Congratulations to the Southern Medical Program Class of 2023. The SMP has educated and trained 270 new doctors since it first open its doors. We are truly fortunate to have the continued support from our program partners and the great number of communities that our program aims to serve.
Hear from some of our newest graduates on their UBC experience and what’s up next.
Marisa Levesque
What attracted you to your field?
I wanted to go into medicine from a young age. I was always drawn to caretaker roles, and throughout the years developed a strong passion for science and biology in particular, and medicine seemed like a great way to combine these passions and pursue a career where I can truly make a difference in people’s lives.
What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
It’s difficult to narrow down one favourite moment during my time at UBC, but all of my favourite moments are thanks to my classmates and peers – SMP is a tight knit and supportive group that loves to have fun together. From Big White retreats, beach days, and trivia nights to the everyday support and joking around (maybe a bit too much) on the wards, I’ll remember time spent with my classmates above all else.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
Don’t take yourself too seriously, and you can’t learn if you don’t ask. We often feel we need to know everything, ace the exams, and never stumble over a question asked by a preceptor – but no one expects that from you, and expecting this from yourself can only lead to imposter syndrome. The best students admit what they don’t know, ask questions, and are open to learning from the experiences of others.
What’s next for you?
I’ll be sticking around Kelowna and starting residency with the UBC Kelowna Rural Family Practice program in July! Looking forward to seeing some SMP students on the wards.
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 excited for my program because Kelowna General Hospital is an excellent size for learning, with a wide variety of specialists and smaller number of learners meaning lots of one-on-one time with preceptors who have a passion for teaching. And of course, the Okanagan is a beautiful place to learn medicine! In my second year of residency I am looking forward to exploring some rural BC communities and gaining the wide breadth of knowledge and experience that comes with rural Family Practice.
Mitch Figura
What attracted you to your field?
One of the main things that drew me to medicine was a strong desire to work directly with people as much as possible. Meeting new people and listening to their stories has always helped to shape my own perspective on life. Medicine provides the opportunity to spend a lifetime learning from others along with the privilege of getting to use that knowledge to help people. I think that there is a beautiful harmony in this.
What is your favorite moment from your time at UBC?
This sentiment spans the entirety of my clerkship year in Kamloops. I started that journey alongside friends and ended it with lifelong connections. We leaned on each other for support when the times got tough, and definitely celebrated our successes in style. Late nights at the hospital, endless outdoor adventure, and “family dinners” crystalized for me what I want the rest of my life to look like.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
Stay true to yourself. From application to graduation, the pursuit of medicine can include a lot of extra-curricular involvement, and it can be tempting to strategically seek out opportunities based purely on your career goals. Whether it is through research, volunteering, or personal endeavor, always strive to spend your time doing things which you genuinely find passion in. You will learn more about yourself, make life-long connections, and enrich your life rather than feeling like you are making compromises for your professional aspirations. There are many paths to success, always take the one on which you will be the happiest.
What’s next for you?
I have matched to UBC family medicine residency in Kamloops! Following residency, I am hoping to practice medicine rurally and am keen to acquire as many skills as possible to prepare me for this. Before the next chapter of my life starts in July, I am taking a month off to fly to Iceland with my bike for a bit of an adventure with some close friends.
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?
There is a very strong and supportive medical community in Kamloops that I feel very grateful to be able to reconnect with. I was introduced to clinical medicine at RIH, and I feel a sense of congruency being able to complete my training there. I also feel fortunate to have matched to this program alongside two of my close friends. I am excited for the challenges and adventure that lie ahead of us.
Aashka Jani
What attracted you to your field?
I think it all started when my parents gifted me a doctor kit when I was younger. I’ve been interested in biology and physiology for as long as I can remember. Volunteer experiences and interactions in the health care system fostered my desire to pursue a career in medicine.
What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
It’s really hard to narrow it down to one moment! I’ll always look back on the times I was able to spend with my friends from studying at Bright Jenny to boat days and patio season.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
My main piece of advice would be to find balance! Medicine is really great but can be all consuming, so it’s important to continue doing things you like to do and really take time for yourself.
What’s next for you?
I’m headed off to Regina for obstetrics and gynecology!
Peter Singh
What attracted you to your field?
Having majored in psychology, people often assumed I would pursue psychiatry so I held an active intention to keep an open mind during medical school. While I immensely enjoyed much of clerkship, I really did find my calling in psychiatry in which we have the privilege of viewing the patient as whole—an amalgamation of their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. And while this can present a unique set of challenges or complexity of care, we have an incredible team with diverse assets and I often found myself looking forward to working with these deeply unselfish interdisciplinary teams.
What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
It’s so difficult to choose just one moment! The common denominator was that these moments were shared with friends I made during medical school, both inside the hospital and out. Although dyeing my hair green with my classmate Caroline just might be one of my favorites!
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
My one piece of advice would be to just cherish these moments. We are so privileged to study medicine, however, it is a lifelong learning process that requires balance. Don’t be afraid to meet that friend for dinner, or go for that hike, or attend that concert.
What’s next for you?
While I am so grateful to have had the privilege to live, work, and play on the lands of the Syilx people these last few years, I am so grateful to return to my hometown of Surrey (Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo lands) and attend the Fraser Psychiatry Residency Program at UBC!
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 excited to a join a group of like-minded colleagues, enthusiastic teaching-oriented staff, and enjoy the awesome restaurants in the Fraser Valley!
Remi Kandal
What attracted you to your field?
I was drawn to medicine for so many reasons, from my mother being a nurse, to interacting with the healthcare system at various stages throughout my life. I wanted to help patients and their families find answers and be a source of strength for others.
What is your favourite moment from your time at UBC?
The program-wide retreat at the beginning of first year, Camp Make Friends, will always be one of my favourite memories from med school! It was great to connect with everyone in the program.
What is one piece of advice you have for students entering your program?
Embrace as much of the program as possible: get involved in clubs, interest groups, sports teams, or student leadership. You’ll get as much out of the program as you put into it, and find some amazing friends along the way.
What’s next for you?
I’m going back home to Vancouver to start my dream residency in Emergency Medicine!
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 all of the amazing opportunities and individuals within the program, as well as going back to serve the community that I grew up in.
Nicholas Reitsma, Year 3
Kara Ruff, Year 2
Dr. Mike Bergunder has been appointed Interim Years 1 & 2 Site Director for the Southern Medical Program (SMP), effective August 1st, 2023. Dr. Bergunder is a staff physician and Head of the Emergency Department at Penticton Regional Hospital. In addition, he is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine and the current Portfolio Site Lead for the SMP.
Dr. Lizanne Venter is the new Year 4 Electives Lead for the Southern Medical Program (SMP). Dr. Venter is a Kelowna-based family physician and a Clinical Instructor with the UBC Department of Family Practice.
Dr. Neil Long has been appointed the new Transition into Postgraduate Education and Practice (TIPP) Lead for the Southern Medical Program (SMP). Dr. Long is an emergency physician based at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and a Clinical Instructor with the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine. 