Meet some of our Northern Medical Program (NMP) students who are back in school for the 2015-16 academic year. We asked them about themselves and what they are looking forward to this year!

Caley Longmuir

Hometown: Parksville, BC
Program Year: One (Class of 2019)

What excites you the most about the 2015/16 school year?
I will be starting my first year of medical school, so that in itself is very exciting! I will get the opportunity to learn so much new information, meet new friends, and gain valuable life experiences.

What do you expect will be the most challenging part of this year?
My biggest challenge this year will likely be a non-academic one. I anticipate it will be most challenging to be separated from my boyfriend of seven years during my first semester at UBC, until we both move to Prince George when I start the NMP.

What do you hope to achieve academically this year?
Beginning medical school will give me the opportunity to learn so much that I have barely touched on in my undergraduate degree. As my degree is in psychology, I have a LOT to learn about the human body and anatomy. I expect that the gross anatomy labs should provide a different aspect of learning than traditional undergraduate learning experiences I have had so far!

How will you spend your down time? What is your favourite thing to do in your site region?
I will spend my down time hanging out with new friends from medicine and friends in other programs at UBC. I also plan to stay in shape during medical school, so some spare time will need to be reserved for the gym or exercising outdoors! My favourite non-academic activities are playing softball, hiking, and attending concerts. As I have never been to Prince George before, I don't yet know what my favourite thing to do in my site region, but I anticipate being able to enjoy lots of outdoor activities.

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Scott Matlock

Hometown: 108 Mile Ranch, BC
Program Year: Two (Class of 2018)

What excites you the most about the 2015/16 school year?
I'm excited to become more competent with my clinical skills this year, as it's only a few short months before we start doing the real thing! I am also really looking forward to welcoming in the 2019 students, as I want to make their transition as exciting as ours was!

What do you expect will be the most challenging part of this year?
I've heard that there are a few tricky blocks this year, but I think the hardest part of every year is balance. There are so many exciting opportunities offered to us in terms of conferences, after-school clubs, and volunteer events that you need to pick and choose only your favourites!

What do you hope to achieve academically this year?
They are starting something new this year called a "Competency Test" which gives you more of a global idea of how you're performing academically. I am hoping to see an improvement in my own mark in that area, since I think that it lets you know if you're retaining the important parts of each individual block you are taught.

How will you spend your down time? What is your favourite thing to do in your site region?
A group of us are hoping to join both the local co-ed soccer and hockey leagues, and I would love to spend most of my time playing these sports. Apart from that, I'm planning on spending more time at Otway Ski Hill this winter as I enjoy cross country skiing and only managed to get out a couple of times last year.

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Sara Fontes

Hometown: Kitimat, BC
Program Year: Three (Class of 2017)

What excites you the most about the 2015/16 school year?
After 20+ years of school, it’s about time to transition attending lectures to applying practical knowledge!  I also look forward to narrowing down what fields peak my interest this year, whether it be surgical, diagnostic, or medical.

What do you expect will be the most challenging part of this year?
Well I am not a morning person, so those overnight calls and early mornings will be something to experience! But caffeine conquers all, right?

What do you hope to achieve academically this year?
I really want to get better at translating medical knowledge to clinical practice. Specifically, get a good handle on the pharmacology, since that will be super important going forward.

How will you spend your down time? What is your favourite thing to do in your site region?
I love spending time with my boyfriend, cat, and my friends. As well as putting my elliptical machine to good work! Nothing beats biking after a long day, especially in view of the mountains here in Northern BC!

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Christine Law

Hometown: Courtenay, BC
Program Year: Four (Class of 2016)

What excites you the most about the 2015/16 school year?
Fourth year electives, creating more memories with friends, graduation, and wedding planning! This year we will have a super busy wedding season...lots of fun to be had!

What do you expect will be the most challenging part of this year?
I expect CaRMS applications, interviews, and the days leading up to Match Day to be full of emotions. Besides that, I think it will be challenging to say goodbye to such a great class at the end of 4th year. Thank goodness for conferences in the future!

What do you hope to achieve academically this year?
I'd like to graduate and match to a residency program!

How will you spend your down time? What is your favourite thing to do in your site region?
In no particular order, I plan to spend time with friends, family, and my fiancé, exercising, wedding planning, cooking and shopping! Prince George has a beautiful gym at UNBC and I love the group exercise classes they have there (especially spin and fit camp).