Born and raised in Victoria, Jyoti Bal is a graduating health information science (HINF) student at UVic. Jyoti always knew she wanted to work in healthcare and says the hands-on learning opportunities at UVic, including co-op and a capstone project that involved using brand-new technology, helped her find the right career path.
What moment stands out most from your time here?
The co-op program has been my favourite experience. It connects our course learning to jobs after graduation. I’m also very lucky to have had small class sizes with the same people each year. This helped build many lasting friendships over the years.
Where did you love to study, hang out or unwind on campus?
A walk through Finnerty Gardens on a sunny day was the best mental health break during the long school days! My friends and I enjoyed seeing all the beautiful colourful flowers each spring. I also liked studying in the Business and Economic Building as it was where most HINF students could be also found studying in the booths and study rooms. It was a great place to catch up with one another and talk about assignments.
Was there a course or professor who had an impact on you? Any special memories to share?
The Trends in Health Informatics course, taught by Simon Minshall, marked a milestone in HINF. Our student-led project showed the trust our professors had in our independence as we moved into post-grad life. Alongside Sharidyn Schiller, Cassis Eyres and Jude El Shaarawi, we explored the educational benefits of a nursing simulator/mannequin for clinicians. We spoke with health informaticians, doctors and nursing students for our project. Then we created an episode for our podcast, Beyond the Bedside, sharing our experience. Our determination and Simon’s constant support and belief in our abilities allowed us to successfully complete our project.
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
Club soccer has been a part of my life since I was a kid, but I took a break when I started university. I returned to the sport in third year and it was the best decision I could have made. Soccer kept me connected to my friends and gave my mind a break from my academics. Everyone needs something to look forward to and a place to spend their time away from the classroom.
Is your current path what you envisioned for yourself growing up?
Although I didn’t expect to study HINF when I was a kid (because I didn’t know it existed!), I always knew I wanted to work within health care. Throughout my years at UVic, I considered pursuing a career in HINF or more hands-on patient care. Now my plan after graduation is to work for a year in the health informatics industry. After that, I’ll plan for my MA in Occupational Therapy. I hope to work in a pediatrics discipline.
How would you describe your time at UVic in one word?
Relaxed.
