Tuum Est!
Graduation 2020

At the core of why I chose to study population and public health is the opportunity to do my part in making the world a more equitable place. The ability to dedicate myself to a career that is centred on improving the health of populations is really exciting and inspiring. I appreciate the lens through which population health functions – health is greatly influenced by interrelated conditions and structures that go beyond the individual.

I will say the sum of all the moments with the incredible and talented individuals that I was able to meet during my time as a graduate student. The opportunity to constantly learn and grow alongside peers that pushed me throughout the entire program is something that I will carry forward with me. Moments of celebration, such as grabbing a celebratory beer at Koerner’s pub with classmates after our statistics and epidemiology exams, and moments connecting with nature, such as enjoying the beautiful outdoors with classmates, were also very special.

The commitment, compassion, strength and work of all those that came before me, is occurring alongside me and will continue beyond me. I am constantly in awe of the work that has been done by public health professionals and advocates in the field. While there is still much work to be done, it is the vision and commitment of so many individuals that inspires me to continue to push boundaries and strive for better.

The fresh air during a morning or evening run.

There are so many things I hope will change as a result of COVID-19. For one, it has really showed the need for an increased emphasis on population and public health and prevention. Also, the outbreak has not been experienced in the same way by all. It has highlighted many of the existing faults in our structures and compounded the vulnerabilities of some members of our communities. From these highlights, I hope that there is action taken towards a more equitable and sustainable way of living. I also hope that this period of slowing down shows us that there are alternative priorities to strive for that emphasize collectivism and sustainability at macro, meso and micro levels.

I am currently working with a local community clinic, Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op, as a mobile clinic program coordinator. I am not entirely sure what will come after that, but I know that I want to apply the skills and perspectives that I have learned throughout my MPH at UBC to contribute to diminishing the health inequities in our communities.

I never thought about a career in medicine until the final years of my Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). I was trying to figure out what the next steps in my career would be when my auntie suggested I should be a doctor. At first, I laughed because I thought she was joking. It had never occurred to me that I, an Indigenous girl from a small northern B.C. reserve, could be a doctor. It’s not something I had ever seen or even heard of growing up, but I decided to look into it, so I joined the Pre-Med Club at UNBC and began volunteering weekly at the Prince George Hospital.

After graduation, I got a job working as a Medical Office Assistant at the Central Interior Native Health Society (CINHS) working with the Indigenous and disadvantaged population of downtown Prince George. I watched so many people change their lives under the compassionate care of CINHS with its interdisciplinary team and culturally-inclusive approach. The amazing staff and incredible patients changed me forever, both professionally and personally. And they clarified and confirmed my dreams – I wanted to work primarily in medical care, but I also want to dedicate my life to education and advocacy with regards to the issues faced by my people and our communities.

In first year, I participated in a research project with Dr. Sarah de Leeuew and a few second-year students. They were looking into the impact cultural exposure opportunities could have on improving relationships between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples, especially in the medical system. The purpose was to facilitate immersive learning experiences for medical students in the homes and communities of First Nations families in Northern B.C. and to critically evaluate this teaching/learning strategy in cultivating awareness, sensitivity and competency in medical students as future care providers. For this, my family and I volunteered to bring two medical students with us home to Hagwilget that summer for my cousin’s funeral feast. We wanted to show them how our communities come together to support each other, whether it be in loss or in celebration. We hosted the students for the weekend in my grandfather’s home in our village and included them in our traditional feast, introduced them to our chief and community members, showed them historical landmarks/locations, and told them our traditional stories and teachings.

It was such an honour for my family and I to have students who were so eager and open-hearted to learn about our traditions, history, and people. Both students have since become good friends of mine and have continued to be involved in Indigenous health in their careers – one as a general practitioner working at CINHS and the other in her psychiatry residency in Prince George.

While I feel fortunate to have been raised on my father’s traditional territories, it was not without its hardships. Life on reserve meant that my childhood was influenced by culture, traditions, and history, but it was also impacted by the legacy of colonization and all of its implications such as poverty, alcoholism, drugs and violence. When I was just four years old I lost my cousin Tammy to suicide just months before she was set to graduate high school. This was the first time I heard the words “depression” and “suicide”, but it certainly wouldn’t be the last. Losing her impacted me tremendously and I vowed that her death would not be in vain and that we would never forget her love and life.

Growing up I often wondered what our lives would be like if someone was able to recognize the signs of her struggles and if she received the help that she so desperately needed. Her loss, along with my life and work with Indigenous and marginalized populations, inspired me to pursue a career in mental health. Being trusted with someone’s story and walking alongside them on their healing journeys is such an honouring and humbling experience. I am continually inspired by the resiliency of people, families, and communities who have faced so much yet continue to not only survive, but often thrive in the face of such adversities. And for those who are lost in their pain and struggles, I want to walk alongside them as well and honour wherever they are on their paths. My wish would be for no one to struggle without being at least seen, heard, and understood. Over the years, the stigma of mental health has improved quite a bit, but we still have a long way to go. I look forward to being a part of this change and growth in the field of mental health.

Being in nature is one of my greatest joys, especially being anywhere in, on, or near water. If I can see it, feel it, or hear it, I am at peace. Water has always been one of my most grounding and recharging forces. I have an amazing partner Allison and two incredible step-kids who also enjoy my passion. We love to walk along the river, swim in the lake, explore the ocean, and find streams, ponds, or waterfalls.

A lot has changed as a result of these completely unprecedented times. Personally, I will never again take for granted the simple things, like hugging my parents and nieces, enjoying family gatherings, and connecting with friends. On a global scale, I hope priorities shift so that proper resources and expertise can be allocated to monitor, prevent, and respond to future global outbreaks using the experiences from this outbreak. In school, I hope they explore different ways of online learning and teaching that allow for more flexibility with people of different learning styles (e.g. auditory learners versus visual or didactic). In medicine, I hope this experience opens up avenues for more flexibility, creativity, and effectiveness for telemedicine when appropriate.

I matched to the UBC psychiatry program in the Vancouver Fraser Medical Program. My heart smiles knowing I will be fulfilling my dream (and I truly believe, my destiny) to be a psychiatrist and serve within my home territories of British Columbia. I have a special interest in trauma, both childhood and inter-generational, and all that it can lead to, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, suicide, and addictions.

My goal is to work with Indigenous and other marginalized populations, especially given the painful history of colonization that still impacts the health of many individuals, families, communities, and nations to this day.

My hope is to become a bridge, to help build connection, trust, and congruency between Indigenous peoples and the medical community while continuing to be an advocate for mental health and Indigenous wellness. I am excited to start on my career path and hope to come back to Northern B.C. as soon as I am able. I dream of practicing primarily based in Prince George, where I have lived and worked for over 20 years now, while also outreaching to remote Indigenous communities. I would especially love to return to my home community of Hagwilget/Hazelton one day and hopefully act as a role model to our Indigenous youth, encouraging them to overcome their struggles and pursue their dreams, whatever it may be. Never dreamed you could be a doctor? Well, I’m here to show you that you can.

Read more about Randi’s journey in an article from the Prince George Citizen here.

Obstetrics and gynecology is an amazing and important specialty that brings together women’s health advocacy, surgery, acute medicine, and individualized patient care. There is an incredible breadth in the discipline that provides ample opportunity for me to find my clinical niche and apply myself in research and teaching. As obstetricians, we have the privilege to be a part of a momentous milestone as families begin a new chapter in their lives. I am excited to join the outstanding faculty and residents at UBC’s OBGYN program, who are leaders in championing women’s health, research, and teaching in this field!

I have been fortunate to be a part of the UBC community for 10 years. I completed both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health at UBC. My favorite moment was definitely getting the email from the UBC Faculty of Medicine that I had been admitted into their MD program. Being part of the Faculty of Medicine has given me opportunities to participate in research, build community within the MD program, and engage in healthcare advocacy projects.

With the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, I have been inspired by the bravery and selflessness of our front-line workers. Healthcare staff are working hard to keep Canadians healthy despite considerable risks to their own health. It is important to remember the first responders keeping our communities safe and essential workers keeping our cities functional and grocery stores stocked.

The simple things in life are underrated, aren’t they? I love exploring the rich culinary diversity our city has to offer and trying new recipes in my kitchen!

The COVID-19 outbreak is complex and unprecedented in the modern age. One thing that will emerge is that society will find innovative ways to adjust to a “new normal” for many aspects of our day-to-day lives. I am excited about innovative changes coming to medical education at the UBC Faculty of Medicine. The faculty has embraced new technology to facilitate virtual learning and revitalized many aspects of our curriculum, improving accessibility and flexibility. The student feedback on these changes has been very positive and I am hopeful that as we return to normal, the innovative enhancements to our program will remain!

I’m looking forward to starting residency and continuing my involvement in the UBC Faculty of Medicine community!

I want to contribute to my community, affect positive change, and empower others to pursue wellness. Family medicine stood out to me for its great diversity of practice, the opportunity to develop longitudinal relationships with my patients, and the flexibility to adapt my career over time.

I have many memories with my classmates—who have become family—at the Island Medical Program. A highlight for me was our yearly class trips to Tofino, which was filled with beaches, surfing, and tacos.

I have continuously been inspired by the patients who have shared their stories with me and contributed to my education. I’m also inspired by the many passionate and dedicated physicians who adapt their practice and advocate for improved health access to provide the best care for their patients.

I love the ocean. Spending time exploring new areas by kayak and walking along the beach both bring me joy.

I will be starting a rural family medicine residency program in Campbell River. I am extremely grateful to continue my training in my home community. I look forward to practicing in small communities, providing a full-scope of care to my patients.

The ability to solve complex problems from the ground up is what fascinates me about scientific research. From the time I was young, I have always been interested in basic sciences and was always curious as to why things functioned a certain way. It was the transition into the BMLSc program that solidified my interests in both the field of science research and medicine. My curiosity for human diseases and interests in medical sciences made the BMLSc program a perfect fit for me and fortunately, the small class size was the extra icing on top of the cake.

The last two years have allowed me to learn in an environment where I was surrounded by brilliant and kind individuals in my graduating cohort. Everyone was true to themselves and showed up powerfully with candor. Our cohort demonstrated what it means to be a support system. We relied upon one another and we found our ways to hold each other high. Together, we fostered an environment that drove inspiration, innovation and leadership. It was this support system that eased any feelings of stress and I can only thank my classmates for giving me the best experience an undergrad student can ask for.

I want to take this moment to acknowledge and celebrate my graduating class, members of the BMLSc community and my mentors, for their continuous support and leadership.

Every day I am inspired by individuals who express strong leadership skills and are leaders in their community who translate their core values into their everyday practice. These leaders are selfless, take the time to prioritize their team, and understand that success is driven collectively. They also value mentorship and the development of others, and have a strong vision while being open to possibilities. They inspire others to take action to drive radical change, but most importantly, they model what it means to be grounded in their core values.

A good charcuterie board. Well, food in general. For me, joy comes from both the physical process of eating and doing so with others. Food is a special aspect to many people and cultures, and having an opportunity to share that with others is significant. You’ll be surprised, but you can tell a lot about someone based on how they create a charcuterie board.

A reassessment of our values. An noticeable impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is the disruption to our daily routine. We often find ourselves caught in endless decision-making and the need to be constantly busy. I believe this isolation will create an opportunity to allow for mindfulness and allow people to slow down and appreciate the less obvious moments in life. This reassessment could show up in the form of changes in behaviours, shifts in perspectives and attitudes.

In September, I will start my Master of Applied Sciences in Biomedical Engineering at UBC under the co-supervision of Dr. Kelly McNagny and Dr. Don Sin.

I was drawn to the holistic approach of midwifery, which balances medical care with support during the emotional and psychosocial experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. I also found it appealing that midwives can have such dynamic roles on the health care team, from assisting at cesarean sections, to supporting new parents with breastfeeding challenges, to catching babies at planned home births, and everything in between. Every day is a little bit different. It is so rewarding to embrace a career full of challenges and opportunities for problem-solving, as well as bountiful moments of joy.

It’s not really a moment, but a big highlight of the program for me was being part of a small community comprised of my cohort classmates (and future colleagues!). Although we spent a lot of our time communicating by webcam and phone since we were placed in practicums throughout the province, I still always felt connected to my peers and am grateful for the relationships we were able to create.

I am inspired by the midwives who are working hard to establish midwifery practices in their provinces and communities across Canada!

A large mug (or two) of my favourite Earl Grey tea.

I hope that COVID-19 is a humbling reminder to all of us about the importance of a collective effort in protecting our most vulnerable community members. It’s the little things that can make a huge difference.

I will begin my career as a Registered Midwife working at Bloom Community Midwives, serving families throughout Vancouver!

I was always fascinated with genetics – a field that attempted to explain the basis of my existence, determined illness, and acted as a target for treatment. Along with my interest in communication, I couldn’t help but imagine being part of a meaningful, dynamic, and psychotherapeutic profession that supports individuals and families during some of their most intense hardships.

Nothing will compare to the genuine (and sarcasm-filled) lifelong friendships I formed with my six beautiful classmates.

Dr. Jehannine Austin is a special inspiration for me. In today’s world it can be easy to conform to our environment. My conversations with Dr. Austin have helped empower me in two ways: first, to never settle – to mindfully choose, curate and contribute to environments that support collective growth and well-being, and second, always prioritize my mental health so I can genuinely support others.

A Big Mac, hands down!

COVID-19 has taught me that even under the most difficult circumstances, humans are able to adapt and rise above to support one another. From voluntary adherence to preventative measures, recognizing underappreciated front-line and service workers, virtual graduations, government funding, to humorous online memes, COVID-19 has put into perspective the many things we can take for granted. I hope in the future we let our guards down, be kinder, and have greater appreciation for one another.

I have always been interested in basic cell and molecular biology, and I found a lab that allowed me to study this in the context of pancreas development and regeneration. In addition, I was attracted to the lab because I had a high degree of autonomy in developing my own experiments and ultimately projects.

Meeting all the fantastic, highly intelligent people throughout my PhD program and developing many-long lasting friendships were obviously great moments. However, there is nothing that can compare to the feeling you get from finally getting your experiment to work after years of effort. In my case, it took more than two years of developing and trying to build this certain model. That moment I realized it worked definitely was the most memorable because I finally realized my hard work paid off.

I have always been inspired by those that know exactly what they want to do. I have recently decided to change careers to explore a new path, and I am enjoying the process of learning, trying new things, and developing new skills.

Listening to a good audiobook during early morning jogs. While I cannot say I derive pleasure from running, the boost of endorphins after the run and the feeling that I have already accomplished something first thing in the morning makes the exercise worth it.

I think COVID-19 has really shattered ‘physical’ borders in the sense that people are still being productive without having to be present in the physical workspace. I hope this change stays after the lockdown eases and encourages people, universities, and businesses to consider opportunities outside of where they are located.

What I value most in medicine is the interaction between the physician and the patient, and family medicine allows for that longitudinal supportive relationship. I enjoy preventative health and knowing patients in the context of their community. I always knew rural family medicine was the right fit for me. I want to be part of a small community, take advantage of all the wonderful outdoor activities in our province, and have a full scope of practice.

Some of my favourite moments include mountain biking, ski hut potlucks, backpacking trips, epic food Fridays and our class trip to Hawaii. My favourite academic experience was doing a family medicine elective in the small town of Kimberley.

My classmates inspire me. I see their enthusiasm, skills, knowledge and humanity, and that allows me to strive for those characteristics within myself.

Mountain biking on a sunny day with a group of friends.

I’ll be practising rural family medicine in the Kootenay Boundary Program! My training will split between Trail, Castlegar and Nelson. I will be learning from rural physicians and living in an outdoor paradise.

I grew up with the most wonderfully supportive grandfather, who loved me unconditionally. Sadly, when I was a teenager, he developed dementia and was eventually placed in long term care. Witnessing the struggles that both him and my grandmother went through inspired me to volunteer in multiple positions involving senior’s health. In working with the elderly, I realized how much I loved listening to their stories and how important it was for me to find a job where I could support them. This naturally led me to geriatrics.

I have been at UBC since 2004! When I think of all my experiences, I think the day I graduated with my medical degree was the most special. My family came out from Saskatoon and that day was beautiful. Spring days at UBC are always beautiful with all the rhododendrons in bloom, but this day was particularly unique.

I am inspired by the incredible strength of the people and the families that I meet. I have met people with over 100 years of lived experience, telling me personal stories of the war, their work, and their travels. Being a doctor is a privilege on so many levels but being able to witness the resourcefulness and resilience of people firsthand is a true honour.

I adore being outdoors. Whether it is bird watching or hiking up mountains, every time I go exploring, I experience something new.

I hope that this offers an ability to reflect on how we care for our elderly people. We have seen in the news how affected our elderly population has been by this outbreak and I hope we can use this as an opportunity to optimize provision of care.

As of July 1, 2020, I will graduate from my fellowship and finish my nine years of medical training. I will be a fully trained geriatrician and I plan to practice in the Lower Mainland. More importantly I want to teach medical students some of the important lessons I have learned while training at UBC.

I always knew I wanted to pursue a science-focused career. My favorite subjects have always been math, sciences, and anything related to computers. When I was graduating from high school, I had many options and it was difficult to decide which program I wanted to pursue. I ended up choosing biomedical engineering as I felt this field satisfied my curiosity for science, while simultaneously giving me the opportunity to create inventions that could have a direct positive impact on many people’s lives.

I really enjoyed having brunches after early morning classes with my Engineers in Scrubs classmates.

One of my strongest motivators is the feeling of gratification that comes from solving a challenging problem, especially if it involves helping people and sharing that knowledge. I am also inspired by the overwhelming creativity I encounter while reading academic literature.

A small pleasure I enjoy is playing with my kitten Leo!

I hope governments will become more proactive in preparing for future outbreaks by having contingency plans in place for isolating the disease and being more prepared for the economic fallout. By being prepared, governments can act faster and share information in a more timely manner.

As a scientist and engineer, I believe that technology can play a major role in helping to fight and prevent future outbreaks, and I hope that research in technologies such as vaccines, automation, and ethical monitoring equipment is accelerated by investments.

Additionally, the lockdown has positively impacted the environment by reducing carbon emissions, and I hope that this positive trend continues. Finally, I hope we will be better prepared for toilet paper shortages in the future.

Prior to medicine I worked as an ICU nurse at the University Hospital of Northern BC. I loved nursing – primarily the hands-on aspect, critical-thinking and patient advocacy. I knew with medicine I could employ all of these skills, expand my knowledge and have more agency over the care of my patients. I began my pursuit of medicine after five years of nursing and am so happy I did.

My favourite moment was the first day welcome from the NMP faculty and admin staff in Prince George. I was so nervous at the time but felt so welcomed by everyone and I was excited to meet my peers. Looking back, I am so grateful to have been introduced to such amazing people who have supported me along the way. The NMP has gone above and beyond for its students. I have also been lucky enough to find lifelong friends in my peers.

There is no one person or thing that inspires me! Everyone in the health care system, from physicians to nurses to patients inspire me every day. It is humbling to get to be a part of it all.

Knowing I’m moving closer to home! I can’t wait to be nearer to family and friends and continue my pursuit of medicine in Northern B.C.

I will be starting my Family Practice residency in Terrace, B.C. in July.