanagan (Vernon and Lumby)
Year in Program: 1
What does the Faculty’s vision Transforming Health for Everyone mean to you as a resident doctor?
I am part of the first class of residents in the new North Okanagan Family Medicine program site. As residents, we spend our time in both hospital and community clinics in Vernon and the surrounding communities of Armstrong, Enderby, Lumby and Salmon Arm. Our site’s curriculum focuses on making meaningful connections, seeing family medicine from multiple lenses and promoting health care equity in our community. To me, this is what is means to “Transform Health for Everyone,” and I am so proud to be training, learning and living in the North Okanagan.
What’s your favourite part about training in the community you’re in?
There are a multitude of reasons why I love the North Okanagan, but ultimately my favourite part of training here has been the people I work with. Since the start of my residency, the medical community in Vernon has been so welcoming, and I have grown and learned so much this year thanks to the guidance and support of my preceptors. I am fortunate to have an incredible group of co-residents who make working fun and help make the hard days easier. I am constantly learning from them, and I am proud to be their friend and colleague.

Emergency Medicine, Victoria
Launch
Dr. Max Moor-Smith
January 27, 2025
Program: Emergency Medicine
Location: Victoria
Year in Program: 5
What does the Faculty’s vision Transforming Health for Everyone mean to you as a resident doctor?
Working in the emergency department means meeting people where they are — often on one of the worst days of their lives — and providing the best care possible. Whether it’s reducing pain, addressing a medical condition or guiding patients through a complex healthcare system, we strive to deliver equitable, compassionate care to everyone who walks through our doors. Being part of a team that supports all patients in these critical moments is the most rewarding aspect of being an emergency medicine resident, and how I see ‘”Transforming Health for Everyone” in practice every day.
What’s your favourite part about training in the community you’re in?
The team I work with makes training in Victoria truly outstanding. Our staff physicians create a safe, supportive learning environment where residents can excel. Our nurses and allied health professionals consistently provide compassionate care, even in the most challenging circumstances. My co-residents demonstrate remarkable work ethic and good humour, proving time and again that they will become outstanding physicians. Additionally, despite long wait times and the discomfort or fear our patients may experience, many still take the time to express their gratitude. The people have been my favourite part of training in Victoria.

Impact by the Numbers
The UBC Faculty of Medicine is training more resident doctors to help meet the health care needs of communities across the province today and well into the future.
UBC resident doctors training across the province
Family practice resident doctors who are training in regional, rural, remote and Indigenous communities across B.C.
Specialty & subspecialty postgraduate medical education programs including emergency medicine, medical oncology, gastroenterology and more.
Spotlight
Immersing resident doctors in rural communities
In the first program of its kind in B.C., the UBC Rural Immersion program embeds resident doctors in a single rural community for their entire two-year program. In addition to ensuring continuity of care for patients, the initiative is providing greater equity and access to opportunities for residents to learn and train in their home communities.
Published: February 3, 2025