UNB Saint John’s Bachelor of Health Society held their second annual gala on Friday, November 8th. This black-tie event served as a chance for the community to network with faculty members and peers, celebrate accomplishments, and listen to speakers.
The Bachelor of Health degree program began in the fall of 2020 as part of UNB Saint John’s Integrated Health Initiative. This Initiative aims to change the future of Canada by providing sustainable health care. It wants to transform social innovation, research, and health education in New Brunswick. One of its’ focuses are new interdisciplinary degree programs, including the Bachelor of Health degree program.
Dr. Lisa Best, Associate Dean for Integrated Health, spoke at the gala about creating this program. She explained that UNB had arts, applied science and engineering, and business as their three major faculties. They wanted to represent each: “Not so many programs in Canada focus on that synergy of society, biomedical science, and then health care and administration.”
The gala was possible thanks to the support of many sponsors. Thandi’s offered free appetizers and a buffet style dinner. Yip Cider provided the first round of drinks, and the Union Club hosted the event. Ghazal Motamedi, the Bachelor of Health Society’s president, thanked UNB Alumni for their contributions and Carousal for her dress.
After an hour for socialization, the gala opened the floor to some student speakers to talk about their projects.
The first project was UNB’s Connect the Thoughts. This health case competition unites students from all faculties to tackle healthcare challenges. It’s an opportunity to network with health care professionals and executive members of Horizon Health. The case theme is Food And Housing Insecurity, and prizes can be won. The deadline to apply is December 4th, and the competition is January 18th.
Learn more about Connect the Thoughts here.
The Global Brigades president and vice president spoke next. Through the non-profit organization, students and health care professionals work together to develop sustainable health systems in Guatemala and other countries. They visit under-resourced areas each year where access to health care is nonexistent or limited, and also support local outreach activities. Global Brigades announced their upcoming fundraiser: an open mic night at Wasted Day Brewing, from 6-9pm on November 23rd.
Learn more about Global Brigades here.
Lastly came the keynote speaker, Dr. Lisa Best. She had asked for advice from the faculty of the program and wanted to share their words of wisdom. These professors included Dr. Graham, Dr. Woodland, Dr. Reiman, and Dr. Brown. One piece of advice had been mentioned by almost everyone: be curious and open minded. Take courses that speak to you or that you are passionate about, especially in first and second year. She quoted Dr. Brown: “Keep asking weird questions. Stay endlessly curious. Embrace unexpected opportunities and remember that the joy is in the journey, not just in the destination.”
