Issue 3 2018
Pathways

Pathways — the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s digital magazine — shares stories about learning, discovery and innovation that are making a difference in B.C. communities and around the world. Discover the impact of our global-leading health research and education.

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From semi-arid valleys and rugged mountain ranges to the temperate rain forests lining the vast Pacific coastline, British Columbia is a land of legendary geography.

Here, every aspect of life is connected to a sense of place. With people stretched across vast terrain and growing urban centres, how do we support the health care needs of B.C.’s diverse communities?

For us at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, the solution lies in doing things differently. It’s what led us to build innovative partnerships and expand medical and health professional training to communities across the province.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the first class to graduate from our province-wide medical program. Along the way, we’ve grown an ambitious program — one of the first of its kind in Canada — and become a global leader in distributed education.

Because for us, transforming health for everyone is deeply connected to our contract with society — and it starts with ensuring everyone in B.C. has equitable access to the health care they need.

In this issue of Pathways, explore the journey we’ve taken to remap medical education and research for B.C., training doctors and health professionals in every corner of the province.

Discover how our health and community partnerships are enabling transformative research for B.C. patients and their families.

And see how each diverse community provides a unique learning experience, where real connections inspire graduates to settle where they train, improving access to care and health.

Our path to better health across B.C. begins here.

Issue 3 Feature Story

Beyond the Boundaries

A stretch of pine trees forms a majestic colonnade on either side of the gravel road that leads to Fort Babine.

An active forestry service route, the narrow access road is also the only way in — and out — of the small Indigenous community nearly 100 km north of Smithers, B.C.

The drive demands patience and skill, but also the right resources: a sturdy vehicle equipped with thick, 10-ply tires that can traverse the bumps and pits in the gravel road, and a CB-radio to alert oncoming vehicles and logging trucks coming around tight corners.

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