With the IMP Class of 2025 officially beginning classes in Victoria this week, allow us to officially introduce you to a few members of the class.
Cole Daley
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
As is the case for so many, it’s tough to focus in on one specific factor or moment that inspired me to pursue medicine. I have always been passionate about studying medicine, but it’s a long and difficult road—not only the getting into medical school part, but everything that comes after too. With that being said, I have spent the past few years working extensively in Indigenous health and education, much of it focused on improving safety and reducing barriers for Indigenous people trying to access our healthcare system. The initiatives, programs, communities, and people that I have had the privilege of working with over the years have inspired me to continue this journey. I feel incredibly grateful as an Indigenous person to have been able to contribute to this work thus far and, with the love and support of my family, I’m looking forward to taking this next step in my educational journey and continuing this work. In the past few years, my family and I have been blessed with seven nephews and two beautiful nieces. It’s important to me that we all continue the work of improving the safety and accessibility for Indigenous people. I suppose that is what drives me.
Why did you choose UBC and the IMP?
I chose UBC and the IMP specifically because I was born here on Vancouver Island. Most of my family lives here on the Island and, having spent so many years away from them during my undergrad and professional life, it was important for me to come a little closer to home. I’m not a particularly stoic person and need to feel connected to loved ones so that I can contextualize the work a little bit. It’s easy sometimes for me to get lost in my studies and forget the real world beyond our next set of learning objectives and what’s going to be on the final. Being connected to family and to communities I cherish helps me to maintain perspective.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
Definitely meeting new people. Medicine attracts all sorts of different people with varying perspectives and I’m excited to meet everyone. On the more nerdy side, I’m also looking forward to digging into the curriculum; I love learning and there’s a special place in my heart for anatomy.
When not studying, what’s your favourite way to pass the time?
I love spending time with my family, but when I can’t do that I really enjoy role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons or card games like Magic. My hobbies help me to stay social and make space for my own interests.
What’s at the top on your bucket list?
Watching a Premier League game, preferably against Liverpool or Man City, at Old Trafford.
Karen Jiang
Hometown: Ottawa
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
From a young age, I was under the care of multiple tremendous physicians and surgeons. My lasting memories from these childhood experiences are how caring, empathetic, and reassuring my physicians were during a scary time. As I grew up, learned more, and recognized the inequities in healthcare, I knew that I wanted to pursue medicine to provide others with the positive care that I was lucky to receive myself.
Why did you choose UBC and the IMP?
I’ve always wanted to move out to BC—Victoria specifically because it’s so beautiful! The nature, outdoor activities, mild(er) climate, wildlife, etc. are so exciting and will be a nice change of pace for me. I was also attracted by the IMP’s small class size, which allows for helpful individualized learning and a close-knit community.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
I’m so excited to meet my future classmates, friends, and colleagues in medicine. I’m also excited to constantly learn more about and be challenged by all that medicine and the human body have to offer.
When not studying, what’s your favourite way to pass the time?
I’ve been a dancer nearly all my life, so I love to dance, choreograph, and teach. I also love playing volleyball, soccer, cycling, baking, and watching Netflix, of course!
What’s at the top on your bucket list?
To compete on The Amazing Race!
Krysta Gmitroski
Hometown: Victoria
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
I have always had a deep-rooted passion for science and interpersonal connection, and knew I wanted a career that fostered continued learning in both. I’ve spent the past several years working part-time at an emotional support crisis line for young people; I gained a vast appreciation for the power of empathetic listening and support. I believe medicine is an area that is constantly evolving and growing, and the fundamentals of human connection and empathy will continue to have significant impact on patients and families.
Why did you choose UBC and the IMP?
I am so fortunate to have grown up on Vancouver Island and I feel it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Accepting the opportunity to build professional and educational connections in the place that I love with such an exemplary program was the easiest decision I’ve made.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
I am so excited to meet and learn with and from so many amazing people. I am also incredibly excited to be a piece of the healthcare community creating change and working towards truth and reconciliation, anti-racism, and cultural safety for Indigenous communities.
When not studying, what’s your favourite way to pass the time?
During my down time, I can often be found near an ocean, playing disc golf, or knitting (most often knitting).
What’s at the top on your bucket list?
I am not a huge fan of bucket lists—the only item I’ve ever had on mine was to drive a golf cart. I’ll have to come up with a new one now!
Maxim Schlagel
Hometown: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
I consider medicine to be a sacred profession—a cornerstone of civilized society. There is no animal in the herd whose duty it is to care for the others. To be honest, when I was younger, I could never see myself becoming a doctor. I learned about death at an early age and simply could not understand how some would willingly associate with it. Eventually (perhaps even inevitably) life would place me into such circumstances. I could think of no experience more humbling than looking into the eyes of a person in distress. In that moment, all of your own desires and fears vanish and are replaced simply by unconditional compassion. It is also in those times when I realized that it’s possible to make no mistakes and still lose. It does, however, take a little longer to see that it’s not a weakness, but simply a fact of life. Suffice to say, I could not see myself devoting my life to anything else.
Why did you choose (a) UBC and (b) the IMP?
Originally hailing from an island on the other side of the Pacific, Vancouver Island seemed like the logical place to end up. It’s also an incredibly easy place to fall in love with! Ancient forests, gulf islands, glacial mountains, oceans and lakes – the Island has it all. Victoria is a charming city and the University of Victoria’s campus is as quaint as it is picturesque. Finally, I have a passion for homesteading, and the Island has the most amazing climate for growing fruits and veggies!
What are you looking forward to most this year?
I’m looking forward to seeing actual human beings in person again! Living outside of the city, I’m already somewhat isolated, so the pandemic has essentially turned me into a social recluse. I cannot wait to make lifelong friends and rejoin (even limited) social settings. In terms of medicine, I am most looking forward to the anatomy labs. Having nursed a few of my own injuries, I am absolutely fascinated with the human body and marvel at its interconnectedness. I cannot wait to study its intricacies in depth!
When not studying, what’s your favourite way to pass the time?
Living on a homestead, there’s never a shortage of things to do to pass the time. I find that doing somewhat monotonous tasks can be very soothing and relaxing for me, especially if done outdoors. I also have two cats and a dog who keep me on my toes on a daily basis. Alternatively, I love taking the time to clear my mind with a great stretching session. (I am, by no means, naturally flexible!) Once in a while, I’ll fire up my retro gaming console and attempt to rescue the princess from the castle.
What’s at the top on your bucket list?
It would probably be a tie between seeing an orangutan in the wild and diving with whales. There is something almost magical about observing animals in their natural environment. Perhaps some day BBC will allow me to shadow one of the Planet Earth film crews… Alternatively, I have always wanted to run a soup kitchen with my mom. Our culture is big into healthy soups and considers food to be the original medicine!
Suraya Bondy
Hometown: Vancouver
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
The idea of becoming a physician first came to me when I was just eight years old! At the time, I was very shy and uncomfortable in the spotlight. The thought of letting go of my own self-awareness and focusing my energy on others was comforting to me. Around the same time, I began volunteering in my community and those experiences taught me what I value most about myself: the ability to improve the quality of life of others. I always felt that I was the best version of myself when acting in service of others, so I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to do so on a day-to-day basis. After spending my early years playing doctor with my obliging friends, I clearly remember being delighted to begin Grade 5 and finally learn about the human body. I was fascinated by what I learned, imagining that each system was made up of a series of tiny characters all playing their part in one cohesive story. Through this roundabout understanding of the body, everything seemed to fit into place and I decided that one day I would go to medical school. I am ecstatic that the day has finally arrived!
Why did you choose UBC and the IMP?
I grew up in Vancouver but completed my undergraduate degree in Ontario, so I really wanted to be closer to home for medical school. Luckily, I come from a place with an amazing medical program. UBC has trained so many fantastic doctors, some of which I have had the good fortune of working with in a research capacity. I know I will be receiving a medical education of the highest quality here. I have also seen how UBC values diversity and well-roundedness in its students, both of which are super important to me. I know the opportunities available at UBC are extensive, and I am very excited to begin this new chapter in my life. I am particularly happy to be starting at the IMP for two reasons: being part of a smaller cohort and living in the beautiful city of Victoria! I am someone who thrives in smaller, tight-knit classes where I am able to generate meaningful relationships and feel comfortable growing and demonstrating my skills. I think being part of a smaller group will enable the development of strong connections with students, faculty, and staff, which I really look forward to. I have also always wanted to live in Victoria. I am very much drawn to its charm and beauty. It will be such a pleasure to experience all this place has to offer.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
It is hard to pinpoint just one thing! Of course, I am really looking forward to meeting all my fellow classmates and my professors. But I think what is most exciting to me is the prospect of beginning this journey, which has felt like a long time coming. I will finally get to fully immerse myself in a medical environment with the opportunity to learn applicable knowledge and skills, interact with patients, and observe all that medicine has to offer. It’s almost hard to believe that, soon enough, I will be in medical school doing the things I have only been dreaming of up until this point.
When not studying, what’s your favourite way to pass the time?
Adventure is probably my favourite way to spend my time, whether that means exploring locally or globally. Before COVID-19, I was a very avid traveller. I backpacked through Southeast Asia, spent part of my undergrad on exchange in Australia, and visited several countries throughout Europe. While I haven’t been able to travel quite so far and wide in the past year, I have taken advantage of the great beauty BC has to offer. I love hiking, biking, kayaking, and ultimately finding the hidden gems that make BC one of the best places on earth.
What’s at the top on your bucket list?
Attending a live birth is definitely at the very top of my bucket list. Spending a month or so in Amsterdam (a city I fell in love with while travelling) is a close second.
Elaine Yi Ran Liu
Hometown: Toronto
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
I first took interest in medicine after meeting my dad’s oncologist. He indispensably helped my family through a difficult time with his empathy, compassion, and sincerity, which made me want to do the same in my future career. While many professions would allow me to make meaningful impacts, my curiosity and fascination of immunology and immunotherapy research ultimately lead me down the career path to medicine. One day, I hope to practise in the way my dad’s oncologist did for my family while pursuing clinical research in immunology-related specialties.
Why did you choose (a) UBC and (b) the IMP?
During the interview process, I was pleasantly surprised by the initiatives taken by the admissions committee at UBC and current students to make the process less daunting and stressful for applicants. Ultimately, I had an enjoyable experience, which greatly influenced my decision to purse medicine at UBC. Choosing IMP over the other UBC sites was a much easier decision. After living in Victoria for more than two years, I can think of no better place. Here, I can bike to the beach on a workday, take a short drive to a plethora of scenic hikes, and live in a community that prioritizes environmental sustainability and gender inclusivity.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
Some may not believe what I’m about to say, but I’m most looking forward to being a student again! For the past two years, I worked full-time at BC Cancer as a senior member of a research team. While I enjoyed consulting on projects, training students, and taking on a wide array of responsibilities, it’s also a relief to be passing on the role of “expert.” I’m looking forward to learning fascinating material from experienced faculty, working through problems with fellow students, and asking (hopefully) interesting questions.
When not studying, what’s your favourite way to pass the time?
I love to prepare traditional dishes from around the world. Some of my favourites are borscht, an Eastern European beet soup; Mexican refried beans with pico de gallo; pork and chive dumplings; and seafood pad thai. Currently, I’m experiencing a Middle Eastern cuisine craze and my house often smells of lemon, garlic, and parsley from making humous, falafels, and tabouleh. Taste-testers are welcome!
What’s at the top on your bucket list?
I didn’t start snowboarding until after high school, but I was hooked the moment I rode down a hill without a single fall. While I probably won’t compete in snowboard cross at the Winter Olympics, making it through a black diamond at Whistler Blackcomb would also be stellar. Thankfully, my partner is a great coach and hopefully I’ll be able to check it off my list during the 2021/2022 winter season!
Jonathan Dresselhuis
Hometown: New Westminster
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
My family instilled a strong sense of community involvement and a love of learning in me at a young age. This set me on two different trajectories. One side of me discovered how my skills could be used to help people meet needs and solve problems in various marketplaces of life. Meanwhile, another side of me buried itself in the wonders and intricacies of human and cellular biology. I grew to see medicine as the perfect frontier for me to synthesize these two trajectories into a single vector to be both a servant and a scholar in my community.
Why did you choose UBC and the IMP?
I am West Coast born and raised and share the values of nature, sustainability, and innovation that I see the UBC Faculty of Medicine strive to instill practically and holistically into their programs. UBC is a place of gathering for innumerable peoples and cultures and I can’t think of a better place to study medicine, a field that is strengthened by diversity. While I will miss living near the mountains, Victoria has the best seafood, beaches, parks, culture, coffee, resident deer population, and commute, where anything more than a 15 minute drive is considered “far.”
What are you looking forward to most this year?
The fast-paced, diverse curriculum and learning experiences that I will get to throw myself into alongside my like-minded peers. I enjoy being out of my comfort zone, which I know will happen many times over the course of this coming year. And also (mostly) non-Zoom school!
When not studying, what’s your favourite way to pass the time?
If I don’t have the chance to get active outside, I love to cook a good meal, make a yummy late night snack, or share a delicious coffee with my wife or friends.
What’s at the top on your bucket list?
Exploring the glaciers and volcanoes of Iceland!
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