Meet graduates from the IMP’s Class of 2018
Sam Brophy
What attracted you to your field?
I’ve had some experience with emergency care before med school, when I worked as a paramedic and taught first-aid. It’s an unparalleled experience – the perfect balance of diagnostic and procedural medicine. It’s also exciting, and immensely satisfying, to treat and comfort people in critical situations.
In 10 years, what UBC moment will you still be talking about?
Despite crazy medical stories and unbelievable adventures with my colleagues, I’ll never forget the IMP’s janitor (or as I call him: the master of maintenance). After studying myself to sleep one night in the Medical Sciences Building, I awoke to him at around 5am. He handed me a freshly brewed coffee, patted me on the back, said nothing, then proceeded to start his work day. A great example of how everyone at the IMP was a cut above.
What’s next for you?
I look forward to pursuing and enriching emergency medicine across Vancouver Island. I want to focus on enhancing interdisciplinary practice and communication in the emergency department. I’m also excited to find ways to get involved with the IMP, specifically with teaching. I look forward to giving back to the program and to the community, both of which have given so much to me.
As you look ahead, what (or who) inspires you?
My dad has always been an amazing mentor. He does not work in medicine, but he’s always been successful in his business pursuits. He’s a smart guy, but I don’t think that’s why he is successful. The way he interacts with colleagues and acquaintances, at all levels and positions, consistently leads to meaningful connection. That’s what I want to do in my career, too.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
Set a world record in something completely useless.
JC Cheng
What attracted you to your field?
We had little exposure to radiation oncology prior to clerkship, and the idea of using radiation to treat cancer totally blew my mind! In addition, the resilience and the positive outlooks you encounter in radiation oncology is a source of constant inspiration. Besides, name another field that blast cancer with highly precise x-rays!
What’s next for you?
I will be heading to Winnipeg (winter is coming) to pursue my residency in radiation oncology. Life has never ceased to surprise me, and I look forward to the adventures that ensue over the next years.
As you look ahead, what (or who) inspires you?
Love and encouragement so kindly given by our mentors, teachers, classmates, and patients. Of course, my dearest family and friends, who’ve never stopped supporting me through my journey. As for additional motivations looking ahead, I can finally start paying off my debt!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
Sky diving! That’ll take the “step-out-of-your-comfort-zone” idea up a notch for me.
Talveen Gill
What attracted you to your field?
I’ve always wanted a career that allowed me to work one-on-one with people, to impact their lives in a meaningful way. This, combined with my love of human physiology and life-long learning, led me to a career in medicine.
In 10 years, what UBC moment will you still be talking about?
Simple moments with my classmates, like walking to class together from our residence building, and celebrating each other’s milestones, like birthdays and weddings.
What’s next for you?
I feel very fortunate to be starting my residency in family medicine in Victoria, my hometown. I’m excited to give back to the community that has given me so much.
As you look ahead, what (or who) inspires you?
I feel inspired by the incredible people who have helped me through this journey. My mother for example, has taught me to be strong and resilient. Her love and kindness has supported me in reaching my goals. I’m also inspired by my peers and mentors in medicine, who remind me every day what an honor it is to be a part of this profession.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
Hike the Swiss Alps! My husband and I will be crossing this item off our list this summer!
Zaakir Jiwa
What attracted you to your field?
I was attracted to family medicine because of its flexibility. It allows me to pursue further training, which I plan on doing, in sports medicine and palliative care. And it gives me the freedom to start my own practice. My ultimate goal is to have a mixed practice, with significant variability in my day-to-day schedule, where I can travel with a sports team, say, or provide care in under-serviced areas.
In 10 years, what UBC moment will you still be talking about?
I will always have fond memories of times with my classmates. Whether it was discussing our hockey pool or designing a logo for our class jerseys, we had a lot of fun together. In addition, I will always remember the kindness that the IMP faculty and staff showed us. Kurt McBurney, for instance, made our anatomy session that much better because of his compassion and care.
What’s next for you?
I’ll be moving to Toronto for residency. I’m very excited to be closer to friends and family on the east coast. My brother Aalim, also a family practice resident, is in Toronto, too. We hope to come back to British Columbia and start a multidisciplinary family and sports medicine clinic.
As you look ahead, what (or who) inspires you?
I am inspired by the emphasis that Canadians, and specifically British Columbians, place on their health. In today’s society, it’s easy to let other priorities take precedent. But in BC, individuals are committed to investing in their own health, and do their best to lead an active lifestyle. I want to help people in this process by not only providing healthcare, but also motivating my patients to reach their full potential.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
To see a high-level professional soccer game. Either a World Cup Final, Champions League Final, or an El-Classico Match.
IMP students raise money, give back to the community
In the early hours of March 6, Angeline de Bruyns and her classmates – second-year medical students from UBC’s Island Medical Program – arrived at Our Place Society, an inner-city community centre serving Victoria’s vulnerable populations.
At 7:00am, they began dishing out French toast, bacon, and bowls of fresh fruit. When breakfast ended, only an hour later, de Bruyns and her classmates had served over 400 plates to the homeless, the impoverished, and the substance-addicted.
Two days later, another handful of IMP students served 330 more meals.
“I’m so happy our class had this experience, that we got to connect, at a deeper level, with people less fortunate than ourselves,” said de Bruyns, who helped coordinate the two mornings. “It brought joy to my heart to hear how much our help was appreciated, to see how much of a difference our contribution made.”
Giving back has become a tradition for the IMP’s second-year class. Since 2007, they’ve organized a fundraising campaign to coincide with the annual welcome event, held in January, for first-year students.
The fundraiser began as a talent show. Then it morphed into a silent auction. And the money raised? It was initially used to help offset costs for rural family practice rotations. Now, students donate a portion of those funds to a local charity.
This year, IMP students raised and donated $1000, enough to sponsor two breakfasts at Our Place.
The donation is generous, said Tracy Campbell, community relations coordinator for Our Place. But she believes serving the breakfasts, actually engaging with the less privileged face-to-face, is also important – particularly for future physicians.
“It’s an opportunity to meet these people, to better understand them and the struggles they face,” said Campbell. “Because the people who use our services are many of the same people these students will one day serve as doctors.”
“It was truly eye-opening,” said de Bruyns. “It was an honor to get involved, to give back, and to help others. After all, that’s what being a doctor all is about.”
Meet the IMP’s newest team member
Jesse Culp is the Island Medical Program’s newest UBC MedIT Technology Analyst. In that role, he will assist students, faculty, and others with all things IT, including audio and V/C.
After completing film school in Vancouver, Jesse was eager to continue developing his interest in technology and passion for client services. When an opportunity arose with the IMP, he moved to Victoria. He looks forward to working with the best technology and teaching tools to help others.
In his spare time, he plays roller hockey, cooks, and explores the Island with his dog, Al.
Twelve-year MedIT veteran to leave the IMP
David Cerilli, one of the IMP’s Technology Support Analysts, is leaving the Island Medical Program after twelve years.
In April, 2018, he accepted a two-year secondment to the UVic’s University Systems, where, starting in early May, he will work as a senior project manager.
“My time at the IMP has been incredible, getting to work with exceptional people and cutting-edge technology,” he said. “But I’m also excited about this opportunity to take my career in a new direction.”
Dave’s optimistic, friendly attitude and encyclopedic-like knowledge of all things IT will be dearly missed.
IMP and DMSC honor victims of Humboldt Broncos
On April 12, members of UBC’s Island Medical Program (IMP) and UVic’s Division of Medical Sciences (DMSC) wore jerseys to honor the Humboldt Broncos. The Saskatchewan-based junior hockey team was involved in a fatal traffic accident that took the lives of 16 people and injured 13.
Coordinating the tribute was Kurt McBurney, an Assistant Teaching Professor in the DMSC and lifelong lover and player of hockey.
“Thanks for wearing jerseys today to honor the Humboldt Broncos,” said McBurney in an email to faculty and staff. “After we decided to do this, I thought about what it meant to me to wear a jersey today and why it seemed important.”
In early April, the Humboldt Broncos were traveling by bus to Nipawin, Sask., for a playoff game when their bus collided with a semi-truck.
The accident was one of the worst in the country’s history. Canadians and people across the world have been wearing jerseys and leaving hockey sticks outside their doors in support of the families and victims of the crash.
IMP employee nominated for prestigious UVic award
A member of the Island Medical Program is in the running for one of UVic’s most prestigious employee awards: the President’s Extraordinary Service Award (PESA) for Innovation.
Stacey Taylor is the program administrator for the Integrated Community Clerkship (ICC) site in Duncan, B.C. She’s been nominated for contributing positive change and progress at the university.
“This nomination shows that administrators are recognized as integral to the Faculty of Medicine,” said Taylor, who’s worked for the IMP since 2009 and helped plan and implement the ICC site in Duncan.
“To know I’ve had a positive, lasting impression on my students means the world to me,” she added.
Taylor was nominated for the award by Dr. Maggie Watt, the ICC program director for UBC’s MD undergraduate program, and Lynne Fisher, the IMP’s Year 3 & 4 program manager. Both praised Taylor’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
“Stacey, with her passion and high-quality service, has been a huge contributor to the program’s outstanding reputation,” said Watt. “She’s a big reason why, year after year, students rank Duncan their number one ICC site.”
The winner of the Innovator Award and of other PESA categories will be announced on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 3:00 to 4:30pm at a formal ceremony. All UVic staff and faculty are welcome. For more information and to register, click here.
Let’s Talk Science mini-series to explore medical ethics
Join first-year student Tanner Lohr, plus Dr. Colin Macleod and Assistant Teaching Professor Klaus Jahn from UVic’s Department of Philosophy, for two talks about medical ethics. They’ll examine the following points:
- What rights do children have over their own healthcare decisions?
- When can a child’s desires be overridden by care providers or parents?
- The ethics of Bill-C14: medical assistance in dying
- Can proxy decision makers be used ethically to make decisions around medical assistance in dying?
Part 1: Rights of Minors in Healthcare Decisions
When: Thursday, May 3 @ 6 – 8pm
Where: Room 150, Medical Sciences Building, UVic (click here to see a map)
Featuring Dr. Colin Macleod, Chair of Philosophy, UVic
Part 2: The Role of Suffering and the Right to Die
When: Thursday, May 10 @ 6 – 8pm
Where: Room 150, Medical Sciences Building, UVic
Featuring Klaus Jahn, Assistant Teaching Professor, UVic
Click here to see the poster. These events are free and open to everyone. Light refreshments will be served.