Translational Trailblazers: Benjamin Banh

Each month, we highlight a current student in the Translational Research Program (TRP).  

Meet first-year student, Benjamin Banh, who has just started the TRP! 

Benjamin graduated from the University of Toronto with an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, Physiology, and Immunology, and a Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering. He wanted to make an impact in healthcare that didn't involve becoming a doctor or a nurse but wasn't sure how - his curiosity led him to the TRP.

“Translational Research” can mean different things to different people – what does it mean to you?

To me, translational research is taking the current scientific research, transforming it, and applying it to clinical settings, so they can directly benefit patients. Until joining TRP, I wasn’t aware of the multiple steps and stakeholders who played a role in bringing novel research from the bench to the bedside. I now recognize how vital the role of patients and their families is in bringing healthcare innovation to reality. 

What inspired you to join the TRP? 

I’ve always wanted to make a positive and long-lasting impact in the healthcare field, but I hadn’t considered ways to do so beyond the traditional roles of healthcare providers like doctors and nurses.

My friend told me about a program where they teach you how to find and address gaps in the healthcare system so that research in the lab can reach patients. Additionally, I heard the program focuses on teaching practical skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking to develop future healthcare innovators. Hearing about such a program had me curious and captivated, which led me to join TRP. 

What has been a highlight for you as you start the program?

I was impressed by how friendly and supportive everyone is, from my cohort of classmates to the instructors and teaching assistants.

I was really interested in how different the program operates from undergrad and my last course-based master's. Instead of learning information and just recalling it on a test or exam, TRP focuses on learning practical skills, which serve as a toolkit to help us innovate and think critically about how to approach solving problems. We are given many opportunities to apply what we learn in class and to facilitate our own learning in our group assignments.

What have your first impressions been?

At orientation, first impressions of the TRP have definitely given me a new perspective as to how to approach healthcare, innovation, and translation of knowledge. I enjoy the emphasis TRP puts on communication and collaborating to solve problems, which is something that you’ll see a lot in the workforce.

I look forward to learning more about approaching problems from a different perspective and working alongside my peers to create innovative solutions in healthcare.

How do you see this program influencing your career trajectory in healthcare? 

My hope is for TRP to prepare me with hands-on and practical skills to be able to innovate and solve current healthcare problems. Additionally, I hope to develop my skills in public speaking, communicating, and collaborating with others to work effectively with my peers and future stakeholders.

What excites you most about the future of healthcare, and how does the TRP fit into your vision?

I’m excited about how the future of healthcare will look with all the emerging technology being implemented and novel inventions that have yet to be created.

The ability to think critically and look at things from a different perspective is something I am still working to develop, as I recognize it's an important aspect of healthcare innovation. Since the program is still new to me, I am still adjusting to the program’s unique delivery style and curriculum. But I’m excited to grow and learn more from my instructors and peers to be able to effectively contribute to the healthcare field.

What advice would you give to others considering this master’s program?

Ask questions and talk to people. Trust me, you learn so much more from people by striking up a conversation with them than you will ever learn in any lecture.

TRP consists of people of diverse backgrounds, so you will always have an opportunity to learn something new. You’re very likely to meet someone with similar interests to you to help support your career goals. If not, the network is broad enough to connect you with someone who can.