LEARN. ENGAGE. BE INSPIRED.
Welcome to Mini Med School Yukon
On behalf of BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Mini Med School Yukon. We are honoured to be speaking to you from the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
At Mini Med School, you’ll learn about some of the latest big ideas and discoveries in health research. Our speakers include some of Canada’s leading scientists, healthcare professionals and up-and-coming researchers. They are eager to share with you their passion, dedication and the way they’re working to transform child health for kids in Canada and around the world.
We’re here today with a big goal: to inspire you. We hope that you leave today excited about what’s possible in the fields of science and health and, most importantly, the endless opportunities ahead for your own future careers.
Sincerely,
Quynh Doan, MDCM, FRCPC, MHSc, PhD
Senior Executive Director, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Provincial Health Services Authority
Associate Dean, Research, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Congdon Family Hospital Chair in Research at BC Children’s Hospital
Stay connected with BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute
@bcchresearch @bcchresearch @bcchresearch
Friday, March 28, 2025 9:00 am – 2:30 pm Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, 1171 Front Street, Whitehorse, Yukon
OUR SCHEDULE
8:30 am Registration & Welcome Activity
9:00 am
Welcome & Introductions
Meet the Mini Med School Faculty! Learn more about the BC Children’s Hospital researchers who are pursuing discovery and translating their research into life-saving medical advancements.
9:15 am
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
Mini Med School Yukon Scholarships
Funded by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, Mini Med School Yukon Scholarships provide $500 CAD to support tuition fees at any national or international post-secondary institution.
Grade 12 students who participate in the Mini Med School Yukon program can apply by Friday, April 25, 2025. Submit an application here
Research Activities – Session 1
Get ready for some hands-on science! You will learn more about your assigned activities on the day of the event. Students will work in groups and participate in a selection of the following activities:
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 people! 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 new rare diseases and provide care for patients. Presented by Simran Samra
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
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, such as easing the discomfort of heartburn. Presented by Dr. Enav Zusman
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-thescenes 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 Wang
Science Making Miracles
Did you know BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute conducts world-class research to improve the health of children and families? 1,500+ researchers and staff members are leading scientific discoveries for a healthier future for all kids in BC, Yukon and beyond. 222.
Staying Healthy in the North!
Ever wondered how to stay healthy while living in a unique Northern environment? Join Dr. Justina Marianayagam, a Pediatrician-in-training originally from the Northwest Territories, for an engaging and hands-on workshop that’s all about you and your health! From beating the winter blues to choosing the best foods for your body, this session explores practical tips tailored for Northern living. Test your knowledge with a fun game about Northern health challenges, dive into discussions on topics like Vitamin D, keeping your skin healthy and staying active in the cold, and work with friends to solve real-life health challenges while competing for creative prizes. Additionally, gain insider tips on pursuing a career in medicine as a Northerner. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, win prizes and take control of your health! Presented by Dr. Justina Marianayagam
10:15 amBreak -
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
10:30 am
Research Activities – Session 2
Students will continue to work in groups and participate in different activites from Session 1.
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. Presented by Sharon Yau and Jessica Sutherland
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! Presented by Dr. Wendy Robinson, Simran Samra, Dr. Tiffany Wong, Dr. Enav Zusman and Dr. Justina Marianayagam
Summer Student Research Program
The Summer Student Research Program fosters research awareness and interest for undergraduate and medical students. Each year, the program provides an opportunity to participate in research projects related to child and family health under the supervision of researchers at BC Children’s Hospital. Learn more: www.bcchr.ca/ssrp
11:45 am
Lunch
An assortment of sandwiches, salads, desserts and drinks will be served. Mini Med School is not a nut-free event. Participants with any food allergies or dietary restrictions are asked to bring a lunch.
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
Beyond the Ice: Using Lived Experience of a Former Pro Hockey Player 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 concussions, there are many gaps, including research on the utilization of health care following a concussion. Although pediatric concussions are a common injury, there still are very few clinical resources for this area. In this presentation, Dr. Ramsay will present his lived experience of sustaining multiple concussions, and share results from a population-based study on children with concussions and their health service utilization afterwards. Additionally, he will present an ongoing project studying the quality of life 5–15 years post-concussion to address the long-term impact of concussions across the lifespan. Presented by Dr. Scott Ramsay
1:30 pmBreak -
2:15 pm 1:45 pm
Research Activities – Session 3
Students will continue to work in groups and participate in different activites from Sessions 1 and 2.
Closing Remarks
2:30 pm
Optional: Talk with a Scientist
Interact with our health science experts! After dismissal, the Mini Med School Faculty will be available until 3:00 pm to network one-on-one with interested participants.
On the Road
In 2017, Mini Med School expanded beyond Vancouver for the first time to Terrace, BC. Over the past few years, sessions were also held in Fort St. John, Kamloops, Williams Lake, Chilliwack, Victoria, Nanaimo, Nelson, Castlegar, Vernon and Salmon Arm.
Where to next? This award-winning science education program will be on the road for years to come!
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OUR FACULTY
Dr. Kayleigh Campbell
Postdoctoral Fellow, Oberlander Research Team, BC Children’s Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, UBC
Dr. Kayleigh Campbell specializes in fetal and newborn brain imaging and early neurobehaviour. Her doctoral research investigated the effects of maternal depression and antidepressant use during pregnancy on fetal and newborn neurodevelopment, focusing on how these factors influence early brain connectivity and behaviour. Currently a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Campbell employs advanced neuroimaging techniques to examine complex brain networks and their associations with biological, cognitive, and behavioural development in early life. With a strong foundation in data science and clinical research methodologies, she aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications. Passionate about science education, Dr. Campbell enjoys engaging high school students in discussions about neuroscience. She aspires to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of brain researchers.
Dr. Wendy Robinson
Researcher, BC Children’s Hospital; Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, UBC
Dr. Wendy Robinson is a Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia and a researcher at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. She’s all about building a strong community and mentoring others. Dr. Robinson got her PhD in Genetics from the University of California, Berkeley, and then did further research as a postdoctoral fellow at the Medical Genetics Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. Dr. Robinson’s research looks at early human development starting from conception and beyond, especially with genetic and epigenetic changes in the placenta and their impact on pregnancy and newborn health. Dr. Robinson also holds a special position called the CIHR Chair in Sex and Gender Science, where she studies how biological sex impacts the placental genome. Over her career, she has written over 200 research papers and book chapters. In her spare time, Dr. Robinson loves running, enjoying nature, reading, and spending time with her family.
Simran Samra
Doctoral Student, Turvey Research Team, BC Children’s Hospital; Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UBC
Simran Samra is a doctoral student at the University of British Columbia. Her research is focused on using personalized medicine to identify and understand new rare pediatric diseases. She completed her undergraduate studies in biochemistry, and for her master’s, she researched transcriptomic and genomic biomarkers while also interning in the biotechnology sector. Simran went on to become the lead laboratory research assistant at the Rare Disease Discovery Hub at BC Children’s Hospital, where she helped improve care for children with hard-to-diagnose conditions. Passionate about personalized medicine and eager to become a better scientist, she decided to leave her position to pursue a PhD.
Maira Jimenez Sanchez
PhD Candidate, Vallance Research Team, BC Children’s Hospital; Department of Medicine, UBC
Maira Jimenez Sanchez is a dedicated professional with a background in science and education. Her journey in Biochemical Sciences and Educational Administration fueled her passion for connecting research with education. Maira worked with the National Youth Science Foundation in West Virginia, USA, where she provided academic support in biology, genetics, and mathematics at scientific camps for high school students, further igniting her passion for teaching. Maira’s global research experiences, from the Netherlands to South Korea, have also given her a unique perspective on science education. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists through fun and creative teaching methods.
Mini Med School Self-Directed
High school students throughout BC and Yukon can experience Mini Med School online at any time and from anywhere. Participants in our self-directed program are also eligible to receive an electronic certificate of participation. Learn more: www.bcchr.ca/mmsonline
Dr. Quynh Doan
Senior Executive Director, Associate Dean, Research, Congdon Family Hospital Chair in Research, BC Children’s Hospital; Clinician Scientist, Pediatric Emergency Medicine; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
Dr. Quynh Doan is a clinician-scientist at BC Children’s Hospital. As a pediatric emergency physician and the Associate Dean of Research, her research focuses on how pediatric emergency departments are used and the impact of emergency care on kids and their families. With a strong passion for youth mental health, Dr. Doan created MyHEARTSMAP, a digital tool designed to help kids, teens, and their families better understand their mental health and find the support they might need. She is also a champion for inclusivity, ensuring research represents families whose first language isn’t English. Growing up in Montréal, Dr. Doan is fluent in French. She completed her medical degree at McGill University and trained in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine at the University of British Columbia. In addition to her clinical training, she earned a Master of Health Sciences and a PhD from UBC’s School of Population and Public Health, combining her medical expertise with a strong interest in health services research. In her free time, Dr. Doan enjoys cooking, eating, and staying active.
Dr. Garth Meckler
Head, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine & Researcher, BC Children’s Hospital; Associate Professor, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, UBC
Dr. Garth Meckler is a pediatrician and pediatric emergency physician at BC Children’s Hospital. Originally from the United States, he moved to Canada 10 years ago and is grateful to work and live on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples. Dr. Meckler has had a varied career in medicine. He started out focusing on working with teenagers, especially queer youth, and then worked in primary care pediatrics before training in emergency medicine and research. Today, he works in the BCCH Emergency Department, teaches medical students and doctors, and researches topics like ambulance care for kids, access to healthcare, and headache treatment. Dr. Meckler is excited about the future of medicine and looks forward to seeing a more diverse and inclusive generation of new doctors who can help imagine a new way of delivering healthcare. In his free time, Dr. Meckler enjoys photography and loves hiking and camping in the backcountry with his partner, Steve, and their two dogs.
Dr. Scott Ramsay
Researcher and Nurse Clinician, BC Children’s Hospital; Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, UBC
Dr. Scott Ramsay is BC Métis and grew up in the Fraser Valley. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of the Fraser Valley and went on to get a PhD in Nursing from the University of British Columbia. Currently, he teaches at UBC’s School of Nursing and works as a nurse clinician at BC Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ramsay is particularly interested in studying traumatic brain injuries and how people access healthcare services. In his free time, he loves hanging out with his partner, son, and dog.
Dr. Li Qing Wang
MD/PhD Candidate, Robinson Research Team, BC Children’s Hospital; MD/PhD Program, UBC
Dr. Li Qing Wang completed her PhD in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, focusing on the genetic and epidemiological risk factors associated with pre-eclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. Currently she is a medical student in year 6 of a 7-year MD/PhD program at the University of British Columbia. This program provides students with the opportunity to combine their medical school experience with intensive scientific training. Dr. Wang is passionate about uncovering how we can use current research to improve clinical practice. She is also dedicated to youth mentorship, educational outreach and inspiring the next generation of health scientists.
Dr. Kevin Meesters
Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician, BC Children’s Hospital; Postdoctoral Fellow, Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children’s Hospital
Dr. Kevin Meesters is pediatric infectious diseases physician and researcher at BC Children’s Hospital. He completed his medical school, Master’s in Epidemiology, residency, and PhD in Belgium, where he studied how antibiotics work in children. During his residency and PhD, Dr. Meesters developed a strong passion for medical education. He has taught courses at the faculties of medicine, pharmacy, and nursing, and has had the privilege of lecturing medical students and residents at UBC. His current research focuses on the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases in children, and he is passionate about protecting kids from serious infections.
Dr. Justina Marianayagam
Resident Physician, UBC Department of Pediatrics, BC Children’s Hospital
Dr. Justina Marianayagam is currently training to be a rural general pediatrician at the University of British Columbia and is based at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC. Her journey started with a bilingual Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa as a Loran Scholar. She then earned her MD at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Originally from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Dr. Marianayagam understands the unique challenges that young people in rural and remote areas face with accessing healthcare and education. She is driven to reduce inequities for communities that often get overlooked. She has worked federally for Health Canada and the Senate of Canada, and internationally with the World Health Organization to help patients’ voices be heard. In her free time, she loves fishing, chasing the Northern lights, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Tiffany Wong
Researcher & Pediatric Allergist, BC Children’s Hospital; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UBC
Dr. Tiffany Wong is a pediatric allergy doctor at BC Children’s Hospital. She grew up on the traditional lands of the Ktunaxa people and moved to Vancouver after high school. Tiffany studied pharmaceutical sciences in college and got her MD from the University of British Columbia. She did her pediatric residency at the University of Calgary and then specialized in Allergy and Immunology at UBC. At BC Children’s Hospital, Dr. Wong is the medical lead at the Allergy Clinic where she treats kids with allergies to food, venom, environmental factors and medications. She also focuses on asthma and works with the Severe Asthma Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital, and has been involved in big projects that help healthcare providers remove false labels of penicillin allergy. The overall goal is to make healthcare more fair and accessible, especially in remote areas. Additionally, Dr. Wong teaches medical students and residents, and mentors other doctors both locally and nationally. She was recognized as a Hudson Scholar in Pediatric Medicine, which launched her leadership work on improving healthcare quality. In her free time, Dr. Wong loves going on bike rides with her husband and two kids and taking walks with their dog.
Dr. Enav Zusman
Doctoral Student, Oberlander Research Team, BC Children’s Hospital; Women+ and Children’s Health Sciences Program, UBC; Sessional Lecturer, Faculty of Science, UBC; Pharmacist, Pure Integrative Pharmacy
Dr. Enav Zusman is a PhD student in the Women+ and Children’s Health Sciences program at the University of British Columbia, working under the guidance of Dr. Tim Oberlander and Dr. Robert Platt. Her research interests include pharmacoepidemiology, perinatal epidemiology, reproductive health and mental health. The primary focus of her PhD research is investigating the associations between prenatal serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant exposure and the development of affective disorders in childhood and adolescence. Prior to starting her PhD studies, Dr. Zusman earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and an MSc in Experimental Medicine from UBC, and a BSc in Medical Sciences from Tel Aviv University in Israel. Enav’s PhD work is supported by a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and a Killam Doctoral Scholarship. As a registered pharmacist, Dr. Zusman finds fulfillment in interacting with patients and assisting them in making informed decisions about their health. She aims to integrate her clinical knowledge and experience with her research work to enhance medication safety and effectiveness during pregnancy, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and patient care. Outside of her research and clinical pursuits, Dr. Zusman enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, painting, going on hikes, and camping.
Stay Connected with Events
High school students get the chance to virtually participate in different BCCHR research events throughout the year. For the most up-to-date information on upcoming public events and other opportunities to get involved in research, sign up for our newsletter.
Video recordings of past education events are also available in our video library. These may be of interest to those who are unable to attend live events.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
What do all those acronyms and academic titles mean? Our Mini Med School Faculty represents a variety of educational backgrounds. While everyone has a unique career path, typically training looks something like this: Type
Undergraduate Student BSc (Science)
Master’s Student MSc (Science)
Doctoral Student/ PhD Candidate PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow PDF
Enrolled in a post-secondary undergraduate program. 4-5 years
Enrolled in a graduate program providing advanced training and specialization in a particular field. 2-3 years
Doctoral Student: Enrolled in a doctoral degree program engaging in advanced research, coursework, and often has teaching responsibilities related to their field of study.
PhD Candidate: A doctoral student who has finished all required classes and exams needed to move forward with their research. 4-6 years
Completed a doctoral degree and is seeking further training in a particular area of research. 1-3 years MD
Undergraduate/ Medical Student MD
Enrolled in a medical school and training to become a physician. 4 years followed by 2-7 years in residency
MD/PhD Trainee MD/PhD
Resident MD (Postgraduate)
Seeking a career as a clinicianscientist by combining their medical school experience with intensive scientific research training. 7 years + residency
New doctor who is continuing their training in a spealizied field after medical school is completed. 2-7 years depending on specialty
Outreach Opportunities
Looking for additional opportunities to get involved in research and health sciences? Check out the resources below to see the different types of outreach programs available for high school students.
BC Children’s Hospital is not affiliated with the programs below. For any questions, please contact the program organizers directly.
Program Name
Program Type Description
UBC Pathways to Medicine Club
Online Resource
Shad Canada
Summer Program
UBC Pathways to Medicine is a club run by current UBC Medical Students, and offers equitable access and guidance to students who would like to learn more about the field of medicine at BC’s only medical school.
Shad is a month-long STEAM program that allows grade 10 and 11 students to collaborate and work with different peers across Canada.
The ShadAnywhere program allows students to virtually participate in real-time sessions.
Let’s Talk Science Outreach Program
Pre-Health Shadowing Online Resource
Let’s Talk Science provides programs and resources that engage students of all ages in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). They offer a range of virtual activities including symposiums, workshops, career resources and professional learning.
Pre-Health Shadowing can be completed from the comfort of your home. Meet with healthcare professionals from various domains and specialties to get an inside look at their education and career paths.
