Taran Main
Hometown: Armstrong, BC
What attracted you to the field of medicine?
I remember when I was 6 years old, I went to my family doctor for an ear infection. He made me feel safe and cared for and he even gave me a red lollipop at the end of the appointment! He then sent me home with delicious banana flavored antibiotics that made the pain in my ears go away. Except with hindsight, it was probably self limiting and really all I needed was time. That sparked my interest in medicine. I worked in several other professions, but I would always come back to medicine. I look forward to an incredibly rewarding career in family medicine and (hopefully) addictions medicine.
In 10 years, what UBC moment will you still be talking about?
I will look back fondly at just how supportive and incredible everyone in SMP was during my medical training and how it positively impacted and influenced me.
What’s next for you?
I matched to Rural Family Medicine in Kelowna where my wife and I hope to stay when I graduate. My passion in medicine revolves around working with populations who are experiencing homelessness, substance use and mental illness. I look forward to continuing to explore this area of medicine as I continue my medical training and start my career.
As you look ahead, what (or who) inspires you?
My faith is at the center of what inspires me in medicine. It pushes me to strive to be more “Christ-like” and provide unconditional, compassionate, non-judgemental care to patients as I walk with them in their lives. I have also had the opportunity to work with some truly inspiring preceptors that are the most compassionate caregivers and really emulate what it means to be a physician as well as how to have a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
Go dog sledding to the North Pole!