​VP Student Affairs - Candidates​

Alisha Sharma

Tell us about yourself: 

Hi! I’m Alisha and, as much as I have loved meeting so many of you over zoom calls, I can’t wait to eventually get back to Hamilton and meet everyone in real life! When I’m not on zoom, I like to hang out with other people’s puppies, play tennis and hockey, write, and try out new recipes with varying degrees of success. I did my undergrad at McMaster, which is where I first became involved with student wellness services and health advocacy, as well as student council, through which I met lots of awesome people and was inspired to advocate for change that prioritizes student health and wellbeing. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this class and would be honored to represent you as part of the MMSC!

What is your Platform? 

In my experience, achieving success (of any type – academic or otherwise) in a particular setting is dependent on, and maybe even secondary to, our wellbeing in that setting. As VP Student Affairs, I would prioritize our shared and individual wellness by opening up avenues for consistent feedback collection and communication and by adapting to our needs as they evolve. More immediately, I would like to work with the Social Committee to implement a series of ongoing optional social events, like movie nights and cooking or book clubs, and drop-in video chatrooms to discuss shared stresses/concerns/thoughts. As well, I would like to fill some of the gaps left by horizontals and observerships, for instance, by establishing a comprehensive database of upcoming specialty-focused medical conferences. As VPSA, I would work hard to provide dedicated representation for each member of our class, strengthen class unity and enhance our experience over the coming years.

Colin Whaley

Tell us about yourself: 

Hi, I’m Colin! I did my bachelors and masters at the University of Waterloo, and I’m beyond excited to be a part of the MacMed Class of 2023! I describe my approach to life as “generally stoked,” and I’m experienced in making things that last while creating opportunities for others to learn and grow. In undergrad, I founded a club helping older adults use technology, which runs to this day because of the amazing people I’ve worked with to create sustainable change.

Making sure others are heard and represented is how I approach my every day, from research to advocacy to friendships. COVID can make this a challenge, but I believe fostering meaningful connections with each other and clear communication with those who guide us will help us become the amazing doctors we’re destined to be.

What is your Platform? 

Despite the complexities of the world around us, my platform is simple — helping us stay connected: to each other, the MD Program, and future mentors. As VP Student Affairs, I would ensure that we’re supported despite our distance and different situations.

As the first few weeks of MF1 have marched on, we’re in need of structured, deliberate opportunities to connect with each other. Advocating for resources to support this unique challenge our class is facing during this time of social distancing would be my main priority. Understanding everyone’s situation is unique, I’d advocate for continued support from the MD Program surrounding wellness, especially for those who may be hesitant to speak up. Finally, I’d push for earlier opportunities to begin career exploration, such as “day in the life of” lectures, to help us learn more about the possible ways in which we can serve our patients.

Elliot Polster

Tell us about yourself: 

Hi everybody! My name is Elliot and I’m a Hamilton campus student from Thornhill, ON. I did my undergrad at Western (I promise I’ll stop talking about it eventually……) and am beyond excited for this next chapter at Mac.

I became passionate about student council at Western, representing my program each of my four years. Throughout my years on council, I saw and helped to implement many wellness initiatives, events, and career/program exploration sessions. As somebody for whom wellness takes mental energy and who has ZERO clue what I want to be other than “a doctor” in three years, you can be rest assured that I will work tirelessly to make the VPSA portfolio a success this year.
Outside of council, you’ll find me (HOPEFULLY “soon™”) playing exceptionally obscure sports like Ultimate and inner tube, volunteering with Camp Ooch, studying(?!) and enjoying nature and the company of my friends :)

What is your Platform? 

While my platform is malleable to YOUR needs and wants, I’ve chosen two central pillars:

ENGAGEMENT
Engagement means two things: keeping you actively engaged, while I remain engaged with our community. Here are some ideas to keep us connected and mentally well:
o Wellness Workshops – small events for us to connect, relax, and destress
o Humans of MacMed - spotlight some AMAZING MacMed personalities
o Optionally anonymized feedback Forms – what can I do to help?
o Virtual “open door” policy – drop me a line anytime! I’m here to listen <3

EXPLORATION
We made it here – but (SURPRISE!!) the decisions and uncertainty don’t end! It can be stressful, but I have plans to dispel some myths, dissipate some stress, and help simplify decisions:
o Peer Professional Perspectives – setbacks happen; let’s share our stories and normalize “being okay not being okay”
o Career Exploration Panels – how did the experts become “experts”?

Etri Kocaqi

Tell us about yourself:

As a motivated, well-organized, passionate, and funny (at least my mom thinks so) individual I am excited to have the opportunity to meaningfully engage with the MacMed community. I am an Albanian Canadian immigrant who was fortunate to be raised in a loving and supportive community which taught me the value of hard work and supporting others. As a result, I have translated this lived experience into several leadership and counselling roles. These roles include: President of the Albanian Students Union at UofT, Co-Presidents & Event Coordinator for Peace by Peace Toronto Chapter and Mental Health Peer Support Worker. These roles provided me with invaluable insight into professional relationship building, transparent communication, event organization and inclusivity/accessibility. If elected to be a part of the Student Council, I will dedicate myself to empowering the student voice as well as supporting the community as a whole.

What is your Platform? 

As VP of Student Affairs, I am dedicated to supporting students both in the online environment and as well transitioning back in-person. My platform includes the following (1) Work closely with the wellness committee to organize virtual peer support groups, mindfulness sessions, running/exercise groups offered on a weekly basis to give student the opportunity to network and build relationship with the community. (2) Organize bi-monthly social events including board game nights, escape rooms, trivia nights open to all campuses and students. (3) Organize/create an open source document with up to date research and volunteer opportunities for medical students (4) Propose/organize “virtual-shadowing” electives/horizontals for students to gain insight into experiences of various healthcare professionals (especially with the movement into virtual healthcare) (5) Organize frequent meetings/town halls open to students/appropriate stakeholders/Interest Groups/Committees to provide feedback and voice various concerns (6) Assure safety and maintenance of health guidelines at in-person events, while providing accessible virtual alternatives for those unable to attend

Faran Khalid

Tell us about yourself: 

Hello c2023!
My name is Faran Khalid and this year I have the immense honor and privilege to be running for the positions of MMSC President and VP Student Affairs. I completed my undergraduate degree this year at Western University. In my free time I enjoy cooking, running, zoom calls and online (window) shopping. With a long and diverse background in student politics and advocacy, I hope to continue working towards the solution for student issues. I have a specific passion for minority issues and representation. As an MMSC executive, I want the McMaster medical program to feel like a home and family for everyone, where students are provided with a robust support system and the tools to voice their concerns and issues, and work towards our shared goals. If you have any comments, questions or concerns, feel free to reach out at faran.khalid@medportal.ca.

What is your Platform? 

Many of the previously mentioned goals play an important role within the VP Student Affairs portfolio as well. Specifically, within this position, I hope to increase student accessibility to mental health resources and wellness initiatives. There are many novel aspects associated with wellness and student success in an online learning environment that need to be addressed this year. There is a need to introduce programming surrounding ergonomic wellness, screen fatigue and burnout, reduced motivation or focus in an online setting, schedule development and workspace management. To address concerns of networking and socializing within an online environment, I would like to explore options to host in-person wellness events run by the MMSC. As VP Student Affairs, I wish to provide my peers with the tools to raise their concerns to administration, increase transparency within decisions and uphold open line of communication between students and leadership.

Parmeet Kahlon

Tell us about yourself: 

Hello! My name is Parmeet Kahlon (pronouns she/her), and I am so excited to be a member of the amazing C2023 Class of the Bumblebees! I recently completed my undergraduate degree in Nursing at Ryerson University, where I founded an organ donation advocacy group, MOTIONS, and was a member of the Canadian Nursing Students Association as the Associate Delegate. I find myself both excited and nervous to be starting medical school, but am endlessly grateful to find myself surrounded by the kindest, most supportive peers. A little bit about me, I'm an avid reader, an overly-enthusiastic hiker and a self-proclaimed sous-chef, albeit this is frequently debated. However this election goes (which I cannot believe I'm actually partaking in...like bruh??), I'm so excited to meet all of you, engage in critical discussion, form meaningful friendships, and have a good ol' time in MacMed!

What is your platform? 

We've faced countless challenges this year, but the resilience and positive outlook of our cohort has been unbelievably inspiring, and our willingness to discuss the toll these events have taken is exceedingly liberating. Student leadership opportunities, such as the VP of Student Affairs, offer a strong platform from which I hope to advocate for issues identified by the student population, and form meaningful professional relationships with organizations across Canada to pioneer partnerships that support our students. As medical students, we hold immense privilege and power that directly impacts the lives of those we care for. Healthcare must evolve beyond the limited biomedical model of health to encompass larger social determinants that are crucial in configuring our ability to achieve wellbeing. With the unique educational curriculum at McMaster, we are able to learn about several of these key concepts in a meaningful manner. I hope to utilize my position as VP of Student Affairs to help with the evolution of the curriculum to integrate novel topics identified by our class as having pertinent relevance to the events that have recently precipitated globally. Feedback is not only a crucial aspect of the medical program, but also essential to who I am; I always strive to grow as person, recognizing the unique lived experiences and perspectives of those around me and hoping to reflect on their input to evolve into a more holistic, respectful leader. With your support, I pledge to work alongside all of you in making meaningful changes, fostering a strong link with our faculty to ensure that McMaster Medicine is a highly inclusive, diverse program that values the individuality of our students, their needs and perspectives, helping to form a culturally sensitive class with a deep-rooted awareness of the realities of the world, and what our patients might face in their everyday lives.

Rob Dydynsky

Tell us about yourself: 

Hey everyone! My name is Rob and I’m hoping to be a part of the MMSC this year. Before Mac Med, I attended UofT for life sciences as a commuter from Etobicoke!

At UofT, I served on a few student bodies organizing academic & social events – the main one being the Human Biology Students’ Union where I acted as the events coordinator, helping organize things like formals, pub nights, mentorship programs, and helping liaise between students and faculty. Outside of school, I’ve been involved with City of Toronto municipal recreation where I supervised, trained and certified aquatics staff. More personally, I’ve recently been getting back into things like cooking and gaming as stress relievers!

Although everyone in Mac Med is highly prepared to bring great things to the MMSC, I’m hoping to bring my own skills, lessons learned, and fresh ideas from my past into the positions I’m running for!

What is your Platform?

Coming from a large, intense undergrad program, it was unfortunately common to see students uncomfortable, disengaged, and ruminating about the educational environment. It always seemed that what we were learning had a far greater emphasis than what environment this learning took place in – and thus, I took on roles to improve wellness and engagement through well-planned and well-communicated events. Coming into Mac Med, I realized that due to these successful experiences helping students, student affairs and wellness will always be passions of mine. I aim to continue identifying causes of distress to students, to eliminate undue sources of it, and to control inevitable stress by investigating multi-faceted events that best alleviate it. I also hope to explore tools for assessing wellness, such as surveys that identify/predict stressful junctions in the program, allowing us to pre-plan & alleviate them, as well as passing these findings to future cohorts for their benefit.​

Stephanie Scott

Tell us about yourself: 

Hello! My name is Stephanie (she/her) and I just finished my undergrad in Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization at McMaster. I’m thrilled to be spending 3 more years at Mac! Typically, I’d say that you can either find me procrastinating my studies in the Health Sciences Library or playing any and every intramural sport but now you can find me spending too much time in the kitchen or attempting (failing) to go for runs through my neighbourhood. I’ve also dabbled in watching every Netflix and Disney+ show and then balancing my screen time with a nice waterfall hike. Being the VP External and Academic of my program society in undergrad was one of my most rewarding experiences and I hope to have the opportunity to help us as a class reach our full potential. Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns or just need to share some medicine puns!

What is your Platform?

We have waited a long time to begin medical school and although this is not what we pictured, I want to ensure McMaster and the medicine community feels like home. I would like to facilitate more socializing opportunities with weekly events such as speed meeting and board games nights. Once we’re able to resume in person activities, I will advocate for in-person welcoming events and an in-person white coat ceremony (even if it’s in 2023). In terms of career exploration, I will advocate for online horizontal electives, such that we can learn from physicians conducting online appointments. I would also like to organize a ‘Meet the Docs’ event, featuring different break rooms to give students the opportunity to speak with different medical professionals. Finally, I hope to place a big emphasis on wellness through different initiatives such as yoga classes, virtual running club, video game tournaments and TV/movie nights!