Staff in focus: Mandy Young

Name:

Mandy Young

My Pronouns:

She/Her

Title:

Community Engagement Coordinator

Faculty/Department/Unit:

UBC Health

Location:

Vancouver

Year I started working at UBC:

2024

Describe what you do at UBC in 10 words or less:

Strengthening community partnerships to integrate lived experiences into health education.

Tell us about the team you work with - what do they do?

Patient and Community Partnership for Education ensures UBC Health students engage with patient experiences throughout their education. Our flagship Health Mentor Program pairs a patient partner with four students from different disciplines to discuss real-world healthcare experiences. I support initiatives that foster meaningful connections between students and patient partners.

What three words would others use to describe you?

Dedicated: As a patient partner caregiver, myself, I integrate patient perspectives into healthcare education. 
Collaborative: I connect students, instructors, and patient partners through programs like the Health Mentor Program. 
Innovative: I think outside the box and how to turn “no’s” into “yes’s!” when it comes to involving Patient Partners voices in Education, Reseach and Systems Change.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Not exactly a hidden talent, but I’ve traveled to 34 different countries, which has given me a unique perspective on cultures and experiences.

How does your role support community-university engagement?

My role focuses on enhancing the comfort, recognition, and support for patient partners involved in educational programs. Having a dedicated person to act as a bridge between instructors, students and patient partners is essential. It ensures that everyone involved has a positive and meaningful experience, which is why this role is so important.