ZOOMING INTO PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL

PROGRAM INFO

This program connects aspiring students with mentors in professional programs through free and accessible 45 minute chats. Each session is one-on-one to provide the best chance to get to know your mentor.

As a mentee, you will be able to learn from the experiences of students in professional programs and meet a variety of mentors who can help guide your unique career path. This is a great chance to learn from students who have been in your shoes not long ago!

As a mentor, your time commitment can be as little or as much as you’d like with flexibility in the number of sessions you’d like to have. This is a great opportunity to pay it forward by mentoring your future colleagues.

MEET OUR MENTORS

MEDICINE

Gwen Farm

Hi! I’m Gwen, a first-year medical student in the VFMP South cohort. I grew up in 7 different countries and now call Vancouver home. Prior to medicine, I completed my BSN in Nursing at UBC and worked as a Registered Nurse at VGH. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, exploring Vancouver’s food scene, traveling, dancing, hiking, and singing.

Kimia Nouhi

Hi, I’m Kimia, a first-year medical student at the UBC VFMP-North cohort. I grew up in North Vancouver and completed my undergrad at UBC in Behavioural Neuroscience, where I also did research in cognitive neuroscience as well as addictions and concurrent disorders. I’m happy to help with degree and EC planning, med school applications, interviews or general advice!

Gurkamel Gill

Gurkamel (She/her) is a second year Internal Medicine resident at UBC Vancouver. She completed her medical school at UBC’s Northern Medical Program. Prior to medicine she did a BSc. integrating Environmental Sciences and Animal Physiology. She worked as a Behavioural Interventionist for individuals with ASD and has been a longtime mentor at the HOPE Initiative.

Brandon Chai

Hi I’m Brandon, I’m a first year Plastics Resident at UBC. I’m originally from the Okanagan, then moved to UBC Vancouver for my undergrad and medical school. Outside of school, I love playing a variety of sports, being generally active, and trying new things. I also enjoy eating and cooking so let me know if you have any recommendations!

Kang Mu Yoo

Hi my name is Kang Mu and I’m a first year Anesthesia Resident at UBC. I did my medical schooling at UBC and prior to this, did my undergraduate studies in Integrated Sciences UBC with Co-op program where I worked as a research coordinator at St. Paul’s Hospital. I know how daunting it can be sometimes in this journey and I was inspired by my mentors along the way, so I hope to do the same for others.

Corbin Nitz

I am a third-year medical student at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna. I was born and raised in Edson, Alberta, and completed my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Sport Studies at the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus. These experiences have shaped my goal of pursuing a career in rural or remote family medicine, where I hope to combine my clinical training with my passion for community-centered care and the outdoors.

Jaya Kailley

Hi! My name is Jaya and I am a third year medical student at UBC. Prior to medical school, I completed my undergraduate degree in Behavioural Neuroscience and Physiology at UBC. In my spare time, I enjoy reading fiction novels, playing the piano, and drawing!

Brendan Tao

Dr. Brendan Tao is an ophthalmology resident at the University of Toronto Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences. He completed his undergraduate degree in the Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences program at McMaster University, followed by his MD training at the University of British Columbia as an out-of-province student. 

Niki Sadat Afjeh

Hi everyone! My name is Niki and I’m a second-year medical student at UBC. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master’s in Medical Sciences at McMaster University. Being a first-generation student has given me a unique perspective, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and support others pursuing medicine.

Sandy Lum

Sandy is an incoming PGY1 in Radiation Oncology and mother of two young children. She completed her BASc in mechatronics before embarking on a career as a professional engineer. After recognizing a shift in her values, she applied for medical school after independently preparing for the MCAT without taking the typical prerequisite courses. Sandy is happy to connect with prospective students facing similar challenges on their educational journey.

Ariel Stuart

Hi my name is Ariel! I grew up in Cranbrook BC and love the Kootenays and all they have to offer. I am currently completing my second year of medical school at the Southern Medical Program in Kelowna BC. Before this, I spent 3 years in the Rural Pre-Medicine Program at Selkirk College in Castlegar, and one year at the University of Calgary. I hope to one day live out my passion for rural medicine. I’m very excited to talk with some aspiring Pre-Med or medicine curious students!

OPTOMETRY

Chloe Yeung

Dr. Chloe Yeung completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at University of California Berkeley. Following optometry school, she completed a residency in Ocular Disease at University of California Berkeley receiving advanced clinical training in the diagnosis and management of complex ocular conditions. She has successfully coached several candidates through the optometry application and interview process and beyond.

Kalin Chai

Dr. Kalin Chai is an optometrist who graduated from the University of Waterloo. She is now practicing in an ophthalmology clinic in Victoria, BC. She focuses on co-managing cases and providing postoperative care. Outside of clinic, she enjoys riding her bike, flat whites, and listening to audiobooks.

DENTISTRY

Megan Ho

Hi! My name is Megan and I’m a first year dental student. I did my BSc in Nursing at UBC and actually worked as a nurse at VGH for a year. Outside of school, I love reading, dancing, and being creative and making things with my hands. I’m happy to answer questions about school, ECs or just anything in general.

Kasra Zargar

Hi, my name is Kasra. I completed high school in Ontario before moving to Vancouver for my undergraduate degree in Pharmacology and Physiology at UBC, followed by a gap year prior to starting the UBC Dental Program. Having navigated multiple academic transitions, I’m happy to help with gap year planning, dental school applications, or interviews.

NURSING

Dawn Kwong

Hi, I’m Dawn (she/her). I’m an emergency nurse with almost two years of experience since graduating from the University of British Columbia School of Nursing. I really enjoy working in the fast-paced environment of emergency care, and I’m especially passionate about supporting aspiring nurses in their education and helping introduce nurses to the emergency specialty.

Jenny Chen

Hi! I’m Jenny (she/her). I’m an OR nurse at Lions Gate Hospital, and a UBC alumni. I was born and raised in Vancouver. Outside of work, I enjoy pilates, travelling, and trying different foods – especially when exploring new places abroad.

Sa Pham

Hi everyone, my name is Sa (she/her), and I’m currently in my first year of the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) program at the University of Toronto. I completed my undergraduate nursing degree at McGill University and moved to Vancouver in 2022 to start my career as a registered nurse at Vancouver General Hospital’s Acute Medicine Unit.

PHARMACY

Irene Luong

Hello! My name is Irene (she/her), and I am currently a pharmacy resident at Richmond General Hospital. I completed two years of undergraduate studies in Science at UBC before recently finishing my PharmD at UBC. I HOPE to get to know some of you and share a bit about what being a pharmacist is like, along with some of my personal experiences navigating these past few years!

Roya Farkhani

Hi! My name is Roya and I’m a first-year PharmD student at UBC. I completed my BSc in Biology at UBC and I’m currently working as a Clinical Research Coordinator on a few cardiac research studies. I’m excited to meet students who may be considering a similar path and hope to support them by sharing my journey and experiences along the way!

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Michele Matsubara

Michele Matsubara

Physiotherapy

Michele is a registered physiotherapist currently practicing in Toronto, ON at Cornerstone Physiotherapy. She was born and raise in Tokyo but moved to Kelowna, BC in 2012 with her family. She then studied Kinesiology at the University of Toronto (Class of 2022) before moving back to BC for the MPT program at UBC (Class of 2024). She’s excited to be a part of this program and mentor students who are interested in physiotherapy!

Nargiz Nasibova

Nargiz Nasibova

Occupational Therapy

Hi, I’m Nargiz. I’m a registered Occupational Therapist working for Recovery Alberta in Calgary. I completed my Bachelor of Kinesiology at UBC in 2022 and later earned my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Western in 2024. I joined HOPE to help make the path to occupational therapy more accessible for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

Megan Toi

Megan Toi

Occupational Therapy

Hi! My name is Megan and I’m an occupational therapist working in acute care in Vancouver. I completed my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University, and before that I did my undergrad degree at UBC in behavioural neuroscience and kinesiology. During my schooling, worked part time as a support worker with children and youth with autism. In my free time, you’ll likely find me staying active, whether through weightlifting, trying a new workout class, or enjoying time outdoors.

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