The Island Medical Program’s twelfth class will graduate later this month. As the students in the Class of 2019 get ready for their celebration in Victoria and congregation in Vancouver, we thought it would be fun to check in with few of the graduates who came before them.
Dr. Jack Shaw (IMP Class of 2014)
Program: Family medicine
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Current location: Victoria, BC
Describe what you do in two or three sentences.
I have a full-service family practice in town and am also part of an interdisciplinary team that provides home-based care to the frail elderly.
What led you to your current position?
My belief that family medicine provides an unparalleled continuity of care and quality-of-care experience for patients.
What is your favourite memory from your time at UBC?
Being surrounded my motivated learners.
What advice would you give to students in the Island Medical Program?
Try to experience many different services and disciplines as you progress through medical school—you may be surprised at what sticks.
What does a healthy community look like to you?
I’m thinking more of a global community, which is one where education, food security, and health security are valued; a person’s actions and ideas mean a great deal more than their appearance; and the fear of the different is replaced by curiosity and acceptance.
Dr. Andrew Kwasnica (IMP Class of 2013)
Program: Family medicine
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Current location: Sidney, BC
Describe what you do in two or three sentences.
I have a full-service family practice, which includes inpatient acute care, palliative care, and long-term care. I work in a dynamic, thriving group practice in Sidney, which is part of a community patient network growing on the Saanich Peninsula.
What led you to your current position?
Happenstance, interest, and great colleagues attracted me to this position.
What is your favourite memory from your time at UBC?
Singing with the a cappella group The Auscultations.
What advice would you give to students in the Island Medical Program?
Always pursue your interests and passions. Don’t settle on something if it doesn’t feel right.
What does a healthy community look like to you?
A healthy community is one that knows its strengths and interests. It knows how to advocate to have its needs met and is willing to work together in creative ways to this end.
Dr. Lindsay Warder (IMP Class of 2009)
Program: Family medicine
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Current location: Victoria, BC
Describe what you do in two or three sentences.
I have been working at the University of Victoria Health Clinic for the past three years. I have also done a bit of teaching with the Island Medical Program (IMP) for the past few years. Daniel—who is also a graduate of the Class of 2009—and I have two sons, who are seven and four. When not working, I am on my bike, running, or getting dirty in my garden.
What led you to your current position?
I really enjoy the young population and working with university students. The position had just come up when we returned to Victoria, and it is the perfect fit for how I want to practice medicine.
What is your favourite memory from your time at UBC?
I feel so fortunate to have been in Victoria with our small class of 24.
What advice would you give to students in the Island Medical Program?
Savour the time you have in Victoria; you are so lucky to be part of this small program. You don’t realize it until you are done and have gone to see what other places are like. The IMP offers so many opportunities and learning experiences.
What does a healthy community look like to you?
A place with green spaces, active lifestyles, accessibility to being outdoors for everyone, inclusiveness for all individuals in all aspects of life, and supports for mental health.