2017 Southern Medical Program Graduate – Aaron Sobkowicz
What attracted you to your field?
Going through our clinical years, I found myself really enjoying pretty much every rotation. When decision time came it made a lot of sense for me to remain a generalist. Family medicine allows for huge flexibility throughout a career, and I’m excited to be able to pursue my interests in acute and hospital medicine while having the option to pursue other areas of medicine in the future. I’ve also always wanted the opportunity to form longitudinal relationships with my patients and family medicine provides that opportunity to a degree not really seen elsewhere.
In 10 years, what UBC moment will you still be talking about?
It’s hard to choose just one moment over the last four years to reminisce about. There have been so many amazing (and difficult) experiences throughout this journey, and it’s not a stretch to say it’s been transformative. One thing I’ll always take with me is the relationships I’ve made. I remember someone telling us in our first week of school that our future best friends were in that same lecture theatre as us, and how true that has turned out to be!
What’s next for you?
I’ll be heading up to Nanaimo to pursue further training in family medicine. I’m extra excited since some of my close friends will be accompanying me! After that, I’ll most likely be settling down in BC – my wife and I both love the Okanagan and Vancouver Island!
As you look ahead, who inspires you?
Medicine requires a lot of sacrifice, and there are constant pressures and stressors that can cause burnout if we’re not careful. The people I have always been inspired by are those who are able to maintain a caring, patient and empathetic attitude towards their patients despite all the craziness. I’ve had the good fortune of having some really great friends in my class during medical school, and I frequently find myself inspired by their excitement and passion for learning medicine. My goal is to continue to surround myself with such amazing individuals throughout my career.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
It used to be riding a horse until I had a patient with a pretty nasty open fracture after falling off of one during a trail ride. Now I’d say surfing is probably next on my list of fun activities I haven’t tried yet!