One of the NMP’s long-standing staff since 2005, Twylla Hamelin has not only seen the UBC MD undergraduate program grow exponentially in the north but, in her current role, has helped launch a new era for UBC and UNBC collaboration in our region.

As Administrative Director with the Division of Medical Sciences (DMS) since 2013, Twylla was recently recognized with a 2021 Faculty of Medicine Dean’s Staff Award (Leadership category). The award honours exceptional staff who have demonstrated a strong commitment to living the Faculty of Medicine (FOM) values of respect, integrity, compassion, collaboration, and equity.

“Congratulations to Twylla on this well-deserved award,” said Dr. Paul Winwood, Assoc. VP, DMS, UNBC and Reg. Assoc. Dean, Northern BC, UBC FOM, “which highlights her ongoing efforts to support and strengthen the successful delivery of UBC Faculty of Medicine programs in the north, as well as around the province, for students, staff and faculty.”

Twylla is responsible for all of the administrative aspects of DMS operations, including leadership of staff, facility management, budget oversight, and ensuring efficient and effective processes and systems are in place (her favourite part of her role!). She has also been a key part of new UBC FOM programs coming on board at the UNBC Prince George campus, which include the UBC Master of Physical Therapy - North (MPT-N) and the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy – North (starting Sept.2022).

“There are many things I enjoy about this job, but I really enjoy the people we work with,” notesTwylla. “I believe that the administrative team is critical to the success of any academic unit. 

“We all have an important role to play in improving healthcare for northerners!

Twylla first started at the NMP as the Assessment and Evaluation Coordinator for Years 1-4. A few years later, as the NMP grew, she became the Curriculum and Assessment Manager for Years 3 & 4.  

Looking back at her time with the NMP, Twylla has many great memories, especially of the many team gatherings over the years.

“All of my favorite NMP moments are times when we were all together as a team, from backyard BBQs at Dave Snadden’s to christmas parties at Paul’s, and even working at the OSCEs! 

“We often refer to our team as our NMP family and it really does feel like a family to me.”