Atlin Braaten

Hometown: Fort St. John, BC
Year One (Class of 2024)

What inspired you to pursue medicine?
My experience growing up with a rare health condition led me to be (unfortunately) quite familiar with doctor’s offices and hospital rooms.  As a young and impressionable “zebra,” observing how physicians worked with me to determine exactly what was happening and finally arriving at a diagnosis was a defining moment in my life.  I aspire to become a compassionate and driven physician like the ones who have made a difference in my life.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m really looking forward to getting to know my peers in the Northern Medical Program and starting the Case-Based Learning sessions!  While it will certainly be a big adjustment learning during a global pandemic, I’m really excited to get back to some sense of normal (even if it’s via Zoom)! 

How are you making personal wellness a priority during COVID-19?
I think it’s important to find joy wherever you can and return to the activities you enjoy during these challenging times.  I’ve been spending a lot more time outdoors (when possible), getting back into old hobbies like baking, and learning more about photography.  Above all, being patient with myself and others, as we are living through these strange times together, with our own unique sets of challenges.  Oh - and lots coffee!

Favourite physically-distanced social activity?
Walking the hill leading to UNBC has been a big one this summer!  I also enjoy gaming sessions with my childhood friends and FaceTime with my family. I also started to get into kayaking this summer- it’s pretty easy to practice social distance in the middle of a lake!

Alastair Mclellan

Hometown: Smithers, BC
Year Two (Class of 2023)

What inspired you to pursue medicine?
That's surprisingly hard for me to pinpoint! I think a lot of it came from all of the small-town general practitioners I've chatted with over the years. Every single one of them had an ineffable passion for their job and their community, finding it all immensely fulfilling. I came away from all of these encounters thinking 'I want to do that'. 

What are you most looking forward to this year?
Honestly, just engaging with a wider scope of course content and starting 'the spiral'. All of the learning last year was so much fun, and it'll be great to do so again when coming in already knowing my peers and being a bit more settled.

How are you making personal wellness a priority during COVID-19?
Keeping in touch with friends. I value my relationships with friends and peers very highly, which was somewhat challenging with less in-person contact. Regular phone and zoom calls have kept me (and hopefully others) happy and connected during this pandemic!

Favourite physically-distanced social activity?
Cross country skiing/running! Our class had quite a few people keen to go out skiing this past winter, which was pretty easy to do while keeping distance. Hoping to do the same for running this upcoming fall!

Nora Tong

Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Year Three (Class of 2022)

What inspired you to pursue medicine?
My family played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue medicine. My father's healthcare team advocated for him to be transitioned home from the hospice, in honour of his request to be home at the end of his life. My sister's challenges with her mental disability has put into perspective how important social, educational, nutritional, and emotional health are, in addition to the wellbeing of caregivers. Through these experiences, I have realized that a good physician is not only one that is knowledgeable in their field. A good physician is someone who understands what matters to people, cares enough to learn their story, and is creative in addressing all of their needs. This is why I chose medicine. 

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am excited to work on an interdisciplinary team and to learn from my colleagues, patients, and allied health professionals. I am also looking forward to applying what we have learned didactically and putting that into the context of our patients and their lives!

How are you making personal wellness a priority during COVID-19?
I have placed more emphasis on how I start my day by practicing yoga and meditating in the morning! I use this time to set intentions for my day and practice being more mindful. This has helped me to slow down and practice being present, rather than ruminating in my thoughts. 

Favourite physically-distanced social activity?
I always love a good conversation with good food and even better company. Physically-distanced picnics would definitely be my favourite social activity during these unprecedented times!

Daveen Panasar 

Hometown: Quesnel
Year Four (Class of 2021)

What inspired you to pursue medicine?
I decided to pursue medicine because I have always enjoyed opportunities where I could make a difference in someone’s life. I grew up in a rural city and spent much of my time volunteering, mentoring, and tutoring. As a physician I hope to contribute to building a healthy community and being a role model for young individuals, as my family doctor was for me.   

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to the opportunity to work in a variety of locations during my electives. I hope to take something from each rotation and build it into my future practice. 

How are you making personal wellness a priority during COVID-19?
During COVID-19, I wanted to use my time off to try new things. I ended up riding a mountain bike for the first time. I also tried out many new recipes and, like everyone else, I learned to make bread!

Favourite physically-distanced social activity?
Paddle boarding is my favourite way to spend a sunny day while maintaining social distancing.