Class of 2026 student spotlights
Meet some of our Year 1 students who started their studies at the Northern Medical Program this past fall as part of our Class of 2026!
Alex Forrester
Hometown: Sechelt, BC
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
After two decades in the forest industry, pursuing medicine meant a major change to my life and career. The inspiration for this change came from living and working in northern B.C., working with Emergency Services and knowing previous graduates of the NMP. Ultimately, for me, seeing the meaningful impact that healthcare workers have in rural communities along with witnessing the diverse and unique career opportunities that medicine provides led me down this path.
Why did you choose UBC/ Northern Medical Program?
Coming from a forestry family, medicine never felt like an option for me; that changed when my wife was accepted into the NMP (Class of 2019). Witnessing her experience and getting to know her colleagues I saw people like myself, who had previous careers, young families etc. bringing value to the program and thriving at the NMP. I have also seen the unique and heartfelt community appreciation for NMP students, which I think makes Prince George a special place to train.
What’s top on your bucket list?
Travelling to South Africa and hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains with my family, followed by a safari trip to Kruger National Park.
Caleb de Hoog
Hometown: Smithers, BC
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
Growing up I was always interested in science, chemistry, and biology. My undergraduate degree further fueled my interest in science, and I also became passionate about serving my community. The study of medicine was the perfect combination of continuous education while also helping others and supporting my community.
Why did you choose UBC/ Northern Medical Program?
I chose UBC because I love the beautiful outdoors of B.C. and I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and skiing. I chose the Northern Medical Program specifically because of the small class size, which allows for more hands-on and one-on-one learning experiences. Having grown up in Smithers, B.C., I witnessed the need for physicians devoted to serving rural communities and the NMP also has a strong emphasis on rural medicine.
What’s top on your bucket list?
I have always wanted to go on a motorcycle trip down the Oregon Coast. I want to camp along the way, stop to explore the beautiful landscape, and experience the local restaurants and cafes that the Oregon Coast has to offer.
Kudrat Mundi
Hometown: Cawston, BC
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
My inspiration for medicine came from a combination of my love for human physiology and anatomy, and my personal experiences with the intersectionality of rural and immigrant health care while growing up. Having only lived in rural communities within southern B.C. until I was 17, and eventually moving to Edmonton for my undergrad, I quickly became aware of the great disparities in how healthcare was delivered in urban vs rural settings in Canada. This is not to say healthcare is perfect at any one location in Canada, however, moving away helped me recognize that healthcare, especially in rural communities across B.C., is struggling and has been for years now. For example, shortages in staff and limited access to medical facilities makes accessing healthcare for rural and remote citizens much more difficult when compared to their urban counterparts.
Learning more about the issues that rural and remote citizens face regarding healthcare inspired me to pursue a career that would provide me the opportunity to be a healthcare advocate for change in these communities. Combining this passion with my love for medical sciences helped me solidify my decision for pursuing medical school.
Why did you choose UBC/ Northern Medical Program?
Having lived in rural communities my entire life and finding myself being happier in these communities, I knew I wanted to be at a smaller site for my medical education. The small class sizes, enhanced opportunities for hands-on skills, and supportive faculty made choosing NMP an easy decision!
What’s top on your bucket list?
To finally learn how to ski during while living up north!
Jessica Willows
Hometown: Prince George, BC
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
I've always loved working with people, and during school I found I had an affinity for the sciences. As I gained more experience in life, including in the medical field, I grew to find that pursuing medicine would be an excellent fit for me!
Why did you choose UBC/ Northern Medical Program?
I grew up loving the north and appreciated everything it had to offer, but it wasn't until I moved away to finish my undergraduate degree that I truly realized what it meant to be a resident of the north. I decided it was important to me to ensure that members of the communities I was raised in receive the same support that was given to me as I was growing up.
What’s top on your bucket list?
I'm hugely into gardening and plants! I really want to grow a garden around blue hydrangeas and wisteria trees.
