ZOOMING INTO PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS
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

Brandon Chai
Medicine
Hi I’m Brandon, I’m a third year medical student at UBC. I’m originally from the Okanagan, then moved to UBC Vancouver for my undergrad, which was in behavioural neuroscience and nutrition. 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!

Gurkamel Gill
Medicine
Gurkamel (she/her) is a fourth year Medical Student 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.

Brendan Tao
Medicine
Hello! My name is Brendan Tao, a third year medical student at the UBC. I completed my undergrad studies in biomedical engineering and health sciences at McMaster University. My interests include research, entrepreneurship with engineering sciences, and playing/watching hockey. My journey to professional school is slightly untraditional, given the engineering side of my undergraduate studies. My studies exposed me to the healthcare and engineering fields, and by working in both areas, I ultimately decided to attend medical school.

Nathan Chen
Medicine / Physical Therapy
My name is Nathan, I am a recently graduated medical student at UBC. After high school, I did my first year of post-secondary in Science. After the first year, I transferred to Kinesiology. After which, I completed a Master in Physical Therapy and shortly after, was accepted to medical school at UBC. I am grateful for all the help I had along the way and am keen to pay it forward; outside of career development, I enjoy most physical activities as well as spending time with family and friends through board and video games.

Vivian Thieu
Law
Hi! My name is Vivian (she/hers) and I am a third year law student at the Peter A. Allard School of Law. Prior to law school, I obtained my Bachelors of Social Work and worked in various settings, including community mental health and research in areas of child welfare. I have been involved with The HOPE Initiative since I started university in 2016 and am excited to continue to give back! In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting, building Lego, and Muay Thai training.

Amit Chhina
Pharmacy
Hello, I’m a third year pharmacy student at the University of British Columbia. I’m excited to share my experiences and help future students on their journey into professional programs.

Chloe Yeung
Optometry
Hi! My name is Chloe and I’m currently a third year student at UC Berkeley School of Optometry. I went to UBC for my bachelor’s degree majoring in biology. Towards the tail end of my time at UBC, I began considering optometry as a potential career choice but didn’t take it seriously until I began shadowing in a private practice. Navigating the application portal and writing personal statements was no easy feat, but with the guidance of my mentors I successfully interviewed at UCBSO and SUNY. I greatly appreciated the assistance from my friends and optometry mentors, so feel free to connect with me and ask questions!

Gwen Farm
Nursing
Hi! My name is Gwen and I’m a second year nursing student at UBC. Prior to nursing, I studied behavioural neuroscience and nutrition at UBC. I worked as a clinical research assistant for traumatic brain injuries and sexual health and have had extensive experience working with children with autism and individuals with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In my spare time, I enjoy staying active, traveling, and cooking. I am immensely grateful for the guidance and support I have received and am hoping to pay it forward!

Sandy Lum
Medicine
Sandy, a non-traditional second-year medical student and mother of two
young children, completed her BASc in mechatronics before embarking on a
career as a professional engineer. Her diverse background includes
designing and testing custom medical devices, waterpark attractions, and
soccer-playing robots. 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.

Jaya Kailley
Medicine
Hi! My name is Jaya and I am a first 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!

Brandon Chai (Medicine)

Gurkamel Gill (Medicine)

Navjit Moore
(Medicine/Pharmacy)

Brendan Tao (Medicine)

Nathan Chen (Medicine/ Physical Therapy)
Vivian Thieu
(Law)

Amit Chhina (Pharmacy)

Chloe Yeung (Optometry)

Gwen Farm (Nursing)

Sandy Lum (Medicine)

Jaya Kailley (Medicine)