My name is Sebastian (though I usually always end up going by Seb) and I am a first year medical student at the University of British Columbia, specifically in the Vancouver Fraser Medical Program. Prior to entering medical school, I completed a Bachelors of Health Sciences and a Masters in Science at Carleton University. My Masters research focused on exploring the views of youth regarding blood donation screening policy related to sexuality and gender. Much of my research work, which has included rural health care access and the reduction of barriers to assistive health technology, has been grounded in health equity and the social determinants of health. Outside of academics, I'm a cyclist who does advocacy work out of UBC's community bike shop and am an avid field hockey player participating in leagues across the Lower Mainland. I also speak Spanish due to my Mexican background!

The biggest lesson I learned on the path to medical school was to be true to yourself and your own values and interests. I think there's a lot of pressure for Canadian students with medical aspirations to try to fit into a box of activities and grades that is "tried and tested" to get someone into medical school. There's no doubt that there's some prerequisites that are largely unavoidable that show you're ready for the medical program. However, I find that leaning into your own interests and pursuing those are truly what comes across to an admissions committee and can set you apart from other applicants.

I interviewed with Queens in person at the end of my undergrad in 2020 (MMI + panel) and with UBC (virtually) in 2022 at the end of my Masters (MMI). I'm happy to help with anything related to the admissions process so definitely reach out for any guidance needed! Looking forward to meeting you.