Victoria Bleecker 

Year 1 (Class of 2029)
Hometown: Prince George, B.C.

What inspired you to pursue your program? 
Growing up in Prince George, I witnessed the healthcare challenges faced by northern communities—especially the shortage of physicians. Despite strong community bonds, access to specialized care is limited. As a child, I faced health issues that kept me from physical activity, but dedicated physicians helped me recover and return to what I loved. I want to do the same for others. My grandfather’s battle with cancer further deepened my respect for compassionate care. I’m driven to become a physician who advocates for northern patients with empathy, commitment, and community-centered care. 

Why did you choose UBC/NMP? 
The Northern Medical Program is deeply connected to the values and needs of my hometown and the surrounding region. Staying in Prince George allows me to remain close to my strong family and social support network, which is incredibly meaningful to me. UBC’s holistic approach to medical education—focusing on community, empathy, and well-rounded development—aligns with the kind of physician I hope to become. Training in the North will prepare me to serve these communities with cultural understanding, compassion, and dedication.

What are you most looking forward to this year? 
I’m most looking forward to meeting patients in a family practice setting and learning about their unique life experiences. I’m also excited to apply my knowledge in a case-based learning environment, where I can develop my clinical reasoning skills and work collaboratively with peers to provide thoughtful, patient-centered care.

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Courtney Edgson

Year 1 (Class of 2029)
Hometown: Prince George, B.C.

What inspired you to pursue your program?
From a young age, I grew up watching a show about a pathologist which fostered my interest toward the science of medicine and human anatomy. I volunteered for various organizations, including Canada’s Suicide Prevention Service, my local food bank, and at my former high school as a volleyball coach, all on my search of identifying how I wanted to help people. I studied nursing in university where I had the privilege of caring for individuals at some of their most vulnerable times. These experiences ultimately motivated me to broaden my scope and chase my dream of becoming a physician. 

Why did you choose UBC/NMP?
I chose the Northern Medical Program (NMP) because it is located within my hometown, where I am close to the outdoors and many of my loved ones. The NMP allows for vast exposure to learn within northern and rural communities which are possible areas I would like to practice in. I value the smaller cohort that the NMP offers, as it makes it easier to build relationships with the individuals that I am going to share some of the most monumental moments of my life with.  

What are you most looking forward to this year? 
This year I am most looking forward to making new friends with my classmates and learning how to suture!

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Natasha Papachristoforou 

Year 2 (Class of 2028)
Hometown:  I'm originally from Waterloo, ON but Terrace, BC has been home for the past decade.

What inspired you to pursue your program?
My path here wasn't exactly linear. Medical school was always on my radar when I was younger, but I followed my passion for movement and exercise and pursued a Master's degree in Physical Therapy. I spent 12 rewarding years practicing as a physiotherapist in BC, during which I developed a strong interest in preventive health and chronic disease management, and a curiosity for teaching and research. I realized there was still so much more I wanted to learn, and that medicine would allow me to build upon the solid clinical foundation that my physio background had given me, to be able to serve my community in different ways. The decision to switch paths wasn't easy, but I'm grateful for the opportunity and my hope is to integrate all aspects of this journey into my future practice.

Why did you choose UBC/NMP?
UBC for its academic excellence and innovative curriculum; NMP for the smaller class size, northern/rural focus, and proximity to home. Returning to school as an older student comes with both advantages and unique challenges, so being able to live and train somewhat close to home was an important factor - it helped soften the landing for such a big leap. 

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I'm most looking forward to another year of learning, growing, and laughing alongside an incredible group of peers, with the support of some truly inspiring and dedicated clinicians and faculty.  And to (hopefully) get better at skate skiing.

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Niel Strydom

Year 3 (Class of 2027)
Hometown: Terrace, BC

What inspired you to pursue your program?
I was inspired to pursue medicine for a few reasons. Most prominently, the idea that I will be able to help someone and make a difference in their life is exciting to me! I have seen how important the work done by providers from all aspects of healthcare is, and I wanted to be a part of that. Additionally, the clinical application of the science, technology, and up-and-coming treatments is just so cool!

Why did you choose UBC/NMP?
I chose NMP because I knew that coming here would mean more time with patients, preceptors, and my colleagues compared to the bigger centres. Also, as a hands on learner, I felt that I would get more time actually practicing the skills, as there are less total learners per rotation. The other reason I chose NMP is because I love the outdoors! There are so many cool places to explore here and it is so nice to get away and go for a swim in the river!

What are you most looking forward to this year?
This year I am most looking forward to (hopefully) making it through the first year of clerkship! So far it has been an absolute blast, but certainly tiring and A LOT of learning.

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Sydney Overland

Year 3 (Class of 2027)
Hometown: Penticton, B.C.

What inspired you to pursue your program?
I’ve loved school for as long as I can remember, particularly classes that involved learning about the human body. Throughout my undergraduate studies I found myself fascinated by physiology, pathophysiology and how health can be restored.  I’ve also always enjoyed working with people, particularly learning about individuals’ experiences and how these experiences shaped them into who they are. I knew I wanted to pursue medicine because it combined numerous passions of mine including the science of medicine itself, problem solving, and human connection. There’s also plenty of other opportunities in medicine including teaching, which is something I hope to incorporate into my career.

Why did you choose UBC/NMP? 
I was born and raised in BC and have always known that I wanted to remain in B.C. long-term to support the community I grew up in and continue to enjoy the amazing outdoor recreation that BC has to offer.  Growing up in a family whose work and roots have been in reforestation, I spent a lot of time in rural BC communities. I’ve always planned to work in rural communities as I’ve found the community connections to be so rewarding. I chose the NMP because I felt it would provide optimal training for a career in rural medicine.

What are you most looking forward to? 
I am three months into clerkship and having a great time. The NMP has been providing excellent clinical experiences, and I am looking forward to continuing to develop my knowledge and clinical skills as I progress through the rest of clerkship. I’m also looking forward to exploring more of Northern BC through mountain biking, hiking and backcountry skiing.

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Eshawn Johal

Year 4 (Class of 2026)
Hometown: Prince George, B.C.

What inspired you to pursue your program?
Growing up in Prince George, I saw how physicians in rural and northern B.C. were advocates, mentors and sometimes the only health-care provider for miles. Volunteering at our local hospital and witnessing dedicated family physicians travelling hours to staff outreach clinics sparked my passion. I was inspired by their ability to provide full-scope care while developing relationships with patients and the community. Medicine offered the perfect blend of science, service and social justice, and I knew I wanted to return home to help improve health equity for rural and Indigenous communities.

Why did you choose UBC?
UBC’s distributed MD program allowed me to train in my home region while accessing a world-class curriculum. The Northern Medical Program in Prince George offers small cohort learning, close mentorship and rural and remote training opportunities. I was drawn to UBC’s commitment to distributed learning and rural exposure, its partnerships with Indigenous communities and its strong support for student well-being. Studying here meant I could stay close to my family and community, take part in research that matters to northern B.C., and prepare to practice in underserved areas without leaving the province.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m really excited to transition from our core curriculum to electives this year! It will be refreshing to choose rotations that match my interests. Preparing for CaRMS is both thrilling and a little daunting, but I’m looking forward to interviewing with programs that share my commitment to northern communities. I’m eager to build meaningful relationships with patients and mentors and to forge connections within each community I find myself within.