Do you have additional questions about Mini Med School? Check out the FAQs below or contact researchevents@phsa.ca

Am I a good candidate to attend Mini Med School? Do I need to have high marks in sciences to be eligible to participate? 

We encourage you to consider your own learning style before registering to attend Mini Med School. While high marks in sciences are not required, participants should have a passion for health sciences. 

The Mini Med School course curriculum has been designed for a senior high school audience. With only one day to explore new scientific concepts, participants should expect a fast-paced learning environment. Similar to a postsecondary seminar, Mini Med School is lecture-based with a small selection of hands-on activities. Some students may find this learning format challenging. 

Can I participate virtually? 

Unfortunately, no. Mini Med School will be an in-person event only. 

Check out our video library to explore previously recorded Mini Med School lectures on a variety of health topics. 

Can I register for both Mini Med School and Mini Science Night?

Yes, eligible high school students can register for both Mini Science Night and Mini Med School if interested. Please note, the research themes discussed at both events will be similar. It will also be the same group of BC Children's Hospital presenters for Mini Med School and Mini Science Night. Some students may find this repetition tedious. 

To keep things fair and unbiased for all, participants for both events will be selected based on a lottery draw. All eligible participants who register will have an equal chance of attending either event.  

I'm registered for Mini Med School but I'm unable to attend. What should I do?

A considerable amount of time and resources have been invested into planning this program. We do expect registered students to attend, but we understand life can get in the way.

If you're unable to attend, please email us at researchevents@phsa.ca as soon as possible so we can offer the space to someone on the waitlist. 

Does Mini Med School include any pre-readings or take-home assignments? What about tests? 

Mini Med School participants will not be required to complete any assignments or tests. You will be encouraged to participate in hands-on activities and trivia competitions, but neither will be graded. These are simply for your own personal learning. 

Occasionally students do like to take notes during lectures, but it is not required. 

What should I bring with me to Mini Med School?

Refreshments and lunch will be provided, but if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please bring your own food for the day. 

If you're interested in taking notes, a notebook and pen is recommended. 

Will Mini Med School be returning to the Southern Interior again for 2025?

We want to give as many communities the opportunity to interact with BC Children's Hospital's world-class researchers and clinicians. Mini Med School 2025 will be hosted in a different BC region. 

Will participants be provided with a certificate of participation?

Yes! Students who are interested will be provided with an electronic certificate of participation for your records. Instructions on how to request a certificate will be announced in future communications. 

Can teachers attend?

Teacher are welcome, but not required, to attend. Teachers interested in registering should contact researchevents@phsa.ca

Can Mini Med School hours be counted towards my work experience requirements?

Mini Med School could be classified as an unpaid career-related work experience that includes career investigation. Some schools will consider the hours spent attending Mini Med School as eligible for your work experience hours. We encourage students to verify this with your school or career counsellor. It is important to note that Mini Med School is a career simulation based in a hotel's conference facilities, and is not located in a standard work site. 

The Mini Med School Team cannot sign any Work Education Agreements, Work Experience Placement Forms or any similar forms/contracts on the day-of. Forms can be sent to researchevents@phsa.ca for electronic signature before or after the event. 

We realize various school districts have different requirements for tracking hours. Unfortunately, the following cannot be provided:

  • Onsite safety orientation, including a training plan or safety checklist. This should be covered in-school
  • Letter of reference verifying student participation or duties performed. An electronic certificate of participation can be requested
  • Employer or student assessment/evaluation
     
Sadly I wasn't selected to attend Mini Med School. Can I be added to the waitlist?

Students who registered and weren't initially selected to attend Mini Med School will automatically be added to the waitlist. The Mini Med School Team will contact you directly if space becomes available. 

To be added to the waitlist after the initial registration period, contact researchevents@phsa.ca. Please note, Mini Med School is a popular program with limited capacity each year. As a result, it's unlikely that additional space will become available.

For those who are unable to attend, check out our video library to explore previously recorded Mini Med School lectures on a variety of health topics. 

Can students younger than grades 10-12 or based outside of the Southern Interior still attend Mini Med School?

No, the curriculum for Mini Med School has been designed for a senior high school audience, and space is limited to students from BC's Southern Interior. 

We encourage students who don't meet these criteria to check out our video library, which includes previously recorded Mini Med School lectures on a variety of health topics.