Every year the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Vancouver Summer Program in Medicine (VSP) attracts students from around the globe.
In 2019, a record number — 634 — participated in the four-week program, which offers undergraduate students an opportunity to study everything from molecular biology to surgery to psychiatry.
Luis Felipe Sanz, a Bachelor of Medicine student from Brazil
For Luis Felipe Sanz, a third-year Bachelor of Medicine student from Universidade Municipal de São Caetano do Sul in Brazil, taking part in the VSP not only meant a chance to experience health and life sciences education at one of the world’s leading universities, but an opportunity to visit Canada’s West Coast and meet other students from around the world.
Meet Luis and learn about his experience in the VSP.
Why did you choose to take part in the VSP in Medicine?
I had never been to Canada, but had heard how beautiful it is, how the people are welcoming and how I must visit since it offers such a different experience from Brazil. I was motivated to come to the University of British Columbia because I know it has a really good medical school.
What kind of social activities did you do with your VSP classmates?
We did a huge tour around Vancouver and every day we went out to eat together, or visited the night market. We also had a pretty diverse group of students from many countries so it was really nice. We talked about different parts of the world, different perspectives and differences in culture.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
The professor and student relationship! I got to know the professors and even after class I had the opportunity to talk with them.
How will this program benefit you in your future?
It was a great opportunity to learn more about healthcare in Canada and even though it’s a bit too early to decide my specialty, I really enjoy the fields of surgery, and anesthesia and emergency medicine.
What advice would you give to someone considering the VSP?
If you want to have a good experience, study and visit a beautiful place, you should definitely participate in the VSP!