Tarndeep Chahal

The modern physician is not only a clinician, but also a teacher, researcher and public health advocate. This is what led me to pursue medicine – I struggle to think of any other careers where you can seek to create positive change at both the population and individual level. Medicine is a journey of lifelong learning, problem-solving and advocacy. It’s the art of applying science to an individual, each of whom is the product of their own unique social, cultural, economic and psychological influences. I think that’s one of the coolest things in the world.

UBC was always my dream school, and the Island Medical Program was always my dream program. I remember walking by the Medical Sciences Building as an undergrad student and seeing the incoming class every year with their colourful new backpacks and hoping that would be me one day. I was born and raised in Victoria, so I feel immensely grateful to have the opportunity to learn and study medicine in the place I call home. I hope to practice medicine here in the future and give back to the community that has given me so much.

I would choose Haida Gwaii due to its breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife, but also for its richness in Indigenous culture. I’m drawn there because it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, and to learn and immerse myself in the history, art and traditions of the Haida people that have been passed down through generations.