Key Impacts
25 things we are proud of
Now that we are midway through Building the Future: 2021-2026, we are delighted to share just a few of our many important impacts to date.
Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in championing innovation and excellence in education, medical science and research translation to improve health and wellbeing for society. Our people at all levels are leading the way in influencing research and policy, developing talented researchers, educators and trainees, and engaging patients and the public.
1
Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and
Biomanufacturing Hub
Bringing together provincial, national and international partners to accelerate the development and manufacturing of lifesaving medicines for Canadians.
2
New admissions pathway for Black medical students
Helping to address the underrepresentation of Black physicians in B.C.
3
World’s largest known gift for MS research
Expanding multiple sclerosis research and care to advance treatments and improve patient lives — thanks to an unprecedented $33.8M donation.
4
Advancing Truth and Reconciliation
Delivering on the commitments outlined in our Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action through new programs and initiatives.
5
Planetary Healthcare Lab
Shrinking healthcare’s carbon footprint in B.C. and beyond with the first-ever initiative of its kind — anywhere in the world.
6
Groundbreaking vaccine technology
Unlocking the potential of self-replicating mRNA for safer, faster and more accessible vaccines and treatments.
7
Micro-credential training
Equipping learners with critical skills for the future of medicine, with certificates on everything from health data analytics to regulatory affairs in the life sciences.
8
Next-generation dementia research
Revolutionizing Alzheimer’s treatments through stem-cell technology and advanced neuroimaging.
9
The Data Science and Health (DASH) Cluster
Working across the university to harmonize health research data in B.C. to improve health outcomes.
10
Family Practice Innovation Support Unit
Working in partnership with local communities and clinical teams to evaluate and strengthen primary care in B.C.
12
Drug discovery at the atomic level
Using cryo-electron microscopy to accelerate new treatments and therapies for cancer and other diseases.
13
Healthy Environments in Academic Research Teams (HEART) Program
Creating more inclusive and collaborative research environments for faculty, staff and learners.
14
Embedded Counsellor Program for research graduate students
Expanding health and wellbeing supports
for learners.
15
Rural Doctors’ UBC Chair in Rural Health
Working in partnership to improve health equity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities throughout B.C.
16
Faculty Emerging Leaders Program
Providing academic and clinical faculty with the skills and opportunities to become academic health leaders of tomorrow.
17
Promising new treatments for Type-1 diabetes
Creating new hope for patients with an innovative stem cell-based treatment and new JDRF Centre of Excellence at UBC.
18
Supercharging drug development through AI
Bringing new treatments to patients quickly with the world’s fastest drug screening technology.
19
Revolutionizing treatments for childhood cancers
Leveraging precision medicine breakthroughs to improve treatment and save lives.
20
21
Pushing the boundaries of spinal cord research at UBCO and UBCV
Developing implantable technologies to help people with spinal cord injury live longer, healthier lives.
22
Clinical Educator Fellowship Program — Indigenous Stream
Embracing an Indigenous approach and building new opportunities to develop skills in clinical education.
23
Strategic Investment Fund
Since 2021, nearly $4M in 32 faculty- and staff-led projects, from seed2STEM and the Disability in the Workplace workshops to the Drone Transport Initiative.
24
Groundbreaking cardiac medicine
Designing innovative new blood thinners to better treat stroke, heart attack and other cardiac events.
25
Graduating more doctors and health professionals for B.C.
Expanding and distributing MD, residency, physical therapy, occupational therapy and midwifery programs to help meet the growing healthcare needs of British Columbians.
Strategic Plan in Action
Explore some of the many ways we are working together to help advance our Strategic Plan.