Spring has finally arrived here in the Vancouver-Fraser region. With it, comes the promise of renewal and growth. As we approach the conclusion of another academic year, it is important to consider that, like the transition between seasons, every ending brings new beginnings. This year’s graduating class will be soon moving on to residencies in British Columbia and beyond; our renewed curriculum is approaching final stages of development; and, in September, we will welcome 288 new first year students into our program.
The 2013-2014 school year has been a great success for the UBC MD Undergraduate Program. With 1156 undergraduate students studying medicine across British Columbia, we are continuing our mission to admit and educate students who will graduate with the competencies that will equip them to address the current and future health care needs of British Columbians. Furthermore, the Vancouver-Fraser region’s richly diverse population requires the VFMP to continually consider and examine the needs of its citizens.
As many of you are aware, our program is undergoing a curriculum renewal process, which is moving along steadily. In 2014 we have already seen the proposed curriculum approved by UBC’s Senate. We have also been piloting new Academic Learning Centres and are excited about the expertise and interest from colleagues in the Vancouver-Fraser region. I would especially like to thank Dr. Dan Beegan, who served as Clinical Education Lead for Fraser for approximately three years. He has been an excellent liaison and has worked hard on behalf of our students. We will miss him as he moves on to other things.
I, personally, have experienced some change recently with my appointment as Interim Regional Associate Dean, Vancouver-Fraser. I would very much like to thank everyone who has assisted me with my transition into this position. I am looking forward to working with many more of you in the coming months.
I sincerely hope you will enjoy reading through the stories in this update, which highlight the great work and achievements of our students, faculty and staff in the Vancouver-Fraser region. Finally, my most sincere congratulations to the class of 2014. Best of luck to each of you as you begin a new chapter in your career.
Enjoy the (hopefully) sunny months ahead!
Very best regards,
Amil Shah, MDCM, FRCPC, FACP
Interim Regional Associate Dean, Vancouver Fraser
Clinical Professor, Medicine