Meet Clara: A Future Physician’s Journey Begins with Mini Med School

We love celebrating our students' incredible achievements, and Clara van Muiswinkel is no exception. Recently accepted into the highly competitive Mini Med School program at BC Children's Hospital, Clara is taking her first steps toward her dream of becoming a physician. I had the pleasure of chatting with Clara about this exciting opportunity and her journey so far.

What can you tell us about the Mini Med School program? What will you learn, and how competitive was it?

”Mini Med School is a program at BC Children's Hospital where we'll dive deep into the medical process, from gathering data to making a diagnosis. The program spans four weeks, with three-hour sessions each week, and we'll get to learn from physicians and professors from all over BC. At the end, there’s even a chance for an internship at BC Children’s and a scholarship for three lucky students! The competition was fierce—about 1000 students applied from across the province, but only a small number were selected.”

How did you discover this program?

”I found out about Mini Med through my school's bulletin board, and when the applications opened, my counselor recommended that I apply. I’m so glad I did!”

How do you think this program will help you on your path to becoming a doctor?

”Mini Med gives me the chance to get a foundational understanding of the medical field, which is so valuable at this early stage. I’ll also be learning from world-renowned scientists, doctors, and professors, which is just amazing. But beyond the knowledge, this program opens doors—I’ll be making connections at BC Children’s Hospital, which could lead to an internship. It’s designed to give students like me a solid head start on our medical journeys, and it definitely puts us on the radar for future opportunities.”

What advice would you give to other students looking for unique opportunities to further their academic and professional development?

”My biggest piece of advice is to follow what genuinely interests you. Don’t just look for programs that will look good on your resume—choose ones that you’re passionate about. When you’re truly excited about something, it shows in your application, and that can make all the difference. I applied to Mini Med because I genuinely wanted to be there, and I think that came across. Be authentic, and don’t fake your enthusiasm—people can tell!”

Clara’s story is a great reminder that following your passions and seizing the right opportunities can pave the way for future success. Whether you’re interested in medicine or another field, programs like Mini Med can help you build valuable connections and gain hands-on experience.

If you found these insights helpful, be sure to explore our other blog posts on more topics like changing majors to find your career path, how internships can jumpstart your career, and optimizing your study habits. Whether you're tackling math or learning a new language, our dedicated tutors are ready to support your success with both online and in-person options. Contact us today, and let’s start working towards your goals!