Tell us a bit about yourself and your work as the Program Director for the Clinician Investigator Program.
I am a neurologist with subspecialty training in neurogenetics. I was UBC’s first graduate from the Clinician Investigator Program (CIP) and I was impressed with the exceptional opportunities the program provided me in getting ahead with a research career.
As a resident, it can be very challenging to find adequate salary funding to take time out from a clinical practice to do research. The UBC CIP provides 2 years of salary funding at the resident level to work towards a Master’s, PhD or a post-doctoral fellowship.
After doing research in the UK and subsequently at UBC, I had the opportunity to take over as program director of the UBC CIP. It is one of the favourite parts of my job.
What have you learned in this role that has surprised you most?
It really shouldn’t surprise me, but I never cease to be impressed by the self-motivation and drive of our residents. It makes my job very easy. Two years in the CIP initially sounds like a long time but the residents quickly realize that the time flies. Research inevitably involves hiccups and setbacks and our residents consistently show resilience as they work to overcome the various obstacles related to their research.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received on the job?
Don’t be frightened to fail. To quote Einstein “failure is success in progress”. If we don’t take on new challenges, we miss out on opportunities and fulfillment.
What impact do you hope to have on residents?
I hope to inspire residents towards a career as clinician scientists. It is a career path less travelled and full of unique challenges but one of unique rewards.
Anything else you want people to know?
The UBC Clinician Investigator Program is open to all residents enrolled in UBC RCPS residency program. A resident can apply at any stage of their training. The program includes funding to do research for 2 years and the deadline for application is November 1st of each year to start July 1st of the subsequent year. Register for an information session on August 21, 2025 or October 1, 2025. Further information can be found on our website: cip.med.ubc.ca
