The Island Medical Program (IMP) welcomed its newest cohort to Victoria in late August. As the IMP Class of 2029 enters its second month of medical school on the Island, we’d like to introduce you to a few of its 40 members: Sarah, Claire, and Milena.
Sarah Draheim (she/her)
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
Prior to medicine, I worked as a dietitian in acute care settings and supported patients through a nutritional lens. Through my work, I was also exposed to the many other facets of patient care and fell in love with how physicians carefully consider many factors to support people’s health and wellbeing. Thus, inspired to broaden my perspective, I hope to bring my dietetics background into whatever field of medicine entices me in the future!
Why did you choose the UBC IMP?
I was raised in Nanaimo, BC, but pursued dietetics post-secondary in Vancouver, so the IMP offered the opportunity to reconnect with my Island roots and avoid the Vancouver traffic. Coming from a smaller dietetics program, I was also drawn to the smaller cohort size, which allows for rich community and relationships with faculty. My journey to medical school also involved connecting with a friend who was unable to access a family doctor while living in Crofton, a town of about 1,500 people on Vancouver Island, so I was also drawn to IMP’s rural opportunities.
What are you looking forward to most in your first year of medical school?
New opportunities! Medical school offers many ways to get involved in the medical field, so I am excited to jump in and explore alongside like-minded peers. Specifically, I look forward to experiences working with patients, shadowing physicians, taking part in anatomy labs, and collaborating on interesting case studies with my CBL groups. In UBC medicine, you get into the clinics much faster than you’d expect, so I look forward to the hands-on learning!
What is at the top of your Vancouver Island bucket list?
Well, even after living here for most of my childhood, I have not explored the south of the Island. So, I am really looking forward to spending time outdoors. My husband and I were recently gifted a nice tent, and he has been researching the best saltwater fishing sites, so I want to get into camping on weekends and learning to fish! I also am excited to spend more time with my family without having to take the ferry.
Claire Turner (she/her)
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
My experience growing up in Northern BC was idyllic and it largely influenced my path towards medicine. The strong sense of community paired with personal insight into the healthcare challenges that Northern and Indigenous populations face further motivated me into this field. Learning about my grandmother’s history of being a medicine woman and midwife for Indigenous Peoples throughout Treaty 8 is a familial connection to the lands and people I hope to continue!
Why did you choose the UBC IMP?
Growing up in a small town offered a sense of community and connection, so being part of a small cohort was important to me as I continued my education. (Through many conversations, I discovered is a common thread throughout students at the IMP!) While I have a strong love for the North, life on the Island seemed like an absolute dream. I have some family on the Island as well and therefore it seemed a perfect place to learn medicine.
What are you looking forward to most in your first year of medical school?
This has been something I have worked towards for a long time, so I am overjoyed to officially be starting and learning content that will help me return health to communities that have helped raise me. I am also very excited to get to know my classmates and learn alongside some amazing minds. Getting to shadow doctors and getting insight into the dynamics of patient-centered care is another aspect of school I am looking forward to.
What is at the top of your Vancouver Island bucket list?
I have this feeling that sailing is something I was meant to do. I took a random summer sailing camp as a kid in Nanaimo and was hooked instantly. However, since there isn’t much sailing in Northern BC, it’s not something I’ve picked up. Currently, I’m on the lookout for someone offering lessons or willing to let me assist them on their next sail.
Milena Restan Perez
[The first three questions of Milena’s Q&A were originally published as part of the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Back to School 2025 series.]
What inspired you to pursue your program?
Applying to medicine was a full-circle moment. I began my undergrad studies with the intention of following what I thought was a traditional pre-med path, but decided to pursue biomedical engineering as it combined my love for math and human physiology. After graduating, I worked in research engineering tissues using stem cells and 3D bioprinting. This, along with other experiences, ultimately led me back to medicine, as I realized that although I love research, I truly wanted to be directly involved in patient care. Medicine brings together science, critical thinking, and most importantly human connection, which truly inspires me.
Why did you choose UBC?
UBC has always been top of mind – not only because staying local through the Island Medical Program was a goal, but also because of their holistic approach to admissions. My path to medicine has spanned engineering, research, a biotech start-up and working with Island Health. Although this path was a bit unconventional, I felt that UBC’s admission process would value all of the experiences that shaped my journey. Additionally, I grew up in Comox Valley and having the opportunity to study on the Island was really meaningful to me as I ultimately hope to give back to this incredible community.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m excited to meet all my new classmates! I already had the chance to meet a few of them and I feel so lucky to be a part of this group. Everyone has such diverse experiences, perspectives and are all so passionate and smart. I’m excited to be surrounded by such inspiring individuals and really looking forward to growing and learning alongside them in this new journey. I’m also really excited to learn from all the incredible physicians on the Island!
What is at the top of your Vancouver Island bucket list?
I would love to do the West Coast Trail someday! It’s been on the bucket list for a while now.