Program: MD/PhD Combined Program
Coming from rural northern Alberta, my perspective of the field of medicine was shaped by the lack of access to it. Access to health care remains a challenge in some parts of Canada, and seeing physicians come to practice in and around our community was rare. When it did happen, it was obvious how important it was to families that lived there. Positive experiences with physicians – and the leadership they provide for communities – convinced me that becoming a doctor was what I wanted in a career. I further got the opportunity to get involved in research during my undergraduate degree here at UBC, which allowed me to develop an interest in the basic science of medicine. Luckily, I managed to capitalize on both interests and joined UBC’s MD/PhD program, which has provided me with opportunities to build my leadership, research and clinical skills.
During my third year in medicine, I spent a month in Fort St. James where I was able to join a local clinic that visits surrounding remote First Nations communities. Armed with only a handful of equipment, we performed check-ups for a community two hours into the wilderness. Afterwards, a community member took us on a boat ride up their river to see the wildlife. Being invited into their community to provide care showed me how powerful meeting patients on their own terms, and in their homes can be in strengthening the therapeutic alliance. Experiences like this, combined with the stresses of the pandemic, have transformed how I view opportunities to make health care more accessible to patients.
The MD/PhD program lets you pursue two careers that most people would consider lifetime achievements in and of themselves. The opportunity to learn how to apply clinical medicine across a broad spectrum of diseases, while delving into scientific research, offer an exciting and fulfilling career. To those beginning their career in this program or hope to enter it one day, take advantage of your access to clinical experiences and research opportunities when they arise. You cannot predict what areas of medicine will interest you the most or which project will become the start and focus of your career. Your professional network is an asset that will keep pushing you towards your next success and it is easiest to grow that network while still working on your degrees.
Spending an afternoon at the dog park with my wife and our two chihuahuas.