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.
Growing up in Coldstream, a small community outside Vernon, BC, Peter Hirschkorn was introduced to medicine at an early age. His grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia when Peter was young, and she lived with his family for more than a decade. Watching his grandmother navigate the health care system, especially in a smaller community with fewer local resources, left a lasting impression.
“Her family physician did an amazing job of ensuring her care was coordinated and as close to home as possible,” says Peter. “Seeing the difference he made really inspired me to pursue a career where I could have that kind of impact.”
After completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at UBC Okanagan, Peter applied to medical school and is now in his fourth year of the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Southern Medical Program (SMP). Peter is considering rural family medicine with additional training in emergency medicine or general internal medicine in a smaller community.
“Both options allow for a wide scope of practice, which is something I really value,” he says. “I love the idea of being able to manage a variety of conditions and truly getting to know my patients. My rural family medicine rotation in Invermere in my third year showed me how diverse and rewarding that kind of practice can be.”
Innovation in rural care delivery
Peter’s commitment to rural care has also shaped his academic work. He was involved in the Rural Emergency Health Services Innovation (REHSI) Project, a research initiative investigating emergency care delivery in remote communities across BC. Through interviews with local providers and first responders, he helped explore how innovations such as virtual emergency consultations are improving outcomes in smaller communities.
For Peter, receiving the Doctors of BC Bursary in Medicine has made an incredible difference in his medical school journey.
“My wife and I are living in different places right now, and there are major expenses with short-term rentals and moving between cities,” he says. “This bursary significantly reduces financial stress and allows me to focus on learning, which is huge.”
Looking ahead, Peter hopes to stay in BC and work in a smaller community where he can continue improving access to care.
“I’ve seen how big a difference it makes when people don’t have to travel far for care,” he says. “If I can be that kind of physician for a community—someone who provides comprehensive, accessible care—that would be incredibly meaningful.”
