The Faculty of Medicine has earned an international reputation over the past decade by extending its medical education program to all corners of British Columbia. Now its first faculty member, Sydney Friedman, has created a scholarship to broaden the school’s reach beyond provincial lines.
“As connected as UBC has become, there is always room to learn more from other parts of Canada and the world,” Dr. Friedman says. “I, along with my late wife and fellow medical educator, Constance, always thought graduates should get some outside influence – it’s a big world out there. And maybe they don’t come back. It doesn’t matter, because they are bringing UBC’s name outward. So she would have been pleased to know we are helping to make UBC better connected, and more recognized in the world of academic medicine.”
The Constance Livingstone-Friedman and Sydney Friedman Foundation has pledged $100,000 per year for five years for two to four health sciences graduate students and medical residents to travel outside western Canada to work with international leaders in their field. As trainees learn new approaches and theories, they will simultaneously extend UBC’s influence and reputation around the world.
“I subscribe to Science and Nature and I see references to UBC, so we’re recognized,” says Dr. Friedman, who helped build the Faculty as Head of the Department of Anatomy from 1950 to 1981. “I’d like to see UBC become an even greater international school, and the Friedman Scholars will help lead the way.”
“This is the most exciting program for graduate and post-graduate learners I’ve seen yet,” says Peter Leung, Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Education, who is overseeing the adjudication process. “We’re seeing incredible levels of interest from students and residents, with a remarkable breadth of projects.”
The first Friedman Scholars will begin their placements in 2014.
“Dr. Friedman continues to show tremendous vision for the future of our medical school,” says Gavin Stuart, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and UBC’s Vice Provost, Health. “The Friedman Scholars program will support our most outstanding scholars as they pursue well-rounded training in an increasingly globalized medical landscape.”
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