UBC Medical Class of 2020 “Backpack Day”

Mark Twain famously said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.” Before August had even concluded, close to 300 enthusiastic and eager first-year UBC medical students had headed back to school to begin their exciting and life-altering journey – their raison d'être – a trajectory we have all taken. Last week I had the privilege of welcoming these students to the profession at UBC’s Medical Student Orientation Day, more commonly known as “Backpack Day.” This event serves as a student introduction to the value proposition of Doctors of BC and begins a lifelong relationship that we hope will last through medical school, residency, into practice, and much later on in retirement. While students now embrace Backpack Day for one main reason – to receive the coveted and iconic backpacks – it’s also an opportunity for students to learn about the benefits Doctors of BC provides them with including complimentary insurance coverages and financial supports, and avenues in which they can become connected and effective within the Association.

Each year these coveted backpacks are a unique and distinctive colour, indicating which cohort of medicine the proud owner is in – a true status symbol of sorts that students seem honoured to flaunt. This year’s collective walked out of the event with their teal blue backpacks stuffed with books, swag, and free lunch! 

This was an exciting event that provided our doctors of tomorrow with the understanding that Doctors of BC is here for them every step of their journey…as we are for all of our members. Our medical students are the future of our profession and they truly want to make a meaningful difference. As president of our Association, as a UBC clinical teacher, as a rural generalist and as someone who cares passionately about the future of medicine, I am pleased Doctors of BC continues to tap into this young generation – to support them early on in their careers and to provide them with the a strong foundation of comprehensive supports. 

A photographer was onsite to capture moments from this fun event. View the photo gallery.