Staff Reflections
Staff in the UBC distributed programs on Vancouver Island work to keep the UBC MD Undergraduate Program (MDUP) Island Medical Program (IMP) and other medical education and health professional programs in the region running smoothly. We asked a few individuals for their perspectives on what makes the education and administration here so unique.
Walking Down Memory Lane
Many memories were made at the UBC MD Undergraduate Program (MDUP) Island Medical Program (IMP) and in the surrounding UBC medical education community over the years. Here are a few from both past and present students, faculty, and staff.
2025 – 2026 Information Sessions Announced
Along with hosting general information sessions this semester, the IMP admissions team will offer several sessions focused on the Black Student Pathway, the Indigenous Pathway, and the Northern and Rural Pathway.
IMP Student Receives Inaugural Molloy Medicine Award
Sonora Godfrey (IMP Class of 2026) is one of five UBC medical students to receive the scholarship, which recognizes learners across Canada who have significantly supported vulnerable and underserved populations.
Teaching Medicine Through Theatre
As a Standardized Patient, Rosemary realistically portrays a wide range of medical conditions for learners in a safe, controlled environment. She also uses the opportunity to teach humanistic skills like empathy.
Could Mindfulness & Community Help Healthcare Burnout?
Dr. Jane Gair and several second-year IMP students are part of a multidisciplinary team co-developing a research program focused on one potential burnout solution for healthcare professionals.
Info Session with Dr. Shirzad & IMP Students
Join Dr. Shahin Shirzad, Assistant Dean of Admissions; the IMP admissions coordinator; and current IMP students for a special evening info session about our program and its admissions process, what it takes to become a doctor, and what it’s like being in medical school.
Welcoming Dr. Laura Farrell, the IMP’s new RAD
We sat down with Dr. Laura Farrell – the new Regional Associate Dean, Vancouver Island, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia & Academic Director, Vancouver Island, UBC Distributed Programs, University of Victoria – to learn more about her vision and herself.
Recognizing Exceptional Medical Educators
Drs. Sienna Bourdon, Rob Grmek, Ashley Jewett, Amita Modi, and Leigh Anne Swayne recently received awards for their teaching contributions to the IMP and UVic Division of Medical Sciences.
IMP Info Session Dates for 2024 – 25 Academic Year
Join the IMP Admissions Coordinator for one of our free information sessions to learn about how you can earn your MD on Vancouver Island.