Join us for Mini Med School 2022 as we explore childhood and adolescent mental health. Together we will investigate the principles of psychological development, examine biological and behavioural symptoms, learn about effective interventions, and work to break down mental health stigmas. 

In a series of presentations hosted by Mini Med School Co-Deans Dr. Janet Mah & Dr. Bob McMahon, you'll have the opportunity to: 

  • Learn more about mental health, emotional health and behavioural conditions
  • Discover the newest research on how to support a healthy mind
  • Interact with world-class scientists and health professionals (virtually or in-person)
  • Explore the diverse careers available in science and medicine

Please note, the Mini Med School 2022 curriculum will include topics such as eating disorders, discrimination and self-harm. We acknowledge this content may be difficult and triggering and encourage you to make your safety and well-being your first priority.

Curriculum

The next Mini Med School is scheduled for October and November 2022. Each night will feature lectures by scientific leaders and world-class clinicians, followed by a question period. 

Session #1: Wednesday, October 19 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Featuring presentations by:

  • Dr. Charlotte Waddell, Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, SFU; Director, Children’s Health Policy Centre. Topic – Introduction to Mental Health
     
  • Dr. Janet Mah, Investigator & Registered Psychologist, BC Children’s Hospital; Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, UBC. Topic – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Session #2: Wednesday, October 26 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Featuring presentations by:

  • Dr. Amrit Dhariwal, Investigator & Psychologist, BC Children’s Hospital; Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, UBC. Topic – Somatization
     
  • Dr. Brianna Turner, Affiliate Investigator, BC Children’s Hospital; Research Fellow, Centre for Youth and Society, University of Victoria; Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Victoria. Topic – Risky or Self-Damaging Behaviours
Session #3: Wednesday, November 2 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Featuring presentations by:

  • Dr. S. Evelyn Stewart, Investigator & Director of Research for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, BC Children's Hospital; Medical Director, BCCH Provincial OCD Program (POP); Professor, Department of Psychiatry, UBC. Topic – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
     
  • Dr. Suzanne Lewis, Investigator, BC Children’s Hospital; Director, Autism SPectrum Interdisciplinary REsearch (ASPIRE) Program; Chair, iTARGET Autism; Co-Chair, Autism Canada; Chief Medical Officer & VP Research, Pacific Autism Family Network; Clinical Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, UBC. Topic – Autism
Session #4: Wednesday, November 9 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Featuring presentations by: 

  • Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc, Executive Director, Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre (SARAVYC); Research Director, McCreary Centre Society; Director & Professor, School of Nursing, UBC. Topic – Stigma and Resilience
     
  • Dr. Marlene Moretti, Professor, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, SFU; Canada Research Chair, Youth Clinical Psychological Science. Topic – Attachment-Based Family Intervention
     
  • Dr. Dean Elbe, Investigator & Pharmacy Specialist, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, BC Children's Hospital; Clinical Instructor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UBC. Topic - Drug Interactions

Interested in participating?

High School students across BC will now have three ways to participate in Mini Med School 2022: 

  • Mini Med School In-Person: Engage with researchers and clinicians in-person at BC Children's Hospital. Participation is restricted to BC students in grade 12. Mini Med School is hosted in-person at BC Children’s Hospital in space shared by our healthcare teams. While we hope to welcome students back in Fall 2022, the health and safety of our hospital community is our first priority. If restrictions continue, we may need to shift to virtual learning. 
     
  • Mini Med School Virtually Live: Engage with researchers and clinicians at BC Children's Hospital virtually in real-time! Participation is restricted to BC students from grades 11-12. 
     
  • Mini Med School On-Demand: Participate when it works for you. Participation is restricted to BC students from grades 10-12. 

Mini Med School strives to empower youth and promote an equitable and inclusive learning environment. Further space is available for BC students from grades 10-12 who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. Students will be asked to self-identify as Indigenous on the registration form.

Questions? Contact researchevents@phsa.ca, review our FAQs or read more about the history of Mini Med School. 

Join Our Mailing List!