BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute hosts pair of events in West Kootenay
By Lone Sheep Publishing
For the first time, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute will be travelling to the Kootenays with two free programs aimed at giving senior high school students and the community the opportunity to explore careers in health sciences, interact with world-class researchers and health professionals, and discover the latest innovations in health research.
During the first week of May 2023, distinguished scientists and researchers from BC Children's Hospital will be hosting a pair of events in Castlegar (May 4) and Nelson (May 5).
At Mini Med School, a one-day conference for students in Grades 10 to 12, Dr. Klein Geltink will provide an overview of what cellular metabolism is, its role in helping immune cells fight cancer, and how it can be applied to the development of therapies for patients.
Students will learn how to identify blood cells under the microscope to provide diagnoses, help patients avoid cardiovascular and neurological collapse in mock scenarios, race neurons in teams, and more.
Having been in students’ shoes before, Dr. Klein Geltink is thrilled to be able to support other young people as they explore career opportunities.
“There are a lot of misconceptions about careers in the health sciences, so the earlier we can communicate how many fun opportunities there are in this field, the better,” says Dr. Klein Geltink.
“If you are curious and driven, we would love to help you find out if this is for you.”
The Mini Med School will be held on Friday, May 5 in Nelson.
At Mini Science Night, an evening event for students in Grade 10 to 12 that is also open to the entire community, Dr. Klein Geltink will be joined by doctoral student Courtney Hoskinson and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Glen Lester Sequiera and Dr. Sarah Hutchison as this year’s keynote speakers.
The Mini Science Night will be held on Thursday, May 4 in Castlegar and is open to the public.
“Programs like Mini Med School and Mini Science Night provide platforms to share our knowledge and passion with the community, hopefully inspiring the next generation of scientists, doctors and researchers,” says Dr. Sequiera.
“Everyone in science is constantly learning, reviewing and growing in their subject.”
Dr. Geltink concurs, encouraging students to go where their curiosity leads them.
“If you think the health sciences are for you, follow your dream. You can never be too curious or too driven, so get as much information on what it means to work in this field and listen to your gut,” says Dr. Geltink.
Anyone interested in participating should click on the registration page that is now open from until Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
For more information regarding participant eligibility requirements and registration details, head to this page for Mini Med School and this page for Mini Science Night.
Registration is now open until Wednesday, April 12, 2023. — Submitted photo
