Doctors of BC’s bursaries support UBC medical students pursuing their dreams of a medical career by providing financial assistance. Each year, hundreds of students across the province receive funding through these bursaries. Here is one of their stories.
Parsa Khatami became interested in science at just 11 years old. His father regularly brought home a science magazine titled “Things Worth Knowing About,” and one issue left a lasting impression. “It was all about the Human Genome Project, and it was the first time I thought about how our bodies are made up of cells and how our cells and genes relate to diseases. It was written for a lay audience, and it sparked my interest in life sciences.”
A few years later, Parsa and his family immigrated to Canada. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and immunology at UBC, during which time he volunteered in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with a science outreach program. He helped organize and deliver lectures and tutorials to neighbourhood residents on topics ranging from biochemistry to geography to pharmacology. This experience solidified his desire to study medicine.
“I initially considered doing a PhD, but working with this community made me realize that I was interested in people,” says Parsa. “Medicine felt like the perfect combination of people and science.”
A community-minded approach
Now a student in UBC’s Faculty of Medicine MD Undergraduate Program, Parsa remains passionate about the human-science connection. In addition to his medical studies, he is researching advanced multimodal imaging for early detection and analysis of neural diseases in children. He also gives back to the community by offering general health workshops for refugees and visiting schools in underserved areas to encourage students to explore science and medicine.
Receiving the Doctors of BC Bursary in Medicine has given Parsa the freedom to focus on his studies while continuing his research and community service.
“This bursary has helped me focus on my studies and on extracurriculars that will help me become the best physician possible,” says Parsa. “It has given me the opportunity to better understand how the role of a physician extends beyond the hospital—it’s about building trust, sustaining relationships, and being present where care and support are needed most.”
As a second-year student, Parsa is drawn to a career in surgery for its precision and tangible impact on patients’ lives. He is also interested in addressing diseases earlier so people can live not only longer but also healthier. He hopes to be a physician who bridges hands-on clinical care with preventative research. “I’m deeply grateful to Doctors of BC for recognizing the importance of supporting students to explore different paths in medicine and for investing in students like me who hope to walk them.”
