Faculty of Medicine: Staff Mentoring Program

In my breadth of experience as an educator, research team member and administrator at UBC I have maintained core principles of curiosity and compassion. My professional journey has not been a linear path and I am grateful for so many opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills.

I have over 20 years of experience managing and coaching staff, students and volunteers in a variety of capacities. I am particularly passionate about community engagement, project management, creating efficiencies and embedding principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of my work.

Outside of work you will typically find me either out in nature (hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, skiing) or volunteering for community minded organizations.

With a career spanning approximately 26 years at UBC, my time in the Faculty has encompassed roles in senior level strategic planning and implementation, program management, administrative leadership / mentorship of large teams, project management and organizational and change management.

I started at UBC as an administrative assistant and was then fortunate to be promoted to a Program Manager in a clinical department (Medicine) where I spent 10 years overseeing program delivery across years 1-4 of the MD Undergraduate Program, including the first expansion of BC’s medical school in 2004. I then went on to be the Administrative Director of the Southern Medical Program and had the honour of being a part of the development of the Faculty’s fourth site of the MDUP. This opportunity broadened my skill set in project management, forming a team, change management, and building internal and external relations.

My current position is much more broad and includes all of the Faculty’s educational programs (and education service units). I completed a certificate with the Sauder School of Business in Strategic Excellence and through my various positions in the Faculty to-date, I have honed my skills in many different areas as mentioned above.

For prospective mentees, I’d like to share my journey with career development in pursuing your aspirations. My time with the Faculty of Medicine has provided me with many key lessons and I would be thrilled to share my experience in navigating constant change, opportunities for collaboration and empowering others to pursue their career aspirations.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and trail running and for the past five years, I have volunteered with North Shore Rescue’s Grouse Grind Patrol team. These activities afford me work-life balance and with the volunteer work, it’s my way of giving back to the community.

I started working at UBC as a Work Learn Student employee 15 years ago and have since held 6 different roles within 4 very distinct departments at UBC from the Faculty of Arts Academic Advising office, Undergraduate Admissions team in Enrolment Services, Vantage College, and now with the Postgraduate Medical Education Office.

I have worked with PGME for the past 5 years in my role as Operations Manager, which is a role that has continuously evolved and allows me to learn new things everyday. I have benefitted enormously from many informal mentorship relationships throughout my career at UBC so far and would appreciate the opportunity to give back through this mentorship program while continuing to build connections within the FoM community. I love the complexities involved in working within UBC, and particularly the Faculty of Medicine.

Some areas that I believe I can provide mentorship in based on my experience are change management, project management, people management/team building and finding creative solutions to complex problems. I love digging into complex issues, attempting to fully understand them, and then working towards improving and streamlining processes.

A few things about me outside of work: I grew up in New Mexico in the US and moved to Vancouver when I was 18. I studied International Relations at UBC, fell in love with BC and never left. I live in Kits with my husband, 3 year old daughter and husky mutt named Yukon. I started a dog rescue organization with a few friends in 2018 and we have found homes for over 300 dogs.

I’ve been with the University of British Columbia since 2014, starting at UBC Okanagan before moving to the Vancouver campus in 2022. I have a PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics and have been a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2013.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor through programs like Women in Science and Engineering and the Canadian Association of Research Administrators. I’m especially passionate about helping women overcome imposter syndrome and thrive in male-dominated fields. I love working with others to develop leadership skills, navigate the tricky work/life/family balance, and build confidence in their abilities. Mental health is also something I care deeply about, and I aim to create supportive spaces where people feel comfortable talking about the challenges they’re facing.

I’ve also completed training in coaching for performance and design thinking at Royal Roads University, which I use to support and guide others in their personal and professional growth.
Outside of work, I’m all about finding balance. I’m into skiing, road biking, and yoga, and always have a book or writing project on the go. I also have three (older) kids that still keep me busy!

With about 5 years in HR, I began as a department supervisor managing 14 technicians, which introduced me to the needs of HR. In the past 6 months at UBC, I’ve had a smooth transition thanks to my supportive team.

My industry experience spans construction, manufacturing, engineering, and now higher education. My HR journey started as an interim HR Assistant at an electrical construction company, followed by roles as an HR Coordinator, then a promotion to HR Generalist in manufacturing & engineering. Recently, I joined the Faculty of Medicine as an Assistant Manager, Recruitment & Talent Management. I hold both the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certifications, and I’m currently pursuing my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

I’ve advised managers on collective agreements (CBAs), employment standards (ESA), return-to-work plans, collaborated with benefit specialists, revised HR policies & processes, workforce/succession planning, and enhancing DEI&B best practices. My expertise includes recruitment, onboarding, people analytics, and coaching. In my career, I’ve had the privilege of training and coaching 2 HR co-op students, 2 HR Coordinators, and I currently have 1 mentee in the CPHR program. I’ve also experienced having an executive coach and my own mentor in the CPHR program, so I understand how beneficial it can be.

Outside of work, I enjoy great food, coffee, playing with my corgi, and traveling both locally and globally.

After 14 years working in both the private and non-profit sectors, my career has included a diverse range of roles and experiences in marketing, communications, business development, management, and now fundraising. I have been with UBC for the past two years as a Major Gifts Officer for the Faculty of Medicine’s Development and Alumni Office. In this role I have had the opportunity to work on a range of projects with colleagues both across the FoM and UBC more broadly. During this time I also took maternity leave with my second child.

My post-secondary education included a degree in history, a law degree, and a business certification from Wharton School of Business. More recently I was accepted to sit my CFRE examination, a professional certification for those working in the field of philanthropy.

Beyond my career I spend my time with my family, travelling, reading, and more recently, running.
For prospective mentees I am happy to share both my personal and professional experience, or simply provide an open ear to listen. I have supported staff and colleagues throughout my career, and look forward to the opportunity to give back to the FoM community. 

Over the 13 years of my career, I have been employed in the public, private and non-profit sectors. I have work experience in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and now Canada. I have been with UBC for 3 years starting off as an Executive Assistant in the Department of Pathology, then moving onto the Department of Orthopaedics as Senior Education Assistant and I was recently promoted to UGME/CPD Coordinator. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science and previously worked in the field of lab equipment sales and marketing, and with undergraduate Science students. I have 8 years of experience working in Higher Education.

Day to day, I coordinate the delivery and evaluation of undergraduate Orthopaedic education. Additionally, I manage all aspects of various departmental CPD initiatives. I have experience in peer mentoring and supervising colleagues while I was doing a temp cover role. I have received coaching in a professional capacity and completed the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program.

Outside of work, my passions include travelling, wellbeing, crafts and writing. In my spare time I volunteer with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. I have intermediate Spanish language skills and a full motorcycle license.

The idea of mentorship aligns with my personal philosophies of the importance of building connections with others, supporting each other, giving back to the community and finding our purpose in life. I could offer insights and expertise within these areas as well as welcoming change, starting a new profession and realizing full potential. I think it makes sense to match me with someone who is early career/entry level.

Currently working as the Human Resources Manager at the School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME), I have grown to expand my knowledge and experience as an HR practitioner in various facets of HR in all three areas of HR: Faculty HR, Staff HR and Student appointments. As well, I previously worked in Faculty Affairs at the Faculty of Medicine Dean’s Office where I started out as a Faculty HR Assistant providing administrative support to the Faculty HR team, reviewing and approving all unpaid appointments including clinical faculty appointments and clinical fellow appointments while covering reception as a back-up person, and later took up a position of Assistant Manager, Faculty HR, gaining experience in faculty recruitment and appointment processes. I have worked at UBC for a total of 13 years by now (2 years at VP DAE office, 7 years at FoM Dean’s Office, and 3 years including 15 months of maternity/parental leave at the SBME which is part FoM and Applied Science).

I currently manage four HR staff members in my current department. I have been participating in CPHR BC & Yukon’s Mentorship program as a protégé for almost 4 years. Having a mentor has helped me shape my perspective as an HR professional, and I feel that I am ready to be on a mentor side this time to mentor anyone who is just starting in an HR field.

Outside work, I love singing songs. I used to actively sing in choirs for more than 10 years until COVID hit 4 years ago and we were asked not to sing in a closed environment. I then focused my time on finishing my HR studies (I’ve completed Human Resources Management Certificate at SFU and took additional courses at BCIT to expand my knowledge) and obtaining my CPHR degree. I’d love to go back to singing but having a young family member at home (my son just turned two) now prevents me from having my own time to go out to choirs again. I am a beginner gardener and hope to grow vegetables one day. I’ve completed 2 half marathons in my 40’s!

I have been with the UBC Faculty of Medicine for 13 years, beginning as a graduate student in the School of Population and Public Health, where I completed a Master of Public Health. Since then, I’ve worked at UBC Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the Centre for Health Services and Policy Research (CHSPR), the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU), and now at the Faculty of Medicine Dean’s Office. My roles have included Research Assistant, Research Coordinator, and Project Manager. I earned my PMP designation in 2019 and am pursuing a certificate in Change Management through UBC Sauder.

Throughout my career, I’ve stayed open to new opportunities, which has allowed me to explore various skills and eventually find my niche in project management. I immigrated to Canada as an international student in 2007 and became a citizen in 2018.

As a mentor, I can offer guidance on early-career navigation, especially for those unsure of their path or who have lots of different ideas. I can also offer support and guidance to other immigrants or new Canadians who are far from home and navigating those challenges.

Outside of work, I enjoy cycling, hiking, and reading a variety of fiction genres, often reading more than 100 books a year. I am also very passionate about animal welfare, and I dedicate many volunteer hours each week in a leadership role at a cat rescue organization.

I have worked in the Division of Cardiac Surgery of UBC since 2003. In addition to being a divisional administrator, I also take care of the academic side of the program which involves young medical student graduates who we interview for the CaRMS match. Those selected enter our program as a cardiac surgery resident year one and study for six years to become a certified cardiac surgeon.

It is my passion to interact with the residents throughout these six years of training and see they progress from a medical school graduate to a board certified cardiac surgeon. I am their first point of contact in the program and also act as a mentor for them when they need help.

My big passion in life is helping others. Aside from my job at UBC, I also work as an interpreter for MOSAIC immigrant services. My role is to help  people who have come to Canada from my country (Iran) and have limited knowledge of English. I help them with interpretation in various places such as law offices, medical clinics and government organizations. I would love to be a mentor and can see myself putting all that I can offer to help my mentee. 

I have spent nearly 17 years on my journey within the UBC Faculty of Medicine. This has encompassed roles in both Program Management in Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME), and latterly as Senior Manager for Learner Support within Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME).Throughout the past 17 years I have worked a wide breadth of projects which have enabled significant personal growth as well as diverse experiences in terms of managing and leading effective teams, developing effective working relations, change management and project management etc.

For prospective mentees, I’d like to share my experiences within the Faculty of Medicine. My journey has been marked by transitions and challenges, each providing invaluable lessons. I’m here to offer guidance on balancing work and life, how to make connections in the Faculty, and the journey along a continuum or professional development and lifelong learning. I have been fortunate to participate as a mentor in this program for the past two years, during which I have learned a lot about myself and about others. Additionally I’ve had the privilege of guiding and coaching colleagues as part of my day-to-day position. I take great value in nurturing personal development and professional growth. My growth mindset, diverse background and dedication to professional development align well with the mentorship philosophy, hence my interest in continuing as a mentor in this program.

Beyond my career, I enjoy time in the outdoors, spending time with family, travelling and cookery and cuisine. These pursuits offer me a balanced perspective on life, emphasizing the importance of creativity.

I’m excited to share my journey at UBC, where I’ve grown over the past three years from a Senior Program Assistant to my current role as a Project Coordinator. My professional background prior to working at UBC includes diverse customer service and administrative roles, such as Hotel Guest Service Agent and Team Lead for Student Account Managers at an education consulting company. I even dipped my toes into fitness training!

A highlight of my time at UBC has been successfully overseeing the Faculty of Medicine’s Vancouver Summer Program for both 2023 and 2024. This experience sharpened my organizational and leadership skills while allowing me to maintain a high service standard. I have had the privilege of leading exceptional teams as we organized engaging social activities, coordinated large events, supported FoM departments in offering a Course Package, and managed various administrative tasks.

As a mentor, I look forward to sharing best practices for maintaining high service standards, along with effective time management and organization techniques. I’ve tackled challenges outside my comfort zone and would love to discuss how I transformed my perspective on change – from something daunting to an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I believe work-life balance is essential, and I’m committed to helping others find a balance that works for them, too.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through kickboxing, fitness classes, and walks. I also love cooking and spending quality time with friends and family.

I have been at UBC for almost 2.5 years, the first 2 years I worked in HR and now I have pivoted to a Business Support Analyst role in Education Systems that I have been in for 4 months. Prior to UBC I have worked in HR, administration, and retail management roles. While working in HR, I had the opportunity to cover 3 maternity leaves which allowed me to experience working in 3 departments/units in a relatively short period of time. My educational experience includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an HR Diploma.

For prospective mentees, I would like to share my experience with navigating different departments in the Faculty of Medicine as well as my own career explorations deciding what path is best for me. I would also like to share my passion for working in post-secondary education and hopefully help new staff navigate the complexities in UBC and the Faculty of Medicine and their own career aspirations. Not too long ago I was a mentee myself, so I have recent experience I can share on what it was like for me getting started at UBC.

Outside of work I am starting to learn fiction writing with the goal of writing a novel (or more than one). I also enjoy travelling, reading, swimming, and photography.

I have been with the Faculty of Medicine for 14 years and continue to be so grateful for this incredible opportunity. I started in the Dean’s Office and subsequently completed my Master of Health Administration. For the past decade I have served as the Director of Administration for the Department of Surgery where I’m responsible for overseeing all administrative functions, including human resources, financial planning and resource allocation, strategic planning, policy development, research administration, change management initiatives, engagement, and communications.

As a mentor, I hope to be able to offer valuable insights from my experiences, tailored guidance to help you navigate challenges, and unwavering support to inspire your personal and professional growth.

Beyond work, I’m a mom of two kids and try and get out for walks with friends in the North Vancouver forests as often as I can.

I have 17 years of successful experience in managing medical residency programs at UBC: Psychiatry and General Surgery. I have been a member of different UBC PGME working groups and committees, presented at PGME events and national conferences.

As a strong believer in power of effective communication and high-performance teamwork, I regularly develop and facilitate activities for administrative employees to achieve maximum results in their work. I am also an experience event planner and self-proclaimed accountability coach.

I like to travel, meet new people, have fun and make this world a bit better every day.

I am a seasoned educator with over 35 years of experience in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC). With a foundational marketing degree from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), I have uniquely blended my expertise in education with strategic project management and team-building skills. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to the education and professional development of medical students and residents. I have played a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative curricula with my team that fosters critical thinking and hands-on experience.

My dedication to mentorship is evident in my desire to guide and support emerging professionals within the Faculty of Medicine, helping them navigate their careers with confidence. As an active participant in local and national professional development workshops, I have not only presented at workshops but have also collaborated with a diverse group of colleagues across various disciplines within medicine as well as with colleagues across Canada. My ability to build strong teams and manage complex projects has earned me respect and recognition among peers.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending summers at my lake recreational property, where I find joy in nature and outdoor activities. I am passionate about health and wellness, and engage in Pilates, barre, weight-bearing exercises, and hiking, promoting a balanced lifestyle. My multifaceted experience and commitment to education makes me a valuable asset to the UBC community.

After completing my Master’s and PhD in Neuroscience at UBC in 2020 I began working in the Office of the Vice Dean of Research. In my initial role as a Student Research and Education Coordinator I worked on facilitating and building award processes, coordinating educational programs, and communicating research opportunities. Recently I’ve been promoted to Strategic Programs Officer in the same office, which encompasses information and proposal development for institutional awards and strategic research initiatives including the Precision Health Initiative and various international partnerships.

I’d like to share my experience as a student at UBC as well as an administrative professional with a mentee. I also have a lot of experience I could share regarding project management and coordinating large projects over long timescales. In my previous role as the Student Research and Education Coordinator, I trained and mentored a work learn student and I enjoyed that immensely. I would like to continue that kind of relationship in my new role. This program seems like the perfect opportunity to do so as I would like to eventually take on a more managerial role; so this experience would be mutually beneficial both on a personal and professional level.

Outside of work, I have a 20 month old daughter and two miniature dachshunds which take a lot of my time and patience but I love being a mom (both human and dog). I could also bring that perspective of balancing work and home life in a way that is healthy and sustainable, although this is always an ongoing challenge! In my free time I also like to listen to podcasts and am a fan of true crime documentaries.

My career experience in post-secondary spans eighteen years – at SFU and now at UBC. I have held a variety of positions within Student Affairs, including positions related to mental health and wellbeing, Indigenous student services, developing policy and educational programming, and supporting new student transitions to post-secondary. I’ve also led a variety of projects and cross-functional teams to implement new initiatives that enhance the supports available to students. I currently lead a wonderful team of staff in Student Affairs that provide holistic support to medical undergraduates and I also collaborate closely with faculty leadership in Student Affairs in support of students.

I’m passionate about supporting the wellbeing of my teams and students. I’m grateful for mentors that I’ve had who have supported me professionally and have taken time to discuss my professional development goals and options. I’m currently completing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership, EdD, from Western University (while working full time). I’m happy to chat about balancing work, educational journeys and family. I’m not sure I always balance it all elegantly but I’m appreciative of opportunities I’ve had to pursue lifelong learning and connect it to my work.

Outside of work and school I’m an avid trail runner and spend as much time as possible outdoors with my two kids.

Interested in continuous improvement? process improvement? leading people? leading teams? leading projects? project management? change management? … then lets talk!

The best way to learn is from OPE, Other People’s Experiences, and I am happy to share experiences over my 3+ years at UBC and 20+ year career in technology spanning several several roles (individual contributor, team lead, manager, senior manager) and industries (education, healthcare, security, military) with the private and public sector.

I have had several coaches and mentors over my career. Happy to give back as mentor, although if you’re looking for a coach I very much recommend UBC’s coaching for staff (https://hr.ubc.ca/career-development/coaching-staff-and-faculty)! My UBC coach was instrumental in my transition from private to public sector and navigating academia.

Outside of work I am an avid reader, professional corgi chaser, and amateur beach volleyball player.

I have spent the last 30 years working in a leadership role in the public sector. I have been at UBC for 15 years and prior to that I worked for the Federal Government, BC Housing and Surrey Parks & Recreation. My post secondary education includes an undergraduate degree from UBC & an MBA from Toronto.

I am a strong proponent of life long learning with a passion for team development, innovative problem solving, process improvements and change initiatives. I have a keen interest in how the workplace has evolved since the onset of hybrid work.

My two sons are grown and well established in their own lives. While I wait patiently for my grand kids to appear I enjoy cooking, running, skiing, hiking, biking, and travelling the world.

Before joining BC Children’s Hospital, I was at the University of Victoria, completing my master’s in biochemistry. I trained new lab technicians on how to conduct and plan their experiments, master public speaking, and tell a story using data. It has not been a whole year since I joined UBC; nevertheless, I found the research facility very supportive, and I am eager to offer my expertise to anyone curious about experiment design, presenting research, and knowledge translation.

Mentors and mentees learn mutually, and I look forward to sharing my expertise and also listening to others to help them find what they can offer and become future mentors.

Outside of work, I love biking, gardening, and trying new recipes. I am passionate about maintaining a lifestyle that prevents the manifestation of chronic health conditions.

Throughout my 12 years as a UBC employee, I’ve worked in Clinical Research at BC Children’s Hospital. I started as a Research Assistant and worked in various roles within the Unit and am currently the Clinical Trials Unit Manager of the Operations Team. I lead a team of 10 staff and am responsible for performance management, conducting interviews, problem solving and overseeing projects related to program efficiencies and structure.

I have mentored others in early career development and confidence in speaking. Another area that I could potentially help prospective mentees with is effective interpersonal communication. I find it rewarding to be a part of someone’s journey and growth. I’ve had great mentors and coaches who have been invaluable to my professional growth and would like to give back to the community, to the best of my ability, in the same avenue that helped me.

Outside of my career, I enjoy dance, tennis, listening to podcasts and reading.

I have worked at UBC for over 12 years now and held positions as an Enrolment Services Advisor, Health Promotion Specialist (focusing on mental health literacy and suicide awareness) and most recently as the Provincial Standardized Patient Program Manager where I work with the four provincial sites to streamline their processes, improve communication and implement large scale change to the program. Previous to working at UBC I worked in both the private and post-secondary sectors teaching academic English and helping to support international students in their transition into Canada.

I am very adept at taking on new challenges and bringing people together. Many of my previous roles were brand new initiatives where I had to innovate and carve my own path in what the position would look like and where I would add the most value. I’d be happy to share with a potential mentee my learnings around change management, collaborative practices, mental health in the workplace, curriculum development and teaching.

Outside of work I love to travel (in fact I just got back from a cruise down the California coast!), I love to learn whether that be reading about a new subject, watching a documentary or having a discussion with a friend, and I am very dedicated to my small ball of fluff that is my dog

I am a dedicated education professional with over 15 years of experience in post-secondary administration of which 11 years is with UBC Faculty of Medicine. I am passionate about education/student experience and have held front facing roles such as Student Services Advisor, Student Financial Aid Coordinator and subsequently progressing to management roles such as Student Affairs and Financial Aid Manager. Within UBC Faculty of Medicine, I have had the opportunity to work in a Department as the Senior Education Programs Manager overseeing the operations and delivery of education within the Department for five years before moving into my current role where I now provide administrative leadership, oversight and support to multiple education units and services within the Vice Dean, Education portfolio and supporting leadership with various strategic priorities within the Faculty of Medicine education portfolio.

I thrive on managing and supporting teams and colleagues, creating efficiencies in the workplace and promoting a culture of growth and learning. I am adept at navigating ambiguous situations and leading new initiatives while ensuring high service standards within the units that I am responsible for. I also excel at supporting strategic goals and institutional priorities and being flexible with change. Through the years and experience, I am able to effectively work in a fast paced-high pressure environment while managing overall work-life balance.

For prospective mentees, I am able to offer the following: career development in administration and education delivery, lessons learnt of managing and supporting multiple portfolios, navigating change and supporting multiple strategic priorities/goals and people leadership.

Outside of my professional life, my passions include my faith, traveling, CrossFit, and exploring local trails/hikes.

I have over 20 years of experience in program evaluation and population health research, with 20 years being at UBC. Prior to my current role, I have served as Senior Evaluation Specialist managing the strategic plan evaluation; as Evaluation Specialist for Faculty of Medicine health professions education programs, and as data manager, research coordinator in various research units in BC and in Ontario. I am experienced in stakeholder engagement, end-to-end program evaluation, evaluation consultations, research methods, survey design, logic model, and data visualization.

With my long tenure in the Faculty of Medicine, I am well versed in its complex structure and I’d like to share my experience with career development in evaluative thinking and approach, working within a complex system, developing evaluation questions and subsequent data collection tools that will yield evidence to enable quality improvement with a strong focus on useful information to drive change. Currently I am doing a PhD in health professions education and am able to share experiences balancing academic, work, and personal life; encourage scholarship thinking and ways to navigate life as a graduate student. I have worked with many students and staff early in their career over the years, some were direct reports and some informally. I enjoy learning about people wherever they are in life and using a strength-based approach to support their personal/professional development.

Outside of work, I enjoy good food, fashion, hosting gatherings, traveling and spending time with my family and friends. I am a mother of 3, so discovering each child as they grow and mature brings me much joy (and angst).

I am a Manager of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education programs within the Department of Psychiatry. I has over 13 years’ experience in administration, and has been working at UBC for 8 years. I have spent 6 years supporting medical education learners in various Surgical residency programs, as well as supporting the medical student school examinations. Outside of the Faculty of Medicine, I spent a year in Applied Science working with Healthcare and Engineering Leadership Masters Degrees.

This combined experience has given me a wealth of knowledge in administration, higher education and student advising, as well as a broad understanding of UBC as a whole. One of my goals as a manager is to give back to my colleagues and staff members through mentorship, guidance and connection. Medical education as a very unique and niche area of higher education, and as such can take some time adjusting to and mastering. I love helping others gain the skills required to take their own careers to the next level – whether that’s sharing new ideas, best practices, carving out new opportunities for growth, or helping explore areas of interest.

One of my strengths is connecting deeply – whether it be our faculty, our learners, and colleagues in this space. I am always curious about people’s paths – what brought them to this point – where they may be going, and supporting them on their way.

Outside of work, I love to stay active outside with my year-old puppy, Milo. Adventuring outside truly allows me to reset my mind and body, and is my preferred way to relieve the stress of a busy and full life.

Hi there, I have been working for UBC Family Practice for nearly 17 years, since December 2007. This was the first job I applied for in Vancouver since moving here in 2003 and it has remained a place I still work. I feel that I work with amazing colleagues and teachers who inspire me each day to become a better version of myself. I started in Family Practice as assistant to the Program Director and now I work as a Program Coordinator for our Coastal Site based at the HOpe Centre in North Vancouver, next to Lions Gate Hospital. I manage the learning and educational lives of 18 residents training as family physicians. I also work very closely with the hospital doctors as well as the family physicians teaching our residents. I also work with our program assistant and have learnt a bit about management in the last 3 + years of being in this position.

I am Armenian, born in Lebanon, spent my formative years in London, UK, and now living in Vancouver since 2003. I write this as I feel that this trajectory in my life defines how I live my life today. I feel that I have the ability, after a lot of introspection, to have empathy towards people and to see that everything we do in life is a path towards what is meant to be for us and each step has meaning even if we do not see that meaning at first. I am also a writer and photographer and work creatively in my spare time; when I have that time outside of caring for my family; a husband and two teens. I also practice yoga and pranayama (breathwork) and incorporate these learnings into my work as I support residents through some challenges in life, whether personally or professionally.

I love connecting with people as I feel we grow and heal in connection to others. I think also being vulnerable (I know it is an overused word!) leads to better relationships and I think better learning. Building a safe and warm environment is what I strive to do in my work and life and hope to be able to help someone navigate through some things that they need guidance with. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I’m passionate about empowering others. My 30 years of experience span three continents and industries as varied as telecom technology, retail, insurance, and start-ups as well as multinationals. I’ve been living in Canada for over 14 years now and have been at UBC for three and a half years. My undergrad and graduate degrees are in business and engineering and I am curious and always happy to learn. Most recently, I have become certified as a project manager (PMP). I work in the Dean’s Office as an Executive Coordinator, supporting the Dean directly as well as lending a hand with business process optimization with our close collaborators. My past roles have included corporate strategy analyst, product marketing manager, customer service representative.

I feel I would work really well with someone who is looking to work together in a structured way: I’m great at organizing, planning and creative problem solving. In the past, I have participated in several mentorship programs as a mentor, often helping women in the tech industry. I really enjoy accompanying someone in finding their own path.

Outside of work I enjoy sewing and knitting garments, volunteering in the housing co-op I live in and hiking, preferably in the backcountry with my tent.

As a longstanding Faculty of Medicine community member, I have worked at the Undergraduate Program’s Provincial Learner Assessment Team (PLAT) over the last 12+ years. I came to the FoM following a four-year stint of teaching and mentoring postgraduate students in India. Throughout my journey at PLAT, I have held various positions, and as of March 2024, I have been working as the Senior Manager where, along with my 12-member team, I am responsible for managing various aspects of student assessments through years 1-4 of MD Undergraduate Program.

My role is an amalgamation of responsibilities that include, assessment pedagogy support, people and process management and strategic planning to meet FoM’s vision. Academically, I hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nutrition from India, along with a Master of Education and Ph.D. in Measurement, Evaluation, and Research Methodology from UBC. I have also pursued professional development courses such as Project Management for Professionals, Managing at UBC, and Textio Equitable Performance Feedback.

I believe in lifelong learning and strive to incorporate the best practices in collaboration and inculcate the values of equity, diversity and inclusion in my day-to-day interactions to create a supportive and productive work culture. Through participating in the FoM Mentorship program, I want to give back to my professional community and support my colleagues by sharing the lessons I learned through my professional, academic, and personal experiences, where I switched roles of a manager, student, and mother.

With a decade-long journey at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, I’ve evolved from a Business Analyst to my current role as Manager, Governance Strategy & Planning at Digital Solutions. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as a mentor at the Faculty, and support someone else’s journey.

Originally from France, I relocated to Vancouver in 2012 and redirected my career path, transitioning from a Masters in Telecommunications Engineering to a role that aligned with my interests and leaving the purely technical behind. Starting as a Business Analyst and becoming an expert in that role has been an essential part of my foundation. Along the way, I’ve acquired certifications in Business Analysis, Service management, and Lean Six Sigma, with the goal of continuously working towards for process improvements. I excel in analyzing complex systems and distilling information to its core. Furthermore, I take pride in nurturing and guiding individuals through projects, supporting their own growth and success.

Beyond my professional life, I’m an active community organizer, contributing as an event producer and facilitator. I spend a lot of my time outside of work with my wife and my dog Juno, while also making time to read, mostly science fiction and memoirs.

I have 15 years of experience in the education field, focusing on program operations and student support. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to helping learners and managing the daily operations of academic programs. My passion for student support and program operations has only deepened over time.

As a UBC alumnus, I am currently pursuing a certificate in Career Development and Academic Advising. I find joy in guiding students on their learning journeys and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. I value diversity among learners and have experience in recruiting and supporting residents during their residency.

I am a self-motivated individual committed to continuous improvement in both my career and personal life. I am passionate about facilitating access to academic, wellbeing, and social support for learners on campus and beyond. My strong interpersonal skills have enabled me to build and maintain meaningful relationships with a diverse range of students and colleagues. My CliftonStrengths profile highlights my qualities as an achiever, consistent, harmonious, empathetic, and a developer.

Family is the cornerstone of my life, and I take pride in creating a supportive and comfortable home. In my leisure time, I enjoy hiking and snowboarding in the summer and winter, respectively. I also love exploring new recipes and keeping my home clean and organized.

Ultimately, I am energized by the opportunity to support others in their unique life journeys.