Committee List
Most committee members are chosen by lottery. However, a few of our committees require an application. These committees will be italicized and underlined. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.
Standing Committees
Admissions committee (2)
Term: 3 years
Student representatives on the Admissions Committee will attend Admissions Committee meetings monthly from September-June and will participate in discussions/decisions around admissions tools and processes. They will report issues or concerns raised by the student body to the Admissions Committee and communicate responses to these as well as new information back to the students.
The Admissions Committee reps will edit/author several documents to be used through the admissions process:
• the congratulatory/informational letter from the students, which is sent with the offer of interview
• the student brochure (this includes recruiting students to complete the student profile section and editing/updating other text as needed)
• the congratulatory letter sent with the offer of admission packages
The Admissions Committee reps assist with organizing student participation (hosting) for the MMI weekends, including:
• *Oversee, with assistance from MD Admissions staff, the student host activities on interview day (from set up to clean up – for on-site MMI only)
• Assist with recruiting student hosts for MMI days, if needed
• *Design and order the T shirts for student hosts (for on-site MMI only)
• Hold one or more evening training session for student hosts prior to interview days
• Create and give post-MMI presentations for student sessions on three or more interview days (these are normally held on two weekends in March and/or April, but may include one or more weekday evening sessions as well). In addition, the Admissions Committee reps will recruit other student speakers (i.e. upper year student, mature student, rep from student council, etc. for each post-MMI presentation)
• Oversee the development of the student video to be shown post-MMI on interview days, including recruiting students to participate in and film the video.
Student representatives on the Admissions Committee will attend Admissions Committee meetings monthly from September-June and will participate in discussions/decisions around admissions tools and processes. They will report issues or concerns raised by the student body to the Admissions Committee and communicate responses to these as well as new information back to the students.
The Admissions Committee reps will edit/author several documents to be used through the admissions process:
• the congratulatory/informational letter from the students, which is sent with the offer of interview
• the student brochure (this includes recruiting students to complete the student profile section and editing/updating other text as needed)
• the congratulatory letter sent with the offer of admission packages
The Admissions Committee reps assist with organizing student participation (hosting) for the MMI weekends, including:
• *Oversee, with assistance from MD Admissions staff, the student host activities on interview day (from set up to clean up – for on-site MMI only)
• Assist with recruiting student hosts for MMI days, if needed
• *Design and order the T shirts for student hosts (for on-site MMI only)
• Hold one or more evening training session for student hosts prior to interview days
• Create and give post-MMI presentations for student sessions on three or more interview days (these are normally held on two weekends in March and/or April, but may include one or more weekday evening sessions as well). In addition, the Admissions Committee reps will recruit other student speakers (i.e. upper year student, mature student, rep from student council, etc. for each post-MMI presentation)
• Oversee the development of the student video to be shown post-MMI on interview days, including recruiting students to participate in and film the video.
Curriculum committee (3H, 1W, 1N)
Term: 3 years
Attend monthly early morning meetings, currently 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:30-9:00 am. Represent the student perspective.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare a meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Should have an interest in medical education from an academic perspective. This committee oversees the entire MD curriculum and there is significant reading and discussion at a theoretical level.
Attend monthly early morning meetings, currently 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:30-9:00 am. Represent the student perspective.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare a meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Should have an interest in medical education from an academic perspective. This committee oversees the entire MD curriculum and there is significant reading and discussion at a theoretical level.
Pre-Clerkship committee (1H, 1W, 1N + VP Academic)
Term: 1 year
Attend meetings of the Pre-Clerkship Committee and MF Planning Committees (based on your designated MF) which meets monthly during the academic year. One student rep is needed for each Medical Foundation.
Representatives provide feedback to the Committee based on information and feedback sought from the class via MedPortal, email and in-person sessions.
As Medical Foundations/Professional Competencies/Anatomy/Clinical Skills each have representatives who sit on their respective Planning Committees, the role of the Pre-Clerkship Curriculum Committee Reps is to present program-wide feedback.
Student reps will attend all LGS in their MF. They will greet the presenter and may wish to introduce the presenter to the class to welcome him/her and to call the room to ‘attention’.
The MF rep will obtain a signed lecture consent form (provided by the MD program) from every presenter. This will ensure that the program has permission to post lecture recordings on Medportal in a timely manner.
The MF rep will ask the presenter for a copy of the presentation slides (copied to a USB that the MD program will provide) in the event that the slides have not be provided ahead of time. The file will be sent to the appropriate curriculum assistant for posting to Medportal (following LGS)
Throughout the term reps will attend applicable MF planning meetings and relay student feedback and concerns to the committee (including all aspects of the curriculum – clinical skills, evaluations, resources, etc.). They will, in turn, relay pertinent information and news back to students. Reps are encouraged to prepare a report for the MF planners at the end of their term of the start of school.
The MF reps will also be asked to sit at round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. The MF reps may be asked to prepare meeting summary notes by the VP Academic, which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Attend meetings of the Pre-Clerkship Committee and MF Planning Committees (based on your designated MF) which meets monthly during the academic year. One student rep is needed for each Medical Foundation.
Representatives provide feedback to the Committee based on information and feedback sought from the class via MedPortal, email and in-person sessions.
As Medical Foundations/Professional Competencies/Anatomy/Clinical Skills each have representatives who sit on their respective Planning Committees, the role of the Pre-Clerkship Curriculum Committee Reps is to present program-wide feedback.
- Email Jen Bowen and MF Director immediately once role has been confirmed
- Collecting feedback from all campuses
Student reps will attend all LGS in their MF. They will greet the presenter and may wish to introduce the presenter to the class to welcome him/her and to call the room to ‘attention’.
The MF rep will obtain a signed lecture consent form (provided by the MD program) from every presenter. This will ensure that the program has permission to post lecture recordings on Medportal in a timely manner.
The MF rep will ask the presenter for a copy of the presentation slides (copied to a USB that the MD program will provide) in the event that the slides have not be provided ahead of time. The file will be sent to the appropriate curriculum assistant for posting to Medportal (following LGS)
Throughout the term reps will attend applicable MF planning meetings and relay student feedback and concerns to the committee (including all aspects of the curriculum – clinical skills, evaluations, resources, etc.). They will, in turn, relay pertinent information and news back to students. Reps are encouraged to prepare a report for the MF planners at the end of their term of the start of school.
The MF reps will also be asked to sit at round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. The MF reps may be asked to prepare meeting summary notes by the VP Academic, which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Clerkship committee (2H, 1W, 1N)
Term: 3 years
Attend early a.m. (7:30-9:00 a.m.) Clerkship Committee meetings monthly September – June as a voting member. All Clerkship Directors (one for each core rotation), student reps and the Clerkship Chair attend the meetings.
Act as liaison between the Clerkship Committee and the Class. Give feedback to the Committee on behalf of the Class.
Participate in Transition to Clerkship (TtC), held in mid-November. The 2nd year representatives will recruit 3rd year students to speak to their Class regarding their experiences in Clerkship.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Attend early a.m. (7:30-9:00 a.m.) Clerkship Committee meetings monthly September – June as a voting member. All Clerkship Directors (one for each core rotation), student reps and the Clerkship Chair attend the meetings.
Act as liaison between the Clerkship Committee and the Class. Give feedback to the Committee on behalf of the Class.
Participate in Transition to Clerkship (TtC), held in mid-November. The 2nd year representatives will recruit 3rd year students to speak to their Class regarding their experiences in Clerkship.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Clinical skills committee (2H, 1W, 1N)
Term: 1 year
Attend meetings approximately once every two months (one per MF).
Collect and provide the Committee with student feedback around weekly and monthly clinical skills sessions.
Communicate proposed changes and other new information on the clinical skills curriculum to the class.
There is also an opportunity to attend clinical preceptor training sessions for each MF in order to inform fellow students of expectations of clinical skills preceptors, etc.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Attend meetings approximately once every two months (one per MF).
Collect and provide the Committee with student feedback around weekly and monthly clinical skills sessions.
Communicate proposed changes and other new information on the clinical skills curriculum to the class.
There is also an opportunity to attend clinical preceptor training sessions for each MF in order to inform fellow students of expectations of clinical skills preceptors, etc.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Electives committee (1H, 1W, 1N)
Term: 3 years
Participate in the collaborative review of Elective processes, providing student perspective as it relates to both student and admin procedures. Liaise with the Electives Chair, support staff, and upper year Elective Reps to identify ways in which student needs and knowledge gaps can be addressed. Consult with the MMSC reps regarding bigger picture elective discussions that may be occurring in other committees, and collect and provide student feedback on the Electives program to the Committee.
Attend Electives Committee meetings, which occur quarterly (and occasionally ad hoc).
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Participate in the collaborative review of Elective processes, providing student perspective as it relates to both student and admin procedures. Liaise with the Electives Chair, support staff, and upper year Elective Reps to identify ways in which student needs and knowledge gaps can be addressed. Consult with the MMSC reps regarding bigger picture elective discussions that may be occurring in other committees, and collect and provide student feedback on the Electives program to the Committee.
Attend Electives Committee meetings, which occur quarterly (and occasionally ad hoc).
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Professional competencies committee (2H, 1W, 1N)
Term: 1 year
Attend meetings of the Professional Competencies Committee which meets monthly during the academic year. Currently meetings are the 2nd Wed of each month, alternating 7:30-9:00 am one month and 8:00- 9:00 the next month.
Collect signed consent forms and presentation slides from Large Group Sessions.
Collect and voice student feedback with regard to PC as well as the integration of PC in the curriculum and submit a report to the PC Planners - with suggestions and recommendations.
Assist in planning and coordinating some Pro Comp sessions.
Establish the Pro Comp Advisory Council (involves PC one student representative from each PC group) which enables the PC representatives, who attends these meetings, to gain student feedback more directly.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Attend meetings of the Professional Competencies Committee which meets monthly during the academic year. Currently meetings are the 2nd Wed of each month, alternating 7:30-9:00 am one month and 8:00- 9:00 the next month.
Collect signed consent forms and presentation slides from Large Group Sessions.
Collect and voice student feedback with regard to PC as well as the integration of PC in the curriculum and submit a report to the PC Planners - with suggestions and recommendations.
Assist in planning and coordinating some Pro Comp sessions.
Establish the Pro Comp Advisory Council (involves PC one student representative from each PC group) which enables the PC representatives, who attends these meetings, to gain student feedback more directly.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
School of medicine professionalism education committee (2 + President)
Attend quarterly committee meetings with the Chair, School of Medicine Professionalism Working Group and Professionalism group members.
Collect and voice student feedback with regard to Professionalism issues.
Collect and voice student feedback with regard to Professionalism issues.
program evaluation and student assessment committee (1H, 1W, 1N)
Term: 3 Years
Attend ad hoc meetings of the PESA Committee to discuss all evaluations done in the MD Program including tutorial evaluations, PPI, CAE, OSCE, clerkship evaluations, etc.
Collect and voice student feedback regarding to Program Evaluation issues. Report any changes or proposed changes to fellow students.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Attend ad hoc meetings of the PESA Committee to discuss all evaluations done in the MD Program including tutorial evaluations, PPI, CAE, OSCE, clerkship evaluations, etc.
Collect and voice student feedback regarding to Program Evaluation issues. Report any changes or proposed changes to fellow students.
Engage in round table discussions with the VP academic and other academic committee members throughout the year, in order to consolidate information. Prepare meeting summary notes which will later be sent out to students in the newsletter (or through another channel).
Protocol review committee (3-6)
Term: 1+ years
This position involves working with experienced faculty to review research proposals that use medical students as research subjects. You will be working in a team that include the faculty member and 1-3 medical students.
You will receive research proposals for review and learn about the process of reviewing applications that will likely strengthen your own ability to write. There is a structured format to follow in these reviews that are guided by the faculty lead.
A strong research background and familiarity with research ethics are highly desirable for applicants. The majority of communication is done by email. The number of protocols to review is variable but will range from 8-12 per year.
This position involves working with experienced faculty to review research proposals that use medical students as research subjects. You will be working in a team that include the faculty member and 1-3 medical students.
You will receive research proposals for review and learn about the process of reviewing applications that will likely strengthen your own ability to write. There is a structured format to follow in these reviews that are guided by the faculty lead.
A strong research background and familiarity with research ethics are highly desirable for applicants. The majority of communication is done by email. The number of protocols to review is variable but will range from 8-12 per year.
Hamilton health sciences medical education committee (1H)
Term: 2 years
Act as the undergraduate medical education representative for Hamilton Health Sciences Centre (around medical student learning such as IV training sessions and scrub sessions for clerks, etc.). Contact person(s) are Dr. Alison Fox-Robichaud ([email protected]) and her administrative assistant Tracey Reynolds ([email protected]).
Attend approximately three meetings throughout the year the Hamilton Health Science Centre.
Act as liaison between the hospital and fellow medical students, raising student concerns as applicable and providing student input at committee meetings, and relaying information from the committee back to the student body as needed.
As this committee primarily concerns medical clerks, students will continue in their role for a second year, learning their duties in the first year.
Act as the undergraduate medical education representative for Hamilton Health Sciences Centre (around medical student learning such as IV training sessions and scrub sessions for clerks, etc.). Contact person(s) are Dr. Alison Fox-Robichaud ([email protected]) and her administrative assistant Tracey Reynolds ([email protected]).
Attend approximately three meetings throughout the year the Hamilton Health Science Centre.
Act as liaison between the hospital and fellow medical students, raising student concerns as applicable and providing student input at committee meetings, and relaying information from the committee back to the student body as needed.
As this committee primarily concerns medical clerks, students will continue in their role for a second year, learning their duties in the first year.
St. joseph's healthcare hamilton medical education committee (2H)
This position is available to only second-year and third-year medical students.
Term: 2 years
Act as the undergraduate representative for the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) Medical Education Committee and the SJHH Learners Subcommittee.
Attend quarterly meetings at SJHH or virtually.
Act as a liaison between the hospital and fellow medical students.
• Provide report and feedback to the Committee around medical students’ learning experience at SJHH
• Relaying information for the Committee back to the student body
Term: 2 years
Act as the undergraduate representative for the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) Medical Education Committee and the SJHH Learners Subcommittee.
Attend quarterly meetings at SJHH or virtually.
Act as a liaison between the hospital and fellow medical students.
• Provide report and feedback to the Committee around medical students’ learning experience at SJHH
• Relaying information for the Committee back to the student body
Technology committee (2, with regional representation)
Term: 3 years
Attend Medportal Committee meetings every other month from September-June *typically the 3rd Wed of each month at noon) with MD Program faculty and staff and Medportal Representatives and attend Technology Working Group meetings 4 times per year with MD program staff and Computer Services Unit representatives.
Solicit feedback from students on Medportal and other technology usage and experiences. Report suggestions/concerns to the MD Program; provide input to enhance technology-enhanced teaching the learning initiatives in the program.
Attend Medportal Committee meetings every other month from September-June *typically the 3rd Wed of each month at noon) with MD Program faculty and staff and Medportal Representatives and attend Technology Working Group meetings 4 times per year with MD program staff and Computer Services Unit representatives.
Solicit feedback from students on Medportal and other technology usage and experiences. Report suggestions/concerns to the MD Program; provide input to enhance technology-enhanced teaching the learning initiatives in the program.
Medical foundations committee (5)
Invited to join the MF planning and debrief meetings to provide a student voice and feedback. Usually, one representative is designated per MF, and are added to all virtual LGSs to facilitate, and tackle any potential speaker experience problems on Zoom.
Task Force Committees
Introduction to medicine committee (5H, 3W, 3N + VPI Hamilton)
Term: 1 year
Responsible for planning, organizing, executing (and cleaning up after!) all social events and some meals associated with Introduction to Medicine Sub-Unit of MF1, for the incoming class. Must be organized and proactive, and must also be able to commit to attending events during Introduction to Medicine (three weeks, beginning early August 2023). Please consider this during your post-MF4 electives. Specific tasks include applying for student council funding and fundraising (e.g., class clothing fundraiser, or obtaining support from local businesses and banks), as well as collecting the Orientation fee from incoming students, to fund meals and social events and to purchase swag and T-shirts.
The committee members look after booking all social events, obtaining Risk Management approval, booking transportation if necessary, recruiting speakers and organizing equipment, and recruiting student volunteers. The committee members are responsible for creating the Orientation booklet and the MD Student Wellness Weekend Flyer, to be sent out to incoming students.
Plans/attends/oversees Medical Student Weekend event at the end of September. The MD Student Wellness Weekend is normally held on the third or fourth weekend in September at Blue Mountain Collingwood (in 2019 the MD Student Wellness Weekend was held September 20-22, 2019).
To get a rough idea of the time commitment, the Committee begins work in December and continues year-round (including after Intro to Medicine [ex., Class Retreat, taking care of outstanding tasks, hand-off/transition to new committee]). The time commitment is fairly large throughout the spring/summer leading to the orientation period. Prior experience with similar tasks/events is NOT essential.
*Those selected as WRC/NRC iMed Committee members will also be responsible for campus-specific events.
Responsible for planning, organizing, executing (and cleaning up after!) all social events and some meals associated with Introduction to Medicine Sub-Unit of MF1, for the incoming class. Must be organized and proactive, and must also be able to commit to attending events during Introduction to Medicine (three weeks, beginning early August 2023). Please consider this during your post-MF4 electives. Specific tasks include applying for student council funding and fundraising (e.g., class clothing fundraiser, or obtaining support from local businesses and banks), as well as collecting the Orientation fee from incoming students, to fund meals and social events and to purchase swag and T-shirts.
The committee members look after booking all social events, obtaining Risk Management approval, booking transportation if necessary, recruiting speakers and organizing equipment, and recruiting student volunteers. The committee members are responsible for creating the Orientation booklet and the MD Student Wellness Weekend Flyer, to be sent out to incoming students.
Plans/attends/oversees Medical Student Weekend event at the end of September. The MD Student Wellness Weekend is normally held on the third or fourth weekend in September at Blue Mountain Collingwood (in 2019 the MD Student Wellness Weekend was held September 20-22, 2019).
To get a rough idea of the time commitment, the Committee begins work in December and continues year-round (including after Intro to Medicine [ex., Class Retreat, taking care of outstanding tasks, hand-off/transition to new committee]). The time commitment is fairly large throughout the spring/summer leading to the orientation period. Prior experience with similar tasks/events is NOT essential.
*Those selected as WRC/NRC iMed Committee members will also be responsible for campus-specific events.
General Social committee (4H, 1W, 1N + VPI Hamilton)
Term: 1 year
For positive upbeat individuals who enjoy planning events for all years and all personality types – because we all need some socializing!
Some event examples: (Semi) Formals, bowling, movie nights, Halloween party, 2nd year send-off (pre clerkship), fund raisers (may be in collaboration with other committees), etc.
Note emphasis that events should be open and attractive to students from all three years and campuses, recognizing that many students may have families and/or wish to attend diverse social events.
For positive upbeat individuals who enjoy planning events for all years and all personality types – because we all need some socializing!
Some event examples: (Semi) Formals, bowling, movie nights, Halloween party, 2nd year send-off (pre clerkship), fund raisers (may be in collaboration with other committees), etc.
Note emphasis that events should be open and attractive to students from all three years and campuses, recognizing that many students may have families and/or wish to attend diverse social events.
VP External committee (1)
The VP External Committee acts as a support structure to accomplish the duties and tasks of the VP External. The VP External of the McMaster Medical Student Council serves as the McMaster representative on the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS), the Ontario Medical Student Association (OMSA), and the Student Section of the Ontario Medical Association (SSOMA). The VP External is responsible for organizing events and initiatives concerning the CFMS and OMSA and external organizations such as the Canadian Armed Forces.
Translational marketing lead (2)
As the TML, you will be the voice of OMSA, CFMS, and all other regional, provincial, and national external bodies at McMaster. You will have your finger on the pulse of all that is happening for med students outside of McMaster - the first to know about cool conferences, grants, research opportunities and other ways to make a mark as a med student. Each week, you will be responsible for disseminating updates to McMaster med students from CFMS, OMSA, and your counterparts at other medical schools. You will also meet with the VP External quarterly to identify key needs of McMaster med students and then create an external organization partnership strategy to meet them.
Wellness committee (4H, 1W, 1N + VPSA)
Term: 3 years
This committee is charged with promoting wellness in all three classes of medical students and acting as a liaison between the Student Affairs Advisory Group, the Executive Student Council, general student committees and fellow students. This broad mandate intentionally leaves a lot of room for creativity and responsiveness to the specific needs of each class. Students who like brainstorming and working on creative projects in teams would be well-suited to this job—this committee is what you choose to make it. <3
Working with the Vice President Student Affairs, Wellness Committee members should seek and address relevant ideas and feedback from the classes and use the allotted student council budget to run events and provide resources to students, primarily during the preclerkship period. Past events have included: Post-OSCE care packages, small snacks (i.e. Halloween treats, fruit during the winter, etc), Coffeehouse, creation of a class cookbook, Warm & Fuzzy messages for Valentine’s Day, a talk on eating disorder awareness, and class outings (sushi night, botanical gardens visit, yoga, etc.).
The Student Affairs Advisory Group is composed of student representatives, Student Affairs Faculty, and members of the administration with roles relating to student wellness and success. Wellness Committee members are expected to attend at least 50% of the Student Affairs Advisory Group meetings (scheduled by the MD administration) until graduation. These meetings take place every other month on the second Wednesday from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Wellness Committee members will help identify student needs and provide insight and support to the students in areas pertaining to the non-curricular aspects of the MD Program: resources, learning environment, learning and coping skills, quality of personal and professional life, etc. The Student Affairs Advisory Group has many different resources to address the concerns of individual students or the class as a whole, and thus should be kept informed of any issues that the students may have.
Along with the Vice President Student Affairs, the Wellness Committee supports and facilitates longitudinal student mentorship programming within the MD Program including the Preclerkship Mentorship Program and Resident Student Mentorship Program.
Summary of responsibilities:
Follow us on Instagram! (@macmedwellness)
This committee is charged with promoting wellness in all three classes of medical students and acting as a liaison between the Student Affairs Advisory Group, the Executive Student Council, general student committees and fellow students. This broad mandate intentionally leaves a lot of room for creativity and responsiveness to the specific needs of each class. Students who like brainstorming and working on creative projects in teams would be well-suited to this job—this committee is what you choose to make it. <3
Working with the Vice President Student Affairs, Wellness Committee members should seek and address relevant ideas and feedback from the classes and use the allotted student council budget to run events and provide resources to students, primarily during the preclerkship period. Past events have included: Post-OSCE care packages, small snacks (i.e. Halloween treats, fruit during the winter, etc), Coffeehouse, creation of a class cookbook, Warm & Fuzzy messages for Valentine’s Day, a talk on eating disorder awareness, and class outings (sushi night, botanical gardens visit, yoga, etc.).
The Student Affairs Advisory Group is composed of student representatives, Student Affairs Faculty, and members of the administration with roles relating to student wellness and success. Wellness Committee members are expected to attend at least 50% of the Student Affairs Advisory Group meetings (scheduled by the MD administration) until graduation. These meetings take place every other month on the second Wednesday from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Wellness Committee members will help identify student needs and provide insight and support to the students in areas pertaining to the non-curricular aspects of the MD Program: resources, learning environment, learning and coping skills, quality of personal and professional life, etc. The Student Affairs Advisory Group has many different resources to address the concerns of individual students or the class as a whole, and thus should be kept informed of any issues that the students may have.
Along with the Vice President Student Affairs, the Wellness Committee supports and facilitates longitudinal student mentorship programming within the MD Program including the Preclerkship Mentorship Program and Resident Student Mentorship Program.
Summary of responsibilities:
- Plan and implement events and initiatives that support student wellness and success.
- Attend regular meetings with the Vice President Student Affairs.
- Attend at least 50% of Student Affairs Advisory Group meetings (scheduled bimonthly by the MD administration).
- Facilitate longitudinal student mentorship programming:
- Preclerkship Mentorship Program
- Resident Student Mentorship Program
Follow us on Instagram! (@macmedwellness)
Class Directors of social media (1 per class)
Term: 3 years
The Class Directors of Social Media will work with the VP Communications to post about upcoming projects, contacts, events, and promotions through official MMSC Instagram and Twitter accounts. This will be a more consistent and informal way of disseminating information and announcements compared to the MMSC newsletter.
Post requests will be submitted to each social media account via a formatted direct message.
By including one representative from each class, we will make posts that are relevant to all three cohorts currently at McMaster's medical school.
The Class Directors of Social Media will work with the VP Communications to post about upcoming projects, contacts, events, and promotions through official MMSC Instagram and Twitter accounts. This will be a more consistent and informal way of disseminating information and announcements compared to the MMSC newsletter.
Post requests will be submitted to each social media account via a formatted direct message.
By including one representative from each class, we will make posts that are relevant to all three cohorts currently at McMaster's medical school.
Class Representatives (1H, 1W, 1N)
Term: 1 year
Act as broad committee responsible for organizing Toronto Notes orders, and class clothing. Also have the opportunity to initiate projects that are in the interest of the class as a whole (e.g., ‘exceptional tutor recognition certificates’).
Responsibilities include organizing the Toronto Notes order for your class. This includes coordinating with the rep from U of T to get promotional material out, promoting the deal to all class years as well as faculty/staff, collecting monies and coordinating pickup once the books come in.
Responsibilities also usually include recruiting a design for class clothing, arranging class clothing order, collection of monies, and coordination of pick up.
This role is flexible. Reps should be visible as communicators, resources, and initiators of valuable projects.
Act as broad committee responsible for organizing Toronto Notes orders, and class clothing. Also have the opportunity to initiate projects that are in the interest of the class as a whole (e.g., ‘exceptional tutor recognition certificates’).
Responsibilities include organizing the Toronto Notes order for your class. This includes coordinating with the rep from U of T to get promotional material out, promoting the deal to all class years as well as faculty/staff, collecting monies and coordinating pickup once the books come in.
Responsibilities also usually include recruiting a design for class clothing, arranging class clothing order, collection of monies, and coordination of pick up.
This role is flexible. Reps should be visible as communicators, resources, and initiators of valuable projects.
Community service committee (2)
Term: 1 year
Organize fundraisers throughout the year for different local organizations.
Organize opportunities for medical students to volunteer at local facilities (e.g. soup kitchen at Thanksgiving, homeless shelter, etc.).
Show the community that McMaster medical students are genuinely helping out and contributing to their community.
c2026 Representatives
Unfilled
Unfilled
Organize fundraisers throughout the year for different local organizations.
Organize opportunities for medical students to volunteer at local facilities (e.g. soup kitchen at Thanksgiving, homeless shelter, etc.).
Show the community that McMaster medical students are genuinely helping out and contributing to their community.
c2026 Representatives
Unfilled
Unfilled
Placebo newsletter committee
Term: 1 year
The Placebo newsletter is published every 3-4 months. Each Placebo issue is roughly 6-8 pages in length, and covers wide range of topics such as: medical news, politics, global health, clerkship electives, specialty selection, personal stories, social activities, or interest group / committee advertising for upcoming sessions. Anyone can write an article for Placebo, but most submissions are from McMaster medical students.
It is the responsibility of the editors to collect articles, edit as necessary, and layout each issue of Placebo. The final copy is posted as a PDF on MedPortal.
The Placebo newsletter is published every 3-4 months. Each Placebo issue is roughly 6-8 pages in length, and covers wide range of topics such as: medical news, politics, global health, clerkship electives, specialty selection, personal stories, social activities, or interest group / committee advertising for upcoming sessions. Anyone can write an article for Placebo, but most submissions are from McMaster medical students.
It is the responsibility of the editors to collect articles, edit as necessary, and layout each issue of Placebo. The final copy is posted as a PDF on MedPortal.
Med Games committee (2H, 1W, 1N + 2 from any campus)
Term: 1 year
MedGames are hosted by a Quebec med school every early January, and schools from all over the country send teams to compete in a variety of sport and non-sport activities (e.g., trivia, foosball). It is an awesomely FUN weekend!!
Here are a list of the primary responsibilities:
MedGames are hosted by a Quebec med school every early January, and schools from all over the country send teams to compete in a variety of sport and non-sport activities (e.g., trivia, foosball). It is an awesomely FUN weekend!!
Here are a list of the primary responsibilities:
- Representatives need to apply to student council for a budget. This is usually done in October (watch for emails). Reps may consider fundraising events to help pay the difference for things such as transportation and t-shirts
- Promotion: Publicize info about the event early and frequently. (It is important to emphasize that registration is final, that registration is an agreement to pay, and that there are no refunds. This can be a big problem as, being in January, it may overlap with vacation – students should ensure their schedules are actually clear!)
- Assist with any online registration issues (registration is conducted online via the host school’s website – usually around October).
- Recruit a design for and print team t-shirts.
- Book transportation to/from Quebec.
- Ensure lodging is sorted and room assignments (via sign-up) are made.
- Once available activities are known, organize who is participating in each event and forward that info to the host school (more info will come from the school).
Yearbook committee
Term: 3 years
Collect material for inclusion in your class’ yearbook - edit, organize and prepare for printing. This is meant to cover events that occur over the entire course of the MD program.
Apply for student council funding at the beginning of every year (or run other fund-raising activities as needed). Most of the work is during the final year of the program, though it is recommended to continually collect material to lighten this load.
Creativity, organizing, and being detail-oriented is helpful!
Collect material for inclusion in your class’ yearbook - edit, organize and prepare for printing. This is meant to cover events that occur over the entire course of the MD program.
Apply for student council funding at the beginning of every year (or run other fund-raising activities as needed). Most of the work is during the final year of the program, though it is recommended to continually collect material to lighten this load.
Creativity, organizing, and being detail-oriented is helpful!
Financial literacy curriculum
Term: 1 Year
The financial literacy curriculum committee is focused on incorporating student feedback into the financial literacy curriculum to ensure that the student voice is present within the teachings. Originally starting as a student-led initiative to establish adequate coverage of current medical financial topics, this committee serves to cover curriculum that is longitudinally present throughout all three years of MacMed program. Responsibilities of the committee have included the creation of a financial literacy guide for use by all students as a reference, and active review of the curriculum to guarantee its relevance.
Committee members should have a general understanding and interest in financial literacy and fund management. Previous experience in the realm of finances is an asset.
Student representatives will attend meetings every three months with the faculty lead and student representatives from other classes to review how sessions are satisfying the needs of the student population. Email chains will often be used for communication between meetings for follow-up on to-do items. Other responsibilities include collecting student feedback on the financial sessions, preparation of financial literacy resources for incoming students, and refinement of financial guides. Committee members are encouraged to propose and pursue further initiatives in regards to the financial literacy curriculum.
The financial literacy curriculum committee is focused on incorporating student feedback into the financial literacy curriculum to ensure that the student voice is present within the teachings. Originally starting as a student-led initiative to establish adequate coverage of current medical financial topics, this committee serves to cover curriculum that is longitudinally present throughout all three years of MacMed program. Responsibilities of the committee have included the creation of a financial literacy guide for use by all students as a reference, and active review of the curriculum to guarantee its relevance.
Committee members should have a general understanding and interest in financial literacy and fund management. Previous experience in the realm of finances is an asset.
Student representatives will attend meetings every three months with the faculty lead and student representatives from other classes to review how sessions are satisfying the needs of the student population. Email chains will often be used for communication between meetings for follow-up on to-do items. Other responsibilities include collecting student feedback on the financial sessions, preparation of financial literacy resources for incoming students, and refinement of financial guides. Committee members are encouraged to propose and pursue further initiatives in regards to the financial literacy curriculum.
Event Committees
Blood drive committee (2H)
Term: 1 year
Organize a blood drive with the Red Cross (they organize location, equipment, personnel, etc.) for McMaster medical students. This is for an annual blood drive where all med schools compete for most units collected.
Apply for funding from student council (usually at beginning of the year).
Relay date, location and online registration information to students, and assist with any issues that arise. Notify students of other blood donation days on campus.
Liaise with regional campus students - they usually elect to donate at their regional Canadian Blood Services location, but still need to register online with the MacMeds ID number.
Organize a blood drive with the Red Cross (they organize location, equipment, personnel, etc.) for McMaster medical students. This is for an annual blood drive where all med schools compete for most units collected.
Apply for funding from student council (usually at beginning of the year).
Relay date, location and online registration information to students, and assist with any issues that arise. Notify students of other blood donation days on campus.
Liaise with regional campus students - they usually elect to donate at their regional Canadian Blood Services location, but still need to register online with the MacMeds ID number.
Graduation committee (7 with RC representation)
Term: 3 years
The Graduation Committee is responsible for three events: 1. End of Clerkship Party; 2. Graduation Formal and 3. Oath Ceremony.
This includes booking venues/locations, recruiting student volunteers to assist at events and fundraising. The Committee will work closely with the MD Program Administration when planning the Oath Ceremony.
The Graduation Committee is responsible for three events: 1. End of Clerkship Party; 2. Graduation Formal and 3. Oath Ceremony.
This includes booking venues/locations, recruiting student volunteers to assist at events and fundraising. The Committee will work closely with the MD Program Administration when planning the Oath Ceremony.
Interprofessional education student representative (1)
This individual will be a part of the Interprofessional Education Program, and act as a liaison between students and the administration for IPE-related activities. See the following document for more details: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vxB27hQo8UoD2k9oVvAodyLXBAu_u9OEKWos9Qm4toY/edit?usp=sharing
WRC-Specific Committees
Anatomy Representative (1)
The Anatomy representative will liaise with anatomy lecturers/facilitators to relay class input on anatomy sessions and to organize specific learning topics of interest to the class.
Blood drive representatives (2)
The Blood Drive representatives will organize group WRC blood drives for the class.
faculty awards committee (3)
The Faculty Awards Committee will aid in choosing faculty award winners to be presented at the annual WRC gala.
c2026 Representatives
Israa Aboul El Nour
Mendim Guse
c2026 Representatives
Israa Aboul El Nour
Mendim Guse
RESEARCH REPRESENTATIVE (1)
The Research representative will liaise with WRC research faculty to organize research events and relay specific topics of interest to faculty.
c2026 Representative
Blossom Dharmaraj
c2026 Representative
Blossom Dharmaraj
SERVICE LEARNING COMMITTEE
The Service Learning Committee works closely with WRC faculty and is devoted to working with the greater community surrounding WRC.
It is comprised of the following subcommittees/initiatives:
It is comprised of the following subcommittees/initiatives:
- MacGic School Bus (2)
- The MacGic School Bus leads will organize informative talks/workshops for elementary students from schools in the surrounding area. The 2 representatives are also responsible for recruiting volunteers to help with MacGic School Bus events.
- Speakers Bureau (2)
- The Speakers Bureau leads will organize informative talks/workshops for high school students from schools in the surrounding area. The 2 representatives are also responsible for recruiting volunteers to help with Speakers Bureau events.
- Stethoscope Series (2)
- The Stethoscope Series representatives will organize public lectures for the surrounding KW community on relevant health topics and connect with the community. The 2 representatives are also responsible for recruiting volunteers to help with Stethoscope Series events.
- Teddy Bear Clinic (2)
- Teddy Bear Clinic representatives will organize an event teaching children about basic experiences in seeking health care for their teddy bears to familiarize them with the process. The 2 representatives are also responsible for recruiting volunteers to help with Teddy Bear Clinic events.
WRC WELLNESS COMMITTEE (5)
Student representatives will work with the student affairs team to organize wellness events for the WRC class.
One Wellness Committee representative will also sit on the general all-campus Wellness Committee. Note: If you are interested in being the WRC representative on the all-campus Wellness Committee, please read the committee description and apply to Wellness Committee (in the “Task Force Committees" section above). The selected WRC Representative will be a member of Wellness Committee and NRC Wellness Committee to act as a liaison.
One Wellness Committee representative will also sit on the general all-campus Wellness Committee. Note: If you are interested in being the WRC representative on the all-campus Wellness Committee, please read the committee description and apply to Wellness Committee (in the “Task Force Committees" section above). The selected WRC Representative will be a member of Wellness Committee and NRC Wellness Committee to act as a liaison.
NRC-Specific Committees
NRC Wellness Committee (3)
Student representatives will work with student affairs to organize events focusing on wellness for the NRC class. This NRC-specific Wellness Committee is distinct from the all-campus Wellness Committee which has 1 NRC representative. *Some wellness reps will sit on the NRC Executive Committee.
Note: If you are interested in being the NRC representative on the all-campus Wellness Committee, please read the committee description and apply to Wellness Committee (in the “Task Force Committees" section above). The selected NRC Representative will be a member of Wellness Committee and NRC Wellness Committee to act as a liaison.
c2026 Representatives
Shenna Dunn
Benjamin Buehner
Hanna Van Dierdonck
Note: If you are interested in being the NRC representative on the all-campus Wellness Committee, please read the committee description and apply to Wellness Committee (in the “Task Force Committees" section above). The selected NRC Representative will be a member of Wellness Committee and NRC Wellness Committee to act as a liaison.
c2026 Representatives
Shenna Dunn
Benjamin Buehner
Hanna Van Dierdonck
Research representatives (2)
The research committee will work with NRC research and Quality Improvement leaders to facilitate scholarly opportunities for the class, provide input into research and QI planning, and help organize events such as Research-in-Progress Rounds, Quality Improvement training and Journal Clubs, Evidence-based Medicine sessions. They will represent students at the Quality Improvement and Applied Health Research (QIAHR) group meetings.
Clinical education committee
Student representative(s) will attend monthly CEC meetings at the St. Catharine’s Hospital. The representative(s) will have the opportunity to provide the committee with feedback from classmates about clerkship and clinical education related activities, such as teaching sessions, placements, clinical skills, etc.
Service Learning committee (2)
This is a new committee for the class of 2026, and is the amalgamation of four other committees. Students on this committee will lead and encourage students to take part in service learning activities. Additionally they will assist in organizing and planning the Teddy Bear clinic, Brock Med-Plus, REACH, and Pipeline. Jen Tran is the point of contact for all aspects of this committee. There are student leads, however since students graduate eventually, it only makes sense to have the contact a faculty member.
Teddy Bear Clinic: Students work with the Boys and Girls Club to put on a Teddy Bear Clinic event exposing children to basic experiences in seeking health care in order to familiarize them with the process.
Brock Med-Plus: This service learning experience connects aspiring Brock pre-health science students with medical students, giving them the opportunity to learn about medical programs and seek advice during undergrad and the admissions process. The representative will be a liaison between the Brock program and the NRC class. Please note, under the service learning registry, it states Brock Med-Plus is in partnership with Brock-McMaster Mentors with the student lead of Annie Berg (C2024), it is likely these will amalgamate into one as Annie has graduated, coordination with Jen Tran will be required to solidify the succession of this service learning experience.
REACH: This is a service learning opportunity where students can assist in putting together harm reduction supplies for the REACH clinic run by Dr. Karl Stobbe. Previously REACH volunteers had other responsibilities, but this will be changing for C2026. Student committee members will be responsible for encouraging participation in this activity as well as being the point of contact for this service learning opportunity. It would be wise to connect with Dr. Karl Stobbe through Jen Tran to determine what his expectations will be of students.
PIPELINE: Another service learning opportunity whereby participants in events will have the opportunity to provide health teaching and hands-on workshops targeting priority student populations at local schools throughout the Niagara region. There are student leaders involved with this learning opportunity, again, contact Jen Tran to ensure centralized process.
Teddy Bear Clinic: Students work with the Boys and Girls Club to put on a Teddy Bear Clinic event exposing children to basic experiences in seeking health care in order to familiarize them with the process.
Brock Med-Plus: This service learning experience connects aspiring Brock pre-health science students with medical students, giving them the opportunity to learn about medical programs and seek advice during undergrad and the admissions process. The representative will be a liaison between the Brock program and the NRC class. Please note, under the service learning registry, it states Brock Med-Plus is in partnership with Brock-McMaster Mentors with the student lead of Annie Berg (C2024), it is likely these will amalgamate into one as Annie has graduated, coordination with Jen Tran will be required to solidify the succession of this service learning experience.
REACH: This is a service learning opportunity where students can assist in putting together harm reduction supplies for the REACH clinic run by Dr. Karl Stobbe. Previously REACH volunteers had other responsibilities, but this will be changing for C2026. Student committee members will be responsible for encouraging participation in this activity as well as being the point of contact for this service learning opportunity. It would be wise to connect with Dr. Karl Stobbe through Jen Tran to determine what his expectations will be of students.
PIPELINE: Another service learning opportunity whereby participants in events will have the opportunity to provide health teaching and hands-on workshops targeting priority student populations at local schools throughout the Niagara region. There are student leaders involved with this learning opportunity, again, contact Jen Tran to ensure centralized process.