"Innovation is a universal language."
David Stockton
- Degree:
- Master of Applied Science
- Grad year: 2020
- Program:
- Campus: Vancouver
My path to Biomedical Engineering was a little different than most. I was raised in Vancouver and went to the University of Victoria where I pursued a degree in Kinesiology. I have always been drawn to the mechanical principles that underpin the musculoskeletal system and human movement and was immediately drawn to Orthopaedics in the early years of my undergraduate medical training at the University of Toronto. I began residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of British Columbia in 2014, and after completing three years I was accepted into the Clinician Investigator Program which enabled me to complete a master’s degree in Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering. I am currently in the final year of my residency training and will soon embark on a Fellowship in orthopaedic trauma in Baltimore, Maryland.
Outside of orthopaedic training and research, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our rambunctious two-year old daughter.
What has made your time at UBC memorable?
Three highlights stand out from the master’s program. First, I completed a thesis under Dr. Dave Wilson on the biomechanics of ACL injuries using the upright, open MRI at the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility. The project pushed my boundaries as a researcher especially with regards to basic biomechanics concepts, and we found some very interesting results using a novel imaging device. Second, the Engineers in Scrubs biodesign team that I was a member of developed a low-cost orthopaedic traction device that we successfully piloted on another USTOP trip to Uganda. We're now in the process of refining our design and raising money to expand to other centres. Last, but certainly not least, was the orthopaedic biomechanics class that I took which was taught by Dr. Tom Oxland. The experience of using my orthopaedic background to learn and solve problems alongside engineers was an inspiring experience which I hope will continue throughout my career as a surgeon.
Dr. Dave Wilson Dr. Tom Oxland
Tell us about your experience in your program. What have you learned that is most valuable?
I learned that research, like innovation, is a long, arduous process that requires the collective support of many different individuals in order to achieve one’s goal.
I must also mention the value of mentorship. Embarking on a master’s is a daunting prospect and it would not have been possible without the clear vision and support of the lead investigators on my project.
What advice would you give a student entering your degree program?
Set goals and work to achieve them.
These may be short term, including specific tasks for the day or the week, or long term in terms of setting a timeline to write and publish a paper. Staying focused on my list of priorities helped me seek the help I needed, budget my time and stay on track.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My family!
At the end of the day my goal is to help raise a happy, healthy family that does some good in the world. Spending quality time with my family reminds me of what’s really important.
What are your future plans to make a difference in our world?
I prefer to focus on the journey, not the destination.
John Wooden, who many judge to be the best NCAA basketball coach in history, offered this advice: “You know where you’d like to go, whether it’s to a national championship in basketball or a particular goal in life. You must also realize that this goal will be simply a by-product of all the hard work and good thinking you do along the way.”
Making a difference in the world sounds like a daunting task to me. I’d rather focus on what I can do on a daily basis: pitch in around the house, help my daughter learn the alphabet, perform a technical surgery proficiently, design a new study or help teach orthopaedic principles to junior medical students and residents. If I can focus on many small contributions as a husband, father, surgeon, researcher, and educator then hopefully the outcome will take care of itself.
