Sarthak Singh
Hello everyone! My name is Sarthak (he/him), and I am a first-generation Indian immigrant settler on Treaty 7 land in Calgary, Alberta. I did my undergraduate degree in Health and Society, a public health and social justice-focused degree, at the University of Calgary. I was involved in a number of EDI-related works at UCalgary, including the Indian Students’ Association, the Faith and Spirituality Centre, and the Food Justice Network. Having been involved in student government since high school, I served as the president of my undergraduate faculty students’ association. Beyond school, I love to run and am a Zumba instructor (yes, the classes that mostly middle-aged women take). I am a big musical theatre and film nerd and love all things Taylor Swift :) I want to thank you for taking time to read my platform and it's been wonderful meeting so many of you over the past month!
To promote EDI, which will ultimately allow us to become better physicians, there are three main parts to my platform. First, I would like to work alongside equity-deserving interest groups to better support these organizations and have a greater number of students connecting to the resources they provide. Particularly, I have the hope of creating an EDI IG working group, where leaders from these IGs can connect and meet regularly with one another and potentially host collaborative cross-cultural events. Second, I would like to further the involvement of community equity-deserving groups within our work, including through speaker series or through expanding the formal curriculum. Lastly, I hope to create a formal anonymous channel where my peers can provide feedback relating to EDI issues or strengths that I can promptly bring to faculty, so we see changes directly in our time here at Mac.
As a queer South Asian, EDI has been a wonderful tool that has supported me through adversity in my life but also taught me incredible humility in the work I have left to do. A large part of the EDI-IR nomenclature to me involves actually moving beyond this notion of inclusion, into the concept of belonging. While it is one thing for a group to feel included, it is another to have groups feel as though they deserve and belong to be there. These groups and their members should feel safe to share, disclose, and contribute to the discussions and decision-making processes that foster growth and change. Equity is recognizing that marginalized groups must be supported to ensure they receive equal opportunity, but to work alongside these groups and support them to empower their own communities while working in allyship and collaboration is how that sense of belonging and true diversity can be fostered in a sustainable manner. EDI-IR is a journey, one that I alone cannot simply accomplish, but it is one that I hope I can contribute to and work towards, so the lifelong journey of creating a sense of belonging and empowerment is tangibly felt for students from equity-deserving groups and for all students on campus. To remain accountable to my goals, I will check in and meet with equity-deserving groups, the EDI committee, and the EDI faculty members routinely to ensure our shared commitments and priorities are still adequately fostering that sense of belonging. Maintaining open lines of communication with all these groups and all students in the medical school will enable me to represent students from every possible equity-deserving group to the best of my abilities.
The most prominent measure I have taken to foster cultural humility in my advocacy and allyship work is to work alongside the community and meet people from under-represented groups to truly understand their experiences from their own eyes. Having empathy is key to being a strong advocate and ally, and the best form of empathy comes from a real understanding of the lived experiences of those from equity-deserving groups. For me, this has involved working in inter-faith spaces, such as the Faith and Spirituality Centre at the University of Calgary. Through my work I met a number of people from different cultural backgrounds and also people who were neurodiverse, experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, or those who were international students. Connecting with these people and knowing their perspective allowed me to become a fiercer advocate for student affordability and food security on campus. Just as knowing when to take a step back and listen is most important, I have also learned that there are times when taking the lead to support members of equity-deserving groups is of great importance. For example, at the centre, I took the lead in creating a group for 2SLGBTQIA+ members of faith so that they could feel more supported. As well, I was selected to be an advisor to the provincial government and consolidated health-body in Alberta for addictions and mental health, where I have learned to be able to sit back and listen to the groups I represent (South Asians, university students, 2SLGBTIA+ people, those living with mental illness), and then be able to consolidate and bring back their perspectives in a way where it can be useful for systemic change. A large part of this involved consistent checking-in with members and creating channels of open communication with the groups I was representing.
To promote EDI, which will ultimately allow us to become better physicians, there are three main parts to my platform. First, I would like to work alongside equity-deserving interest groups to better support these organizations and have a greater number of students connecting to the resources they provide. Particularly, I have the hope of creating an EDI IG working group, where leaders from these IGs can connect and meet regularly with one another and potentially host collaborative cross-cultural events. Second, I would like to further the involvement of community equity-deserving groups within our work, including through speaker series or through expanding the formal curriculum. Lastly, I hope to create a formal anonymous channel where my peers can provide feedback relating to EDI issues or strengths that I can promptly bring to faculty, so we see changes directly in our time here at Mac.
As a queer South Asian, EDI has been a wonderful tool that has supported me through adversity in my life but also taught me incredible humility in the work I have left to do. A large part of the EDI-IR nomenclature to me involves actually moving beyond this notion of inclusion, into the concept of belonging. While it is one thing for a group to feel included, it is another to have groups feel as though they deserve and belong to be there. These groups and their members should feel safe to share, disclose, and contribute to the discussions and decision-making processes that foster growth and change. Equity is recognizing that marginalized groups must be supported to ensure they receive equal opportunity, but to work alongside these groups and support them to empower their own communities while working in allyship and collaboration is how that sense of belonging and true diversity can be fostered in a sustainable manner. EDI-IR is a journey, one that I alone cannot simply accomplish, but it is one that I hope I can contribute to and work towards, so the lifelong journey of creating a sense of belonging and empowerment is tangibly felt for students from equity-deserving groups and for all students on campus. To remain accountable to my goals, I will check in and meet with equity-deserving groups, the EDI committee, and the EDI faculty members routinely to ensure our shared commitments and priorities are still adequately fostering that sense of belonging. Maintaining open lines of communication with all these groups and all students in the medical school will enable me to represent students from every possible equity-deserving group to the best of my abilities.
The most prominent measure I have taken to foster cultural humility in my advocacy and allyship work is to work alongside the community and meet people from under-represented groups to truly understand their experiences from their own eyes. Having empathy is key to being a strong advocate and ally, and the best form of empathy comes from a real understanding of the lived experiences of those from equity-deserving groups. For me, this has involved working in inter-faith spaces, such as the Faith and Spirituality Centre at the University of Calgary. Through my work I met a number of people from different cultural backgrounds and also people who were neurodiverse, experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, or those who were international students. Connecting with these people and knowing their perspective allowed me to become a fiercer advocate for student affordability and food security on campus. Just as knowing when to take a step back and listen is most important, I have also learned that there are times when taking the lead to support members of equity-deserving groups is of great importance. For example, at the centre, I took the lead in creating a group for 2SLGBTQIA+ members of faith so that they could feel more supported. As well, I was selected to be an advisor to the provincial government and consolidated health-body in Alberta for addictions and mental health, where I have learned to be able to sit back and listen to the groups I represent (South Asians, university students, 2SLGBTIA+ people, those living with mental illness), and then be able to consolidate and bring back their perspectives in a way where it can be useful for systemic change. A large part of this involved consistent checking-in with members and creating channels of open communication with the groups I was representing.
Avery Hart
When I applied to medicine, I was in the midst of an emotional dilemma. How could I become a part of a system that does so much harm to trans people? Would becoming a doctor even make a difference for my community? Is being transgender really a contraindication to 'professionalism'?
As a passionate advocate deeply immersed in advancing trans health education within Hamilton, I'm driven to confront the trans health crisis head-on. The statistics for our province are staggering: transgender individuals grapple with alarmingly higher rates of mental illness and encounter barriers to adequate healthcare. Additionally, national survey's have shown while 95% of medical students agreed that transgender health care was important, only 10% felt capable of providing it. As a proud transgender individual myself, I'm unwavering in my VP EDI platform, sculpting a medical curriculum that no longer makes learning trans health an option, but a requirement. Collaborating hand-in-hand with 2SLGBTQ+ experts, I'm on a mission to ignite the flames of advocacy in future healthcare leaders to protect and serve their community. Guided by clear goals, unwavering dedication, and the insights from my own journey, I'm committed to catalysing an exciting transformation of McMaster's medical landscape and beyond.
When I applied to medicine, I was in the midst of an emotional dilemma. How could I become a part of a system that does so much harm to trans people? Would becoming a doctor even make a difference for my community? Is being transgender really a contraindication to 'professionalism'? Equity, diversity, and inclusion hold a mirror to the soul of our healthcare system, revealing both our progress and our shortcomings. In the heart of Ontario, a disquieting truth resonates – the trans health crisis is a stark testament to the systemic barriers that persist. As I navigated my path into medicine, I confronted the dissonance between my aspiration to heal and a system that often perpetuates harm to my own transgender community.
To me, equity becomes a fervent promise to mend these fractures. It's the unwavering commitment to ensure that every trans person, irrespective of their gender journey, has unimpeded access to compassionate care. Diversity amplifies the mosaic of experiences that enrich our world, while inclusion crafts a safe harbor where these experiences are valued and celebrated.
In the province of Ontario, the trans health crisis rages on – a symphony of untold stories woven with discrimination, inadequate care, and shattered trust. The statistics lay bare the urgency: disproportionate rates of mental health challenges, higher suicide risks, and compromised physical health. It's a haunting reflection of a system that's faltering its most vulnerable.
VP EDI transcends a title; it's a mandate to be a catalyst for change. To hold myself accountable, I envision a transformed medical curriculum that offers a holistic lens on trans health. We need comprehensive education, bridging the chasm between medical knowledge and the realities faced by transgender individuals. This isn't just about checking boxes; it's about igniting conversations that reverberate with empathy and understanding.
As an advocate and ally for underrepresented groups, I've proactively undertaken a range of measures to ensure cultural safety and inclusivity. I recognise that my role goes beyond intentions, requiring ongoing efforts to create meaningful impact. One can not claim allyship to all groups by simply being a member of an oppressed group themselves. I do not think I know everything there is to know about being a good ally, but I am willing to learn. I engage in immersive learning experiences, actively seeking out workshops, seminars, and webinars on cultural competency and the experiences of marginalised communities. Seeking teachers rather than making demands, I embrace the responsibility of educating myself, understanding the heavy load that marginalised individuals often carry.
Listening is a cornerstone of effective advocacy, and I've made it a priority to lend my ears to those who often go unheard. Through open dialogues and creating safe spaces (such as my work with the women and gender equality network on campus), I've fostered an environment where individuals can share their experiences without fear of judgment. Beyond this, I've collaborated with community leaders and organizations, consistently learning from their expertise to inform my advocacy work. This partnership ensures that my efforts are aligned with the actual needs of the communities I'm dedicated to supporting. In various roles, such as member of the Hamilton trans health coalition, I focus on how intersectionality can influence our initiates, so close connection with organizations like the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) are crucial.
My personal goals are rooted in a genuine commitment to progress, empathy, and transformative change. Through ongoing learning and active listening, I'm hopeful in my mission to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all underrepresented individuals that may find solace in my support.
As a passionate advocate deeply immersed in advancing trans health education within Hamilton, I'm driven to confront the trans health crisis head-on. The statistics for our province are staggering: transgender individuals grapple with alarmingly higher rates of mental illness and encounter barriers to adequate healthcare. Additionally, national survey's have shown while 95% of medical students agreed that transgender health care was important, only 10% felt capable of providing it. As a proud transgender individual myself, I'm unwavering in my VP EDI platform, sculpting a medical curriculum that no longer makes learning trans health an option, but a requirement. Collaborating hand-in-hand with 2SLGBTQ+ experts, I'm on a mission to ignite the flames of advocacy in future healthcare leaders to protect and serve their community. Guided by clear goals, unwavering dedication, and the insights from my own journey, I'm committed to catalysing an exciting transformation of McMaster's medical landscape and beyond.
When I applied to medicine, I was in the midst of an emotional dilemma. How could I become a part of a system that does so much harm to trans people? Would becoming a doctor even make a difference for my community? Is being transgender really a contraindication to 'professionalism'? Equity, diversity, and inclusion hold a mirror to the soul of our healthcare system, revealing both our progress and our shortcomings. In the heart of Ontario, a disquieting truth resonates – the trans health crisis is a stark testament to the systemic barriers that persist. As I navigated my path into medicine, I confronted the dissonance between my aspiration to heal and a system that often perpetuates harm to my own transgender community.
To me, equity becomes a fervent promise to mend these fractures. It's the unwavering commitment to ensure that every trans person, irrespective of their gender journey, has unimpeded access to compassionate care. Diversity amplifies the mosaic of experiences that enrich our world, while inclusion crafts a safe harbor where these experiences are valued and celebrated.
In the province of Ontario, the trans health crisis rages on – a symphony of untold stories woven with discrimination, inadequate care, and shattered trust. The statistics lay bare the urgency: disproportionate rates of mental health challenges, higher suicide risks, and compromised physical health. It's a haunting reflection of a system that's faltering its most vulnerable.
VP EDI transcends a title; it's a mandate to be a catalyst for change. To hold myself accountable, I envision a transformed medical curriculum that offers a holistic lens on trans health. We need comprehensive education, bridging the chasm between medical knowledge and the realities faced by transgender individuals. This isn't just about checking boxes; it's about igniting conversations that reverberate with empathy and understanding.
As an advocate and ally for underrepresented groups, I've proactively undertaken a range of measures to ensure cultural safety and inclusivity. I recognise that my role goes beyond intentions, requiring ongoing efforts to create meaningful impact. One can not claim allyship to all groups by simply being a member of an oppressed group themselves. I do not think I know everything there is to know about being a good ally, but I am willing to learn. I engage in immersive learning experiences, actively seeking out workshops, seminars, and webinars on cultural competency and the experiences of marginalised communities. Seeking teachers rather than making demands, I embrace the responsibility of educating myself, understanding the heavy load that marginalised individuals often carry.
Listening is a cornerstone of effective advocacy, and I've made it a priority to lend my ears to those who often go unheard. Through open dialogues and creating safe spaces (such as my work with the women and gender equality network on campus), I've fostered an environment where individuals can share their experiences without fear of judgment. Beyond this, I've collaborated with community leaders and organizations, consistently learning from their expertise to inform my advocacy work. This partnership ensures that my efforts are aligned with the actual needs of the communities I'm dedicated to supporting. In various roles, such as member of the Hamilton trans health coalition, I focus on how intersectionality can influence our initiates, so close connection with organizations like the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) are crucial.
My personal goals are rooted in a genuine commitment to progress, empathy, and transformative change. Through ongoing learning and active listening, I'm hopeful in my mission to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all underrepresented individuals that may find solace in my support.