HOW I STARTED MY MEDICAL CAREER...

"I remember back to my early days in medical school..."

The students doctors and Vice Dean at the University of Ottawa medical school are an exceptional bunch. These young men and women are brilliant. They have achieved great academic achievements, traveled extensively, volunteered with the needy, published papers, and matured beyond their years. The Vice Dean finds their optimism and exuberance energizing. This is where it all begins. The journey in a medical career starts for all of us in medical school and it really is the best of times, the worst of times, the most challenging of times, and the most rewarding of times.

Your "metal" is heated to a white glow in medical school, then forged in residency, and finally plied in medical practice.

I recall how hard I worked and what I had to give up or delay. I recall my fears, my victories, and uncertainties. I never regretted the journey but it was not easy.

Dr. Melissa Forgie is a highly awarded teacher and physician at the Ottawa Hospital. She is a bilingual hematologist. She is an alumnus of this medical school and brings a great perspective to then, now, and the future. She has had her role as Vice Dean for around 2 years, but fits into the role with aplomb. With her and Dr. Bradwejn leading the way forward, our medical school will be the medical school to emulate.

Aliza Moledina is a first year student. She speaks with confidence. She is truly representative of the strong candidates that are attracted to U of O. She volunteered in Kenya and Sri Lanka. She is a hard working and talented student. She volunteers at her mosque. You will admire her story.

Ellyas Omar is a final year student that is excited to return to his home town to pursue a residency in family medicine. He is empathic, conscientious, and ethical. He is a well balanced athlete that will model great behaviour to his patients. You will revel in his candour.

These stories will endear you. Our future is in the hands of those that teach our medical students and the students themselves. They will be there to offer us judicious counsel, treat our medical conditions, and support us in times of illness. You will feel optimistic about our future when you hear these stories.

I look forward to bringing their stories to you.
Humbly, Dr. A squared.

To be continued...