Nathan Chen-Mack
Year in Program: Year 1
Hometown: Victoria, BC
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
During my undergraduate degree in kinesiology, I was exposed to various clinical experiences. One of those experiences was volunteering at a clinic for clients with pain and neuromuscular conditions. I found that being able to apply what I was learning about exercise prescription and health directly to these clients and seeing their quality of life increase before my eyes was extremely rewarding. Moreover, building rapport with these clients, observing them overcome challenges, and encouraging them along the way were things that I came to appreciate and look for in a future career. I was inspired to pursue a career in medicine because of these attributes.
What are you looking forward to most this upcoming year?
My first baby, who is coming this September, and the following sleepless nights! Also, making new friends and joining the friendly community at the IMP.
What did you study before attending the IMP?
I received my B.Sc. in kinesiology at UVic in 2017.
Proudest moment?
Winning two BC provincial silver medals for Junior B Ice Hockey.
What’s next on your BC bucket list?
A golf trip throughout all of Vancouver Island or to watch the Canucks raise the Stanley Cup.
Erin Flanagan
Year in Program: Year 1
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
Was I curious today? Was I challenged? Has my perspective on something changed? Did I help someone or show someone kindness without expecting anything in return? These are all questions I try to ask myself on a regular basis. I knew that as a doctor I would always be finding new answers to these questions.
What are you looking forward to most this upcoming year?
The memories to be made with all of the wonderful people I am about to meet. I think it is safe to say this year is going to be one for the books!
What did you study before attending the IMP?
Biology and psychology at UVic.
Proudest moment?
In recent memory, I have to say my acceptance to the IMP takes the cake! Winning back-to-back volleyball intramural championships in my second year of university was also pretty epic.
What’s next on your BC bucket list?
Hiking the Juan de Fuca trail, trekking to Garibaldi Lake, and trips to Haida Gwaii and Hornby Island are all on my BC bucket list. I’m also excited to explore more of Vancouver Island over the next few years – I have my eye on Strathcona and Cape Scott provincial parks.
Lisa Hackett
Year in Program: Year 1
Hometown: Victoria, BC, and Halifax, NS
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
I made the decision to pursue medicine at the end of high school. At that point, I wasn’t positive that it would be the right path for me – I was still torn between studying science or acting! Over the course of my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I became increasingly passionate about human biology and social issues related to medicine. The more I learned, the more confident I was that a career in medicine would be right for me.
What are you looking forward to most this upcoming year?
Having not yet started my medical studies, I don’t yet know what to expect. I am looking forward to being surprised by the people I meet and the things I learn. I am committed to being open-minded about where this journey takes me.
What did you study before attending the IMP?
I just completed a MA in health promotion. My thesis was on community-based participatory action research methods with Indigenous youth – a popular research paradigm in social and health sciences.
Proudest moment?
I was hired as the first coordinator of the Súa Cultural Program in Klemtu, BC, in 2015. I had very little knowledge going into the job and what Klemtu was seeking in terms of youth programming. Over the last four years, the program grew into a successful youth internship and cultural skill-building program. I left the program this year and have kept in touch with the community. I am so proud to see the program thriving and evolving as new people get involved.
What’s next on your BC bucket list?
I am excited to reconnect with the improv communities in Vancouver and Victoria. I hope to flex my performance skills on stage and do some outreach with teen improvisers through the Canadian Improv Games. Aside from the arts, I have missed the BC wilderness since moving to Halifax eight years ago. I will be seeking out opportunities to hike, camp, and sit by the ocean!
Anthony Hinde
Year in Program: Year 1
Hometown: Ladysmith, BC
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
A combination of factors led me to medicine. I had some experiences in my teenage years with family doctors and neurologists, and I was able to see their amazing knowledge and bedside manner firsthand. My parents both teach, so they made me intellectually curious. This curiosity led me to learn about the workings of life in university, and using this knowledge to directly benefit people as a physician appealed to me as a career choice.
What are you looking forward to most this upcoming year?
I’m looking forward to learning things that have a direct application to patients, and also to becoming part of the overall community of medical students and practitioners in BC. I’m really excited to see what medical school and life as a physician is actually like after so much time just thinking about how to get into the program!
What did you study before attending the IMP?
I studied microbiology at UVic and spent some time doing research in yeast molecular genetics and sepsis diagnostics. I also try to maintain interests outside of science. I’m a bit of a history buff, so I took a couple of Greek and Roman studies courses.
Proudest moment?
Outside of school, probably converting my girlfriend into an avid gamer.
What’s next on your BC bucket list?
Skiing on Cypress Mountain, wiping out repeatedly, and then soothing my battered body in a hot bath.
Levi Godard
Year in Program: Year 1
Hometown (optional): Summerland, BC
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
I have always been interested in how the human body works, and I found that I enjoyed helping others when I started volunteering. Medicine was a career path that allowed me to combine both of those.
What are you looking forward to most this upcoming year?
I am most excited to meet everyone in my class and finally see what goes on in the Medical Sciences building!
What did you study before attending the IMP?
I completed a B.Sc. in biochemistry at UVic.
Proudest moment?
When I taught myself to knit and completed my first scarf.
What’s next on your BC bucket list?
I’ve lived in BC my entire life, but the next thing on my BC bucket list is to try and learn how to surf in Tofino.
Rohit Singla
Year in Program: Year 2 (MD/PhD)
Hometown: Tsawwassen, BC
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
A resident I know once told me that “all paths can lead to medicine.” I took that to heart; I’m a software engineer who discovered he enjoys the clinical world more than he did the tech world. As I make the transition into medicine, I hope to use my engineering skill set within my clinical practice to make significant health care improvements for patients and providers in the future.
What are you looking forward to most this upcoming year?
We’re covering pediatrics more in depth this year, both in our weekly topics and clinical skills sessions. I haven’t had the chance to do much in that domain yet, so I’m keen to learn more! Also, kidneys; I love kidneys.
Best piece of advice for your fellow IMP students?
Low-fi instrumental hip hop is what gets me through studying. Maybe it’ll work for you too.
First job?
I like to say I worked as a cashier at my parents’ candy store for years, but they might say I was really there for the free snacks.
What’s next on your Victoria bucket list?
I’m a bit of a foodie, and I haven’t done nearly enough to sample Victoria’s great restaurant scene. I’m open to recommendations!