UBC med student joined BC delegation to CMA

Third-year medical student Nitai Gelber has a passion for medicine, and for policy development. He was able to combine both interests when he attended the Canadian Medical Association’s General Council meeting in Halifax in late August as a voting member of the Doctors of BC’s delegation.
 
“I always knew that they would both be part of my career,” says Gelber. “The reason we practice medicine is to affect people’s well-being, but policy allows you to impact a wide range of people all at once. I am thrilled to be here at the General Council – I never thought I would be able to combine these two interests so early in my training.”
 
For Gelber, the journey to Halifax started with an impromptu chat with Doctors of BC President Dr Charles Webb at a recent event.  Dr Webb followed up with him by e-mail , suggesting that he keep an eye out for opportunities to become engaged with the organization. 
 
"I think it’s very important we incorporate our young colleagues in all areas of the profession, especially those of leadership and policy development,” says Dr Webb. “They are a creative group with the capacity for innovative ideas, and their presence reignites a passion in us all. They are the future of our profession and our association, they serve as catalysts for change and their voices should be heard in shaping the future of our health care system – a system they will one day inherit.”
 
Gelber took part in the discussions and stepped up to the microphone during the debate on physician-assisted death. He says at first he was a little worried about attending the meeting. “I worried it would be more bureaucratic, with people rambling on and on about their points, but it’s actually been really constructive. Everybody’s been very welcoming… whoever I see, whether I run into them or they approach me, they’ve been so friendly and eager to teach me. Which is great because I am eager to learn.”
 
He also met many other students and residents from across the country, and plans to stay in touch with them.
 
Doctors of BC encourages medical student and residents to engage with us to ensure your voices are heard as we develop policy and advocate on behalf of patients and the medical profession.
 
To learn more go to https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/resource-centre/students.