Native student sets 2 marks at UBC CMAJ 1997;157:502 © 1997 Canadian Medical Association Dr. Nadine Caron achieved a double distinction this spring, becoming not only the top student in her class but also the first native woman to graduate from the University of British Columbia (UBC) medical school. Modestly, Caron calls her achievements "a tribute to the university," noting that there is another native female student a year behind her and "another behind her." The 27-year-old daughter of an Ojibwa from Kamloops, BC, Caron worked with the British Columbia Medical Association's Committee on Aboriginal Health on a quota system for native medical students, which she hopes will be introduced shortly. She also travelled throughout the province with the Scientists in the Schools program, which encourages elementary students to further their education. Caron discussed pathology specimens with the students and ended her sessions with basketball lessons, since the sport was one of her high school passions. She also belongs to the Native Physicians Association in Canada. Caron began her residency in general surgery July 1. Her choice was inspired by a summer of working with a surgeon in Tennessee as an undergraduate student in kinesiology. Relishing the challenge, she says that surgery "feels like the place I should be." -- © Heather Kent Send a letter to the editor responding to this article Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cet article | CMAJ September 1, 1997 (vol 157, no 5) / JAMC le 1er septembre 1997 (vol 157, no 5) |