Alumni Spotlight Series: Elizabeth Hendren

alumni spotlight series fall 2014

From Mulgrave to

medicine One grad’s journey to becoming a doctor.

We are incredibly proud to introduce to you Mulgrave’s first doctor, Elizabeth Hendren, Class of 2005. Elizabeth truly embodies the Mulgrave spirit and has taken it with her around the world to Africa, India and beyond in a service capacity. Having recently graduated from UBC’s Faculty of Science and Medicine, Liz is off to complete her training at the University of Toronto as an Internal Medicine Resident. In this Spotlight Series, Elizabeth shares with us her journey to becoming a doctor from an emotional, academic, and experiential perspective.

Q&A Hendren

ELIZABETH Mulgrave School Class of 2005 | Interviewed by Michelle Noble | June 2015

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

What made you decide to pursue a career as a doctor?

I just recently learned that I’ve been telling people I wanted to be a doctor since I was in preschool. But I also seriously considered being a ballet dancer, geneticist, physiotherapist and politician. I think that at my Mulgrave graduation ceremony, my career path was announced as political science. I do think a common thread was that I wanted to help people in some form or another.

A pivotal moment for me was attending a Model United Nations Conference in Toronto with Mr. Lawson and our team. I was a representative for the World Health Organization Committee and we discussed strategies to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. I realised that I was genuinely passionate about health and that I could see myself in a career where I would make medical decisions and educate people about their health.

That conference inspired me to research more

ABOVE Elizabeth and fellow 2005 classmate, Sarah Fenwick, in Uganda working at a health clinic and elementary school.

about health problems in developing countries and further led to three trips abroad to Africa and India to apply the knowledge I had gained.

Would you say getting your doctorate was more academically or emotionally demanding?

It was mostly emotionally draining.

The material that you learn in medical school is surprisingly straightforward compared to a Bachelor of Science; however, the application of such large amounts of information in a higher stakes clinical situation is the challenging part.

Additionally, there is a lot to balance – studying, athletics, volunteering, family, and friendships.

With the introduction of 28-hour shifts, it can be tough to keep going. Fortunately, you are interacting with and helping patients from the beginning of your training, and it reminds you of

why you are there.

What advice would you give to a student considering medicine as a career?

The same advice I would give any student. Find something that you are passionate about and try to find a way to make that your career. If you have setbacks along the way, don’t give up - try to find the positive in the situation.

“Find something that you are passionate about and try to find a way to make that your career.”

Grey’s Anatomy or E.R?

ER! I used to watch it in high school and loved watching the interactions between doctors and nurses. They always came together as a team, even when they were managing a really sick patient.

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to medicine working out, it’s been the best thing for me. Having perspective, professional work experience, and a bit of time away from school made me a stronger medical student.

Additionally, I was able to gain valuable research experience in my future field, which helped me obtain my first choice of residency at the University of Toronto.

My classmates from Mulgrave and I agree that gap years, if used wisely, can be an important learning experience. If you’re considering taking a gap year, either between high school and university or between your undergrad and a professional or graduate programme, my advice would be to make the most of the opportunity. Try to find work or an internship in a field you’re interested in, save and set aside a chunk of time for travel, use the experience to help you identify your passion, and then go to school to pursue that.

Overall, your valuable time will be used more efficiently.

What has been your favourite course at a postsecondary level?

ABOVE Elizabeth at her 2015 graduation.

Did you ever take time off school or have you been going continuously since you graduated? Would you recommend the way you did it?

My favourite course at university was called ‘Darwinian Medicine’. It was a third-year course that covered the various ways that evolution happens around us daily. From viruses and bacteria gaining resistance to medications, to the mechanisms behind allergies and cancer, each day I learned so much about how the world around me works; it exemplified what an amazing learning environment a university can provide. The course also taught me how to read scientific papers and to critically analyse other people’s research – skills that I continue to regularly use.

“Having perspective, professional work experience, and a bit of time away from school made me a stronger medical student.”

I took two gap years between my Bachelor of Science and Medicine. In that time, I took a trip around the world, worked full time and found my true passion in medicine (Internal Medicine and the kidneys!) Although the gap years were not how I originally envisioned my path

ABOVE Elizabeth measuring the hemoglobin levels of a child in India as part of a health project to help children with severe anemia.

In such a demanding field, is it difficult to find balance in your personal life?

It is challenging at times, especially when working long days. However, doing what I love means that I am overall happier and that gives me the energy I need to visit with friends and be involved in hobbies. With good planning and understanding relationships, balance can be maintained!

and will likely choose the kidneys to specialise in (Nephrology). I’ve done some research in transplantation, and I would love to help people with incurable kidney disease continue to live active, healthy lives through the transformative experience of having a kidney transplant. I’m also planning on some additional training so I can continue my passion for health policy that was started in high school.

What do you do for down time?

Favourite health tip?

When I’m by myself I love to read, watch Netflix and go for runs. I also LOVE to cook! I’ve recently joined a soccer and a softball team with some friends. It’s a great excuse to stay active and to spend time with people who are important to me. It helps with the ‘work-life balance’.

Be active! Sit less and stand more. We now know that being inactive can damage your heart and put you at a higher risk for many diseases. Stay involved in sports, extra-curricular activities and riding your bike – three easy ways to incorporate physical activity into your day!

Are you going to specialise?

I am going to be a specialist in Internal Medicine

Elizabeth Hendren, June 2015