The Island Medical Program’s Class of 2021 has finally arrived in Victoria. We reached out to learn more about them and their first semester of medical school. See below for their responses.
The UBC MD Undergraduate Program features four geographically distinct sites – the Island Medical Program, in Victoria; the Northern Medical Program, in Prince George; the Southern Medical Program, in Kelowna; and the Vancouver-Fraser Medical Program, in Vancouver.
All students begin their first semester at the Vancouver-Fraser Medical Program. They then disperse to their distributed sites, where they’ll complete the remainder of their MD degree.
Join us in welcoming our newest cohort – we’re excited they’re here.
Manjot Burk
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
I thought a career in medicine would be interesting and an opportunity to wake up each day excited for work.
How was your first semester of med school?
My first semester was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Mars with Elon Musk.
What are you most looking forward to about training with the IMP?
I’m excited about all the opportunities available on the Island, including recreational activities like intramurals.
Karol Borchung
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
Medicine is something that I sort of stumbled into. I completed a degree in Philosophy during my undergraduate years, with some vague intentions of perhaps studying theology afterwards, or something of that sort. Once I graduated, however, I found that I no longer wanted to pursue this path. After some reflection and research, I discovered that I was eligible to apply to medicine after a little extra work. The idea wormed itself into my head, and soon enough, with the support of my wonderful wife, I decided to make a go of it. Some months of work later, and lo and behold! To my great relief, and much to my surprise, I was let in! I’ve been thrilled with my decision ever since.
How was your first semester of med school?
My first semester of med school was been great – lots of work, but very enjoyable. Looking back, I am thrilled to see how much ground we’ve covered in such a comparatively short amount of time; and looking forward, it is both exciting and daunting to see how much we there is left to learn!
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
If I could travel anywhere, I’d love to spend some more time in the United Kingdom – there is so much beauty and history there to appreciate! I’d also like to tour the great cathedrals in continental Europe.
What are you most looking forward to about training with the IMP?
I am most looking forward to being in a smaller program, where I can focus on things I’m really interested in and get loads of hands-on experience with.
Mackenzie Carnes
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
I wanted a career that enabled me to form meaningful connections with people and help elevate the wellbeing of my community.
How was your first semester of med school?
Exciting, overwhelming, daunting, and fun.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Zanzibar, so I could wander through the streets of Stone Town and look for shell treasures on the beach.
What are you most looking forward to about training with the IMP?
Having the support of a medical community that embraces teaching so enthusiastically.
Chantell Cleversey
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
To help others every day in a field that I am fascinated by.
How was your first semester of med school?
Amazing! I enjoyed everything. I learned so much and constantly felt excited to learn the next thing on the list.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Europe! I have never been and I have European heritage.
What are you most looking forward to about training with the Island Medical Program?
Getting to know the Island and enjoying the small class size.
Cai Long
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
As a kid, I spent days and nights in hospitals observing physicians come and go as they cared for my mom. I grew to admire their abilities, engagement, and responsibility. Moreover, the patients I encountered intrigued me – what was going on in their bodies and how had it happened? I longed to help them directly, to interact with them, to hear their stories.
Equipped with biomedical engineering training and invaluable experience confronting challenges in local and global health care systems, I aim to become a doctor who stands at the intersection of medicine and cutting-edge technologies. Technology offers novel solutions to problems facing medicine. It would be my privilege to bring this perspective as a doctor, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to do so.
How was your first semester of med school?
It has been a fantastic adventure. I have met amazing classmates from very diverse backgrounds whom I’ve grown close to, learned from fabulous teachers whom I look up to, and interacted with patients who put tremendous trust in me. Every minute I cherish these precious opportunities, and I am deeply grateful for the privilege of being here in medical school.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
The answer would be no place else but Mars. The space odyssey would be unparalleled. Imagine standing on the red sands of Mars, looking at Earth, our blue planet in the dark sky, while the sun slowly sets. How marvelous it would be!
What are you most looking forward to about training with the IMP?
Less commute, more time to spend with classmates and my dog!
Arielle Roberts
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
My mom is a kinesiologist, so I grew up surrounded by science and the human body, and those have always been my main area of interest. As I get more involved with the healthcare system, not only did I learn more about what I had to offer, but I discovered how much more support is needed in rural areas. Eventually, my family physician – who’s a fantastic role mode – told me that I should do this, that I’d be great at it. And the rest, as they say, is history.
How was your first semester of med school?
It was exactly like I expected and nothing like it at the same time. I was busier than I thought I would be – and I expected to be busy – but I really enjoyed it all.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I’ve been overseas a few times, but there are parts of Canada I’ve never seen. So my plan, in the future, is to explore more of this beautiful country. In particular, I’ve always wanted to take the train across Canada – my grandparents and great-grandparents emigrated from Europe, landed on the east coast, and took the train all the way over here. Growing up, I’ve heard many stories about how beautiful it is!
What are you most looking forward to about training with the Island Medical Program?
The Island has been my home for the last few years, so I’m really looking forwards to coming home and having my friends, extracurriculars, and fresh air back. I’ve always been a small-town girl, too, so I’m looking forwards to being in a smaller group and getting to know everyone better!
Braden Siempelkamp
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
I began to consider a career in medicine only recently. After finishing my biochemistry degree, I considered pursuing a Ph.D. in the field. However, I was unsure of exactly which direction to go, so I opted to take one year and work as a research assistant while I figured out my plan. During that year, I realized that medicine incorporated many values that I desire in a career, so I applied. I like how medicine combines high-level academics and research with the ability to interact with many different people.
How was your first semester of med school?
So much fun. Med school has been a great time so far, and I’ve gotten the chance to meet so many wonderful people. It’s bittersweet to leave all our new friends from the other sites behind, but I am excited to be back in Victoria.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Southeast Asia. I have wanted to travel there for a long time. Many of my friends have been and had an awesome time. I look forward to experiencing the beaches, food, and culture.
What are you most looking forward to about training with the Island Medical Program?
I am looking forward to the small size of the program. I am excited to get to know all of the students and faculty in the IMP, both in our year and above. I also love Victoria and consider it my second home, so I am excited to be back.
Cassia Tremblay
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
Medicine had always seemed like a natural choice because I love science. For a long time, I wanted to be a doctor “when I grew up.” I discovered that my love of both people and problem solving are perfectly combined in medicine.
How was your first semester of med school?
I spent much of my first semester being amazed by my classmates. I am grateful to be among such a large group of kind and interesting people.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
If I could truly travel anywhere I would go to the International Space Station – an intersection of science, international collaboration, and a unique opportunity for reflection.
What are you most looking forward to about training with the Island Medical Program?
I look forward to benefitting from a medical community that is passionate about teaching and to living in a location that allows me to spend more time with my family.
Natasha Young
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
I decided to pursue medicine to satisfy my long-standing desire to know more about the human body and people, in all their complexities, and to provide a much-needed community service.
How was your first semester of med school?
I was absolutely enthralled with the quality of the facilities and lecturers as well as the level of organization provided by the staff.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Port Alice, the Taj Mahal – my wish list of destinations is very long, because I don’t ever want to stop exploring.
What are you most looking forward to about training with the Island Medical Program?
Learning and working within my Vancouver Island community, where I intend to practice.
From exploring the benefits of exercise for stroke recovery to understanding how to provide culturally safe care, students in the FoM’s SSRP take a deeper look into a wide variety of research topics.
Dr. Joana Gil-Mohapel, MEDD Course Co-Director and Master Teacher for the Island Medical Program, has received a Certificate of Merit from the Canadian Association of Medical Education (CAME).