Jennifer Clune has always loved theatre. However, when she began medical school in 2013, she was unsure how she could fulfill the creative side to her personality, whilst balancing the demands of her extremely busy academic schedule.
Perhaps what they say about being bitten by the theatre bug is true, though, because when the opportunity to star in the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s annual Med Play presented itself, Jennifer couldn’t say no. A year later, Jen is producing the 2015 Med Play along with her peers Ben Chan, Tiffany Lam and Ben Huang. It is definitely demanding of her time, but she loves every second of it.
Second year medical student and Med Play Producer, Jennifer Clune
Jen feels that having a creative outlet contributes to her success as a medical student. “When I have a different outlet to be creative and am able explore the world in a different way, it really helps me focus back in on what’s important to me…it helps me be the best Jen I can.”
Jen may be onto something. Studies show that having hobbies or interests outside one’s profession is a fantastic way to manage life’s stresses and challenges. With student burnout becoming more and more of a concern, exploring artistic opportunities outside the medical profession can prove to be a wonderful way to alleviate stress. Finally, a connection to the arts can ultimately contribute to one’s excellence as a medical professional. According to Dr. Andrew Seal, former Associate Dean of the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Student Affairs (O.S.A),“…the arts and humanities provide us with a greater understanding of the human condition.”
With 100% of MedPlay’s proceeds going to charity, this couldn’t be more true. The production is supporting two worthy initiatives this year. The first is the YMCA Healthy Heart Program, which is a community-based cardiac prevention, rehabilitation and maintenance program. The second is Operation Rainbow Canada, a non-profit organization that provides free reconstructive surgery and related health care for cleft lip and cleft palate deformities to needy children and young adults in developing countries.
Jen explains how MedPlay provides a way for medical students to stay in touch with their creative sides – something that is often a struggle for students immersed in the very scientific life of medicine:
“One of the main goals of the production is to give students who are expressing so much of their time in science and very cerebral thinking an opportunity to explore theatre and other parts of their personalities as well.”
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This year’s play, The Faculty Meeting is written by Ken Jones, an award-winning playwright and Emmy nominated screenwriter. It is a comical ensemble play about six characters at an academic meeting in a conference room, where the rules of the faculty meeting and the protocol of rank and tenure seem to trap a junior faculty member in a crazy, bizarre world from which he cannot escape.
You can catch a showing of The Faculty Meeting at the William A. Webber Medical Student & Alumni Centre (2750 Heather Street) beginning February 19th. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or by emailing medplay.ubc@gmail.com
Performance Dates:
Feb. 19, 20, and 21 at 8pm, doors at 7:15pm
Feb. 26, 27, and 28 at 8pm, doors at 7:15pm