1st Annual: In-Person Health Mentors Symposium in Kelowna

The Kelowna symposium marked a meaningful milestone as Mandy Young’s first visit to the UBC Okanagan campus, where she was warmly welcomed by colleagues Lindsay Burton and Marie-Elssa Morency. The energy throughout the day reflected strong curiosity and enthusiasm for the Health Mentor Program.

Even though this year’s cohort was not interprofessional, consisting only of first- and second-year medical students, the experience was highly meaningful for participants. Their engagement and reflections have strengthened the momentum behind the program and have created a clear direction for continued outreach with a goal of expanding it into an interprofessional experience next year.

As one student shared:
“I loved the program, but if it is interdisciplinary next year, can I join again? I think the value of learning from different disciplines will be very powerful.”

Adding to the uniqueness of the day, Health Mentor Nan Stevens joined the symposium virtually from her European vacation—demonstrating the deep commitment and connection mentors have to this program and the students.

The site also saw strong engagement from the Interprofessional Education Committee, reflecting growing institutional interest in expanding interprofessional learning opportunities.

Looking ahead, Kathryn Douglas-Campbell, Manager, Strategic and Academic Initiatives, Faculty of Health and Social Development, will play a key role as a local champion to further strengthen the interprofessional reach of the Health Mentor Program.

Early introductions and resources have already been shared to support patient partner engagement and network development in the region. Kelowna continues to show a strong appetite for collaboration and signals exciting opportunities to deepen interprofessional learning at the site.