Congratulations to the Southern Medical Program Class of 2025 on earning your medical degrees. This year’s graduation class includes 31 new medical doctors educated and trained in the Interior Health region. Meet some of our newest SMP graduates:

Matt Lavery
Hometown: Cranbrook, BC

What attracted you to your field?
What really drew me to emergency medicine was the intellectually stimulating and fast-paced environment. I’m excited by the challenge of addressing a wide array of undifferentiated cases in a single shift. Being able to perform critical procedures and connect with patients during their most vulnerable moments is incredibly rewarding for me. Furthermore, the supportive and collaborative community of ER physicians was a huge factor for me. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team that is united by a dedication to high quality care and mutual support is something I admire about this specialty.

What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
My favorite memories from the Southern Medical Program would have to be our annual Big White ski trips. Not only do I love to ski, but having our entire class out on the hill for the weekend will never fail to lift our spirits and remind us just how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place.

What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
Take it all in and don’t forget to admire your accomplishments. There will always be more topics to learn or another goal to chase, but you only have four years with this cohort. Be kind to yourself and trust the process. I have never regretted skipping a night with my notes for social connection with my peers. Sharing this experience with 30 to 40 incredible like-minded people is exceedingly rare and I know we would give up a lot to keep these classmates with us as we enter the next phase of our lives.

What’s next for you?
I will be staying in Kelowna to complete an Emergency Medicine Residency. I couldn’t be more excited to join this amazing team of clinicians for the next five years! Before I start this program, I will be spending a much-needed vacation visiting with friends, family, and getting some sunshine on the southern coast of France.

What are you looking forward to most about the program you’ve matched to and the community you’ll be joining as a future resident?
Although it will sound cheesy, I am most excited for the people. One of the strongest reasons I chose this program was the sense of community among the current emergency medicine residents and staff at Kelowna General Hospital. As someone who has now lived in Kelowna for seven years, I think I would have a hard time saying goodbye to this amazing city. So now I can continue to spend my winters at Big White, and my summers on the beaches and beautiful trails that surround Kelowna.

Roshan Behrouzi
Hometown: Kelowna, BC

What attracted you to your field?
Family Medicine stood out as a super cool specialty right from the beginning of medical school. Going through various clinical rotations, I was attracted to almost every aspect of medicine and the patient journey and especially enjoyed fields that allowed me to build connections with patients over time. Family medicine was unique in its breadth and flexibility and guaranteed the opportunity to build a diverse and exciting life.

What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
My favorite moment from my time in the program is holding a beating heart during my cardiac surgery rotation. I was standing next to the surgeon (being super ultra useful I’m sure) and asked nervously if he could pause his delicate work and let me hold the heart. Thankfully I did not get kicked out of the OR and instead got to hold a real life heart while it pumped. That was a surreal moment I’ll probably never forget.

What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
Beyond hard work and passion, success in this field requires tons of endurance and perseverance. My advice is to regularly devote time to building strong and supportive relationships with your peers. They’ll be a huge source of strength, inspiration, and joy for you as you navigate the inevitable ups and downs of a challenging but rewarding field. Reciprocating the support also provides an inner sense of purpose and fulfillment.

What’s next for you?
I’m moving to Nanaimo to pursue family medicine residency training!

What are you looking forward to most about the program you’ve matched to and the community you’ll be joining as a future resident?
I’m really excited to experience living on Vancouver Island as I’ve heard nothing but great things about the people and the generally laid-back culture. I also hear that the weather is slightly warmer which is a big plus as I’m a bit of a wimp in the cold. I’m excited to dabble in some ocean fishing and maybe learn how to smoke my own salmon. In terms of the residency program, I’m excited to hone my skills in a friendly environment and meet a new group of mentors. I think the longitudinal hospitalist training will be especially fun.

Julie Zhao
Hometown: Nanaimo, BC

What attracted you to your field? 
Medicine felt like a good fit because I’ve always enjoyed working with people, have a strong interest in health and wellness, and love that there’s always more to learn. I chose family medicine because of its broad scope of practice and strong focus on health promotion and disease prevention. I really appreciate the opportunity to build long-term relationships and care for patients across all stages of life.

What is your favourite moment from your time in your program? 
While I really enjoyed the clinical experiences, my favourite part of the program was the people I went through it with. My classmates are truly some of the best people I’ve had the privilege to know. I will never forget our annual ski trips, late-night study sessions, Easter dinner at the CAC library and the times we all went to Mexico together. No matter how busy or stressful things got, there was always laughter, support, and a sense of community. Looking back, it’s those shared moments that made medical school so special.

What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program? 
Don’t be afraid to speak up or give an answer, even if it ends up being wrong. You’ll learn the most from your mistakes. As a learner, you’re in a safe space to make those mistakes, reflect, and grow. Be open, stay curious, and eager to learn. Most importantly, take care of yourself and surround yourself with people who support you.

What’s next for you? 
I’m excited to be starting family medicine residency at the UBC Vancouver Fraser site!

What are you looking forward to most about the program you’ve matched to and the community you’ll be joining as a future resident?
I’m looking forward to seeing what training in a larger city will look like and the kinds of patient presentations I’ll get to experience in a busy urban setting. I’m also excited to explore more of Vancouver and the coast.

Nicholas Reitsma
Hometown: Kelowna, BC

What attracted you to your field? 
From the beginning of medical school, I was drawn to surgical specialties and captivated by the operating room. Early on, I shadowed a vascular surgeon, and for the next three years, I found myself comparing every rotation to that initial experience. The field’s unique combination of open and endovascular techniques, its focus on technological innovation, and the chance to build long-term relationships with patients deeply resonated with me. Attending national conferences and connecting with surgeons from across the country further solidified my interest. The collegiality and close-knit nature of the vascular community confirmed that its what I want to do.

What is your favourite moment from your time in your program?
Between ski trips, vacations in Europe, and celebrating with treats after exams, it’s hard to choose just one favorite memory. But the trips to Big White stand out. While I’m by no means an avid skier—and I couldn’t make it to every trip—spending time with friends away from the hospital and lecture halls was unforgettable. It gave us a chance to relax, reset, and truly connect outside the pressures of medical school.

What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
Medical school is challenging—but it’s challenging for everyone. When things feel overwhelming, or when you make a mistake, remember that you’re not alone. Your classmates are experiencing the same struggles, and leaning on each other makes all the difference. And every attending you work with has stood exactly where you are now. Embrace the challenge, grow from it, and most importantly, extend grace—to yourself and to those around you.

What’s next for you?
Next year, I’ll be starting a vascular surgery residency at UBC. Leaving Kelowna will be bittersweet, but after nine years at UBCO, I’m ready for a change of scenery. I plan to spend the break soaking up time with my wife, parents, and puppy—enjoying the beach, recharging, and making the most of these quiet moments before residency begins.

What are you looking forward to most about the program you’ve matched to and the community you’ll be joining as a future resident?
Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many of the residents and attendings in the program, and I’m truly excited to join the team. Like most surgical residents, I’m eager for the chance to be in the operating room—but I also recognize that it comes with a new level of responsibility. I’m looking forward to the learning and growth ahead, and I hope to support and mentor junior trainees along the way.

Sophie Jansen
Hometown: Castlegar, BC

What attracted you to your field?
I was drawn to family medicine because it allows me to work with patients across their lifespan and in so many different settings. I love that in family medicine I get to see patients when their well and help them thrive in their lives. I also have a passion for reproductive and sexual health and family medicine has such a big role in working with these patients. I can build trusting relationships with my patients and really get to know them over time.

What is your favourite moment from your time in your program? 
The best part of being at SMP was the people. Getting to know my classmates and going through training together was so much fun. It’s so hard to pick a single moment that was my favorite because so many come to mind- CBL, anatomy lab and eating lunch together in first and second year, our 2 class trips to Mexico, starting the SMP medball, or chatting in the lounge at the hospital while in clerkship. However, getting to see everyone so excited about their next steps on Match Day was really special and might be my favorite.

What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program? 
Enjoy yourself and keep an open mind! Four years absolutely fly by and so you should really make the most of medical school by having fun with your peers and not stressing too much about grades while still learning as much as you can. Keep your options open and consider lots of different specialties before making your decision. You will have lots of time in your clinical years that will help you make your mind up so just make the most of the experience in early medical school.

What’s next for you?
I am moving to Nanaimo, BC to start family medicine residency in July. In the future, I would love to have a family practice clinic and do prenatal and maternity care.

What are you looking forward to most about the program you’ve matched to and the community you’ll be joining as a future resident?
I am really looking forward to exploring another part of BC and starting my career in family medicine. Vancouver Island is somewhere I have always enjoyed visiting and so I’m excited to get to know the area a little bit better. I can’t wait to build my skills as a family physician and get to know the medical community there too.

The Southern Medical Program is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brandi Read as the new Clerkship Site Co-Director, Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) for the Southern Medical Program (SMP). Dr. Read is an emergency medicine physician and a Clinical Instructor with the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Read completed her medical degree at Dalhousie University and residency training at Queen’s University. She has also earned a Master’s of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Dr. Read has an extensive background in teaching and mentoring students and residents at UBC and the University of Ottawa. During her time at RIH, Dr. Read has established the IH Emergency Department Grand Rounds, developed an Emergency Department Wellness Committee, and served as the physician representative for the RIH Wellness Committee.

As the new Clerkship Site Co-Director, Dr. Read will help facilitate the Year 3 traditional clerkship implementation at RIH, including the expanded RIH cohort starting in June 2026. She will work in close collaboration with the Site Director at Kelowna General Hospital and the Year 3 Clerkship Directors in the Vancouver-Fraser Medical Program, Island Medical Program, and Northern Medical Program to ensure the goals and exit competencies of the clerkship are met.

SMP students at Special Olympics Healthy Athletes.

As part of the Faculty of Medicine’s Flexible Enhanced Learning course, Southern Medical Program (SMP) students get opportunities to immerse themselves in the community to collaborate with local organizations.

Recently, SMP students partnered with the Special Olympics BC Healthy Athletes program to assist with health screenings at a Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Day in Kelowna. We caught up with second-year student Danielle Macdonald, who shared more about her experience:

How did you get involved?

My previous experience as a coach with the Special Olympics allowed me to build strong connections with the athletes and sparked a passion for working with this community. When I noticed limited research on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in BC, I was motivated to pursue this project.

The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Day offers fun, interactive health screenings and education tailored to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The screenings take place in a welcoming, relaxed environment where athletes felt comfortable and supported.

Tells us more about the project.

According to the Special Olympics BC Healthy Athletes Screening Survey, 29% of caregivers reported that these screenings identified previously undetected medical concerns, while 78% said the screenings helped them gain valuable health care knowledge.

SMP students played an active role in the event, promoting health education by discussing topics such as nutrition, sun safety, personal hygiene, and hydration. They also assisted with measurements like blood pressure, height, and weight.

Supported by health care professionals, athletes receive referrals back into the health care system to ensure everyone gets the treatment they need. Other offered screenings include health hearing, vision, dentistry, podiatry, and mental health.

Second-year SMP student Danielle Macdonald.

How has the experience impacted your learning as a future physician?

This project has provided me with a much deeper understanding of the significant barriers to equitable health care that this population faces. Individuals with IDDs experience a disproportionately higher risk of cardiovascular disease and related complications due to an interplay of biological, social, and systemic factors.

I hope to remain involved with Special Olympics throughout my career and would love to see SMP students continue contributing to this initiative in the coming years. Additionally, I hope to encourage local physicians to get involved in supporting future events.

Dr. Battsetseg (Tseegii) Batchuluun has been appointed the new Foundations of Scholarship (FoS) and Flexible and Enhanced Learning (FLEX) Site Director for the Southern Medical Program (SMP), effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Batchuluun will continue to serve in her role as Assistant Professor of Teaching (tenure-track) for the SMP.

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. In 2014, she relocated to Canada to pursue an academic career. During the past ten years, she has served as a postdoctoral research fellow with the University of Toronto and the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. At McMaster University, in addition to working on biomedical research projects, she has taught a diversity of topics including nutrition and metabolism, molecular mechanisms of common diseases, and the role of stem cells in developing regenerative medicine. Dr. Batchuluun joined the SMP as an Assistant Professor of Teaching in September 2024.

In her new role, Dr. Batchuluun will provide leadership and organizational responsibilities for the FoS and FLEX portfolios with a commitment to community-engaged projects and excellent student research experiences. Dr. Batchuluun will work closely with the SMP leadership team and Directors from the Vancouver-Fraser Medical Program, Island Medical Program, and Northern Medical Program.

The Southern Medical Program (SMP) recently launched a community-engaged learning initiative to help students gain real-world learning experiences. The first event, held in November, featured a Diabetes Awareness outreach activity in partnership with the UBC Small Steps for Big Changes program and the Orchard Park Shopping Centre.

“This initiative not only empowers students to apply their medical knowledge in service to the community but also raises awareness about prevalent health issues,” says Dr. Battsetseg Batchuluun, event organizer and Assistant Professor of Teaching in the SMP.

The November event served a dual purpose as students gained invaluable real-world experience in community health education and communication. In addition, local residents had the opportunity to learn more about diabetes risk factors, assess their risk levels, and receive personalized guidance on prevention strategies.

“Our students did an amazing job of breaking down complex medical information into simple, actionable advice,” adds Batchuluun. “This kind of hands-on, community-engaging experience is invaluable for our students, and it is equally important for our community as our students provide health education in a way that is approachable and engaging.”

The SMP plans to expand this initiative to address other important health topics, creating more opportunities for students to engage with local communities.

“The initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to medical education — one that prepares students to become not only healthcare providers, but also advocates for better health outcomes in the community they serve,” says Batchuluun.

Community outreach volunteers at the Orchard Park Shopping Centre.

Group of faculty, staff, and students who helped organize the event.

Photo credit: called Reach One Touch One Ministries (ROTOM) Canada

Southern Medical Program student Soren Meeuwisse recently had her scoping review Water fetching and musculoskeletal health across the life-course in Sub-Saharan Africa published in the PLOS Global Public Health Journal.

What is the focus of your research?
Although water has been declared a fundamental human right by the United Nations, many households in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) do not have adequate water accessibility and it is socioculturally women’s responsibility to walk far distances carrying water to provide for the household. This practice, performed by millions of women worldwide every day, is predicted to persist for many years due to deeply ingrained sociocultural gender norms and increasing water insecurity, as a result of climate change and population growth in SSA. The review outlines how women in SSA endure the harmful MSK impacts of water fetching through the many stages of life—from childhood and childbearing years to old age. As a result, they face gender disparities in health outcomes and opportunities for personal and economic development. This paper aims to inform future studies and interventions in MSK healthcare, aiming to prevent, reduce, and rehabilitate poor MSK health, ultimately improving both individual and societal well-being.

Soren Meeuwisse

What did you learn?
I gained a deep understanding of my specific topic through the rigorous research process, but just as importantly, I learned a great deal about conducting research properly. This experience has greatly enhanced my appreciation for high-quality, impactful published studies. The main take-aways that I learned from my research are:

(1) The MSK issues reported in this review are preventable and this is a global public health problem that is socially normalized, under-measured, and underrepresented in the literature

(2) Despite elderly women commonly fetching water, there is very minimal literature on their MSK health, which has significant implications for the well-being of their household as well. Many grandparents are the primary caretakers of their grandchildren, as the middle generation in SSA has sadly been largely impacted by HIV/AIDS. Therefore, the grandparents’ physical ability to fetch water directly impacts child health and school attendance.

(3) Men or younger boys who fetch water have preferential access to tools (such as a bicycle or cart) that ease the burden of water fetching, illustrating gendered access to innovative devices that may be developed to assist the health of water fetchers. Further, it is understood that women play a crucial role in household water accessibility, yet women are largely excluded from water management, decision-making, and implementation processes which are often led by able-bodied men. Addressing the challenges of MSK pain and dysfunction in SSA require consideration of societal, cultural, behavioural, infrastructural, and ergonomic factors.

How has the research impacted your training as a future physician?
This research has deepened my understanding of the intricate connections between social determinants of health and physical well-being, particularly in the context of musculoskeletal health. It has reinforced the importance of viewing patient care through a holistic lens, prioritizing cultural safety, and considering not just the medical issues but also the social and environmental factors that shape health outcomes. As a future physician, this experience has emphasized the value of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration, public health perspectives, and evidence-based interventions in addressing complex global health challenges. It has also sharpened my research skills, which will be critical in staying current with evolving medical knowledge and improving patient care.

What are the next steps for your research?
The next steps involve building on the findings of this review to explore targeted interventions that can mitigate the musculoskeletal impacts of water fetching. Future research should focus on developing culturally appropriate, ergonomic tools and community-based strategies to reduce the physical burden on women and the elderly. Additionally, addressing the gendered barriers in water management and decision-making processes is essential. Collaborating with local communities and stakeholders in SSA will be key to implementing sustainable solutions that promote both physical health and gender equity.

View the full article.

The Southern Medical Program is thrilled to welcome its largest class ever of 40 new students in addition to our returning students for a new academic year. Meet some of our new and returning SMP students.

Amelia Martzke, Year 1
Hometown: Nelson

What inspired you to pursue your program? 
After completing my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences, I was motivated to pursue a career that would allow me to engage directly with patients in a clinical setting. I have had research experience in the field of sexual and reproductive health and have worked in harm reduction with a non-profit organization for the last few years. I am passionate about working with marginalized populations and providing care to underserved communities with a focus on sexual and reproductive health, gender-affirming care, and mental health and addictions services.

Why did you choose UBC?
I grew up in Nelson, BC, and then moved to Ottawa to complete my undergraduate degree. Since then, I have lived in Nelson for another four years, and have fostered a profound sense of community and belonging in the West Kootenay region. I am passionate about outdoor recreation and mountain sports, and have a strong desire to further explore, study, work, and live in BC. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my studies in BC and look forward to starting this journey at UBC!

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to learning in diverse ways, in an environment where special attention has been put into the design of the curriculum and the learning outcomes for students. I am excited for the opportunity to learn in different settings and through distinct methods such as case-based learning, exposure to laboratory and clinical settings, lectures, and seminars. I also look forward to making meaningful connections with other students, professors, preceptors, supervisors, and patients. I am excited about fostering a new community with people from different backgrounds who have diverse experiences from my own.

Dylan Nemes, Year 3
Hometown: Kelowna

What inspired you to pursue your program?
About five years ago, I volunteered as a practice patient for the Southern Medical Program here in Kelowna. I was amazed at the seemingly endless knowledge the first-year students had and was curious about the interpretation of their physical exams. I found myself trying to learn more about their clinical skills when I went home after volunteering. I’ve always known that I wanted to work in a job where I would have the opportunity to meet and help many different people, and where I’d always need to learn new things. And, those patient volunteering sessions set me in the right direction!

Why did you choose UBC?
I knew that I wanted to live in Kelowna to be close to friends and family. My support network is important to my success, and I have a community of people here who I can rely on when I feel like I need it. UBC is also a renowned program for its teaching and innovation, so that was a bonus.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I cannot wait to start clinical placements. I am excited to build my skillset and learn from the kind and skillful practitioners here in Kelowna. I am also particularly excited for my rural family practice rotation, where I can experience medicine in another part of B.C.

Kayla Korolek, Year 4
Hometown: Prince George

What inspired you to pursue your program?
My decision to pursue medicine is driven by a deep passion for medical science, a genuine compassion for others, and the guidance of inspiring mentors. I am fascinated by the intellectual challenge of medical science, and I thrived on applying physiological concepts to medical cases during undergrad. My natural inclination toward working with people and collaborating with both patients and colleagues has always been a significant motivator to pursue medicine. Additionally, the example set by a few inspiring peers who were pursuing medicine further solidified my commitment to this path.

Why did you choose UBC?
I chose UBC for its distinguished medical program and the advantage of staying close to home. The opportunity to study in Kelowna, with its smaller class sizes and proximity to Okanagan Lake and Big White, perfectly aligned with my preferences. The positive reputation of the Kelowna cohort and its fit with my personal interests made it an ideal choice for my medical education.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
This year, I am most excited about cherishing time with my fourth-year friends before we embark on our separate residency paths. I am eager to finalize my career direction and discover which specialty I will be matched to through the Canadian Residency Match Service. Additionally, I look forward to transitioning from medical student to resident doctor.

Richard Mageto, Year 2
Hometown: Surrey, BC

What inspired you to pursue your program? 
I started undergrad in Kamloops as a kid who wanted to play basketball with no real plans after that. It wasn’t until my third year that I began thinking about what I would like to pursue. After reflecting on the impact that a missionary doctor had on my family when we lived in Kenya, I decided to purse medicine and never looked back.

Why did you choose UBC?
I chose UBC because of UBC medicine’s excellence in being recognized as one of the top programs in the country and because of the faculty’s commitment to diversity. Additionally, staying in BC gave me the opportunity to stay close to my family.

What are you most looking forward to this year? 
I’m looking forward to meeting the incoming first year students, doing more hands-on learning, and a potential trip with my classmates during our winter break.

September Stefani, Year 2
Hometown: Rossland

What inspired you to pursue your program? 
In high school, a career in the healthcare field was never really on my radar, I had my heart set on architecture. However, I was a lifeguard and therefore had to take lots of first aid courses to be certified. In the middle of one of these courses I had a moment of realization that I loved learning about how to help people and how to act quick in emergency scenarios. During my undergraduate degree, I gravitated towards courses that focused on how the human body works and things that can cause it to go wrong (such as viruses, bacteria, trauma, diseases, etc).

Why did you choose UBC? 
I was born and raised in small town BC, so I knew I wanted to try and stay close to home for my post-secondary education. I was also intrigued by the ICC program (Inter Community Clerkship) option available in 3rd year as right now I would like to end up practicing in a rural area I believe that the ICC program will be a great opportunity for me to gain the unique skills needed to practice medicine in a rural setting.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m really looking forward to seeing all of my classmates again! We have a really great group of people in the Class of 2027. Also, learning lots of cool things, getting more hands-on experience and of course skiing at Big White!

Quinn D Krahn, Year 4
Hometown: Kelowna

What inspired you to pursue your program? 
As a kid, and to my mother’s bane, my favorite questions were always why and how. “Just Because” was never good enough. My curiosity eventually led to an interest in medicine. For me, it is the cutting edge of science, the crux of ethics and philosophy, and an enigma of wonder. My initial interests have shifted during my studies, but the same excitement and curiosity remains. I couldn’t be happier in the career that I have chosen to pursue.

Why did you choose UBC?
UBC was a simple choice for me. I studied at UBCO during my undergrad and knowing that I would likely not be able to continue residency programs at my hometown of Kelowna I made my best effort to try and stay close to family. I was also initially drawn by UBC’s spiral curriculum, and its dedication and commitments to student and physician wellbeing.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
As with most of my peers I am looking forward to the ever daunting “match day”. I cannot wait to see where my peers and I will match to and what new journey beyond med school is in store for us. For now I am happy to have electives that are taking me around the province and the opportunity I have to work with so many amazing people.

The Southern Medical Program is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Battsetseg (Tseegii) Batchuluun as the new Assistant Professor of Teaching (tenure-track) for the Southern Medical Program, effective September 1, 2024. Dr. Batchuluun presently works as a postdoctoral fellow and course instructor with the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.

Dr. Batchuluun completed her medical degree and internal medical residency with the National University of Medical Sciences in Mongolia. While practicing in Japan, she earned her PhD from Kyushu University with a focus on cardiovascular complications of diabetes. In 2014, she relocated to Canada to pursue an academic career. During the past ten years, she has served as a postdoctoral fellow with the University of Toronto and the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. At McMaster University, she has taught a diversity of topics including nutrition and metabolism, molecular mechanisms of common diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and the role of stem cells in developing regenerative medicine.

As Assistant Professor of Teaching for the SMP, Dr. Batchuluun will support the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching activities of the Faculty of Medicine. She will work closely with the distributed sites and UBC departments to support educational leadership activities that advance medical education across the province.

Dr. Ryan Hoiland has been appointed Assistant Professor (tenure-track) with the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences (CPS) and Investigator with the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management (CCDPM) effective July 1, 2024.

Dr. Hoiland completed his PhD and MSc in Interdisciplinary Studies with UBC Okanagan’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences where he was awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal. His graduate training focused on the physiologic mechanisms that regulate and preserve oxygen delivery to the human brain in acute and chronic hypoxic settings. As a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Hoiland joined Vancouver General Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit research team in 2019, and the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) in 2020.

Most recently, he has served as an Assistant Professor (grant tenure) with the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine. In his new role, Dr. Hoiland will lead a research program that simultaneously integrates basic and clinical research on acute brain injury and advances the research priorities of the CCDPM and the Department of CPS.

Each year, Southern Medical Program (SMP) students recognize outstanding faculty and staff across the BC Interior for making exceptional contributions to their medical education. A special congratulations to the 2024 recipients and thank you for your commitment to medical education.

Year 1 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award Dr. Mike DeLorme, Adjunct Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Year 2 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award Dr. Richard Hooper, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Department of Medicine
Year 3 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award – Kamloops Dr. Melissa Paquette, Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC Department of Pediatrics
Year 3 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award – Kelowna Dr. Aaron Jackson, Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Year 3 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award – Trail Dr. Hannah Mackenzie, Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Medicine
Year 3 Southern Medical Program Excellence Award – Vernon Dr. Mathilde “Tilly” Buys, Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics
2024 Southern Medical Program Graduating Class Award Winners—Co-Recipient Dr. Allan Jones, Professor, UBC Department of Medicine
2024 Southern Medical Program Graduating Class Award Winners—Co-Recipient Dr. Delilah Topic—Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Department of Medicine
2024 Southern Medical Program Graduating Class Award Winners—Co-Recipient Dr. Kayla Parker—Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Pediatrics