Program: Island Medical Program
I’m drawn to psychiatry due to the biopsychosocial aspects of practice which emphasize a truly holistic approach to medicine and having the chance to intimately understand my patient and direct treatments based on that. I really fell in love with how my clinical instructors targeted the psychiatric concerns of a patient while also providing resources and therapy for all the other challenges that arise due to mental health illnesses.
I’ve had the privilege of creating an incredible number of fond memories while at UBC, but the first one that comes to mind is the degree of comradery I felt even when we first transitioned to the island. How my colleagues would go to the kitchenette just outside the lecture theatre during our 10-minute breaks to socialize, brew large batches of coffee for everyone, and to find support from an incredible group of people.
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to recognize that medical school shouldn’t be a transition period. Remember to live in the moment and to continue enjoying life in whatever way that might be. Take trips and vacations, go to cafes, and don’t forget about your friends outside of medicine.
Well, I’m headed up to Prince George for my psychiatry residency and looking forward to everything I’ll learn, the relationships I’ll make, and the adventures in store for me!