Welcome to the MMSC Homepage
About Us
The McMaster Medical Student Council (MMSC) is an elected group of students who can make decisions on behalf of the medical student body as provided for and defined within the boundaries of the constitution. In this role, the MMSC organizes academic and non-academic events to complement the undergraduate medical program. The MMSC is devoted to serving the needs of medical students by engaging in responsible decision making that reflects the highest standards of conduct.
Our Vision
The vision of the MMSC is to create an optimal learning environment for the students within the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Through the formation of interest groups, promotion of volunteer opportunities, and funding of research events, the MMSC strives to provide students the opportunity to explore the many aspects of medicine in order to enhance their overall learning experience. We are continually searching for ways to improve the student experience and the medical program as a whole.
About Mac Med
- International reputation for its unique three-year program based on small group, problem-based learning and early introduction to real clinical experience
- Approximately 5,000 applicants a year, more than any other Canadian medical school with a class size of 206 in 2016
- Three campuses: Hamilton (main campus) and Waterloo/Niagara (regional campuses)
- More than 580 undergraduate MD students are currently enrolled, along with more than 800 medical residents in 51 specialties and sub-specialties
Click here to visit the official website of McMaster's medical program!
MMSC Statement on Ukraine
Dear McMaster Medicine Classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024,
We are writing in response to the conflict occurring in Ukraine which escalated at the end of February 2022. As a council, we have been saddened and outraged by the events as they continue to unfold. We recognize that many of our fellow students and colleagues are affected by these events, as well as by the numerous wars that have happened, and continue to happen across the world. War has significant impacts on people’s lives, and these impacts continue for many generations.
The MMSC condemns all forms of war, and has compiled a list of resources for students who are in need of additional support during this challenging time. We recognize that all students, especially those who have a personal connection to Ukraine, and those who have closely experienced the impacts of other wars, may be feeling especially anxious and upset during this time. Additionally, we understand that many individuals are looking for ways to help support fellow students and people around the world, and so we have included some resources below.
The Ontario Medical Students Association has also provided a statement and a list of supports which can be found here: https://twitter.com/OMSAofficial/status/1500134528907714564?s=20&t=SVGNmHYL--oBZDvECaA54w
We would also like to share with you a fundraising effort by the “Canadian Medical Students Aid for Ukraine” Initiative, which seeks to raise money for the Canadian Red Cross’ humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Information on the campaign can be found in the latest MMSC newsletter. If you are interested in donating, the link is below. Remember: No amount is too small.
https://secure.redcross.ca/registrant/donate.aspx?eventid=374506&langpref=en-CA
Lastly, some of your classmates have begun a campaign to collect expired medical supplies and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products to ship to Ukraine. If you would like to join this effort, please contact Nadia Huytan-Maruschak via email (nadia.huytanmaruschak.medportal.ca) or on Facebook.
We encourage you to reach out to your support networks and the resources below to access support. As well, you can reach out to Student Affairs at any time through their online scheduling portal (https://macmdstudentresidentaffairs.janeapp.com/), or if you need a more urgent appointment, through email at macmdsupport@mcmaster.ca
The MMSC is here to support student needs and initiatives, so please reach out to any council members (emails listed at http://www.macmedsc.ca/current-council-c2024.html), or the specific MMSC members listed below should you wish to speak to another student.
Riley Easterbrook (VP EDI) - riley.easterbrook@medportal.ca
Hira Aslam (VP Internal NRC) - hira.aslam@medportal.ca
Rohan Dadak (VP Internal WRC) - rohan.dadak@medportal.ca
Max Silverman (VP Global Health) - max.silverman@medportal.ca
Britt Voaklander (VP Indigenous Health) - britt.voaklander@medportal.ca
Cheyenne Bates (VP Indigenous Health) - cheyenne.bates@medportal.ca
Winnie Situ (VP Student Affairs) - winnie.situ@medportal.ca
Resources for wellness and support:
Ontario Medical Students Association Mental Health Resources: https://omsa.ca/sites/default/files/page/194/mental_health_resources.pdf
McMaster Supports for Ukrainian Community Members: https://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/articles/mcmaster-offers-support-to-ukrainian-community-members/
McMaster Wellness Resource Document
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r2DDnNj9Ot3i2C12SreitqCa7TU1d0M3GuXZqdFbOoo/edit
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services: http://tor.ucss.info/
Life Works Mental Health Support Crisis Line: https://lifeworks.com/en/news/lifeworks-opens-mental-health-support-crisis-line-those-impacted-events-ukraine
Free/Pro-Bono Counselling Services; Your Story Counselling: https://www.instagram.com/p/CacuTfzOB-1/
Donate:
United Nations Refugee Agency: https://www.unhcr.ca/
Canada-Ukraine Foundation: https://www.cufoundation.ca/
Doctors Without Borders: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/ukraine
Sincerely,
McMaster Medical Student Council, Class of 2024
We are writing in response to the conflict occurring in Ukraine which escalated at the end of February 2022. As a council, we have been saddened and outraged by the events as they continue to unfold. We recognize that many of our fellow students and colleagues are affected by these events, as well as by the numerous wars that have happened, and continue to happen across the world. War has significant impacts on people’s lives, and these impacts continue for many generations.
The MMSC condemns all forms of war, and has compiled a list of resources for students who are in need of additional support during this challenging time. We recognize that all students, especially those who have a personal connection to Ukraine, and those who have closely experienced the impacts of other wars, may be feeling especially anxious and upset during this time. Additionally, we understand that many individuals are looking for ways to help support fellow students and people around the world, and so we have included some resources below.
The Ontario Medical Students Association has also provided a statement and a list of supports which can be found here: https://twitter.com/OMSAofficial/status/1500134528907714564?s=20&t=SVGNmHYL--oBZDvECaA54w
We would also like to share with you a fundraising effort by the “Canadian Medical Students Aid for Ukraine” Initiative, which seeks to raise money for the Canadian Red Cross’ humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Information on the campaign can be found in the latest MMSC newsletter. If you are interested in donating, the link is below. Remember: No amount is too small.
https://secure.redcross.ca/registrant/donate.aspx?eventid=374506&langpref=en-CA
Lastly, some of your classmates have begun a campaign to collect expired medical supplies and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products to ship to Ukraine. If you would like to join this effort, please contact Nadia Huytan-Maruschak via email (nadia.huytanmaruschak.medportal.ca) or on Facebook.
We encourage you to reach out to your support networks and the resources below to access support. As well, you can reach out to Student Affairs at any time through their online scheduling portal (https://macmdstudentresidentaffairs.janeapp.com/), or if you need a more urgent appointment, through email at macmdsupport@mcmaster.ca
The MMSC is here to support student needs and initiatives, so please reach out to any council members (emails listed at http://www.macmedsc.ca/current-council-c2024.html), or the specific MMSC members listed below should you wish to speak to another student.
Riley Easterbrook (VP EDI) - riley.easterbrook@medportal.ca
Hira Aslam (VP Internal NRC) - hira.aslam@medportal.ca
Rohan Dadak (VP Internal WRC) - rohan.dadak@medportal.ca
Max Silverman (VP Global Health) - max.silverman@medportal.ca
Britt Voaklander (VP Indigenous Health) - britt.voaklander@medportal.ca
Cheyenne Bates (VP Indigenous Health) - cheyenne.bates@medportal.ca
Winnie Situ (VP Student Affairs) - winnie.situ@medportal.ca
Resources for wellness and support:
Ontario Medical Students Association Mental Health Resources: https://omsa.ca/sites/default/files/page/194/mental_health_resources.pdf
McMaster Supports for Ukrainian Community Members: https://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/articles/mcmaster-offers-support-to-ukrainian-community-members/
McMaster Wellness Resource Document
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r2DDnNj9Ot3i2C12SreitqCa7TU1d0M3GuXZqdFbOoo/edit
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services: http://tor.ucss.info/
Life Works Mental Health Support Crisis Line: https://lifeworks.com/en/news/lifeworks-opens-mental-health-support-crisis-line-those-impacted-events-ukraine
Free/Pro-Bono Counselling Services; Your Story Counselling: https://www.instagram.com/p/CacuTfzOB-1/
Donate:
United Nations Refugee Agency: https://www.unhcr.ca/
Canada-Ukraine Foundation: https://www.cufoundation.ca/
Doctors Without Borders: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/ukraine
Sincerely,
McMaster Medical Student Council, Class of 2024
MMSC Statement on Anti-Black Racism
Dear McMaster Medicine Classes of 2021, 2022 and 2023,
We acknowledge and apologize for our statement coming out late in response to the recent incidents of anti-Black racism, discrimination and violence. To be fully transparent, when we first became aware of these events, our primary priority was to take action. We immediately set up meetings with our Social Justice and Indigenous Health Interest Groups, as well as the Black Medical Students Association of Canada to develop asks to our administration for committed action moving forward. Furthermore, we have taken steps to support our student groups who volunteered at a local anti-racism rally in Hamilton.
The McMaster Medicine Student Council (MMSC) denounces all forms of anti-Black racism and police brutality. In particular, we recognize racism in its many forms within medicine and we commit to long term action to dismantle anti-Black racism within our own institution. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, and far too many more lives, have been cut short due to the deeply ingrained, racist systems which we are all a part of today. These current events highlight the racism, violence, and unjust persecution of Black communities. To our Black colleagues, we stand in solidarity with you. We can only imagine the grief and pain that these events bring to you and your communities, representing one of the many searing reminders of the unjust, daily realities which only you know.
This racism and discrimination is not new, and we must acknowledge that discrimination against Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour has long been embedded within North American History and our institutions. We also wish to share our support for our Indigenous colleagues and other People of Colour (POC) who may be experiencing re-traumatization during this time.
We know our words are not enough. It will be our actions long beyond the news cycles, headlines, and social media hashtags which matter the most. MMSC is committed to taking action, beyond writing empty promises. We understand that there is tremendous work to be done. The following are a few, of many, important actions that we are committed to moving forward.
To our non-Black POC and White colleagues, it is our responsibility to step up, do better and actively dismantle the systems which we operate in. It is simply not enough to be non-racist. We need to be actively anti-racist. We encourage students to reflect upon their own privileges and biases, educate oneself on colonialism and systemic anti-Black racism, listen intently to the lived truths of our Black colleagues, and advocate against racial discrimination. Furthermore, let us keep in mind to not place additional burden nor responsibility on our Black colleagues to comfort, teach or guide us as we do the uncomfortable work of confronting our own privileges and biases. Furthermore, we encourage you to use the resources which have been compiled on the MMSC website.
We will step up to advocate for equity for our Black colleagues and increased representation within our curriculum. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to any one of us on council should you need additional support or have ideas for ways we can support our BIPOC communities.
Sincerely,
Ali Beydoun, Aneil Manhas, Francis Lao, Kate Uhlman, Kathy Huang, Mary Boulos, Naman Arora, Prasiddha Parthasarathy, Roya Akbary, Zach Barkhouse
McMaster Medical Student Council, Class of 2022
We acknowledge and apologize for our statement coming out late in response to the recent incidents of anti-Black racism, discrimination and violence. To be fully transparent, when we first became aware of these events, our primary priority was to take action. We immediately set up meetings with our Social Justice and Indigenous Health Interest Groups, as well as the Black Medical Students Association of Canada to develop asks to our administration for committed action moving forward. Furthermore, we have taken steps to support our student groups who volunteered at a local anti-racism rally in Hamilton.
The McMaster Medicine Student Council (MMSC) denounces all forms of anti-Black racism and police brutality. In particular, we recognize racism in its many forms within medicine and we commit to long term action to dismantle anti-Black racism within our own institution. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, and far too many more lives, have been cut short due to the deeply ingrained, racist systems which we are all a part of today. These current events highlight the racism, violence, and unjust persecution of Black communities. To our Black colleagues, we stand in solidarity with you. We can only imagine the grief and pain that these events bring to you and your communities, representing one of the many searing reminders of the unjust, daily realities which only you know.
This racism and discrimination is not new, and we must acknowledge that discrimination against Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour has long been embedded within North American History and our institutions. We also wish to share our support for our Indigenous colleagues and other People of Colour (POC) who may be experiencing re-traumatization during this time.
We know our words are not enough. It will be our actions long beyond the news cycles, headlines, and social media hashtags which matter the most. MMSC is committed to taking action, beyond writing empty promises. We understand that there is tremendous work to be done. The following are a few, of many, important actions that we are committed to moving forward.
- Implementing mandatory anti-oppressive training for MMSC representatives, committee representatives, and all Interest Group executives.
- Striving to integrate the new positions of VP Diversity & Equity and Indigenous Health Liaison in our council for the upcoming year.
- Key priorities within these portfolios include working on a strategic plan to integrate Black & Indigenous representation throughout our curriculum
- Meeting with the Social Justice Interest Group, Indigenous Health Interest Group, LGBTQ+ Interest Group, Global Health Committee, and other equity-related groups on a regular basis to advocate for change across MMSC’s decision-making processes
- Liaise with, listen to and consult with relevant stakeholders regarding curricular and MD program decision-making.
- Providing an avenue for student groups to voice their concerns directly to the MMSC at council meetings through pre-submitted agenda item requests.
- Collaborating with the aforementioned groups and the student body to draft a letter detailing asks to the McMaster Faculty of Health Sciences to integrate anti-Black racism education within our UGME structure.
- Asks focus on changes to program structure, curriculum, mentorship, hiring practices, and admissions policies.
- We commit to working with and supporting the work of the Black Medical Students Association of Canada, Black Physicians Association of Ontario, and Black Progressive Action Coalition.
- Launching an anti-racism book club for current and incoming McMaster medical students in collaboration with student leaders.
To our non-Black POC and White colleagues, it is our responsibility to step up, do better and actively dismantle the systems which we operate in. It is simply not enough to be non-racist. We need to be actively anti-racist. We encourage students to reflect upon their own privileges and biases, educate oneself on colonialism and systemic anti-Black racism, listen intently to the lived truths of our Black colleagues, and advocate against racial discrimination. Furthermore, let us keep in mind to not place additional burden nor responsibility on our Black colleagues to comfort, teach or guide us as we do the uncomfortable work of confronting our own privileges and biases. Furthermore, we encourage you to use the resources which have been compiled on the MMSC website.
We will step up to advocate for equity for our Black colleagues and increased representation within our curriculum. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to any one of us on council should you need additional support or have ideas for ways we can support our BIPOC communities.
Sincerely,
Ali Beydoun, Aneil Manhas, Francis Lao, Kate Uhlman, Kathy Huang, Mary Boulos, Naman Arora, Prasiddha Parthasarathy, Roya Akbary, Zach Barkhouse
McMaster Medical Student Council, Class of 2022