For the first time, world-class researchers from BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) will travel to the Yukon to present a day of discovery with Mini Med School. This health science youth outreach and public education program is designed for high school students to explore the world of health sciences, career opportunities in science and medicine, and connections with leading researchers and health experts. Grade 10-12 students enrolled in a Yukon high school are welcome to register now for this one-of-a-kind event, which will be held on March 28 at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse. Registrations will be open until all spots are filled, but space is limited.
“It’s incredibly important that students across the country have opportunities to learn about science careers and the wonders of the latest in pediatric medical research,” says Dr. Garth Meckler, investigator at BCCHR, head of the division of pediatric emergency medicine at BC Children’s Hospital, and associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia (UBC). At Mini Med School Yukon, Dr. Meckler will lead a presentation on bridging basic science and everyday practice in the pediatric emergency department. He’ll use real-life video cases to show how concepts learned in science lessons play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating pediatric emergencies.
Also presenting will be Dr. Scott Ramsay, investigator at BCCHR and assistant professor in the School of Nursing at UBC. He will share his journey from a professional hockey player to his work improving research on pediatric concussion. Dr. Ramsay hopes to instill in students a sense of curiosity, as he considers this personality trait important in this field of work.
“Most people would be surprised to know how often we don't have the answer to a question, but that often leads to research,” Dr. Ramsay says.
BCCHR’s Mini Med School team strives to inspire lifelong curiosity. Since 2017, this program has been visiting communities outside the Lower Mainland to offer science training and career support. “We need to ensure that our scientists come from the diverse communities we live in and serve,” says Dr. Meckler. He believes that reaching out to students in middle and high school early may help spark interest for those who may not otherwise have considered a science career.
At Mini Med School Yukon, students will have the opportunity to participate in research workshops, ask questions one-on-one to experts in the field, watch presentations, and win prizes. Most importantly, students will be able to uncover the many different paths to a career in science or medicine. Dr. Ramsay was a professional hockey player and Dr. Meckler studied poetry in university before becoming health-care researchers.
“Making room for experiences and pursuits outside science broadened my perspective and provided me with different ways of thinking about the world, which can ultimately make us better scientists or health-care providers,” says Dr. Meckler.
