Bolstering the success of Medical Students and Residents – The Future of our Profession

Ensuring our future physicians have a solid, foundational base as they embark on their careers is a key priority of mine as president. To help them on their journey, Doctors of BC hosted a number of mentorship and informational events last year targeted directly to our future colleagues – and our reach in 2016 will not only continue but will also expand. 

This January, as medical students across the country are busy preparing for their CaRMS interviews – that competitive, nerve wracking process many of us are familiar with - BC’s medical students will get some help.  Partnering with the Canadian Medical Association, more than 150 of BC’s medical students will engage with medical residents through CaRMS Mock Interview sessions. In a group interview format, this one day event enables students to hone their interview skills, to network, and to seek guidance from their peers who recently experienced this process.

In our annual Find Your Match events, medical students have the opportunity to network with practicing physicians who discuss the experiences, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped their careers, in an effort to help students narrow down their choice of a medical discipline. 

And for residents, Transition Tuesdays are a series of one hour workshops held on the first Tuesday of each month. Upcoming sessions offer a roster of speakers discussing tax planning, incorporation, and fees, audits and billing, among other topics – all practical skills residents need to be successful as they transition into their future medical practices.

These events are fast paced, very interesting, and extremely valuable for young doctors just starting out. And, they would not be possible without your help. When you give of your time and expertise you are helping create a strong foundation for the future of our profession.  Thank you to all physicians who participate in these events. I encourage others to get involved and to engage with our young colleagues. Not only will you find the experience rewarding, but in demonstrating your leadership, you will be setting a great example for our doctors of tomorrow that will undoubtedly be paid forward in years to come. 

Dr Charles Webb
President, 2015-2016