Program: Indigenous MD Admissions Pathway
Year graduated: 2018
Current position: Year 5 Cardiology Resident at UBC
Location: Vancouver
I was inspired to become a doctor by my grandad, Len Marchand Sr. A former student of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, my grandad grew up at a time when First Nations people were prohibited from practicing sacred cultural ceremonies, hiring a lawyer or even voting in federal elections.
My grandad was one of the first Indigenous people to attend UBC, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture. He went on to fight with the North American Indian Brotherhood for the recognition of basic human rights for Indigenous people and eventually became the first Status Indian Member of Parliament. He dedicated his life and career to the betterment of Indigenous peoples and communities.
His trailblazing inspired my two brothers and me to pursue careers in medicine — an opportunity to effect change in Indigenous communities with a different lens. I hope that through the lessons our grandad taught us, we too can make a difference in Indigenous communities across the province.