2025 Â鶹AV
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If you want to contact our student ambassadors, send them an email toĚýadmissions.med [at] mcgill.ca
AlexandraClass of 2027 Languages: English, French, Spanish (Casual-Novice), German (Rudimentary) Hi, my name is Alexandra and I’m excited to be a student ambassador for the 2027 class. I grew up in Lac-Beauport, a small municipality in the Quebec City area. From first grade to my most recent Bachelor of Science in microbiology, I’ve done all my learning mostly in French so I understand that it can be stressful to learn in a language you’re not fluent in. When I was studying at Laval University, I was part of a committee that developed an event to make fundamental science more accessible. I did a lot of research and I really do love science, but I felt like I wasn’t getting enough human contact. Medicine is for me the perfect balance between science and human connection. This perfect balance between patient and science is one of the reasons I chose Â鶹AV. They have developed the program around the goal of Patient at heart, Science in hand. For my whole life, I’ve always been part of team sports starting with soccer and rugby. It has always been important for me to be part of a community. For me now, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is like a big family where everyone constantly helps each other. Everyone wants to see you succeed. When I’m not studying, I like to go for a run, do sports or go on adventures. I’m also a big fan of improvising last-minute travel plans. I know the application circle can be stressful. Don’t be scared to reach out, I’ll be more than happy to help you the best as I can. Good luck! |
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AimanClass of 2027 Languages: English, Bahasa Melayu (Malay) “All things are ready if the mind be so” – Henry V. by Shakespeare Hi/Bonjour! This is Aiman (he/him/lui), and it's very nice to meet you virtually through the screen! I’m originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and I've also lived in both Texas in the U.S. and in Alberta, Canada. I’m very happy to be a student ambassador for medicine and to help guide you in this journey! What got me interested in being a health clinician was the ability to work with people at a very personal level about their various concerns and worries, and I was able to further solidify this desire during my training as a Speech-Language Pathologist (S-LP) where I gained experience in both schools and in healthcare settings. I continue choosing Â鶹AV for my education because of its esteemed reputation for its history and contributions to medicine and because of the diverse student body we have within the university, and over my years at this university, it’s really cool that I get to meet people from all over the world! I also get to practice my French within the health system and in Montreal, which I attest to be one the best cities to live in as a student because there’s so many things to see and do! In my moments of spare time, I enjoy going fishing, playing badminton and chess on campus, and exploring different cuisines throughout the city. If you have any questions about all medical school, my previous degrees at Â鶹AV, or about the student life in general, please feel free to reach out! I still work as a campus tour guide for the university, so if you need to know where to go on campus, please reach out and I’ll do my best to help you out (or simply wave at me!). Thanks for reading et Ă bientĂ´t! |
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ClaireClass of 2027 Languages: English, Shona Hey there! I’m thrilled you’re checking out Â鶹AV Medicine. If you’re here, you’re probably considering a future in medicine, and I’m excited to help you discover what makes this place so special. Â鶹AV Medicine isn’t just a top-tier school—it’s a close-knit community where people genuinely care about each other’s success. A little about me: I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, immersed in a vibrant world of culture, community, and endless laughter. My journey has taken me across the globe—studying in the UK, USA, and now Canada. When I’m not hitting the books, I love exploring new music and mentoring young girls through my organization, Photizo Africa, which supports young girls in Zimbabwe access education. And if you’re looking for a good read, my favorite book is Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter. It highlights the importance of staying grounded in your roots while embracing growth and change, with powerful themes of family, resilience, and the quest for personal and cultural identity. Â鶹AV's Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences is more than just a school—it’s a nurturing space. From the hands-on learning we dive into on day one to the support from professors and peers, Â鶹AV ensures that you’re seen, heard, and supported. It’s a place where you can bring your whole self to the table and feel like you truly belong. As a minority myself, I understand what it’s like to feel like you don’t always fit the traditional mold. One of the things I love most about Â鶹AV is how much it values diversity. Here, you’re more than just a number; your voice, your story, and your experiences matter. If you’re a person of color, from a minority background, or just someone who’s passionate about making a difference, Â鶹AV Medicine is a place where you’ll find community and support. You deserve to be in spaces where your voice is heard and your dreams are nurtured, and I truly believe Â鶹AV is one of those spaces. Don’t be afraid to pursue your passion—there’s room for you here, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms. I’d love to hear about your journey to medical school and what sparked your passion! I’m happy to share my experiences and offer any advice or tips to help you along the way. |
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CharlesClass of 2027 Languages: English, French Hi, my name is Charles and I’m a 1st-year medical student in the Outaouais campus of Â鶹AV. I completed my college degree at CĂ©gep de l’Outaouais and obtained an undergraduate degree in cognitive neuroscience at the UniversitĂ© de MontrĂ©al before coming to Â鶹AV. I was born and raised in Gatineau and I wanted to come back home to study medicine, especially because of the personalized teaching (e.g. working one-on-one with physicians in the clinical setting), the fact that classes are in French and the small cohorts which allow for deeper relationships with colleagues. Outside of classes you will definitively find me in the parc de la Gatineau either cycling, hiking or skiing. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions relating to the admission process or the experience of a medical student in Outaouais. |
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MeghanaClass of 2027 Languages: English, Telugu My name is Meghana and I am pleased to hear that you are interested in medicine at Â鶹AV! I was born and raised in Halifax, NS, and later moved to Ottawa, ON, where I attended high school and university. My interest in medicine evolved throughout high school and university, by witnessing the impact of a chronic illness on a family member and realizing the profound impact physicians can have on a patient and their family. My undergraduate degree in translational medicine showed me how much more is waiting to be discovered in the broad and deep field that medicine is. My involvement in biomedical research, to develop a rapid, colorimetric diagnostic test for melanoma, showed me how interdisciplinary and team-based medicine can be, further solidifying my interest. I chose Â鶹AV for its bilingual and multicultural setting as well as its world-class opportunities for research, allowing me to gain the skills to work with and learn from patients and health professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Outside of school, I enjoy performing, composing, and arranging music, usually on my piano or flute. I also have an interest in astronomy, whether it be reading about new discoveries or observing the night sky. On a nice day outside, you can catch me exploring new trails with my bike! I look forward to answering your questions about Â鶹AV medicine as well as my experiences prior to or in the program. I would also be happy to help you on your own journey to medicine! |
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MelinaClass of 2027 Languages: English, French, Greek (proficient), Spanish (working knowledge) Hey everyone! My name is Melina Papadimitriou and I am currently in my first year of Medicine at Â鶹AV. I completed the Med-P program before starting MDCM and was involved in the MDSA student council during that year as one of two VP Socials. I had such a fun year in our little Med-P family and look forward to all the upcoming fun years in MDCM! Outside of school, I love skiing and anything in the water: I used to do competitive alpine ski racing at Mont Tremblant, and also used to lifeguard and coach synchronized swimming at a pool in the West Island. I am always eager to answer my peer's questions regarding sports, cooking, medical specialties, applications and more, so I look forward to meeting everyone! All the best! |
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DarelleClass of 2027 Languages: English, French, Tagalog (novice) My name is Darelle, and I'm thrilled to serve as a student ambassador for the Class of 2027! I was born in the Philippines but grew up in Montreal. Prior to starting medical school, I completed a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) degree at Â鶹AV and worked as a pediatric emergency nurse at the MUHC for a year. These experiences allowed me to work closely with many remarkable physicians (most of whom were educated and/or trained at Â鶹AV), which ultimately solidified my decision to pursue medicine at Â鶹AV. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, and I love going out with friends and family (especially if it involves brunch and/or a road trip). I'm also a big fan of horror, superhero, and romantic-comedy movies. Musically, my "Spotify Wrapped" consistently includes an amalgam of R&B, rap, afrobeats, and indie/alternative music. What makes Â鶹AV Medicine special? Â鶹AV boasts an innovative MDCM curriculum where students can gain clinical experience much sooner in the pre-clerkship period through the Â鶹AV Longitudinal Family Medicine Experience (LFME) and the Transition to Clinical Practice (TCP) curricular component. Moreover, the School of Medicine provides its students with an engaging learning environment in which the faculty actively seeks out and values student feedback. Students also feel well supported by resources available to them, such as the Office of Medical Learner Affairs and the Medical Students' Society. It would be my pleasure to answer any questions you may have, so please feel free to reach out with your questions! |
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SepiClass of 2027 Languages: Persian, Turkish (Novice) Hello! My name is Sepi and I am delighted to be one of your Class of 2027 ambassadors. I was born in Iran, then moved to Germany before immigrating to Canada. I mainly grew up in Toronto and attended the University of Toronto for my undergraduate and graduate studies, where I double majored in Biochemistry and Physiology, and pursued an MSc in Nutritional Sciences. While studying, I worked several jobs that guided me in discovering my passion for mentorship, education, and advocacy. I realized I wanted to practice the science I was learning through my studies in an environment that prioritized these pillars, which led me to this path to medicine. I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn at Â鶹AV, where there is an incredibly welcoming community, early hands-on clinical exposure, abundant research opportunities, and a guarantee for killer legs after the daily climb up the hill. I am further excited to continue practicing and improving my French in Montreal, as I fell in love with this city while doing the Explore French Immersion program in 2018. Outside of school, I love playing board games and going on nature walks with friends. Before I finish my blurb, I would like to encourage you to be kind to yourself during the stressful application process, I remember it all too well. Good luck and please do not be afraid to ever reach out – that is what we are here for. |
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ShanthiyaClass of 2027 Languages: English, French, Tamil Hi everyone, my name is Shanthiya, and I feel privileged to be one of the student ambassadors for the class of 2027. I was born in Montreal but grew up and completed my secondary and post-secondary education in Toronto. I completed a BA. in Honours Global Health, with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I was heavily involved in student leadership activities, taking on roles such as President of the Global Health Students' Association and Student Health Ambassador at York (SHAY). My interest in maternal and child health during my studies motivated me to pursue a practicum in the paediatric department, which I continued after graduation. Outside of academics, I enjoy skating, pilates/barre, and spending time with family and friends, which I'm glad to have in both Toronto and Montreal. While applying for medical school, I had the opportunity to visit Â鶹AV during open house, and fell in love with the welcoming environment, the comprehensive curriculum, and appreciated current medical students' feedback. Combined with my childhood, Â鶹AV felt like the perfect fit for my medical career. Though every week in the MDCM program differs, I've come to admire how all the pieces come together to help students succeed. I'm excited to begin my medical career at Â鶹AV and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about applying to our school and what it has been like so far! |
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GabrielClass of 2027 Languages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic My name is Gabriel and I’m super grateful to be representing Â鶹AV Medicine as a student ambassador! I grew up most of my life abroad in the Middle East, where I studied in the French lycĂ©e schooling system. Visiting family in Montreal during my summers as a child made me love this city and I now proudly call it home! During my undergrad, I did laboratory research and volunteered as an emergency medical responder, and this really inspired me to pursue medical studies. I really enjoyed research because it allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in the lab setting while expanding my scientific curiosity. I found emergency interventions particularly exhilarating because they placed me under time pressure while also providing me immediate gratification from seeing my patients improve! During my free time, I enjoy doing physical activities to stay fit and connect with my friends. I go to the gym, rock climb, play soccer, ski/snowboard in the winter, and hike/camp in the summer. Other than sports, I really enjoy watching documentaries and learning about different countries, their culture, history, and geography. I absolutely love maps! I chose to study medicine at Â鶹AV because the university is committed to creating an inclusive environment for both Francophone and Anglophone students, staff, and doctors while forging within them the values of professionalism, excellence, and health advocacy. I’m very proud to be studying at a medical institution that values diversity as much as Â鶹AV, where doctors are trained to heal all people with care and respect. Please do not hesitate to contact me – I would be happy to answer any questions you may have! |
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ShuangClass of 2027 Languages: English, French, Mandarin, Spanish (novice) My name is Shuang, and I am excited to be your Student Ambassador this year! I grew up in China and moved to Montreal at a young age. After completing my Med-P year, I started my first year of medical school at the new Outaouais campus. At Â鶹AV, I had the incredible opportunity of being involved in research, shadowing, anatomy labs, and much more! In my free time, you’ll often find me cooking, spending quality time with my family, and either binging emotional shows or being captivated by highly informative videos. I am also someone who loves to learn about other cultures. While my path to medicine may seem “traditional”, from CEGEP to medical school, I was initially indecisive about my program choice. I made my decision after a deep self-reflection and careful consideration of my values and interest. I can honestly say that I couldn't be happier with my choice! I am also immensely grateful for the support I received from those who went through the application process before me. I am more than willing to share my own experience, so feel free to reach out if you are seeking tips and tricks, or simply want to have a friendly chat! |
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MatthewClass of 2027 Languages: English, French My name is Matthew, and I am excited and honoured to be one of your student ambassadors! To tell you a bit about myself, I was born and raised in Montreal, and I am passionate about how technology can be used to create art and music. This led me to study Computer Science and Computation Arts at Concordia University as well as a decades long career in Montreal's electronic music scene. Besides performing, I love to teach (which some might argue is a type of performance). I’ve taught Computer Science at Dawson College and many electronic instrument and coding workshops. As you can tell, my path to medicine is non-traditional. It was the loss of my mother to cancer that completely shifted my career trajectory to embark on a transformative journey toward research and medicine. Before starting the MDCM program, I completed an M.Sc. in Experimental Medicine here at Â鶹AV, where I used bioinformatics to explore mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance in lymphoma. Deciding to apply to medicine was inspired by Â鶹AV's innovative cancer researchers in addition to the remarkable doctors who treated my mother. Now, in my 30s, I am so honoured to be here, forging a new path at Â鶹AV, and driven by a desire to make a difference in both research and patient care With that said, please do not hesitate to reach out. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about my experience so far, about my unconventional journey getting here, and about being an older applicant and student. I am here to help you on your journey however I can! |
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SofiaClass of 2027 Languages: English, Finnish, French, Haitian Creole (beginner) Bonjour/Hi! My name is Sofia, and I am originally from New Jersey in the U.S., where I grew up in an Italian-American-Finnish family. My academic background is primarily in French, and I had the opportunity to study and work in Paris, France, for 3.5 years. My graduate work focused on the development and practice of narrative medicine and its application to palliative care. Upon returning to the U.S., I worked as a medical scribe in inpatient and emergency medicine and as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Hepatology. I thoroughly enjoyed the patient interactions I had in these clinical experiences and learning more about the management of observational and biomedical studies. I am interested in working in primary care with migrant and asylum-seeker populations and pursuing research on narrative competence in medicine. In my free time, I enjoy painting, drawing, piano, going to exhibits, and baking. I’m also hoping to join a recreational field hockey team in MontrĂ©al! I am honored to pursue my medical studies at Â鶹AV in such a diverse and truly bilingual environment. I look forward to being a resource to prospective or incoming students, especially if you are moving to MontrĂ©al or Canada for the first time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out! |
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TamaraClass of 2027 Languages: English, French Hi, my name is Tamara Laurin-Ricard. I grew up in a small rural town in Montérégie called Ormstown. I then moved to Verdun in 2020 to attend Dawson, where I was in the enriched health science program. I then moved to Gatineau in 2022 after getting accepted into Med-P at the Outaouais Campus. Here in Gatineau, we have a very tight-knit group where everyone knows each other; we host countless events and have quite a few with the Montreal Campus. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about what it’s like moving to Gatineau for Med-P or if you have questions concerning which campus would be best for you. I would also be happy to answer any of your other questions! I look forward to meeting some of you guys, and best of luck! |
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JoshuaClass of 2027 Languages: English, French, Hebrew Hi! My name is Joshua and I’m excited to be a student ambassador for the class of 2027. I was born and raised in Montreal and completed my DEC in Health Science at Marianopolis College before starting the Med-P program at Â鶹AV. I am currently in my second year of medical school. My journey in medicine has been enriched by diverse experiences, from research in neonatology to investigating chronic pain after spinal cord injury. I’m also involved in various clubs, including student government, mentoring students, and working in medical education, which has helped me stay connected and actively contribute to the medical community. These experiences have taught me the value of teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and supporting others in their learning and growth. Outside of academics, I enjoy running, trying new restaurants and skiing! I chose Â鶹AV because of its unique curriculum, incredible research opportunities, skilled staff, and supportive community. Â鶹AV’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is an extremely tight-knit community where everyone is close and always willing to support one another. If you have any questions about applying to Â鶹AV, the Med-P program, or what medical student life is like, feel free to reach out! I’d be happy to help you along your journey. |
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LeonaesClass of 2027 Languages: English, French Hi, my name is Leonaes Brahel Tatchinda, and I am more than excited to serve as a Â鶹AV ambassador. Born and raised in Cameroon, I immigrated to Canada at the age of 11, where my healthcare journey began. One of the most defining moments of my life was supporting my mother, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer just a year after we arrived in Canada. Accompanying her through this difficult experience profoundly shaped my interest in medicine, as I witnessed firsthand the immense impact healthcare providers can have not only on patients but on their families as well. Inspired by the desire to give back to others and make a difference, I have remained dedicated to my medical career and community involvement. I am passionate about mentoring and supporting younger generations in their academic journeys. I am the owner of a tutoring company, "Tuto-succès," and I mentor students through initiatives like Pick Your Path (PYP) and the Association des MĂ©decins Camerounais du Canada (AMCC). In addition, I am deeply involved in the Â鶹AV medical community, serving as VP Finance for the Medical Student Society and MĂ©decins pour le Coeur Campus Outaouais (MedCCO), and as the Med-1 representative for the Medical Oncology Interest Group. I am also involved in our Shadowing Club. My ultimate goal is to specialize in interventional cardiology, as I have a particular interest in the heart as a central and fascinating organ. Outside of academics, I enjoy staying active through soccer, travelling to discover new cultures, video editing, and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to serve as a Student Ambassador and look forward to helping prospective and current students navigate medical school life. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions about the admissions process, academic tips, or medical school in general! |
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CristinaClass of 2027 Languages: English, French, Romanian Hi, my name is Cristina, and I’m thrilled to be one of the student ambassadors for the Class of 2027! I was born in Romania and later moved to Gatineau. Before starting medical school, I completed a bachelor’s degree in health sciences at the University of Ottawa. It was during my time there, while volunteering with an organization delivering groceries to vulnerable individuals, that my passion for medicine truly blossomed. I realized that being a physician extends beyond the science of the human body; it involves the responsibility of providing care that people rely on during their most vulnerable moments. In my spare time, I enjoy engaging in various outdoor sports, from running and cycling to cross-country skiing and hiking. Outside of sports, I love baking sweet treats—which I affectionately call my "study treats"—and reading books, especially memoirs. I am grateful for the opportunity to study medicine at Â鶹AV, where the curriculum is designed to provide clinical exposure to students from the very beginning, and where research opportunities are plentiful and incredibly diverse! What I love most about the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is how warm and welcoming the community is. If you have any questions—whether it’s about the application process, my student experience at Campus Outaouais, or anything else—please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’ll be more than happy to help in any way I can. Best of luck! |
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SarahClass of 2027 Languages: English, French, Arabic Hello! My name is Sarah Aly, and I am excited to serve as an ambassador for the Class of 2027 at Â鶹AV's Faculty of Medicine. I completed my Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa, where I specialized in Population and Public Health and minored in Arabic Studies. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I worked as a Policy Analyst for Health Canada's COVID-19 Task Force, which deepened my understanding of public health policy. Now in my second year of medical school at Â鶹AV, I proudly hold the position of Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) on the Medical Students’ Society. In this role, I advocate for my fellow students and strive to create an accessible and inclusive environment for everyone. I also have a passion for community service, having volunteered in hospitals both in Canada and abroad. I’m involved in various research projects that align with my interests, and I enjoy mentoring first-year medical students through Â鶹AV’s ACE Buddy Program, which pairs upper-year students with first-year students to guide their learning and support them throughout their medical journey. Outside of school, I love travelling and outdoor activities, especially winter sports like skiing and skating. I find it important to maintain a balance in life by spending time on hobbies outside of medicine. A fun fact about me is that I love to cook and dream of opening my own restaurant after retiring from medicine one day. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I know what it's like to be in a new city and school for medicine, and I would love to support you on your journey! |
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JustineClass of 2027 Languages: English, French Hi, my name is Justine, and I am grateful to be an ambassador for the class of 2027! Born and raised in Montreal, I am very proud to call this diverse and inspiring city my home. My dream of pursuing medicine as a vocation started in high school when I came across a promotional video of Doctors without Borders, which ignited my desire to make a difference in global health. In 2020 and 2022, I went to Ecuador and Peru to work with local physicians in rural communities, more specifically in mobile clinics. My goal is still to advocate for more accessible, durable, and equitable healthcare systems that will provide optimal care for all. During my undergrad, I conducted laboratory research in pediatric neurology at Ste-Justine Hospital, focusing on the impact of prematurity and abnormal neonatal glycemia on neurodevelopment. This research experience fulfilled my avid curiosity about various neonatal disorders and their implications while also making me realize how much I value the human side of medicine—the ability to connect with patients and their families. By combining neuroscience and medicine, I hope to make a meaningful impact on those in need while nurturing my passion for health sciences. Outside of school, I enjoy alpine skiing, running, and volleyball. I am also very passionate about traveling. My favorite book is Ru, by Kim ThĂş˛â! Good luck and feel free to reach out if you have any questions! |
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