Dr. Jevitt served as Director of the Midwifery Program from July 2018 to August 2023.
As the new Director of the Faculty of Medicine’s Midwifery Program, Dr. Cecilia Jevitt brings over 20 years of experience in midwifery education and 30 years of midwifery practice to UBC. She is passionate about the role of midwives in building community knowledge of birth and infant care, and the role of midwifery in helping to transform health for future generations.
As the new Director of the Midwifery Program, what are some of your goals or aspirations?
Where I see my role is in helping to grow Canadian leadership in midwifery. British Columbia already has an excellent practice model and midwifery education system in place at the undergraduate level. My goal is to continue to nurture Canada’s leadership in the profession by developing a master’s program in midwifery that leads to a doctorate.
For you, what makes UBC different?
At this stage in my career, my focus is on clearing the path for younger midwives to grow into leadership roles. I could see that UBC was the right place to do that. Not only is the work of the midwives here at UBC internationally-recognized, but B.C. has such a wonderful practice model and the legislation is in place to enable its continued growth.
Who inspires you and why?
I have always been inspired by mothers and newborns, particularly those in need.
How do you like to recharge?
I get recharged by being active, especially outdoors. My husband and I love walking together in Pacific Spirit Park, kayaking and fishing. I also love spending time with family here in B.C. and in Florida.
Favourite spot in B.C.
Spanish Banks, on the beach watching the sunset as the city lights are coming up. It’s just beautiful.
First job
My father put me to work in his sheet metal manufacturing office when I was in high school. That helped me to get a job as the secretary of Research and Design at Playskool Toys, where I got to help with safety testing by doing things like putting stuffed dolls through wash and dry cycles at the laundromat and hurling balls at brick walls over and over!
Secret talent
I was the Midwest women’s lightweight judo champion during the early ‘70s. That training taught me to take a beating and get back on my feet.
Best piece of advice
Some learners have this idea that if they read the right book or complete a certain program, they will instantly be all-knowing. It just doesn’t happen like that.
As Greg Brown (an American folk musician) says, “enlightenment doesn’t come all at once, it comes in grubby little pieces every day.”
A pioneer in the field of stem cell bioengineering, Dr. Peter Zandstra is the Founding Director of UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Michael Smith Laboratories.
Joining UBC in 2017 marked a return to campus for Dr. Zandstra, a graduate of the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering.
Today, he is helping to build UBC’s capacity in one of the fastest-growing fields of study in North America, fostering innovations in interdisciplinary education, research and entrepreneurship, and strengthening the university’s ties to B.C.’s vibrant life science and technology research communities.
Who inspires you and why?
I have always been inspired by my father. He was not only a scientist and leader in his own right, but deeply believed in making the world a better place — keeping society at the forefront of his mind in everything he did. This is something I admired about him and something that I try to emulate in my own life.
As the Founding Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering, what is your vision for the School and — more broadly — your hope for the future of this growing field?
As a collaboration between the Faculties of Medicine and Applied Science, the School of Biomedical Engineering represents an important innovation hub for the university. It’s a place where we can bring together UBC’s strengths in medicine and engineering, where faculty members and researchers can develop new and emerging technologies, and where we can create new solutions to health care challenges being faced here at home and around the world.
And of course a primary focus of the School is training the biotechnology leaders of tomorrow. It’s these people who will go on to become scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs who will lead companies or research groups that will ultimately develop new health therapies and preventative technologies. This fall, I’m very excited about welcoming the School’s first cohort of undergraduate students.
When it comes to the field of biomedical engineering as a whole — it is evolving very quickly and I see great potential for the industry to directly impact society in a significant way. Biomedical engineering is starting to be the place people look to for not only new health technologies, but also where new fundamental biological discoveries are made — discovery enabled by technology. Whether it’s engineered cells that fight cancer, or devices, like artificial retinas that integrate with the brain to mimic sight, we’re going to continue seeing the emergence of impactful and increasingly accessible health solutions. These technologies are no longer something of the future, they are here, right now. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of this dynamic and growing field.
For you, what makes UBC different?
Above all else, UBC has an exciting and supportive culture of collaboration and innovation that allows new initiatives to take hold quickly. The School of Biomedical Engineering is just one example of how UBC can move quickly to make a big impact.
Within the Faculty of Medicine, there are a number of great strengths that set it apart: a medical school that spans the province; leading researchers in a number of areas, including regenerative medicine; and state-of-the-art research centres and institutes. Together, these factors will help ensure the ongoing success of the School of Biomedical Engineering.
How do you like to recharge?
I love to recharge by getting out and doing activities like tennis or rowing. Sometimes I will start my morning with a row at the Jericho Sailing Club. When I’m out on the water, I’m able to take the time and really process and appreciate everything; it’s often where my best new ideas emerge.
Best piece of advice
Take time to listen and learn from other people’s experiences and perspectives. This advice has been particularly important for me recently. Since coming on board, I have dedicated my time getting to know new people, hearing their perspectives and interests, and thinking about how to incorporate their voices into the School’s strategy.
First job
My first job was stringing tennis rackets. I even had a little business where I bought a racket stringer and strung rackets in my wood-paneled basement. After that, I got a job working at a sporting goods store – much more social.
Secret talent
Fly-fishing? I would love to use it more.
Favourite spot in B.C
I have always enjoyed Tofino and I go back there often. For me, anywhere near or on the ocean or the water is pretty special.
When she’s not cooking up a feast for friends or playing with her dogs on the beaches of Mayne Island, Leanne Denis, the Faculty of Medicine’s Executive Director, Development and Alumni Engagement, leads a professional team aimed at raising more than $70 million annually to support the Faculty’s research and education initiatives.
Together with her team, Leanne collaborates with partners through the Faculty of Medicine, the UBC community and beyond to align the visions of donors with needs within the Faculty, to transform health for everyone.
As the Executive Director, Development and Alumni Engagement, what are some of your goals or aspirations in your current role?
In my opinion, perfection in philanthropy is when you are able to take a donor’s vision and align it with an organizational need.
My aspiration in my role is to continue developing a team of professionals who can work in partnership with our faculty to do just that. A great example of that is the $24 million donation from Edwin S.H. Leong in March 2018 to establish the Healthy Aging Program in his name. It was a textbook example of the value of collaboration – in the Faculty and beyond – to come together to make a gift like that happen.
For you, what makes UBC different?
The great thing about UBC, and specifically the Faculty of Medicine, is that the opportunities for donors are infinite.
Because of the scope of the work that we do at the Faculty, nine times out of ten I can find alignment between a donor’s vision and the Faculty’s needs. The work we are doing in medical science at UBC is inspiring — we are truly transforming health for everyone.
Who inspires you and why?
My mom. She was trained as a nurse by nuns, and she built a progressive and rewarding career in occupational health nursing — a field in which she came to be seen as one of the pioneers. She was always doing things to improve herself professionally while raising a family and has kept that energy up in retirement. I feel truly fortunate to have a female role model like her. And she makes the best cookies!
How do you like to recharge?
On a weekend day, I love to turn on CBC Radio One and spend the day in my kitchen creating something. In the summer it’s canning, in the winter it is usually a meal to share with friends. A day doing that, is the best day ever.
Favourite spot in B.C.
Mayne Island — I spend most of my weekends there and it’s become a really special place for my family and me. When I go to Mayne Island everything slows down.
First job
Selling shoes at Lewis Shoes in Metrotown Mall.
Secret talent
I can create an ear-piercing whistle with my fingers — I use it to get the attention of my dogs!
Best piece of advice
It was a piece of wisdom that a roommate passed on from her mom: you attract bees with honey. If you present yourself and frame what you’re talking about in a positive way, it’s more likely you’ll get a positive response. While I’m not always successful at following this advice, I truly do try!
Dr. Allard served as Head, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine from July 2010 to December 2018, and Vice Dean, Health Engagement from December 2018 to March 2024.
The first time Mike Allard stepped onto UBC’s campus he was an undergraduate student studying science. He later went on to complete his medical degree and residency at the Faculty of Medicine, as well as research fellowships at the UBC Pulmonary Research Laboratory with Dr. James Hogg and at the University of Alabama.
Today, Dr. Allard fosters excellence in education and research as the Head of the UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and has taken the helm of a growing alumni community, as President of the Medical Alumni Association. He is also a Cardiovascular Pathologist at St. Paul’s Hospital and Principal Investigator in the James Hogg Research Centre.
What inspires you and why?
MA: People who work to make a difference. The people that I find most inspiring are those who aim to correct injustice or inequality and who do so against incredible odds or personal risk — people like Malala Yousafzai and Nelson Mandela.
How do you like to recharge?
MA: I have a passion for travel. Together with my wife, who is my favourite travel partner, I grab my camera and off we go! We recently travelled to Costa Rica and our next destination might be Japan.
I also play ice hockey once a week throughout the year. It’s an excellent way to clear your head.
Best piece of advice:
MA: Dr. James Hogg, Professor Emeritus, UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, once told me, “If you agree to take something on, you have to give something up.”
It’s a really good piece of advice but I can’t say that I’m very successful at following it.
Secret talent:
MA: I think it would be better described as aspirational, and think it’s fair to say I’m a “wannabe” painter. I usually work with watercolours but recently got a set of acrylics. I also like photography; that too, is a work in progress.
First job:
MA: I worked for the City of Vancouver collecting garbage after high school and during the summers while attending university. The people I worked with were great and it was a well-paying job so I was lucky to have it.
What are some of your main goals or aspirations in your current role?
MA: The Faculty’s strategic plan Building the Future, is an excellent roadmap to our future, and the department and alumni can play roles in realizing the goals embedded in that plan.
From a departmental perspective, one thing that I would like to see is full integration of clinical and academic worlds so we can create a health system that more readily puts discoveries into practice and that is capable of learning to adapt and change in response to evidence. This will have a positive impact on patient care and will improve the health of British Columbians through better diagnoses, more effective treatments, and better preventive practices. It will also lead to a more effective and sustainable health system.
From an alumni association perspective, I think it’s important for the association to find new ways to support the mission of the Faculty while still being mindful of the people we serve — students, trainees and alumni. One concept I think worthy of exploration is having the alumni association represent the entire breadth of the Faculty — including medical and health professionals.
For you, what makes UBC different?
MA: The distributed medical model in the Faculty of Medicine is unique. B.C. is very large — in area, it is as big as Washington, Oregon and California combined. It also has a complex organizational structure and delivers its academic mission by working with other universities, a number of health authorities, and more than a hundred different clinical sites. It’s incredible when you think of all the parts that must come together to make it work.
Favourite place in B.C.
MA: That’s easy, Taylor Arm on Sproat Lake near Port Alberni. It’s an amazing spot to relax and soak in the west coast beauty. I have great memories of shooting stars, incredible sunsets, and time with family and friends.
Nearly two decades ago Shanda Jordan Gaetz began her career at UBC as a receptionist in HR. Today, she’s the Executive Director of Faculty Affairs with the Faculty of Medicine, where she provides professional leadership in all areas related to organizational effectiveness, human resources and governance.
As a key player helping to implement the priorities set out in the Faculty of Medicine’s new strategic plan, Building the Future, Shanda works with internal and external partners, improving collaboration and coordination to support faculty and staff working at sites across the province.
What quality do you most admire in a leader?
SJG: Trust — because it goes both ways. If a leader trusts their team, they’ll perform better, and if a team trusts their leader, it makes for a stronger work dynamic. I believe trust must be in place for a leader to be truly effective.
What makes you laugh?
SJG: My children. I have two boys, aged seven and ten, and they are both hysterical. They are either making me laugh or making me crazy — all day, every day.
Who inspires you, and why?
SJG: While I can’t pinpoint a particular person, I am inspired by those who really follow their passions: people who pursue what makes them happy and who aren’t afraid to take risks.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?
SJG: That when you push yourself outside your comfort zone, that’s when you really grow and develop and find out things about yourself that you wouldn’t have otherwise known.
As Executive Director, Faculty Affairs, what is your vision for the Faculty of Medicine?
SJG: Our faculty and staff stretch across BC’s diverse landscape — and together, we are making a tremendous impact in communities across the province. But I believe it’s always important to look at ways to enhance what we do, and improve the way we support our faculty and staff. In particular, I would love to increase opportunities for leadership development. Both UBC and the Faculty already have some programming in this area, but I’d love to see us advance even further — to give more people, regardless of the position they hold, the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and feel empowered, enabled and engaged to help move the organization forward.
I would also like our people to see UBC and the Faculty of Medicine as a potential life-long employer. I know that may sound naive in this day and age, but there are so many opportunities to grow and develop your career within UBC as a whole, and the Faculty of Medicine in particular. I don’t think the learning ever ends.
For you, what makes UBC different?
SJG: The wealth of opportunities. I started at UBC over 19 years ago — I had just finished university and took a three-month contract as a receptionist in HR, and I’ve never left. I’ve really had the opportunity to build a life-long career at the university. And there are not just tremendous career opportunities to pursue at UBC, there are education opportunities too. It’s the focus on life-long learning that makes UBC a really unique and exciting place to work.
And here at the Faculty of Medicine, every time I see our incoming students, or step into a lecture being delivered by one of our faculty members, or read a news release about what our researchers and trainees are working on, I’m reminded of just how amazing it is to be a part of this Faculty.
What is your favourite song?
SJG: Sweet Home Alabama. There are just so many different versions of that song, and I love each one. The song has a way of getting me out of whatever funk I’m in and pulling me into groove mode.
How do you like to recharge?
SJG: On a regular day, it’s a little bit of TV and reading after I get the kids to bed. When I have a bit more time off, I gravitate to the water to relax and reset.
What would you like to be remembered for?
SJG: In my personal life, I’d like to be remembered for being a good mom to my kids. Professionally, I’d like to be remembered for being a good leader. But I don’t want my team to think of me as ‘the boss’ — that’s not my style. I think that as long as the people who I work with feel like we’re all a team and all a part of moving things forward, and making things better, then I have done my job.
First job
SJG: My very first job was at Tastee-Freez in Vernon, BC. Tastee-Freez was a quasi-fast food joint, known for their ice cream, but they also served burgers and fries — very much like a Dairy Queen.
Greatest mentor
SJG: While I’ve never had a formal mentorship relationship, I look up to those who are comfortable with vulnerability, especially those in leadership roles. Having the people you work with know that you may not have all the answers, and that you don’t need to have all the answers, is important.
Best piece of advice
SJG: I have both received and given this advice: don’t get too hung up on getting things done at the end of every day. Very early on in my career, I felt anxious when things were left undone. My boss at the time reminded me that it’s okay, because the work will never be done, there will always be something new. Instead, focus your efforts on the priorities, and enjoy yourself along the way.
Favourite app
SJG: At the moment, my favourite app is Pinterest because I’m doing a reno and spend quite a bit of time gathering ideas and concepts of how I want things to look.
Currently reading
SJG: I just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. I was so sad when it ended!
Favourite restaurant
SJG: Any one that I don’t have to cook at! Having a seven- and ten-year-old, who don’t exactly have established palettes, means we spend a lot of time at pizza places, but anytime I don’t have to cook is good.
Last vacation destination
SJG: California – the required Disneyland/Universal Studios trip. It was a blast! Before that was a road trip through the Rockies – up through Clearwater and Mount Robson Provincial Park, over to Jasper and then down to the Kootenays, home to some of the most spectacular wildlife and vistas I’ve ever seen.
As the Interim Executive Associate Dean, Research, Dr. Robert McMaster oversees the Faculty of Medicine’s research portfolio, providing guidance to health researchers across the province. In leading the development and implementation of the research component of the Faculty’s new strategic plan, Dr. McMaster is helping to facilitate collaboration and enhance research partnerships to not only deepen, but extend the reach and impact of the Faculty’s research activities.
What quality do you most admire in a leader?
RM: There are a lot of qualities I admire in a leader — intelligence, enthusiasm and compassion. But above all, a leader must be someone who has integrity.
What makes you smile?
RM: Nothing beats a good, situational story.
Who inspires you, and why?
RM: For me, it’s not about taking inspiration from just one person, but rather taking inspiration from many. And I’m very fortunate to not have to look too far for it — every day I take inspiration from my team members and fellow colleagues.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?
RM: As an individual, you can contribute, but in order to make system changes, you need to work as part of a larger team.
As Executive Associate Dean, Education, what is your vision for the Faculty of Medicine’s education programs?
RM: UBC’s Faculty of Medicine has a long history of research excellence. We’re recognized as a world leader in research related to cancer, brain and mental health, heart and lung health, population health, and chronic and infectious diseases.
Looking forward, we need to continue building on our strengths to meet societal needs, but also explore new and emerging research areas. We also need to focus our efforts on accelerating the transfer of research to patient care. In the Faculty’s new strategic plan, Building the Future (2016-2021), we’ve outlined various research priorities, including our commitment to working with our academic partners and B.C.’s health authorities to establish Academic Health Sciences Centres (AHSCs) — a move that will enable us to collaboratively develop and deliver patient-oriented clinical research and care.
For you, what makes UBC different?
RM: The collaborative approach taken within — and across — Faculties. There’s an understanding that we’ll be able to achieve much more if we work together.
What’s your favourite song?
RM: Right now, probably anything by Norah Jones — she’s a fantastic singer. I recently went to one of her concerts, where she played a lot from her new album.
How do you like to recharge?
RM: Being outdoors whenever possible — skiing, hiking, or being in the water.
What would you like to be remembered for?
RM: As a researcher, I hope to be remembered for my contributions to molecular immunology, parasitology and transplant immunology. I also hope to be remembered as someone who made positive system changes — it’s something I constantly strive for in my roles as Vice President Research for Vancouver Coastal Health, as Executive Director of the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), and as Interim Executive Associate Dean, Research, with UBC’s Faculty of Medicine.
What was your first job?
RM: My very first job was as a lifeguard at Cultus Lake in the Fraser Valley. I went on to work for the YMCA and taught swimming lessons and lifeguarding throughout my high school and university years.
Greatest mentor
RM: One of my greatest mentors remains Dr. Alan Williams, who served as my PhD supervisor during my time as a student at Oxford.
Currently reading
RM: One of Ian McEwan’s older novels, Black Dogs.
Last vacation destination
RM: My last big vacation was to Machu Picchu in Peru and the Galápagos Islands. This year, I visited London, but the city always feels more like a second home to me, rather than a vacation destination.
As Executive Associate Dean, Education, Dr. Roger Wong offers strategic leadership, while creating and nurturing existing partnerships to help move the vision for the Faculty of Medicine forward. In addition to overseeing the distribution of the Faculty’s educational programs across the province, he ensures that the Faculty’s programs — across the health disciplines and across the continuum of learning — are effectively integrated.
What quality do you most admire in a leader?
I admire a leader who empowers people and supports them to be the best that they can be. My own leadership philosophy is to guide, motivate and inspire the development of learners to become well-rounded, highly-motivated and caring individuals.
What makes you smile?
Many things bring a smile to my face: listening to a beautiful piece of music, watching the vibrant colours of sunrise, seeing my geriatric patients get better in their health conditions, hearing about the success of my students, or catching up with friends over a meal. I am a reflective person, and smiling is an important part of my life.
Who inspires you, and why?
My parents inspire me – they are practical and hard-working individuals. Both of them used to work as teachers at different parts of their careers, and my first aspiration growing up was to become a teacher. I am really glad that I am pursuing the career of an educator.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?
In medicine everything is so fast-paced: it’s about saving lives and everything is always on the go. At the same time, I have learned the importance of taking time when necessary and being an active listener. Listening to others and really trying to understand the situation, especially when things get rough, is something that I remind myself all the time.
As Executive Associate Dean, Education, what is your vision for the Faculty of Medicine’s education programs?
The Faculty of Medicine has a track record of delivering innovative programs in the areas of health and life sciences through a province-wide delivery model. In my role as Executive Associate Dean, Education, I am committed to working with the various teams in the Faculty to develop and deliver excellent educational programs that will positively benefit our learners and society at large.
In the Faculty’s new strategic plan, Building the Future (2016-2021), we’ve outlined a number of education priorities – including our commitment in educational program renewal and realignment to meet evolving societal and career requirements. We’ll also be exploring opportunities to leverage new technologies and practices to transform the impact and reach of our programs, pursue new program development and expansion, and enhance the clinical placement model and experience to support practical team-based and lifelong learning.
Movement on some of these priorities is already underway. In the very near future, we will focus on the development of new academic programs that will cover ground-breaking content areas and deploy novel learning channels. We will also embrace innovative approaches that can transform our broad array of educational offerings, with an emphasis on flexible learning opportunities. We are committed to putting British Columbia at the forefront of health education innovation by delivering education that enhances healthcare in our province.
For you, what makes UBC different?
UBC is special because of its people, whether they are the faculty members, staff, students or residents. I am truly impressed by their energy, friendliness and genuinely caring attitude.
What’s your favourite song?
I love music, as my students and residents will attest to based on my regular guest performance at the Resident Talent Night, an annual wellness event that celebrates our learners’ many talents outside of medicine. I like Michael Bublé’s music, and my latest favourite is his brand new song “I Believe in You.”
How do you like to recharge?
I love swimming and head to the pool regularly – about five or six times a week. Swimming offers a good physical work out and gives me the tranquility I need to wind down from my busy work schedule.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
I would love the super power to heal holistically, not just people’s physical condition but also their interpersonal relationships and mental wellbeing. To heal means to make whole again.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered as someone who makes a difference for the faculty members, staff and learners whom I work with. Making a difference for others around us often involves putting others ahead of ourselves and addressing their needs first, and that’s what I hope people will remember me for.
What was your first job?
My very first job was working as a bookkeeper, which I did for a number of years. I have always had a strong interest in business and accounting, to the point that I went back to business school after my medical training to pursue executive management training.
Best piece of advice
Be yourself — it is important to understand what drives you internally and what you aspire for. And remember the motto of fides et opera – the combination of faith and work will empower you to reach for the stars. As you travel along your life trajectory, remember to make a difference in the lives of the people around you as well.
