Dr. Emily Stewart has been appointed as the new Year 1 & 2 Site Director for the Southern Medical Program (SMP). Dr. Stewart is a Kelowna-based emergency physician and a Clinical Assistant Professor with the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Stewart completed her medical degree at the University of Toronto, followed by emergency medicine residency training at UBC. Additionally, she has earned a Master of Health Administration from UBC and completed a Clinical Fellowship in Health Care Quality. As the Operations Lead for the Kelowna Emergency Physicians’ Association Executive Committee, Dr. Stewart helps lead quality and workflow projects in addition to governance renewal. Dr. Stewart is deeply passionate about teaching and supporting learning opportunities for medical students and residents in both clinical and didactic settings.

As the new Site Director, Dr. Stewart will lead the planning and implementation of Case-based Learning (CBL), lectures, workshops, and small group learning within the MEDD 411/412/421/422 courses. She will also work in close collaboration with provincial Course Directors, the UGME Associate Director of Curriculum, and administrative managers and staff.

Dr. Battsetseg (Tseegii) Batchuluun has been appointed the new Portfolio Lead for the Southern Medical Program (SMP). Dr. Batchuluun will continue to serve in her other SMP roles as Assistant Professor of Teaching and the Foundations of Scholarship and Flexible and Enhanced Learning Site Director.

Dr. Batchuluun completed her medical degree and internal medical residency with the National University of Medical Sciences in Mongolia. While practicing medicine in Japan, she earned her PhD from Kyushu University with a focus on cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Prior to joining the SMP in 2024, she has served as a postdoctoral research fellow and undergraduate course instructor at McMaster University. Since joining the SMP, she has served as an excellent advocate for students and medical education opportunities within the region.

In her new role, Dr. Batchuluun will provide leadership and general oversight of the SMP Portfolio program. She will also oversee the recruitment and training of Portfolio coaches and ensure the ongoing sustainability of the SMP Portfolio program.

MD Undergraduate Program (MDUP) Student Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mike Bergunder to the role of Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, Southern Medical Program (SMP) for a three-year term, until September 29, 2028.

Dr. Bergunder is Métis with ties to the Red River settlement. He grew up in the Lower Mainland, primarily on the territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation. He completed his medical degree at UBC Vancouver, a rural Family Medicine residency through the University of Alberta, and a fellowship in Emergency Medicine through UBC Vancouver at St. Paul’s Hospital.  His extensive experience in the SMP Undergraduate Medical Education Program (UGME), including as both the Year 1 and 2 Site Director and Portfolio Lead for SMP, provides him with a strong foundation for this role, as does his extensive experience developing and leading clinical learning opportunities for students.

He will continue to hold his appointment as the Clinical Education Lead, Indigenous Health, SMP, and also serves as Department Head at Penticton Regional Hospital, where he works as an Emergency Physician.

Dr. Bergunder has forged effective, collaborative relationships within the SMP and looks forward to supporting the diverse needs of students during their undergraduate medical education. He aims to provide students with support in various areas, including career planning, the principles of school/work-life balance, and CaRMS preparation.

Dr. Christopher West has been reappointed as the Assistant Dean, Research, Southern Medical Program (SMP) for a three-year term. Dr. West is an Investigator with the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management and an Associate Professor with the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences. He is also a member of the UBC ICORD (International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries Research Centre). Over the past year, Dr. West has helped lead the ongoing development of the Faculty of Medicine’s research portfolio across the Interior Health region.

Dr. West earned a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at Essex University followed by a MSc and PhD in Exercise Physiology at Brunel University. He then completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) at UBC. Dr. West has previously been a Michael Smith Foundation Health Research Scholar and a Heart and Stroke National New Investigator who also served as an Assistant Professor with the UBC School of Kinesiology. Dr. West’s research explores the circuits controlling cardiovascular and autonomic function following spinal cord injury.

Dr. West will continue to oversee health research activities at UBC Okanagan and across the Interior Health region. He will collaborate with SMP faculty members to ensure the program’s strategic research direction aligns with the Faculty of Medicine. Dr. West will also work to ensure that the best research opportunities are identified and invested in for the local environment and community.

We are excited to welcome back our Southern Medical Program students for the fall term. Meet some of our students as they gear up for another year of medical school across the Interior Health region.

Name: Miranda Tsuyuki, 2nd year
Hometown: Belcarra & Whistler, BC

What inspired you to pursue your program?
As the oldest of three, I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to care for others. Seeing my family’s struggles with trauma, mental health, addiction, and suicide showed me just how much of a difference compassionate doctors can make—or how hard it is when they’re not there. I studied biochemistry, forensic science, and psychology at UBC to understand the power and responsibility that comes with science. But it was really through lifeguarding, mental health peer support, ski patrol, paramedic training, and working with the RCMP that I learned what it means to help others with both skill and heart.

Why did you choose UBC?
UBC Medicine has always been my dream. BC is home, and I’m deeply grateful to stay close to my support system while learning from local experts in—I’m admittedly biased—the most beautiful place in the world. I’m a classic BC girl who loves skiing, hiking, and great sushi, so I’m thrilled not to miss out. Plus, my dad is a UBC Medicine alumnus, so it is pretty cool to think I am walking the same path he once did and share that connection.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
By the end of first year, I finally felt like I’d found my footing in medical school. This year, I’m excited to deepen my learning and push myself further in academics and research. Both inside and outside the classroom, I can’t wait to reunite with my classmates who have not only become loyal study partners, soccer teammates, and backpacking companions, but my close friends. I’m looking forward to resuming our coffee walks between lectures to Comma Café, taking a surfing trip to Tofino through the Wilderness Medicine club, and rocking our new matching SMP vests in clinic.

Name: Chaase Byrne, 2nd year
Hometown: Flin Flon, Manitoba

What inspired you to pursue your program?
After spending 12 years working in construction, including three years at B.C. Hydro’s Site C Clean Energy Project in northeastern B.C., I was looking for a change that would be academically stimulating but still allow me to work closely with people.

Why did you choose UBC?
I had spent a large portion of the last 10 years working in B.C., so I have really come to love all that the province has to offer. Additionally, I enjoy the smaller size of UBC’s distributed medical program sites, leading me to ultimately choose Kelowna.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to starting the transition into the clinical portion of medical school.

Name: Emily Stone, 3rd year
Hometown: Victoria, BC

What inspired you to pursue your program?
It all began in grade 11 when I first learned about the endocrine system—I was hooked. At UBC Okanagan, my Human Kinetics degree deepened that fascination as I explored the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, each discovery sparking new excitement. However, it was working in a health clinic that truly inspired my passion for medicine. Watching physicians connect with patients—listening, comforting, and guiding them—showed me the profound impact of compassion in healthcare. Medicine is not just about solving medical problems, but about creating a space where people feel heard and supported. That’s the role I aspire to fulfill.

Why did you choose UBC?
UBC felt like the natural choice for me. I completed my bachelor’s degree at UBC Okanagan, where I had an incredible experience and felt constantly supported by both peers and faculty. I was especially drawn to UBC’s spiral curriculum, which aligns with the way I enjoy learning—building on knowledge while deepening understanding. Beyond academics, British Columbia holds a special place in my heart. Its beauty and endless opportunities for exploration make it feel like home, and with most of my family here, pursuing medicine at UBC means I can grow in both my career and personal life.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
Clerkship is the stage I have anticipated most since beginning medical school. From day one, I felt both excitement and nerves about finally applying my knowledge in real-world settings. The rotation I most looked forward to was rural family medicine, which I am completing as I write this. Experiencing the challenges and rewards of rural care firsthand has been incredible, bringing to life so many of the issues we learn about in the classroom. Still to come – I am also looking forward to delivering my first baby!

Dr. Hannah Gibson has been appointed the new Integrated Community Clerkship (ICC) Site Director, Ver.non for the Southern Medical Program (SMP), effective immediately. Dr. Gibson is a family physician and a Clinical Instructor with the UBC Department of Family Practice

Dr. Gibson earned her medical degree at the University of Leeds prior to completing her residency with UBC’s Kelowna Regional family practice site. Since starting her practice, Dr. Gibson has served as a dedicated preceptor for UBC medical students and residents, including teaching seminars and workshops. In addition to her family practice, she is a hospitalist and sports medicine physician and works as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Freestyle Canada.

As the new ICC Site Director, Dr. Gibson will lead the facilitation of the Faculty of Medicine’s Year 3 curricular delivery and implementation at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. She will also work closely with ICC Site Directors throughout the Interior Health region and across UBC’s distributed medical education sites in the North, Fraser, and Island.

Dr. Gregory Costello has been appointed the new Clinical Skills, Site Director for the Southern Medical Program (SMP). Dr. Costello is a family physician, Clinical Assistant Professor with the UBC Department of Family Practice, and SMP alumnus (Class of 2016).

Since completing his residency through UBC in Chilliwack, Dr Costello has practiced in a broad range of settings including rural & urban family medicine clinics, emergency departments, inpatient wards & virtual primary care services. Having recently concluded a longitudinal practice in remote Bella Bella, Dr. Costello is currently assisting with the development of the Kelowna General Hospital’s “Hospital at Home” program in addition to working with the Northern Health Virtual Clinic and serving on the Family Practice Services Committee. Dr. Costello has served as a UBC Clinical Skills Instructor and Case-Based Learning tutor for several years and has a passion for supporting the next generation of physicians. He is also a 2025 recipient of the Year 2 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award.

As the new Clinical Skills, Site Director, Dr. Costello will provide leadership for the delivery of the clinical skills curriculum at the SMP. He will work in close collaboration with the UGME Clinical Skills Lead, Clinical Skills Site Directors and Program Managers, and the SMP educational leadership team to implement the goals and objectives of the clinical skills curriculum.

Dr. Mike Bergunder has been appointed the new Clinical Education Leader, Indigenous Health for the Southern Medical Program (SMP). Dr. Bergunder is a Kelowna-based emergency physician and a Clinical Assistant Professor with the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine. He also currently serves as the Year 1 and 2 Site Director and Portfolio Site Lead for the SMP.

Dr. Bergunder completed his medical degree at UBC, family medicine residency at the University of Alberta, and a fellowship in emergency medicine at UBC. He currently serves as the Department Head at Penticton Regional Hospital. Since 2019, Dr. Bergunder has supported learning opportunities for UBC medical students as a Case-Based Learning Instructor, Indigenous Cultural Safety Facilitator, and Portfolio Coach. He also serves as a member of the UBC 23 24 Indigenous Cultural Safety Advisory Committee.

As the new Clinical Education Leader, Indigenous Health, Dr. Bergunder will develop and foster relationships with Indigenous health leaders and knowledge keepers across the Interior region of BC. He will also lead the development of clinical learning opportunities in Indigenous health for students in the MD undergraduate program, in particular within the SMP.

Dr. Craig Lynch has been appointed the new Integrated Community Clerkship (ICC) Site Director, East Kootenays for the Southern Medical Program (SMP). Dr. Lynch is a family physician based in Cranbrook and a Clinical Instructor with the UBC Department of Family Practice.

Dr. Lynch completed his medical degree at Queen’s University and his family practice residency with UBC in Victoria. Dr. Lynch’s training and career have consistently combined clinical excellence with a deep commitment to community-based care. Since relocating to the East Kootenay region, Dr. Lynch has gained a firsthand appreciation for the critical importance of clinical education in rural areas. He also has a strong background in teaching and supporting medical education opportunities in the region.

As the new ICC Site Director, Dr. Lynch will lead the development of the new ICC site based at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH). Dr. Lynch will facilitate the Year 3 curricular delivery and implementation at EKRH with students starting at the site in 2026, and will work in close collaboration with the ICC Site Directors through the Interior and across the province.

The Southern Medical Program (SMP) Excellence Awards acknowledge faculty and staff for exceptional contributions to the medical education of SMP students. Congratulations to the 2025 recipients. Thank you for your commitment to medical education and for supporting students throughout the Interior Health region.

Year 1 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award Dr. Carmen Castellanos, Adjunct Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Year 2 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award Dr. Gregory Costello, Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC Department of Family Practice
Year 3 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award – Kamloops Dr. Fatima Allibhai, Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Psychiatry
Year 3 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award – Kelowna Dr. Nataliya Grishin , Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Psychiatry
Year 3 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award – Trail Helen Clugston, RN and Regional Knowledge Coordinator, SIM at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital
Year 3 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award – Vernon (Co-recipient) Dr. Lisa Heidt, Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Family Practice
Year 3 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award – Vernon (Co-recipient) Dr. Jen Procyshen, Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
UBC Resident Excellence Award  Dr. Fran Van Wyk, Family Practice Resident Kelowna (nomination and selection by Year 3 students in Kelowna)
2025 Southern Medical Program Graduating Class Award Co-Recipient Dr. Chongya Niu—Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Medicine
2025 Southern Medical Program Graduating Class Award Co-Recipient Dr. Melissa Paquette, Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC Department of Pediatrics