News Archive

ARIEL CHEUNG
Clinical Research Assistant

Site:
Vancouver – St. Paul’s Hospital & Vancouver General Hospital

Ariel Cheung, Clinical Research Assistant with the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine.

How long have you worked in the Department/UBC? 

Since January 2023.

Can you summarize what you do in the department?  

I am working on the Active Transportation Injury Circumstances and Outcome Study led by Dr. Jeff Brubacher. The study examines the mechanism of injury and recovery of pedestrians, cyclists, and other active transportation users (e.g., people travelling with e-scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, etc.) who have been involved in a road accident. 

The project has four participating hospitals, and I am the lead research assistant at St. Paul’s Hospital. I work at both St. Paul’s Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital, interviewing patients who visit the Emergency Department (ED) about their accidents. Besides patient recruitment, I ensure the operations and logistics of the site are running smoothly under the supervision of my direct and mentor, Lina Jae. I also train student research assistants on site-specific knowledge in the context of data collection and patient interaction, particularly with vulnerable communities who visit St. Paul’s Hospital. 

What is your favourite thing about working in the department?

It’s been an extraordinary experience working in the Department. My favourite part is the opportunity to interview patients about their accidents. It’s humbling learning about everyone’s stories. From time to time, patients would thank us for being interested in their stories, distracting them from the pain, and keeping them company in the ED. Although we do not provide patient care, I am honoured that our work with emergency research may, in some way, support the patient experience in the ED. 

I also feel lucky to be working alongside emergency physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and community workers that allow me to better appreciate the inner workings of multidisciplinary health care. 

What is one interesting fact about you that people may not know?

Before joining the Department, I worked in the legal industry in personal injury to help people involved in road accidents get compensated for their physical and emotional injuries and wage loss. It is fascinating to approach road injuries today through the lens of emergency medicine and I feel lucky to be part of research that has implications on a much larger scale for public health and safety. 

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

Outside of work, you will find me doing Thai boxing (Muay Thai). It is a form of martial art that involves punches, elbows, knees, and kicks. Being hit in the face is not my favourite but I do enjoy the sport’s focus on training our physical endurance, mental agility, and discipline. 

CASANDRA AVANZADO
Vancouver Program Coordinator, RCPSC-EM Residency Program

Site:
Vancouver – Diamond Health Care Centre

Casandra Avanzado, Vancouver Program Coordinator, RCPSC-EM Residency Program with UBC’s Department of Emergency Medicine.

How long have you worked in the department or with UBC?

I’ve been working for the Department of Emergency Medicine since April 2022.

Can you summarize what you do in the department?  

As the Program Coordinator for the RCPSC-EM Residency Program, I provide administrative support for the Emergency Medicine residents at the Vancouver site. My role encompasses many resident-related activities from scheduling rotations, organizing Academic Day sessions, room bookings, and event coordination. I also work closely with the Vancouver Site Program Director, Dr. Tina Yokota and the Program Manager. 

What is your favourite thing about working in the department?

My favourite thing about working in the Department is being at the heart of the Program operations. This is only because I’ve been able to collaborate with a supportive team and work with a wonderful group of residents. I recently contributed to two major program events: CaRMS and Accreditation. Working together with the team to strategize processes was very gratifying. It’s fulfilling to see the program run smoothly, and I am grateful to have played a role in its ongoing success.

What is one interesting fact about you that people may not know?

I did my undergraduate degree, a BA at UBC in Cognitive Systems (Psychology) and I was a part of my undergraduate society’s executive team (AUS) to plan student life events like gala fundraisers, talent shows, and a yearly orientation. Joining the AUS was a highlight of my undergraduate degree. I also graduated during COVID, but got to walk the stage at my make-up ceremony last year.

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

Lately, I’ve rekindled my interest in a few hobbies since high school: I’m a huge fiction reader, and started playing badminton again. Aside from these hobbies, I like to make sure I make time for self-care and well-being, so I do pilates and spin classes. I am also a bit of a coffee snob, but will enjoy the occasional Timmies iced coffee.