News Archives: Parker Jobin - Clinician Scientist
Tuesday, May 28th, 2013
Parker Jobin is now well on his way toward his goal of studying to be a clinician scientist, having been accepted to the UBC combined MD/PhD program upon completion of his degree in Science. The program is one of a handful in Canada, and is graduates complete both an academic doctorate and a medical doctorate.
Prior to transferring to UBC, Parker earned the Associate of Science credential at GPRC, having completed two years toward his Bachelor of Science degree. Parker maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout his studies, even while taking five lab science courses, and earned the Governor General’s medal for highest academic standing. At the same time, he played Wolves volleyball, and volunteered in the community as a coach and as a tutor. From GPRC Parker transferred to UBC to complete his degree and play Men’s Volleyball there.
The next two years will be spent in medical lectures and clinical skills development with fellow medical students, then Parker will spend three years completing graduate coursewok and his PhD project before returning to medical school for junior and senior rotations.
“My research right now is cancer biology and biochemistry,” he explains. “I have a preference and a research interest in oncology and pathology. My research and graduate training is very specialized and the only laboratories that look into the same areas are all major institutes in the US and Europe, but the UBC program has consistently produced young clinician scientists who go on to specialization success in international institutes and major medical schools across the world. I anticipate my path will take me outside of Canada for a time before returning to start my own lab and get my own faculty position. At GPRC, I got the same quality or better education in basic science in a smaller more intimate environment with classmates and professors. When I came to UBC to finish my Honors degree, I really felt no transition pains, it was as simple as going to another year at GPRC. I got to spend two years closer to home paying infinitely less to get the same study I would get elsewhere.
Having the opportunity to study what I love is one of the single most profound things in life I've found so far. I've also been really blessed with exceptional mentors who have not only provided the tutelage I needed to succeed but given the support in the forms of references, advice and opportunities that made real differences in getting me into positions that furthered my career.”
GPRC is very proud to have been a part of Parker Jobin’s educational journey.
