Name: Harjit Sidhu
Hometown: Abbotsford, BC
What attracted you to the field of medicine?
In high school, learning about the human body really fascinated me, and I had been thinking about medicine ever since. As I went through my undergrad, I also realized that I enjoy learning, and I couldn’t imagine being in a field where I don’t have the ability to be a lifelong learner. Being a physician will be a rewarding and exciting career, as it will allow me to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
What are you most excited about beginning your studies with the Southern Medical Program?
Definitely the class size. I went to UFV for my undergrad, and it is nice having a small class size again, where everyone, even the faculty, knows your name. Plus, I hear that it doesn’t rain here much.
What do you like to do in your spare time to relax and have fun?
I enjoy working out and playing sports, such as soccer, tennis, squash, and football. I also like getting into TV shows and movies during my downtime.
What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
It was a while back, but I was really into magic tricks. Though I may still have a trick or two up my sleeve.
Name: Claire MacKinlay
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
What attracted you to the field of medicine?
I think for me it comes back to the childhood dream of having a positive impact on the world, to do something important. I’ve always loved science and doing whatever is in my power to help those around me and medicine will allow me to combine both. I look forward to being part of a profession that is always striving to do and be better.
What are you most excited about beginning your studies with the Southern Medical Program?
I love the idea being part of a small class, both for the social and professional opportunities it will afford. On the social side, I think our class is already forming a unique cohesiveness that you wouldn’t necessarily get at a bigger site. We also have more opportunity to interact with other years and to learn from their wisdom! On the professional side, the enthusiasm of the medical community here to teach us is incredibly welcoming and I feel very lucky to have so much support.
What do you like to do in your spare time to relax and have fun?
I like to do most things that get me outside. Topping the list are biking, snowboarding, and playing tennis or golf. When I have time off I like to go camping or travelling – this summer I’ll do both when I hike the Inca trail in Peru.
What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
My undergraduate degree is in Nutritional Sciences and last year I got to put my skills to good use when I travelled to Rwnada to work on a UNICEF micronutrient project for infants. I’m hoping to return to international health work as soon as I can!
Name: Stephen Watson
Hometown: Kelowna BC
What attracted you to the field of medicine?
Growing up I saw first-hand the positive effect medicine can have on people and communities through my dad’s work as a family practitioner. I always wanted to be like him when I grew up and I can’t think of any other profession in which you can interact with people so intimately and make such a profound impact on their lives with your work.
What are you most excited about beginning your studies with the Southern Medical Program?
Having the opportunity to work in the town I spent my youth in, alongside people in the medical community I have known since I was a volunteer at KGH is something that I have really been looking forward to.
What do you like to do in your spare time to relax and have fun?
I have always been involved in sports and find them a great way to relieve stress and stay in shape. I’m a big rugby and football fan but I’ll play anything!
What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m not a fan of spiders…