Bianca Rusu
Hi everyone! My name is Bianca. I was born in the GTA but spent most of my childhood living in cities across Europe and the U.S. I completed my Bachelor’s at UofT (c2021) in the life sciences stream, and just recently finished my Master’s at UofT in neuroscience. (Fun fact: I did my first year of undergrad at UCLA, and McMaster is the tenth school I’ve attended in the ninth city I’ve lived in!) I’m very much undecided what specialty I’d want to pursue, but would love to try out and explore some of the neuro-related options. Outside of work and school, I enjoy cooking and baking, trying new restaurants, creating art or design projects (I love painting, drawing, and doodling), spending time with my family (and dog, most importantly), and have recently discovered a love for exploring thrift and second-hand stores!
This past month was filled with info sessions and resource suggestions that often left me with more unanswered questions (and way too many open tabs on my screen). As VP Communications, I’d focus on alleviating this confusion I’m sure we all share by increasing the ease of navigating these pages, the awareness of available opportunities, and the access to mentors as we ask questions about our future careers. With prior SC experience, I hope to use my creativity, student-advocacy, and web-design skills to create a centralized MMSC “hub” serving as a landing page for FAQs, contacts, and resources that will promote our growth as people, medical students, and community members. My major goals would include collating the resources we’ve been provided, asking upper years/residents to share advice and anecdotes, and providing regular updates about ongoing projects or initiatives on/around campus (alongside any other suggestions you might have!).
I served in a similar communication-centered role on my graduate SC, where I developed a webpage about our department’s interests, needs, and achievements. Recognizing my strengths and perspectives alongside my limits and differences, I connected with fellow students and SC members to ask questions, hear stories, and learn how to represent diversity and respect in the tone, resources, and initiatives I included. As VP Communications, I would continue this mindset by engaging with EDI representatives, other VPs, and student body at-large when developing or promoting projects, modifying webpages, or circulating newsletters to ensure safety and inclusion not only for students, but also the communities we intersect. I would seek feedback on ideas, stay updated with EDI initiatives, and celebrate highlights from all the groups and backgrounds shared in our class. Most importantly, I would approach the role with an open-mind and intentions set on learning and helping wherever possible.
This past month was filled with info sessions and resource suggestions that often left me with more unanswered questions (and way too many open tabs on my screen). As VP Communications, I’d focus on alleviating this confusion I’m sure we all share by increasing the ease of navigating these pages, the awareness of available opportunities, and the access to mentors as we ask questions about our future careers. With prior SC experience, I hope to use my creativity, student-advocacy, and web-design skills to create a centralized MMSC “hub” serving as a landing page for FAQs, contacts, and resources that will promote our growth as people, medical students, and community members. My major goals would include collating the resources we’ve been provided, asking upper years/residents to share advice and anecdotes, and providing regular updates about ongoing projects or initiatives on/around campus (alongside any other suggestions you might have!).
I served in a similar communication-centered role on my graduate SC, where I developed a webpage about our department’s interests, needs, and achievements. Recognizing my strengths and perspectives alongside my limits and differences, I connected with fellow students and SC members to ask questions, hear stories, and learn how to represent diversity and respect in the tone, resources, and initiatives I included. As VP Communications, I would continue this mindset by engaging with EDI representatives, other VPs, and student body at-large when developing or promoting projects, modifying webpages, or circulating newsletters to ensure safety and inclusion not only for students, but also the communities we intersect. I would seek feedback on ideas, stay updated with EDI initiatives, and celebrate highlights from all the groups and backgrounds shared in our class. Most importantly, I would approach the role with an open-mind and intentions set on learning and helping wherever possible.
Sean Lifshits
Hey everyone, my name is Sean and my pronouns are he/him! When I’m not studying with friends, you can find me at the gym or hiking the trails around campus. I like playing chess, although quite poorly, and watching sitcoms, which I’m great at! I also love making and trying different coffees, having worked at Starbucks for four years and even earning the (completely useless) title of Coffee Master.
I have been a member of student councils throughout high school and undergrad, and find student advocacy extremely fulfilling. My goal, as a member of the MMSC, will be to build your confidence to speak up on pertinent issues. As medical students, we are going to have a lot of information thrown at us in the coming years. In the role of VP Communications, I hope to empower the student body (that’s you!) through consistent and accessible sharing of information.
As your VP Communications, I will ensure that you have the information you need to thrive in medical school. My priorities are:
Inviting Feedback and Adapting: The addition of a virtual suggestions box for the MMSC website will allow students to anonymously submit tips on how the website and newsletter can be improved. Class surveys will also help improve MMSC communication.
Accessibility: By adding an archive page to the website, containing meeting minutes and other documents, all students will have ongoing access to important information.
Information Flow: Our class has several communication channels, and I hope to leverage them to best reach you! I will implement the use of new platforms based on your suggestions through the previously mentioned virtual suggestions box.
Uplifting: I hope to amplify the voices and accomplishments of students in our class. This will include spotlight features, achievement highlights, and sharing unique stories on social media!
As VP Communications I will have the opportunity and responsibility to uplift the voices and experiences of all students, especially those identifying with marginalized groups.
I will regularly connect with the VPs of EDI and Indigenous Health (IH), as well as the Interest Group (IG) co-chairs for IH, 2SLGBTQ+ Health, Social Justice, and other equity-focused groups. This will allow me to gather important information and resources which can be incorporated into the website and weekly newsletters. I also plan to collaborate with the above VPs and IG co-chairs to create new resource pages on the MMSC website that will highlight and amplify their important work.
Further, I hope to include the student body by implementing anonymous resource suggestion forms on all of the new pages, as well as the current Anti-Black Racism Resources page. These will be regularly checked and used to provide constant updates.
I have been a member of student councils throughout high school and undergrad, and find student advocacy extremely fulfilling. My goal, as a member of the MMSC, will be to build your confidence to speak up on pertinent issues. As medical students, we are going to have a lot of information thrown at us in the coming years. In the role of VP Communications, I hope to empower the student body (that’s you!) through consistent and accessible sharing of information.
As your VP Communications, I will ensure that you have the information you need to thrive in medical school. My priorities are:
Inviting Feedback and Adapting: The addition of a virtual suggestions box for the MMSC website will allow students to anonymously submit tips on how the website and newsletter can be improved. Class surveys will also help improve MMSC communication.
Accessibility: By adding an archive page to the website, containing meeting minutes and other documents, all students will have ongoing access to important information.
Information Flow: Our class has several communication channels, and I hope to leverage them to best reach you! I will implement the use of new platforms based on your suggestions through the previously mentioned virtual suggestions box.
Uplifting: I hope to amplify the voices and accomplishments of students in our class. This will include spotlight features, achievement highlights, and sharing unique stories on social media!
As VP Communications I will have the opportunity and responsibility to uplift the voices and experiences of all students, especially those identifying with marginalized groups.
I will regularly connect with the VPs of EDI and Indigenous Health (IH), as well as the Interest Group (IG) co-chairs for IH, 2SLGBTQ+ Health, Social Justice, and other equity-focused groups. This will allow me to gather important information and resources which can be incorporated into the website and weekly newsletters. I also plan to collaborate with the above VPs and IG co-chairs to create new resource pages on the MMSC website that will highlight and amplify their important work.
Further, I hope to include the student body by implementing anonymous resource suggestion forms on all of the new pages, as well as the current Anti-Black Racism Resources page. These will be regularly checked and used to provide constant updates.