Volunteer Profile - Casey Li, MD 2025

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised near Toronto, ON. I graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences with a specialization in Child Health. I am now studying at the UBC Medical Program in Kelowna! When I’m not studying, you can find me baking, watching a Disney or Pixar movie, or going out for desserts and coffee. I also have a golden retriever named Kai and we love playing fetch along the beach and going for hikes!

How did you become involved in the Reading Bear Society?

I have been around children my entire life. My brother is over 7 years younger than me, so I watched him grow up and helped take care of him when he was younger. I have also volunteered a lot with children in my community in various capacities: teaching them music at a community center, creating arts and crafts together at the hospital, programming activities at an early childhood education center, and developing educational resources (such as cartoons and video games) for them to learn about their own diseases. As many of my classmates know, I absolutely love being around children! When my previous co-chair, Austin Pietramala, described his experience to me, I immediately knew I wanted to be involved in RBS. Introducing young children to healthy living helps them become more comfortable with being in the healthcare environment and can empower them to become advocates in the future for their own health. It also helps us medical students become more closely connected to our community.

What is your current role with the RBS?

I am currently the co-chair of the RBS Kelowna Chapter.

What is your best memory of RBS?

There are so many great memories! One of my most fulfilling memories is when we were able to give back to the community during our holiday fundraising event last year. Alongside our wonderful fundraising coordinator, Cosette Teghtmeyer, we were able to collect over 100 books and teddy bears from generous donors all across Kelowna to donate to Mamas for Mamas. The event kept my heart warm and happy during the cold snowy winter!