With the 2015-16 academic year about to begin, we thought it would be interesting to meet some of this year’s Vancouver Fraser MedicalProgram (VFMP) students. We asked them about themselves and what they are looking forward to this year.
Name: Juan Valle-Rivera
Hometown: Vancouver
Program Year: 1
What excites you the most about the 2015/16 school year?
To be able to call myself a “med student.” I didn’t grow up in the most financially privileged circumstances and definitely not the greatest neighborhood here in Vancouver, so the idea of becoming a doctor always seemed like an unlikely achievement. Now it feels like my dream is coming true. I feel so honored to have been selected for this amazing opportunity. Plus, “med student” is a pretty good ice-breaker when meeting new people.
What do you expect will be the most challenging part of this year?
Balancing being a good father, good husband and good student. If I can throw in some exercise, time with family/friends and self-care into the mix, the next year should be golden.
What do you hope to achieve academically this year?
A realistic expectation is to gain a solid understanding of the major body systems and common diseases that affect those systems. Memorizing fine details and rare diseases may have to wait for future years. Life-long learning, right?
How will you spend your down time? What is your favourite thing to do in your site region?
Baby and wife will definitely take priority when I have free time. The little one loves swimming. And food. And being around lots of friends. I like to think she inherited that from me. When I’m not being a complete extrovert, I really enjoy cycling. Fortunately, Vancouver’s weather allows for this outdoor activity year-round. My goal is to cycle to and from school this coming year.
Name: Breanne Rees-Thomas
Hometown: Richmond, BC
Program Year: 4
What excites you the most about the 2015/16 school year?
Academically – my upcoming rotations! I get to do a month of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Victoria and 2 weeks of orthopedic surgery in Port Moody, both of which will be huge assets to my education and future practice. I aim to be a family physician with an interest in sports medicine and MSK.
Non-Academically – my upcoming wedding! I’ve been doing long-distance for most of 6 years and am looking forward to finally living in the same city as my husband (to-be). I’m also looking forward to socializing with my classmates who have all been on electives near and far!
What do you expect will be the most challenging part of this year?
CARMS.
What do you hope to achieve academically this year?
I hope to feel confident about diagnosing and managing a majority of the basic medical diseases/conditions! I also hope to match to Family Practice!
How will you spend your down time? What is your favourite thing to do in your site region?
I look forward to spending time with family and friends. I have 2 adorable nephews who are growing up so fast and are a lot of fun to be around!
Name: Eric Zhao
Hometown: Vancouver
Program Year: 2
What excites you the most about the 2015/16 school year?
I am excited to serve as President of the Medical Undergraduate Society this year. Particular interests and challenges this year will include helping incoming students to navigate the renewed curriculum, and coordinating student advocacy to ensure that the voices of students in both the current and renewed curricula are well represented.
I am also incredibly excited to join the class of 2018 for the fall term as an MD/PhD student. I can’t wait to get to know individuals from both the 2018 class and incoming 2019 class, while keeping in touch with my fellow 2017’s.
What do you expect will be the most challenging part of this year?
Exam season, as with every year. But aside from the obvious, I feel that it will be a challenge to keep on top of various demands, while ensuring that I place sufficient focus on my preclinical education. With the constant buzz of activity in this exciting and unique student community, it can be difficult to ensure that I maintain excellence in my training while seeking salient moments for personal learning and reflection.
What do you hope to achieve academically this year?
With only one term of preclinical training to go, I hope to go beyond ensuring passing grades and aim to cement a lasting interest in medicine and building strong connections with my fellow colleagues. I want to ensure that I appreciate as much as possible the rich network of opportunities for personal growth and learning available through academic and co-curricular activities.
How will you spend your down time? What is your favourite thing to do in your site region?
When I encounter down time, I make sure to spend time with my supportive partner and family. Additionally, I look forward to opportunities to enjoy the fine company of fellow students. Lastly, I hope to ensure I reserve time for exercise, and (of course) sleep.
Name: Kelly Zerr
Hometown: Calgary
Program Year: 1
What excites you the most about the 2015/16 school year?
I am very excited for the overall medical school experience, particularly the new curriculum for class of 2019 and meeting new people. I look forward to the ‘hands-on’ learning in anatomy labs and clinical applications. I think visiting clinics will be a wonderful opportunity to connect what we learn to the ‘real world’ and build experience interacting with patients!
What do you expect will be the most challenging part of this year?
I think the most challenging part will be trying to maintain a balance between school, extracurriculars and down time. I anticipate a large volume of schoolwork and that there will be a lot of ‘trial and error’ when determining how to efficiently study for each class. I also expect that making 8am classes will be a challenge, especially for those that aren’t morning people (which includes myself)!
What do you hope to achieve academically this year?
My goal is to adapt my learning to mirror the skills needed to excel in medical school and as a doctor. By the years end I hope that I will have an enhanced capacity to transfer knowledge learned in the classroom to experiences in the labs and clinics. Additionally, I hope to learn the material at a level, such that, I can draw numerous connections among key concepts.
How will you spend your down time? What is your favourite thing to do in your site region?
I have never lived in Vancouver; therefore, I look forward to exploring the city sites and trying new restaurants. I also love being active and because Vancouver has relatively mild weather, I intend to spend as much time as possible outside! I hope to go for jogs around campus and along the ocean, as well as, take advantage of the outdoor tennis courts!