BCMA President Greets First-Year UBC Medical Students

BCMA President Dr. Shelley Ross told a gathering of first-year medical students at UBC that there is more to becoming a doctor than accumulating medical knowledge.

"Along with the privilege of being a doctor comes the responsibility of leadership,” said the former Burnaby physician, who ran a family practice for 36 years. “Get involved beyond your day-to-day life in the classroom. Don’t say ‘no’ when asked to serve on a committee or get involved beyond the daily routine. Decisions are made by those who show up! Develop a passion and give it your heart and soul.”

Dr. Ross was speaking to the students about the role the BCMA plays to support them – both as students today and as practicing physicians in the future.  The BCMA is one of the oldest medical associations in Canada – 112  years to be exact – with more than 8,500 members who are practicing physicians.

“Our Association represents the collective view of the medical profession in the province,” she said.  She said there are four key areas of focus for the BCMA:

• Negotiating fees and benefits for physicians.
• Providing a range of services to members and helping to maximize professional satisfaction
• Advocating for the profession and for patients
• Helping to create a stronger health care system.

Membership for medical students is free. Students are eligible for bursaries, disability benefits, cell phone plan coverage and other services.
                
While there are a range of benefits to members, Dr. Ross emphasized there is an even more important reason to join the BCMA.  “You are the future physicians of BC. I truly believe that when we as physicians are united as     a group, we can be a powerful force for positive change… changes that are good for doctors….good for patients…and good for our health care system as a whole.”
                
Dr. Ross delivered an average of 300 babies a year as a family physician. As she left the event, one of the medical students approached her and said: “Hi Dr. Ross. You delivered me!”  Dr. Ross said she is pleased to be mentoring the future generation of doctors, including some who she helped bring into the world!

For information about the BCMA and student program, please click here to download the Student Membership Guide.

Follow the BCMA on Twitter @BCMedicalAssoc.

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