Liz Willsey
Hometown: Orillia, Ontario
Why medicine?
I’ve always had an interest in science and I love working with people. After seeing the impact of physicians on the lives around me, I knew it was the right career path. I knew I could combine my goal of helping people with my interest in scientific research.
What excites you the most about studying in the Vancouver Fraser region?
I’m excited to be studying in Vancouver, with the amazing doctors and technology the city has to offer. I love how vibrant the students in the program are at UBC! This semester, I’m looking forward to my placements with my Family Practice preceptor and for the Infectious Disease block. Oh, and I’m very excited for ski season now that I’m living so close to Whistler!
Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
In 5 years, I hope to be working in a rural coastal community. I definitely would like to be practicing somewhere with waves so I can surf, good coffee, and lots of sun. I hope to be making a difference, even if in a small way … To someone, a small town, or an island community that without me, might have had less health service. I want people to know they can depend on me, and I want to be where I am needed most.
Scrubs or Suit?
Suit
PC or MAC?
MAC
Stay in or Go out?
Go out
Michael Gallea
Hometown: Stoney Creek, Ontario
Why medicine?
Growing up, I would never have guessed that I’d end up pursuing a career in medicine. After finishing high school, I could not choose between an undergraduate degree in the arts or a degree in the sciences, so ended up pursuing a liberal arts education in McMaster University’s Arts & Science program. This program allowed me to critically explore my wide interests in the arts (philosophies, social studies) and the sciences (environmental chemistry, immunology), and I soon came to find that I enjoyed making connections between both sides of these interconnected fields – always with a slight medical spin or emphasis on the general human experience. I had always heard that “good” medical practice was both an art and a science, so after a little more research, I realized that medicine would be the perfect career for me to continue to refine my proficiency in the arts while exploring the ever-evolving scientific field. So here I am today!
What excites you the most about studying in the Vancouver Fraser region?
First and foremost, I was looking forward to taking advantage of the West Coast weather (which, so far, has been much more favourable than my familiar Ontario chills) – but I’ve also felt quite privileged to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. There’s something special about being so close to the ocean, while also having the mountains at your fingertips.
Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
Well, I hope to see myself finished medical school (fingers crossed) and further pursuing my education in a top-notch residency program. I hope to see myself giving back to the UBC community that has already given so much to me, and I’d like to think that I’ll be married (to a celebrity, of course) with at least eight children – but we’ll see how that plays out.
Scrubs or Suit?
Scrubs
PC or MAC?
PC
Stay in or Go out?
Go out
Lerly Luo
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
Why medicine?
Because I love connecting with people and there is something profoundly stirring about supporting others at their most vulnerable. Because I want to impact people in a meaningful way and there is nothing we treasure more than life and time. Because I dream about making the world a better place and I want to see just how far I can go.
What excites you the most about studying in the Vancouver Fraser region?
The rich multi-cultural atmosphere. The cornucopia of opportunity and innovation. City slicker life with nature at its doorsteps.
Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
In residency hopefully! I always find looking forward hard as we are more capable than we think we are. I’d like to see myself taking my leadership in Global Health to the next level. Hopefully I’ll be working with social entrepreneurs to solve big problems. I better still be traveling the world – maybe with a handsome ninja.
Scrubs or Suit?
Suit
PC or MAC?
MAC
Stay in or Go out?
Go out