​VP Student Affairs - Candidates​

Winnie Situ

BIO
 
Hello hello, thanks for pausing to learn a lil’ about me! Wish we were meeting in reality – Y’all might realize I sound like a prepubescent boy :’) but at least we’d be able to vibe over our mutual confusion. That last point is pretty much why I’m here – I figured that if I’m disoriented about how med school works, chances are many of you are too. A lot of us want clearer communication about curriculum and a more “normal”, healthy medical school experience. So I’m here because I believe that, together, we can develop effective solutions. Bringing events and initiatives to fruition is kinda my jam – Alongside developing patient workshops, I was also president and executive of clubs that advocate for populations including vulnerable children and hard-of-hearing individuals. And now, I hope to advocate on behalf of YOU, to ensure changes that benefit our cohort are made!
 
PLATFORM
 
We are a team, which means I WILL be pestering y’all about your needs and priorities – You’ve been warned!! That being said, I do have some ideas I want to run by you:
 
INCREASE ORGANIZATION
  • Class Prep Newsletter: Sometimes it’s frustrating sorting through the abyss of class content and tutorial resources. Subscribe for a weekly summary of preparation materials for upcoming classes/assessments, mentor-approved tutorial resources + fun events happening locally.
 
REDUCE STUDENT EXPENSES
  • Business Clothing + Medical Supplies Drive: Get the clinical supplies you need without breaking the bank (proceeds can go to charity!)
 
MAINTAIN MENTAL HEALTH & COMMUNITY
  • “How I Became Your Doctor” Podcast: Our preceptors and professors weren’t always medical experts – Tune in to hear about their biggest screw-ups, how they manage imposter syndrome, and their unique medical journeys.
  • Drop-In Volunteer Sessions: Give back to the community as a way to de-stress, bond, and help marginalized populations!

Danielle Penney

BIO
 
I completed my undergrad in Biochemistry at McMaster before taking two years off to travel the world and work as a nanny. During my undergrad I was involved in multiple student societies and leadership programs, and also worked on some political advocacy initiatives. I have always been passionate about wellness, balance and living a healthy lifestyle, and I hope to leverage my event planning skills to run events to help us unwind and bond with each other. While we will all study hard over the next 3 years, I believe it's just as important to ensure that we are still finding time to have fun and feel connected with our classmates. I hope to use my political advocacy experience to advocate for the best interests of our class and ensure that we as a student body feel as supported as possible by both the MMSC and the wider Mac Med administration.
 
PLATFORM
 
O-week and MF1 being completely online has presented additional academic and social challenges for us all. I'm sure many of you are also worried about learning online, or just feeling disconnected from our classmates. We shouldn't have to miss out on key bonding experiences just because our first week was online. That's why my first platform point as VP student affairs is to re-allocate unused MMSC o-week money to host the in-person events that we missed out on, spaced out throughout the school year. Past years got to enjoy a Blue Mountain weekend and drinks at the Hamilton Art Gallery -- so should we! While fun events like karaoke nights are super important, my second platform point is to liaise with the student affairs office and anatomy department to plan events that go beyond typical relaxation-focused "wellness" initiatives, such as extra suturing workshops and clinical skills practice sessions, so that we can be our best selves in every sense of the term.

Jason Wang

BIO
 
Hey everyone! My name is Jason Wang (he/him), and I am super pumped to be running to represent YOU, the Class of 2024!
 
I did my undergrad at Western and am originally from Richmond Hill, Ontario. Advocacy is something I am hugely passionate about! I’ve held a number of school and community positions where I’ve been able to spearhead many initiatives that have resulted in tangible, long-lasting change. I believe I have the necessary skillset and experience for the MMSC, but more importantly the desire to drive innovation.
 
Outside of MacMed, I am an avid gamer, Netflix-binger, math nerd, and ex-gym rat (pandemic’s got me down bad :( ).
 
Enough about me… I want to hear from you! I have tons of ideas I would love to implement if elected, and would be happy to chat with anyone who wants to learn more about me or my vision for the MMSC.
 
PLATFORM
 
Thanks for your interest in my platform!
 
The overarching vision I have in mind for my time as VP Student Affairs is to improve access to productive, meaningful opportunities for MacMed students. Through hearing your concerns and liaising with the department, I would like to carry out this theme by concentrating on the following 3 pillars:
  1. Set up an integrated way for the class to connect with physicians, researchers, and faculty members affiliated with the medical school to promote community engagement/career exploration at the Hamilton/Waterloo/Niagara campuses.
  2. Work with the Student Affairs Advisory Group to create actionable feedback for the department in order to build upon the efficacy of current mentorship, wellness, and career exploration initiatives.
  3. Host regular mental health/academic wellness enrichment sessions for classmates to receive support in their learning and student life.
 
Summary: Opportunities, better resources, wellness support, and MORE opportunities <3