Funding supports medical students to explore their interests, stay healthy

Doctors of BC supports physicians through their entire careers, including the hectic medical student years. One of the ways we do this is by providing $10,000 annually to the Medical Undergraduate Society (MUS). The grant helps to fund a variety of activities so that students can learn about specialties they may be considering, network with each other, and learn from guest speakers and symposiums. The funding also supports activities to build and sustain the mental and physical wellbeing of students during a pressure-filled time in their lives.

Here are four recent events that highlight how the program is enriching the lives of BC’s medical students:

Ultrasound Symposium

The  Ultrasound Club recently held its 4th annual symposium. The event provided students with a hands-on experience where they interacted with ultrasound technology and learned techniques that improve outcomes in a variety of clinical situations. The event was well attended with students traveling in from sites around the province.

Psychiatry Student Interest Group

The Psychiatry Student Interest Group (PsycSIGN) meets monthly to deliver an introduction to the specialty to students, including a discussion of current topics in the field. In March, they hosted a Night with Psychiatry Residents that allowed students to connect with residents to better understand what it would be like to work in this area of medicine.

Run for Rural Medicine

Medical students and their families participated in the annual Run for Rural medicine in Vancouver and Prince George. A record 221 runners and walkers received athletic cuffs provided by Doctors of BC. The run raises awareness of the need for doctors in rural communities. It also raised $13,000 for Hope Air, an organization that provides flights to patients who must travel to urban centers for treatment.

Quarter Grad

In the midst of a hectic time, it is important to pause and celebrate our achievements. In April, medical students enjoyed the First Year Quarter Grad celebration to mark the completion of their first year of study. Over 150 guests enjoyed the event in Vancouver, which included students from the Island Medical Program. Doctors of BC provided a photo booth so that students could take home a memorable keepsake of the evening and this milestone.

Doctors of BC is proud to continue supporting our doctors of tomorrow on their journey toward residency and full medical practice.

For more information on how Doctors of BC supports and serves our medical students, click here.