Hometown: Victoria, BC
Program: Island Medical Program
Residency: Emergency Medicine in Victoria
What attracted you to your field?
Healthcare always held a special place in my heart as I grew up watching medical dramas like ‘Scrubs’ with my family. Determined to discover if I truly wanted to work in healthcare, I first worked as an army medic with the Canadian Forces and later studied nursing. These experiences revealed how fulfilling it is for me to work with and care for others, particularly on what are often the worst days of people’s lives.
What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
These past four years have been a rollercoaster: From starting medical school at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and attending classes in-person to dispersing once again as we entered our clinical rotations. Our circumstances changed a lot, however the people – my peers, mentors and faculty – were always incredible with their kindness, support and ingenuity. We bonded over these shared experiences, and I will never forget the amazing virtual social events, camping trips, hikes and parties.
My fondest memory would have to be from our recent graduation celebration, organized by the Island Medical Program student council. After discovering hidden talents at an axe-throwing venue, we all celebrated at a local craft brewery and a mock awards ceremony was held. Each classmate was given an award that specifically referenced endearing traits and shared moments throughout medical school. That evening was truly magical as we reminisced over the past four years. I could not have asked for better classmates.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
First, put simply, you do you! Second, hold on to those hobbies, activities and social connections that bring you joy and will support you through hard times. It wasn’t until I found myself struggling that I appreciated both how easy it is to put off things that ‘fill my cup’ and how important it is to my emotional and physical health to make time for myself. Your future self will thank you for looking after and being gentle with your current self.
What’s next for you?
I am so incredibly excited to be starting an emergency medicine residency in Victoria! This will be a five-year program with the possibility for further training thereafter.
In the meantime, I have three goals before starting residency: Go on a road trip with my fiancé and our dog to explore more of B.C., enjoy lazy days in the sun and convince my dog to join me on the paddleboard, and complete the last of my knitting works-in-progress to clear the slate and be ready for a new year!
What are you looking forward to most about the program you’ve matched to and the community you’ll be joining as a future resident?
Having matched to emergency medicine in Victoria, I am thrilled to train in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and explore the breadth and acuity of emergency medicine. I am so grateful for this opportunity.
I am also looking forward to staying with my family, friends and fiancé in Victoria. Having been raised here, I am privileged to continue working with and giving back to my community. I am also excited to join a close-knit group of residents and continue to learn from my senior residents and supervising physicians who I have worked with and learned from throughout my nursing and medical school training.