Name: Michelle Yang
Program: Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences (MSc)
Dissertation: Understanding Chronic Disease Management in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Graduated: November 2021
How would you describe your research project in the UBC Rehabilitation Sciences program?
My research focused on areas of chronic disease prevention and management, health promotion, and telehealth. Specifically, my thesis project involved the development of a student-led Community Outreach teleheAlth program for Covid education and Health promotion (the “COACH” program). The project was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 prevention orders that were implemented (i.e., social distancing, quarantining, etc.). The COACH program involved a 2-month long program that was delivered through either Zoom or telephone by students from University of British Columbia’s medical (MD) program. The purpose of the program was to promote positive health behaviours (i.e., physical activity, diet, mental wellbeing, sleep, substance use) and provide further COVID-19 education to older adults (ages 65 years or older) in BC during COVID-19.
Where and what is your current position?
Soon after the completion of my MSc thesis (October 2021), I had the opportunity to become a full time research assistant at the Digital Emergency Medicine (DigiEM) lab at the University of British Columbia. I am currently working on a project involving the evaluation of the real-time virtual support (RTVS) healthcare programs that were developed during COVID-19. Specifically, we are evaluating its effects on patients and healthcare providers in rural, remote and Indigenous communities in British Columbia.
Outside of this position, I am also still heavily involved with the COACH project, and we are currently working on relaunching the program as “PLM (Prevention Lifestyle Medicine) Coach”.
How do you like to spend your free time?
During my free time at home, I mainly read, watch shows/movies and play various video games. Outside of the house, I also really love to swim, hike, play badminton, and try all the good food around the Vancouver area with my family and friends!
I always knew that you are going to do something BIG, even BIGGER than we thought; with your hardwork, determination and of course, with your parents’ full support.
Thank you for making us proud!
Congratulations Michelle.