Back to School 2023

I have always enjoyed working with kids and their families. Combine this with my love for medicine, and pediatrics is the perfect fit. The Community Impact stream offers a full range of exposure to general pediatrics with opportunities ranging from small northern and rural communities to tertiary level care at BC Children’s Hospital. The resident group is incredibly supportive, and I am fortunate to have found lifelong friendships through this program. Last but definitely not least, the program directors are truly dedicated to resident learning, allowing residents to pursue opportunities that are advantageous to their training, and are fierce advocates for us all. I’m grateful to be a part of this phenomenal program. B.C. has always been home for me and I hope to one day practice in this province. It is a privilege to be able to give back to this incredible community. Nothing beats the mountain views, proximity to both beaches and snow-capped mountains and the diverse cuisine. Having had the opportunity to explore more of the province during residency training has only reaffirmed that B.C. will always be home! I recently travelled to Haida Gwaii for an outreach trip and fell in love with the culture, views, and beautiful people. I can’t wait to visit again and explore the island further.

A personal health experience inspired me to pursue speech-language pathology at UBC. I was incredibly inspired by all of the healthcare professionals who worked with me and I developed a profound gratitude for healthcare and medical research. I chose to pursue this program because I wanted to help clients overcome barriers to communication. Everyone has the right to participate and be included in communication with others, and I am eager to facilitate clients’ access to the world around them as a future speech-language pathologist. UBC’s School of Audiology and Speech Sciences offers the chance to learn from multidisciplinary faculty. The program provides a strong academic foundation in combination with clinical placements across B.C. to develop knowledge, skills and experience. There are also opportunities to pursue cutting-edge research that will contribute new knowledge to the field and improve the lives of clients. B.C. has beautiful natural landscapes, and I love hiking and trail running. I would love to visit the old growth forest in Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park in the traditional territories of the Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations.

I have always wanted to be part of the solution to health inequities, especially for marginalized and underserved populations. This was my motivation to attain a medical degree and subsequently pursue a public health residency. I thrive in advocacy and leadership endeavours and I’m glad to have found my niche in public health. UBC has become one of my many homes. I have lived in Vancouver for seven years and have been engaged with UBC in various capacities, as a researcher, guest lecturer and most recently as a medical student. I love the beautiful campus and the university’s focus on constant improvement and innovation. I have also witnessed first-hand the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s commitment to improving access and equity for marginalized folks. These are among the many reasons I chose to stay at UBC for my residency program. It’s also a bonus that I met my partner while they were a student here! I am involved in many research endeavors, but there are two I am particularly passionate about. The first is a quantitative and qualitative exploration of the experiences of Black medical students in Canada, in collaboration with the Black Medical Students’ Association of Canada. For the second, I’m investigating the impact of HIV stigma on the lives of Im/migrant women in the Greater Vancouver Area with the Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity. Haida Gwaii! From what I have read and seen it is among the most beautiful spots in B.C. While I’m not experienced in outdoor activities, I do appreciate nature, so the incredible biodiversity on the islands would be amazing to see. Finally, I love learning about history and culture, and the area has been home to the Haida Nation since time immemorial.

I have always loved science, especially learning about the human body throughout my educational career. More importantly, as an Indigenous doctor, I hope to provide culturally safe healthcare. Many Indigenous people share the same experiences with the healthcare system, where they feel that they are not taken seriously or not listened to. Indigenous people deserve culturally safe healthcare, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by having more Indigenous doctors who understand the same lived experiences as their Indigenous patients. Growing up in Vancouver, studying at UBC had always been a dream of mine. The medical program is one of the most renowned in Canada, meaning I would receive excellent training while still being able to remain in the same city as my family and friends. I was lucky enough to do my undergraduate degree here on UBC’s Vancouver campus, and am excited to spend the next four years here in an inclusive and diverse institution. I would definitely go to Haida Gwaii. From what I have seen in pictures and heard from friends, it has gorgeous landscapes, wildlife and rich culture from the Haida Nation. As well, I enjoy hiking and I would appreciate the serene atmosphere that comes with being surrounded by nature.