Inspiring and Supporting Future Physicians
In 2002, the UBC Faculty of Medicine launched the Indigenous MD Admissions Pathway to inspire and support more Indigneous youth to pursue their dream of becoming a doctor.
Today, more than 150 Indigenous learners have graduated from the pathway and are now helping to transform health and healthcare across B.C. and Canada as family doctors, specialists, researchers, policymakers, educators and advocates.
Jackson Traplin (Cow Creek), Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator, Interior, is part of an extraordinary province-wide team dedicated to inspiring and supporting Indigenous youth throughout their journey into medicine.
We chatted with Jackson to learn more about his role and how he supports prospective students.
Title:
Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator, Interior
Department/unit:
Southern Medical Program
Campus:
UBC Okanagan — on the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples
How long have you worked at the Faculty of Medicine?
I stepped into the role in May 2025. I have a background engaging with Indigenous students and prospective students at UBC Okanagan going back to 2020. I’m excited to work with such a diverse and dynamic team supporting our Indigenous MD students!
Tell us about your role in the Faculty of Medicine:
I will be connecting prospective Indigenous students to the MD program via outreach and recruitment events, as well as supporting current MD students as they become practising medical doctors in various fields.
What’s your favourite thing about your work?
I look forward to moments when I can offer students words of encouragement so that they can continue focusing on achieving their career aspirations. In my experience, just a few simple words can have a profound impact on individuals to overcome challenges and reach their goals.
What do you do to invest in your mental and/or physical health?
I seek to achieve a flow state by immersing myself in different hobbies. In my youth, this was car and truck model-building and sketching/drawing. As an adult, I enjoy songwriting and digital audio recording. It’s in this flow state where time seems to pass without notice and those everyday stressors dissolve.
What trait do you most admire in others?
I admire people who can make others feel special in the moment. Whether it’s remembering a name after an initial introduction or recalling a shared moment from the past, it’s this quality that I find especially admirable in people.
Share an accomplishment that you are proud of from the past year:
I’m quite proud of being named the “Championship Team” along with my colleagues in this year’s Faculty & Staff Sports Day at UBC Okanagan! The winning ingredients, in part, were cooperation, innovation and not taking ourselves too seriously.
Published: August 2025