Interview with Kay Fung, FLEX Committee Co-chair

Tell us about yourself.

I am currently a family physician working as a locum in the Greater Vancouver area and rural Canada. I have an interest in global health and working with marginalized and underserved populations.

How did you become involved in the Reading Bear Society?

I have been involved with the Reading Bear Society since 2013 as a member of the first student project team. Alongside two other second year medical students at the time, we developed pilot modules to present in the kindergarten classrooms as part of a self-directed project in our Doctor, Patient, and Society (DPAS) course, now known as Flexible and Enhanced Learning (FLEX).

What is your best memory of RBS?

My best memory of RBS was seeing the production of “My Bear Book” and the school manual come to life. As a part of the first RBS student project team in 2013, a lot of the work done in the initial days were related to reviewing literature, piloting programs, and setting the foundation for years to come. I am so proud to have played even a small part in laying the groundwork for a structured peer reading and literacy program connecting youths from various schools and across the city of Vancouver. In the last year, with the work done within the FLEX program, it has now expanded across the province into Kelowna and Prince George with plans for even further growth. I am so excited to see what lies ahead for the RBS in the future!

What is your current role with the RBS?

Currently, I am the FLEX committee co-chair as well as a member of the Board of Directors, a new position that I just started this past month. Prior to this, I was a member of the FLEX committee as a mentor and the newsletter co-editor.

Why do you support the RBS?

I support the RBS because I am a passionate advocate for children’s health. Growing up, my days and nights were often spent with my nose buried in a book. These early days provided me the magic of imagination, and I hope to be share this joy of reading with other children. By promoting early literacy, it provides an avenue to also encourage the social wellbeing and the overall physical and emotional health of a child. And by ensuring the health of our children, it assures the health of our communities for the future.