Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
Location: Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, 1171 Front Street, Whitehorse, Yukon
Time: 9:00 - 2:30 pm

Our Mini Med School Team is hard at work putting together a dynamic schedule just for you. The content below is only a draft and subject to changes. 

Schedule: 

8:30 am - Registration and Welcome Activity

Connect with other students as you get ready for the day. Refreshments will be available

9:00 am - Welcome and Introductions

Discover more about Mini Med School and the BC Children's Hospital researchers and doctors who are driving groundbreaking discoveries and translating their research into life-saving medical advancements

9:15 am - Research Presentation

Bridging Basic Science and Everyday Practice in the Pediatric Emergency Department
The fast-paced clinical world of the pediatric emergency department may seem far removed from the lessons you learn in basic science. However, using real-life video cases from the pediatric emergency setting, we'll demonstrate how concepts learned in anatomy and physiology, play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating pediatric emergencies. Presented by Dr. Garth Meckler

9:45 am - Research Activity #1

Get ready for some hands-on science! Participants will work in groups to uncover various health science topics.
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Discovering Rare Genetic Diseases
It might surprise you: rare diseases aren't so rare! About 1 in 12 Canadians have a rare disease; that’s over 3 million individuals! In this activity, you will review two hypothetical patient scenarios with your peers. Together, you’ll analyze each patient’s symptoms, family history and medical history to reach a diagnosis. Discover how doctors, geneticists, and bioinformaticians work together to uncover rare new diseases and provide care for patients. Presented by Simran Samra

The Chemistry of Antacids: Neutralizing Stomach Acid
Get ready to dive into the science behind heartburn relief! In this hands-on experiment, you'll simulate stomach acid and test various antacid medications to observe how they neutralize acidity. By measuring pH changes, you'll identify which products work best, while uncovering the chemistry behind these everyday remedies. This engaging activity highlights how pharmacists and scientists use chemistry to create real-world solutions for everyday challenges, like easing the discomfort of heartburn. Presented by Dr. Enav Zusman

Slimy Science: Exploring the Gut Mucus and Microbiome
Get ready for a hands-on dive into the fascinating world of gut health! In this activity, you'll create a model of the gut’s mucus layer using slime, discovering the vital role it plays in protecting the digestive system. Mix in beads to represent bacteria and observe how a balanced microbiome and mucus barrier work together to maintain gut health and prevent conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Can you identify what happens when the balance is disrupted? Join us to uncover the hidden science of the gut and learn how lifestyle choices can influence your microbiome! Presented by Maira Jimenez Sanchez

Data Detectives: Epidemiology and the Search for Vaccine Side Effects
All medications, including vaccines, can have side effects. But how do you know if these side effects are a real concern? Immerse yourself in the field of epidemiology and learn how scientists study health data to identify patterns, measure risks, and determine whether a vaccine is safe for the public. Use real-world problem-solving skills to analyze data, compare groups, and make evidence-based conclusions! Presented by Dr. Kevin Meesters

Mapping the Mind: Exploring Brain Dynamics of Cognition and Behaviour
The brain is like an orchestra, where each part plays a vital role in creating a symphony of neural activity that drives our unique thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. In this activity, you’ll step into the shoes of a neuroscientist and discover how imaging​ techniques like MRI and EEG offer a window into the brain, revealing its complex network of connections and functions. Working in teams, you’ll design experiments to explore how factors – such as music, sleep, or stress – affect brain dynamics. You’ll also uncover how unique neural patterns form an individual’s connectivity “fingerprint,” and why this knowledge is crucial for understanding brain health and disease. Presented by Dr. Kayleigh Campbell

Thinking Like a Scientist: Unlock the Secrets of Health Research
Ever wonder how groundbreaking discoveries in medicine happen? It all starts with the scientific method! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore the key steps of science – observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and so much more – while working alongside a real-life medical student. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the research tools scientists use every day to shape the future of medicine. So put on your thinking cap and discover what it really means to think like a scientist (and maybe win some prizes along the way!). Presented by Dr. Li Qing.​​​​​​​

10:15 am - Break

--- 15 minute break --

10:30 am - Research Activity #2

Get ready for some hands-on science! Participants will work in groups to uncover various health science topics

11:00 am - Ex-quiz Me? 

Put your health sciences knowledge to the test! This interactive game offers a chance to compete for prizes while gaining deeper insights into the latest advancements in science

11:15 am - Health Pros Tell All! 

Explore diverse career opportunities and engage with health science experts. This interactive discussion will be guided by participants, so come prepared with your questions!

11:45 am - Lunch

Mini Med School is not a nut-free event. We cannot guarantee that there will be no cross-contamination by catering. Participants with any food allergies or dietary restrictions are asked to bring a lunch. We apologize for any inconvenience

12:45 pm - Are You Smarter Than a Researcher?

Think you’ve got what it takes to outsmart a BC Children's Hospital researcher? Test your skills by teaming up to create questions that challenge our Mini Med School Faculty. We'll see how these experts fare against high school students and find out just how much they remember from their own high school science classes!

1:00 pm - Research Presentation

Beyond the ice: Using lived experience of a former pro hockey player and to improve pediatric concussion research
Concussions are the most common injury in Canadian children and adolescents. While it is well-established that children are significantly affected by a concussion, there are many gaps, including research on utilization of health care following concussion. Although pediatric concussions are a common injury, there still exists very few clinical resources for pediatric concussion. In this presentation, Dr. Ramsay will present his lived experience having sustained multiple concussions and share results from a population-based study on children with concussion and their health service utilization after concussion. Additionally, he will present an ongoing project on quality of life 5-15 years after concussion to address the long-term sequelae of concussion across the lifespan. Presented by Dr. Scott Ramsay

1:30 pm - Break 

--- 15 minute break ---

1:45 pm - Research Activity #3

Get ready for some hands-on science! Participants will work in groups to uncover various health science topics

2:15 pm - Closing Remarks

Participants will at dismissed at 2:30 pm

Optional: Talk with a Scientist

Engage with our health science experts! After the session, the Mini Med School Faculty will be available to chat and answer questions one-on-one for any interested participants.

Do you have more questions? Contact researchevents@phsa.ca.