A Richmond high school is extending their thanks to a local foundation for supporting their long-running medical courses.
Nik Nashlund, vice-principal of Cambie secondary, said the school is “extremely grateful” for Deepack Binning Foundation’s donations, which have helped their medical program grow over the past 24 years.
“Over the years, the foundation has been a long-time supporter of students and programs at H.J. Cambie Secondary School,” said Nashlund in an email to the Richmond News.
The donations from the foundation, Nashlund added, have provided funding for scholarships and awards for students at the school, as well as the “first aid practice kits” used in Grade 11 and 12 Medical Science courses.
“It takes a ‘whole village’ to educate a child … and as a result of community involvement, dedication and passion of teachers and school administrators, this program has been so successful.”
Cambie’s medical science courses were developed by a teacher in partnership with community health professionals 25 years ago and have since expanded to include “first aid and pre-hospital care” in their curriculums.
Nashlund said the students not only study in class, but are given practical opportunities through work experience.
Meanwhile, Cambie secondary alumni Sylvia Szolomicki and Dr. Martin Tieu said the medical courses gave them the push they needed to pursue a career in the medical field.
Szolomicki, a nurse at Vancouver General Hospital, said she wanted to “try” the course first before pursuing a career in Nursing.
“(The course) gave me the experience I needed for post-secondary school,” said Szolomicki.
“It kept me feeling positive and excited about my career choice and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity.”
Tieu, a doctor practicing family medicine at University of Alberta, said the course was an “invaluable experience.”
“By gaining exposure to the health profession at a young age, I was able to see if health care was something I wanted to do,” said Tieu, adding that the course was the “instigating factor” in his decision to go into a health-related profession.
“The critical thinking and research skills that you gain from this program, as well as the hands-on experiences, prepares you for a wide range of disciplines.”
