As the IMP Class of 2027 finishes its first full month of medical school, we’d like to introduce you to a few members of the class.
Audrey Esemezie (she/her)
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
For the majority of my life, I had been relatively healthy. But at the age of 17, I developed a debilitating autoimmune illness. My illness led me to my current specialist physician, who dramatically improved my quality of life, gave me hope, and advocated for me. I have always been enamored by science but living with a chronic illness evoked a desire to give other patients the same hope and relief I received from my doctor and treatments. As a Canadian originating from Nigeria, I am also aware of the disproportionate representation of racialized individuals in the healthcare system and the barriers to medicine many racialized patients experience. I wanted to join the important fight to delineate these healthcare inequities.
Why did you choose the IMP / UBC?
Having lived in Ontario for the past 12 years, I felt that it was time to start a new chapter in my life. While attending information sessions about the UBC MD Undergraduate Program and the IMP, I was moved by how students and faculty spoke so passionately about living in British Columbia and about the program’s focus on developing student competency, serving underserved communities, and enhancing advocacy for patients. The IMP offers all of these wonderful components but with a smaller cohort, which will give me the ability to form a strong community with my classmates and develop closer connections with the faculty. It also helps that it rarely snows in Victoria!
If you could travel anywhere in B.C., where would you go and why?
This is my first time in B.C., so I would love to go everywhere! I feel that there are so many wonders to visit in the province. But if I were to pick a couple to begin with, I would say Tofino, Yoho National Park, and Joffre Lakes Park. The pictures I’ve seen of these places look breathtaking and ethereal, so I imagine that experiencing them would be life changing. I will definitely be getting recommendations from my colleagues to make a good B.C. travel itinerary.
Nathan Johal (he/him)
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
I decided to pursue medicine after I finished my undergrad at UVic and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I scoured the internet trying to figure out the best way to approach such a massive decision. My go-with-the-flow self dreaded this process. After a long process of self-reflection, I decided that medicine aligned most with what I wanted to get out of life. To summarize: it feels beyond rewarding to dedicate myself to lifelong learning with the purpose of helping others with their health—our most fundamental gratitude.
Why did you choose the IMP / UBC?
I knew UBC was the school for me because I couldn’t imagine living anywhere outside B.C. When picking a site, I considered the Island and Vancouver. Ultimately, I’m ecstatic I decided to stay home. Having lived here since birth, I have a lot of social circles and support systems that keep me grounded and give me a life outside of being a med student. Ultimately, I love the Island and the community here with my whole heart, and I feel so fortunate to have grown up here. I don’t think I’ll ever leave because I can’t imagine finding another place that means as much to me as here.
If you could travel anywhere in B.C., where would you go and why?
I would travel to Tsawwassen to visit my grandparents. They’re getting older and I want to spend as much time with them as I can. I’d also like to travel to Prince George because I’ve yet to travel to Northern B.C.! Come to think of it, I haven’t seen too much of B.C. outside of the Island and the bigger cities; maybe I’ll just have to head on a road trip of the whole province!
Andrew Mitchell (he/him)
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
Medicine wasn’t really on my radar growing up, but my family and friends encouraged me to consider it during university. Although it sounds cliché, I’ve always wanted to have a career where I can make a difference and constantly be learning and improving in the process. The opportunity to combine long-term interests in science and teaching with helping others was what ultimately led me to apply.
Why did you choose the IMP / UBC?
I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with a lot of UBC medical students over the years, so the program was top of mind when I decided to apply. Another draw for the IMP specifically was that it was close to home – I grew up in Port McNeill, a small town on the northern part of Vancouver Island. After living in Prince George for almost seven years for undergrad and later for work, it’s been great to be back on the coast and closer to family.
If you could travel anywhere in B.C., where would you go and why?
There are so many places in the province I would love to visit, but the top of my list would be Haida Gwaii. It would be amazing to see more of B.C.’s coastline, and I’ve heard nothing but good things from people who’ve gone! Honorable mention goes to the Kootenays, which has lots of communities and parks I would love to check out.