Do you have additional questions about Mini Med School? Check out the FAQ below or contact researchevents@phsa.ca. 

Am I a good candidate to attend Mini Med School? Do I need to have high marks in sciences to be eligible to participate? 

We encourage you to consider your own learning style before registering to attend Mini Med School. While high marks in sciences are not required, participants should have a passion for health sciences. 

The Mini Med School course curriculum has been designed for a senior high school audience. With only four sessions to explore new scientific concepts, participants should expect a fast-paced learning environment. Similar to a post-secondary seminar, Mini Med School is lecture-based with a small selection of hands-on activities. Some students may find this learning format challenging. 

I want to increase my chances of being selected. Can I register multiple times as an In-Person, Virtually Live and On-Demand participant?  

Unfortunately, no. Each student may only register once. During registration, you will need to indicate your preferred method of participating: In-Person, Virtually Live OR On-Demand. 

What is a Sponsor Teacher?

Before applying you will need to find a Sponsor Teacher. They are not required to write a letter of recommendation or personally attend the event. Your Sponsor Teacher may sponsor more than one student applying to Mini Med School.

Who should your Sponsor Teacher be? Your Sponsor Teacher should be someone who: 

  • Knows you well — ideally a teacher who understands your personality, work ethic, and learning style. If needed, they should be able to confirm that you’re a good fit for this kind of extracurricular learning opportunity.
  • Is a teacher with experience teaching a science, technology, engineering or mathematics course, or is a career counsellor.
  • Is a current or former teacher — your Sponsor Teacher doesn’t have to be someone who is teaching you this year. If you had a strong connection with a teacher from a previous grade, you can ask them instead.

What does the Sponsor Teacher need to do?
Your Sponsor Teacher will NOT be required to write a letter of recommendation or attend the event. However, they should be aware that:

  • We may contact them if we have any questions or concerns about your application. For example, if something in your form needs clarification, they might be asked to verify details.
  • If you are accepted into the program but we have concerns about your participation or attendance, we may also contact them. This is just to ensure that you are well supported.
  • This is not a personal reference, and the teacher is not responsible for your performance in the program — they’re simply a trusted adult in your school who can help verify your academic performance if needed.

For the application, what information do we need about the Sponsor Teacher?

  • Name
  • Email Address

Should I ask the Sponsor Teacher before listing their name on my application?
Yes! Please make sure to speak with the teacher before listing their name on your application. Let them know about the Mini Med School program and that they may be contacted by email only if we need to verify or clarify any information in your application.

I've been selected to participate but I'm now unable to attend. What should I do?

If you're unable to attend, please email us at researchevents@phsa.ca as soon as possible so we can offer the space to someone on the waitlist. 

Does Mini Med School include any pre-reading or take-home assignments? What about tests? 

Mini Med School participants will not be required to complete any assignments or tests. Occasionally students do like to take notes during lectures, but it is not required. 

If I'm attending Mini Med School In-Person, what should I bring with me?

Nothing is required. If you're interested in taking notes, a notebook and pen is recommended. 

What happens if I'm not available to participate in all four sessions?

All students registered for Mini Med School (In-Person, Virtually Live OR On-Demand) are expected to participate in all four sessions. If your schedule doesn't allow for this, we do not recommend registering. With limited capacity, we want to ensure everyone participating is fully engaged in the curriculum. 

By early January, all sessions will be posted on the BCCHR website's Video Library for anyone to access. You can also apply for an electronic Certificate of Participation if you have viewed all four sessions after the October-November curriculum has ended. 

Will all participants be provided with a certificate of participation?

Yes! Students who are interested, and have attended all four sessions, will be provided with an electronic certificate of participation upon request.

For On-Demand participants to be eligible, students must watch the full recording of each session; partial watch times will not count.

Can teachers attend?

Teachers are welcome, but not required, to attend. Teachers interested in registering should contact researchevents@phsa.ca directly. 

Can Mini Med School hours be counted towards my work experience requirements?

Mini Med School could be classified as an unpaid career-related work experience that includes career investigation. Some schools will consider the hours spent attending Mini Med School (either In-Person or Virtually Live) as being eligible for your work experience hours. We encourage students to verify this with your school or career counsellor. 

The Mini Med School team cannot sign any Work Education Agreements, Work Experience Placement Forms or any similar forms/contracts on the day-of. Forms can be sent to researchevents@phsa.ca for electronic signature before or after the event. 

We realize various school districts have different requirements for tracking hours. Unfortunately, the following cannot be provided: 

  • Onsite safety orientation, including a training plan or safety checklist. This should be covered in school
  • Letter of reference verifying student participation or duties performed. An electronic certificate of participation will be issued if the student completes all 4 sessions
  • Employer or student assessment/evaluation
Can I be added to the waitlist?

To be added to the waitlist after the initial registration period, contact researchevents@phsa.ca. Please note, Mini Med School is a very popular program with limited capacity each year. It is unlikely additional space will become available. 

For those who are unable to attend, check out our video library to explore previously recorded Mini Med School lectures on a variety of health topics. 

Can students younger than grades 11-12 attend?

No, the curriculum for Mini Med School has been designed for a senior high school audience and space is limited. We encourage those in younger grades to check out our Mini Med School Self-Directed program. 

Does Mini Med School restrict the number of students who can register from each school?

No. Previously, each school could only nominate 3 students to attend, but that has recently changed. 

The Mini Med School application process is now competitive and comparative. We’re looking for motivated and inquisitive students who show a demonstrated interest in being part of this unique program. 

If I attended Mini Med School previously, can I register again?

Yes, assuming you continue to meet all the eligibility requirements you can register for Mini Med School again.