Jaya Sharma
Hi everyone, I am from Oshawa, Ontario and studied Health Sciences (pursuing the Global Health stream) at Queen’s University. At Queen's, I was elected as the undergraduate student representative on the Board of Trustees, which sparked my interest in student advocacy. I also managed the university blood and stem cell donation team, which was a great way to learn about event planning. Outside of school, I like to be active - I can play most sports but am not super talented at any of them! I did intramural badminton, ultimate, and dodgeball at Queen’s and would love to create a MacMed team. Growing up, I also played the French Horn, and continued in the Queen’s orchestra, but now I’ve taken a pause since it is inconvenient to carry the instrument everywhere! I am excited to share my ideas and hope you will consider me for VP student affairs.
My first goal is to enhance student access to academic and extracurricular resources. For academics, I would contact companies to set up discounts for third-party educational resources and create a compilation of useful resources/notes (Anki tags, videos, etc.) for each completed tutorial. I would also maintain a database of McMaster-internal and -external extracurricular and research opportunities so that all information is available in one place. My second goal is to support a positive class culture. My ideas include organizing (1) regular class sporting events, rides, or runs, (2) fun activities and free food during stressful academic periods, and (3) interactive workshops on wellness topics such as mindfulness and healthy cooking. I also plan to evaluate student experiences with MacMed wellness resources to determine if there are gaps. Ultimately, I would fine-tune these plans based on the needs and interests of the class throughout our time at Mac.
It is important for MMSC representatives to be aware of how equity, diversity, and inclusion can determine which perspectives within the student body are heard. Throughout my term, I would not only be committed to resolving class-wide concerns but would also proactively establish relationships with equity-focused MacMed student groups (as well as the VP’s EDI and Indigenous Health) in order to uplift their work and hear diverse student perspectives. My goal would be to connect with students from an array of backgrounds and lived experiences. In addition, I would advocate for the implementation of MMSC-wide EDI training, which would be critical for unpacking unconscious biases. Accessibility is also essential to EDI- I would communicate with student affairs or accessibility services to ensure that all of my programming meets the accessibility needs within our student population. Ultimately, EDI will be a central consideration within each of my goals previously described.
My first goal is to enhance student access to academic and extracurricular resources. For academics, I would contact companies to set up discounts for third-party educational resources and create a compilation of useful resources/notes (Anki tags, videos, etc.) for each completed tutorial. I would also maintain a database of McMaster-internal and -external extracurricular and research opportunities so that all information is available in one place. My second goal is to support a positive class culture. My ideas include organizing (1) regular class sporting events, rides, or runs, (2) fun activities and free food during stressful academic periods, and (3) interactive workshops on wellness topics such as mindfulness and healthy cooking. I also plan to evaluate student experiences with MacMed wellness resources to determine if there are gaps. Ultimately, I would fine-tune these plans based on the needs and interests of the class throughout our time at Mac.
It is important for MMSC representatives to be aware of how equity, diversity, and inclusion can determine which perspectives within the student body are heard. Throughout my term, I would not only be committed to resolving class-wide concerns but would also proactively establish relationships with equity-focused MacMed student groups (as well as the VP’s EDI and Indigenous Health) in order to uplift their work and hear diverse student perspectives. My goal would be to connect with students from an array of backgrounds and lived experiences. In addition, I would advocate for the implementation of MMSC-wide EDI training, which would be critical for unpacking unconscious biases. Accessibility is also essential to EDI- I would communicate with student affairs or accessibility services to ensure that all of my programming meets the accessibility needs within our student population. Ultimately, EDI will be a central consideration within each of my goals previously described.
Leigh-Ann Grant
I have a passion for leadership, research, advocacy, and community engagement. My leadership skills have been demonstrated over the past few years within various executive roles at my alma mater (mentorship roles, head of an independent research project, etc). I've shown my love for research through various projects as well. In regard to student affairs, I have participated in research about compassion fatigue and burnout, which regularly impact medical professionals, and I am passionate about discussing such topics as well. I have advocated for neurodivergent children and children from racialized communities in my local community, and for students in the residence community of my former university. I am passionate about community engagement, and have shown this through past roles where I worked with diverse community members in community fostering, mentorship, academic support, and first-response (health-related). I have led various health-focused and self-care focused programs for local children and university students.
My platform...
1. Open spaces for discussion and social integration: Hosting regular student council town halls / forums/spaces for students to voice their concerns, give feedback on student council initiatives, suggest methods for improvement, and discuss with other students.
2. Maintaining transparency of the council: if elected, I will do my part to ensure that the council remains transparent: keeping routes for open communication (group chats, anonymous polls, etc), engaging students in decision-making, announcing new initiatives and changes in a clear manner, and remaining accountable for decisions taken.
3. Student wellbeing: partnering with the Mac Med Student Affairs team and external local mental health resources to lead workshops, drop-in sessions, and destressing (or "stress-buster") sessions. I also want to collaborate with and discuss with academic leaders within the MGDG Faculty of Medicine to make sure burnout is adequately discussed, its consequences, and how to combat it as students.
A huge part of EDI is not giving a voice to those who "don't have one," but instead amplifying the voices of people who are repeatedly not heard. In my role, I plan to ensure EDI is integrated by listening to the ideas and concerns of students from diverse backgrounds, including student ideas and student participation within those initiatives, and making sure to advocate for each every student just as much as I would for any of the other med students. I also want to increase cultural competency/sensitivity in our class and will take necessary steps to become increase my own cultural competency as well.
My platform...
1. Open spaces for discussion and social integration: Hosting regular student council town halls / forums/spaces for students to voice their concerns, give feedback on student council initiatives, suggest methods for improvement, and discuss with other students.
2. Maintaining transparency of the council: if elected, I will do my part to ensure that the council remains transparent: keeping routes for open communication (group chats, anonymous polls, etc), engaging students in decision-making, announcing new initiatives and changes in a clear manner, and remaining accountable for decisions taken.
3. Student wellbeing: partnering with the Mac Med Student Affairs team and external local mental health resources to lead workshops, drop-in sessions, and destressing (or "stress-buster") sessions. I also want to collaborate with and discuss with academic leaders within the MGDG Faculty of Medicine to make sure burnout is adequately discussed, its consequences, and how to combat it as students.
A huge part of EDI is not giving a voice to those who "don't have one," but instead amplifying the voices of people who are repeatedly not heard. In my role, I plan to ensure EDI is integrated by listening to the ideas and concerns of students from diverse backgrounds, including student ideas and student participation within those initiatives, and making sure to advocate for each every student just as much as I would for any of the other med students. I also want to increase cultural competency/sensitivity in our class and will take necessary steps to become increase my own cultural competency as well.
Kshitija Mundle
Hi everyone! My name is Kshitija (shí-thee-ja, in case you were wondering about the pronunciation :)), and my pronouns are she/her. As someone who is passionate about student wellness and mentorship, I’m very excited to run for VP Student Affairs! Before medical school, I completed my bachelor’s degree in the Health Sciences at Western University. I was actively involved in the school community by engaging in peer mentorship, wellness committees, and running academic and student success events, such as financial wellness seminars, exam care package distributions, and cultural socials for people from diverse backgrounds. I’m passionate about advocating for my peers, building a strong community, and leading by example, which is what I hope to embody as your prospective VP Student Affairs. In my free time, I enjoy listening to Bollywood music, baking cupcakes, and playing board games! Looking forward to getting to know everyone more!
My platform focuses on improving aspects of student wellness, professional growth, and student success that are key to the role of Student Affairs:
• Improve student wellness by running monthly events based on wellness dimensions (e.g., therapy dogs, meditation sessions, etc.), organize care packages after major assessments, and advocate to increase coverage for licensed psychotherapy services on the MSU medical and dental plan.
• Facilitate opportunities for professional growth by collaborating with the Student Affairs Office to host career exploration and learning assistance sessions, collaborate with interest groups to run specialty spotlight series and networking events, and increase opportunities for service learning/volunteering and research.
• Encourage student success by seeking monthly feedback on student programs, providing training/support to mentors in the Pre-clerkship and Resident Student Mentorship programs, and collaborating with VP Communications to include a student success resources page on the MMSC website and a Google Calendar for student events.
As VP Student Affairs, I will uphold EDI principles by engaging in the following:
• Wellness: I will collaborate with the VP EDI and VP Indigenous to run initiatives on wellness for BIPOC students (e.g., event exploring Indigenous health practises with the Indigenous Learning Lodge). I will spread awareness about the impact of social identity on wellness and how we can improve that for students. I will incorporate aspects of wellness that allow us to learn from other cultures into events (e.g., meditation session focusing on its cultural origins).
• Professional growth: I will aim to have representation from diverse backgrounds in career exploration, learning, and networking initiatives. I will promote professional development events catered towards BIPOC students. I will also add wellness and professional growth resources for BIPOC students onto the MMSC website.
• Student success: I will continually assess, collect feedback on, and improve upon the systems that are in place within the Student Affairs portfolio to enhance student experiences and uphold EDI principles. I will also train mentors on EDI principles and how to support mentees from different social identities.
My platform focuses on improving aspects of student wellness, professional growth, and student success that are key to the role of Student Affairs:
• Improve student wellness by running monthly events based on wellness dimensions (e.g., therapy dogs, meditation sessions, etc.), organize care packages after major assessments, and advocate to increase coverage for licensed psychotherapy services on the MSU medical and dental plan.
• Facilitate opportunities for professional growth by collaborating with the Student Affairs Office to host career exploration and learning assistance sessions, collaborate with interest groups to run specialty spotlight series and networking events, and increase opportunities for service learning/volunteering and research.
• Encourage student success by seeking monthly feedback on student programs, providing training/support to mentors in the Pre-clerkship and Resident Student Mentorship programs, and collaborating with VP Communications to include a student success resources page on the MMSC website and a Google Calendar for student events.
As VP Student Affairs, I will uphold EDI principles by engaging in the following:
• Wellness: I will collaborate with the VP EDI and VP Indigenous to run initiatives on wellness for BIPOC students (e.g., event exploring Indigenous health practises with the Indigenous Learning Lodge). I will spread awareness about the impact of social identity on wellness and how we can improve that for students. I will incorporate aspects of wellness that allow us to learn from other cultures into events (e.g., meditation session focusing on its cultural origins).
• Professional growth: I will aim to have representation from diverse backgrounds in career exploration, learning, and networking initiatives. I will promote professional development events catered towards BIPOC students. I will also add wellness and professional growth resources for BIPOC students onto the MMSC website.
• Student success: I will continually assess, collect feedback on, and improve upon the systems that are in place within the Student Affairs portfolio to enhance student experiences and uphold EDI principles. I will also train mentors on EDI principles and how to support mentees from different social identities.
Sabrina Mastroianni
Hi everyone! I’m 23, and I went to the University of Guelph for neuroscience and psychology. Some of my hobbies include soccer, drawing/painting, watching comedies, and exploring coffee shops every chance I get! I have always been passionate about wellness and mental health, especially after witnessing people close to me struggle as well as having my own challenges, and I absolutely love forming deep connections with others. This passion was further developed in my role as President of Guelph’s Jack Chapter, a national mental health organization, where I also had the privilege of sitting on my university’s Well-Being Advisory Committee to bring forth ideas from the student body. I also volunteer as a mental health speaker at schools across Canada, which brings me so much joy! The most important thing about me is that the love of my life and little ray of sunshine is my dog, Luna!
My goal would be to ensure students don’t just have all these wellness resources available to them, but that they also feel empowered and comfortable using them. I want there to be increased transparency when it comes to wellness struggles med students face, and I hope to provide more opportunities to discuss these challenges without fear of repercussions. For example, I would like to establish a forum for students to submit any topics they’d like advice on (either anonymously or not) for different staff/faculty to answer periodically– challenges related to academics, social circles, meal prep ideas, advice for each time period in the program, etc.! I would also love to develop more opportunities for students to informally connect with both peers and faculty, through initiatives like bringing in therapy dogs, coffee/snack breaks surrounding sessions, and an ongoing “suggestion box” for students to offer ideas to improve student well-being.
Wellness and EDI go hand-in-hand, and one of my priorities in this role would be to be a safe and approachable person for people to come to if they have any thoughts, ideas, or concerns Student Affairs could address. When I led the mental health club in undergrad, we organized various events, including hosting numerous speakers, and we always strove to find experts from a variety of identities and lived experiences. This contributed to events that better supported attendees, and also resulted in more interesting and informed events. Similarly, I think it is incredibly important for any wellness initiative to have a space for those from marginalized communities to connect, whether through physician-student, mentor-student, or student-student interactions; for example, I would like to develop private forums/sessions for queer physicians to share their experiences with and advice for queer med students to prioritize their well-being, in addition to other groups.
My goal would be to ensure students don’t just have all these wellness resources available to them, but that they also feel empowered and comfortable using them. I want there to be increased transparency when it comes to wellness struggles med students face, and I hope to provide more opportunities to discuss these challenges without fear of repercussions. For example, I would like to establish a forum for students to submit any topics they’d like advice on (either anonymously or not) for different staff/faculty to answer periodically– challenges related to academics, social circles, meal prep ideas, advice for each time period in the program, etc.! I would also love to develop more opportunities for students to informally connect with both peers and faculty, through initiatives like bringing in therapy dogs, coffee/snack breaks surrounding sessions, and an ongoing “suggestion box” for students to offer ideas to improve student well-being.
Wellness and EDI go hand-in-hand, and one of my priorities in this role would be to be a safe and approachable person for people to come to if they have any thoughts, ideas, or concerns Student Affairs could address. When I led the mental health club in undergrad, we organized various events, including hosting numerous speakers, and we always strove to find experts from a variety of identities and lived experiences. This contributed to events that better supported attendees, and also resulted in more interesting and informed events. Similarly, I think it is incredibly important for any wellness initiative to have a space for those from marginalized communities to connect, whether through physician-student, mentor-student, or student-student interactions; for example, I would like to develop private forums/sessions for queer physicians to share their experiences with and advice for queer med students to prioritize their well-being, in addition to other groups.
Jayden Berdugo
Hi, my name is Jayden (she/her), and I would love to be your next VP of Student Affairs or VP Internal (Hamilton)! I am compassionate, dedicated, and hardworking, and I believe I can create a warm and positive environment for all of us over the next three years. I love focusing my energy on activities that promote wellness such as crocheting, playing ukulele, and reading, and I love sharing these experiences with others! Throughout my undergraduate degree, I was involved in several clubs/associations such as Project Sunshine Canada, which allowed me to develop and grow my communication and collaboration skills. These experiences also taught me how to foster a safe and inclusive environment for those around me. Joining MMSC would mean the world to me, as it would allow me to connect with even more of you while creating initiatives that would benefit all of us.
As medical students, we spend much of our time studying physical health. For my platform, I want to focus on initiatives for equally important mental health. I chose McMaster for its strong sense of community and the program’s holistic approach to healthcare, which I plan on amplifying if elected. This role will allow me to listen to and subsequently implement other people's wellness-oriented initiatives, while also contributing my own. Another aspect critical to my platform is creating more activities promoting EDI. I will collaborate with the VPs EDI to ensure initiatives are inclusive and accessible for all individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. I also plan to use my platform to uplift others’ voices and ensure they’re being heard. Through this position, I will help all of us make a positive contribution to the wellness of medical students, and put our mark on McMaster.
One way I would promote EDI is by utilizing my platform to amplify the voices of others while providing them a platform. Additionally, at the start of each school year, I plan on creating a calendar denoting religious days and sharing it with my class as a resource they can contribute to. For the weekly newsletter, I would ensure I am aware of upcoming special dates so I can compile resources and information for students to learn from this. Another way I plan to integrate EDI is by modeling the use of non-gender specific terms to promote an environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. I will also reach out to my peers to check in on how they’re doing and remind them that they are always welcome in our program. I plan to continue educating myself on how I can become a better ally to all equity seeking groups.
As medical students, we spend much of our time studying physical health. For my platform, I want to focus on initiatives for equally important mental health. I chose McMaster for its strong sense of community and the program’s holistic approach to healthcare, which I plan on amplifying if elected. This role will allow me to listen to and subsequently implement other people's wellness-oriented initiatives, while also contributing my own. Another aspect critical to my platform is creating more activities promoting EDI. I will collaborate with the VPs EDI to ensure initiatives are inclusive and accessible for all individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. I also plan to use my platform to uplift others’ voices and ensure they’re being heard. Through this position, I will help all of us make a positive contribution to the wellness of medical students, and put our mark on McMaster.
One way I would promote EDI is by utilizing my platform to amplify the voices of others while providing them a platform. Additionally, at the start of each school year, I plan on creating a calendar denoting religious days and sharing it with my class as a resource they can contribute to. For the weekly newsletter, I would ensure I am aware of upcoming special dates so I can compile resources and information for students to learn from this. Another way I plan to integrate EDI is by modeling the use of non-gender specific terms to promote an environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. I will also reach out to my peers to check in on how they’re doing and remind them that they are always welcome in our program. I plan to continue educating myself on how I can become a better ally to all equity seeking groups.
Maya Sheth
Hi guys, my name is Maya and I’m super excited to get to know all of you more throughout the next 3 years!! I grew up in Ottawa, did my undergrad at Western, and spent the past 2 years doing my Masters of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Living in Toronto exposed me to amazing food from a variety of cuisines, and I developed a love of trying out new restaurants. I’m excited to continue that passion in Hamilton so hit me up if you have any food spot recommendations or want to join along in trying out new places! I love to bake, play sports, and do yoga to unwind. I live right across a park and have been playing soccer and throwing around a frisbee whenever I have some free time - I would love to play with new friends :)
Consistency
Wellness is not a one time thing, we need to build consistent, sustainable behaviours. You should have access to supports beyond those that are typically intended to be used in crisis. I will organize wellness events that will feature fun activities and a key educational component, including resources, professional advice, or the opportunity to learn a new skill.
Community
I strive to normalize that it's ok to ask others for help. We can’t do everything alone, even if it feels like we should. I will create an environment where small and consistent acts of offering support are the norm, through community building and class bonding events.
Accessibility
Finding support should not be challenging, confusing or inaccessible. There are already so many amazing resources available, I want to make these known to you! Thus, I will create resource guides and interactive flow-charts that help students navigate on and off-campus supports.
I aim to cultivate a sense of belonging and community for all students - especially for equity-deserving students. Mac Med should be a place where everyone feels supported in their academics, wellness, and relationships. I will collaborate with the Student Affairs team and engage with suitable stakeholders to ensure that our policies, programming, and resources acknowledge the range of students’ lived experiences, identities, prior knowledge, and needs. I hope to enhance mental health equity so that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to reach their highest level of mental health and emotional wellbeing. I will explore implementing informal and formal student surveys to better understand the range of needs and identify gaps in current resources. This will allow Student Affairs to better support diverse identities, and address mental health from many angles including primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions.
Consistency
Wellness is not a one time thing, we need to build consistent, sustainable behaviours. You should have access to supports beyond those that are typically intended to be used in crisis. I will organize wellness events that will feature fun activities and a key educational component, including resources, professional advice, or the opportunity to learn a new skill.
Community
I strive to normalize that it's ok to ask others for help. We can’t do everything alone, even if it feels like we should. I will create an environment where small and consistent acts of offering support are the norm, through community building and class bonding events.
Accessibility
Finding support should not be challenging, confusing or inaccessible. There are already so many amazing resources available, I want to make these known to you! Thus, I will create resource guides and interactive flow-charts that help students navigate on and off-campus supports.
I aim to cultivate a sense of belonging and community for all students - especially for equity-deserving students. Mac Med should be a place where everyone feels supported in their academics, wellness, and relationships. I will collaborate with the Student Affairs team and engage with suitable stakeholders to ensure that our policies, programming, and resources acknowledge the range of students’ lived experiences, identities, prior knowledge, and needs. I hope to enhance mental health equity so that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to reach their highest level of mental health and emotional wellbeing. I will explore implementing informal and formal student surveys to better understand the range of needs and identify gaps in current resources. This will allow Student Affairs to better support diverse identities, and address mental health from many angles including primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions.
Faisal Quadri
Hello hello! I hope you're all doing well : ) My name is Faisal Quadri! I grew up in Calgary for most of my childhood, but then I moved to Abu Dhabi, where I lived for eight years. I went to undergrad at New York University's international campus in Abu Dhabi, studying biology, before moving here to Hamilton! During my undergrad, I worked as a peer counselor for the student body. I would provide private counselling sessions, organize events with my team to promote community well-being, and advocate to admin over any issues affecting our ability to thrive. This passion I've developed for making myself available as a resource, empowering us to look after each other, and building an environment where we all feel supported is why I want to serve on our MMSC! Together, we can build the supportive community that will help us all navigate the challenges of medical school.
I will help build us a supportive community, where we can all thrive amidst medical school's challenges, as your VP of Student Affairs! Firstly, I plan to have regularly-occurring, dedicated time where I would be available to anyone wanting to talk in a private, compassionate, and informal setting. From stress over tutorial prep, career selection, or even just wanting to share a fun story, my first goal will be to make myself available for you! For higher level programming, my committee and I would run wellness-themed workshops like "How to help a friend," mentorship events to strengthen bonds between all three classes, and fun-focused activities to provide needed outlets for stress. What we specifically organize will be tailored based on your input, so that we purposefully serve our community's needs! As an advocate, supporter, and friend, I will passionately ensure that well-being always stays a priority throughout our medical journeys : )
I start with admitting that there is a lot I do not know/shall cannot fully appreciate, so leveraging the diverse perspectives of everyone is going to be critical for any type of success! I would ensure that everyone within group settings is given the space to share their thoughts. If I am working alone, then I will thoughtfully research other perspectives on the subject to better inform me. If a key demographic of people are not represented within a given space, then I would work with my team to intentionally seek out their input. In the spaces I work, I will continuously promote sharing feedback (being sure to provide anonymous ways as well) so that I am able to identify where my dedication to EDI can be improved. Especially with wellness & mentorship related work, integrating EDI will be key to able to serve all our community members!
I will help build us a supportive community, where we can all thrive amidst medical school's challenges, as your VP of Student Affairs! Firstly, I plan to have regularly-occurring, dedicated time where I would be available to anyone wanting to talk in a private, compassionate, and informal setting. From stress over tutorial prep, career selection, or even just wanting to share a fun story, my first goal will be to make myself available for you! For higher level programming, my committee and I would run wellness-themed workshops like "How to help a friend," mentorship events to strengthen bonds between all three classes, and fun-focused activities to provide needed outlets for stress. What we specifically organize will be tailored based on your input, so that we purposefully serve our community's needs! As an advocate, supporter, and friend, I will passionately ensure that well-being always stays a priority throughout our medical journeys : )
I start with admitting that there is a lot I do not know/shall cannot fully appreciate, so leveraging the diverse perspectives of everyone is going to be critical for any type of success! I would ensure that everyone within group settings is given the space to share their thoughts. If I am working alone, then I will thoughtfully research other perspectives on the subject to better inform me. If a key demographic of people are not represented within a given space, then I would work with my team to intentionally seek out their input. In the spaces I work, I will continuously promote sharing feedback (being sure to provide anonymous ways as well) so that I am able to identify where my dedication to EDI can be improved. Especially with wellness & mentorship related work, integrating EDI will be key to able to serve all our community members!
Deeptha Ramakrishnan
Hi friends! I’m Deeptha from Toronto, and I did my undergrad at Mac (will provide food recommendations upon request)! I love playing and listening to music, and karaoke-ing to 90s hits with friends! Music has given me the courage to explore myself and meet my closest friends, making it something I can’t live without (as evidenced by the 100k minutes listened on my Spotify Wrapped). I’m an avid photo-taker (resulting in my phone perpetually being out of storage), and love capturing life. Whether it be pictures of friends, animals, or nature, I find that photography never fails to bring a smile to my face and that of those around me, and always gives me something to look back to when I need a ray of sunshine. I love meeting new people and getting to know them, and cannot wait to get to meet and befriend all of you!
When I think of wellness, I think of self-care walks, long FaceTime calls, and the feeling of freedom I get when skating. We all imagine different things when thinking of wellness, but the comfort, warmth and support permeate throughout our visions. Wellness is cultivated through communication, mentorship, and positivity, and I aspire to be VP Student Affairs to help nurture such ideals with and within our Mac Med community! Alongside VP External and the wellness committee, I’d like to implement events that foster well-being and group bonding, such as a ‘Wellness Week’ filled with activities (ie: friendship bracelet making!) that provide students with a breather, and the chance to meet a new friend! I’d also love to establish a ‘brainstorm bucket’ where anonymous feedback or ideas can be placed, allowing for the consideration of everyone’s diverse needs, something I hope to achieve alongside the Student Affairs team, and our community!
I believe that EDI is incredibly important to the VPSA role, because it involves supporting and considering the needs of not only our cohort, but the whole community. Whether it’s planning events, running meetings, receiving feedback, or making myself available for conversation, EDI is essential to ensure that the entire Mac Med family feels supported, welcomed and comfortable within their environment. To diversify ideas and initiatives, I would foster open contribution from the student body through a variety of formats, such as in meetings, after classes, or through social media outlets. I would also liaise with the VPs EDI, VPs Indigenous Health and the Student Affairs team to determine whether initiatives are inclusive of our community as a whole! Lastly, through establishing a friendly and non-judgemental atmosphere, I will open myself to feedback regarding any concerns anyone may have, to ensure that all members of our family feel included!
When I think of wellness, I think of self-care walks, long FaceTime calls, and the feeling of freedom I get when skating. We all imagine different things when thinking of wellness, but the comfort, warmth and support permeate throughout our visions. Wellness is cultivated through communication, mentorship, and positivity, and I aspire to be VP Student Affairs to help nurture such ideals with and within our Mac Med community! Alongside VP External and the wellness committee, I’d like to implement events that foster well-being and group bonding, such as a ‘Wellness Week’ filled with activities (ie: friendship bracelet making!) that provide students with a breather, and the chance to meet a new friend! I’d also love to establish a ‘brainstorm bucket’ where anonymous feedback or ideas can be placed, allowing for the consideration of everyone’s diverse needs, something I hope to achieve alongside the Student Affairs team, and our community!
I believe that EDI is incredibly important to the VPSA role, because it involves supporting and considering the needs of not only our cohort, but the whole community. Whether it’s planning events, running meetings, receiving feedback, or making myself available for conversation, EDI is essential to ensure that the entire Mac Med family feels supported, welcomed and comfortable within their environment. To diversify ideas and initiatives, I would foster open contribution from the student body through a variety of formats, such as in meetings, after classes, or through social media outlets. I would also liaise with the VPs EDI, VPs Indigenous Health and the Student Affairs team to determine whether initiatives are inclusive of our community as a whole! Lastly, through establishing a friendly and non-judgemental atmosphere, I will open myself to feedback regarding any concerns anyone may have, to ensure that all members of our family feel included!
Grace Learn
Hi Guys! I’m Grace! I’m running for President and VP Student Affairs and am so excited by the opportunity to represent our class! I did my undergrad at Carleton University studying Humanities and Biology. As I’m sure you guessed from my previous program, I’m a huge book nerd. I also love baking competition shows, singing pretty much anywhere and anything, going to the gym, and meeting new people. I am always down for a conversation so feel free to reach out anytime to talk books, food, MMSC, make small talk about the weather or chat about the meaning of life. I cannot wait to go through the next three year journey with you all and would be honoured to represent our class and make these next few years even better.
Hi Everyone! I’m Grace and I’m running to be your 2026 VP of Student Affairs! I have a passion for wellness and work-life balance, particularly in the medical field. I also have event planning experience ranging from casual to formal events. As VP of Student Affairs I want to normalize prioritizing individual health and make it approachable in Med. Self-Care isn’t only face masks and movie nights, it’s also keeping your space clean, staying active, and eating well. As VPSA I would want to promote this through events like cooking nights or physical activities like hikes. Career exploration is also a key role of VP and if voted in, I would like to make career information more accessible through a medportal page update or career night and fairs. Together, we can make medical school a fun and balanced journey.
As President I will ensure that Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Reconciliation is included by incorporating every individual’s voice and concerns. I will advocate for further EDI training for faculty, student council and medicine. I will also implement the inclusion of the EDI position in every area of council making it a priority in the planning and execution of all events. Finally, receiving feedback about the experience of marginalized groups in Mac Med will be central in my role. Using feedback I will convey all concerns to faculty heads to formulate an action plan to address the issue. Through VP of Student Affairs I would also refer to VP EDI for any event so all wellness activities are inclusive and equity-informed. As VPSA works closely with OLEM, I will act as an advocate for all med students regarding potential experience with learner mistreatment of any kind.
Hi Everyone! I’m Grace and I’m running to be your 2026 VP of Student Affairs! I have a passion for wellness and work-life balance, particularly in the medical field. I also have event planning experience ranging from casual to formal events. As VP of Student Affairs I want to normalize prioritizing individual health and make it approachable in Med. Self-Care isn’t only face masks and movie nights, it’s also keeping your space clean, staying active, and eating well. As VPSA I would want to promote this through events like cooking nights or physical activities like hikes. Career exploration is also a key role of VP and if voted in, I would like to make career information more accessible through a medportal page update or career night and fairs. Together, we can make medical school a fun and balanced journey.
As President I will ensure that Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Reconciliation is included by incorporating every individual’s voice and concerns. I will advocate for further EDI training for faculty, student council and medicine. I will also implement the inclusion of the EDI position in every area of council making it a priority in the planning and execution of all events. Finally, receiving feedback about the experience of marginalized groups in Mac Med will be central in my role. Using feedback I will convey all concerns to faculty heads to formulate an action plan to address the issue. Through VP of Student Affairs I would also refer to VP EDI for any event so all wellness activities are inclusive and equity-informed. As VPSA works closely with OLEM, I will act as an advocate for all med students regarding potential experience with learner mistreatment of any kind.
Faisal Khaleel
Hello! My name is Faisal Khaleel and I use he/him pronouns. To start, I was born in Baghdad, Iraq in 2002 but I actually grew up in Dubai, UAE. I came to Canada late 2010, where I have since been a Hamiltonian! In fact, I did all of my elementary and high school education here as well! At this point, I was obviously committed and so I did my undergrad at McMaster, where I studied Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences. Of course, to keep the streak going, I am now part of the McMaster Medicine Hamilton cohort. Other than that, some of my hobbies are soccer, basketball, photography, and working out! Also, I’m fluent in Arabic and alright with Spanish, having studied it for 2 years. To end off with a unique yet embarrassing fun fact, I can proudly say that I’m quite skillful with a yo-yo.
Initiatives surrounding student wellness, professionalism, and success are imperative to any academic program, and are especially relevant in a medical cohort. In this position, my approach would be built upon 3 core pillars. The first of which being the commitment to not only coordinating regular and unique wellness events, but also more frequent career exploration opportunities. To this end, I am excited to apply the skills I have learned in previous event planning roles, such as the founder of a local Make-A-Wish Foundation club, to design uniquely relevant events. However, and especially in recognizing that students can get busy, the second pillar focuses on making alternative resources not just available, but also more accessible and yet equally useful. Finally, in recognizing that this is a position most central to the student body, the third pillar becomes a dedication to the thorough collection, propagation, and application of student feedback.
Being a first-generation immigrant in Canada who identifies as a member of cultural, ethnic, and religious minority groups, I feel that I especially resonate with the topic of EDI integration. Having personally experienced the challenges associated with EDI being overlooked, especially in an academic setting as a student myself, I feel that I can use my own experiences today to guide my empathy and understanding of others in similar situations. Thus, I can ensure that EDI is integrated in my role by using said lived experiences to enable sensitivity, allowing me to remain aware of both emerging obstacles and opportunities for EDI progression. I also plan to apply this experience-informed sensitivity when I consequently reach out and establish communication with the relevant groups. In doing so, I aim to provide and share my platform, fostering an environment of shared decision making and action with every EDI focused endeavor.
Initiatives surrounding student wellness, professionalism, and success are imperative to any academic program, and are especially relevant in a medical cohort. In this position, my approach would be built upon 3 core pillars. The first of which being the commitment to not only coordinating regular and unique wellness events, but also more frequent career exploration opportunities. To this end, I am excited to apply the skills I have learned in previous event planning roles, such as the founder of a local Make-A-Wish Foundation club, to design uniquely relevant events. However, and especially in recognizing that students can get busy, the second pillar focuses on making alternative resources not just available, but also more accessible and yet equally useful. Finally, in recognizing that this is a position most central to the student body, the third pillar becomes a dedication to the thorough collection, propagation, and application of student feedback.
Being a first-generation immigrant in Canada who identifies as a member of cultural, ethnic, and religious minority groups, I feel that I especially resonate with the topic of EDI integration. Having personally experienced the challenges associated with EDI being overlooked, especially in an academic setting as a student myself, I feel that I can use my own experiences today to guide my empathy and understanding of others in similar situations. Thus, I can ensure that EDI is integrated in my role by using said lived experiences to enable sensitivity, allowing me to remain aware of both emerging obstacles and opportunities for EDI progression. I also plan to apply this experience-informed sensitivity when I consequently reach out and establish communication with the relevant groups. In doing so, I aim to provide and share my platform, fostering an environment of shared decision making and action with every EDI focused endeavor.
Dimitrios Deris
Hey! I am Dimitrios but I usually go by Dimitri. My closest friends call me Dim (I hate it LOL). But let's talk about some things that I don't hate! I love playing video games, music and watching/playing sports. Some skills I have include playing guitar and Greek dancing! I grew up in Markham, ON and did my undergrad here at McMaster. I'm honored to have the chance to represent the class of 2026 on the MMSC. I've always loved being a part of councils/committees that play a role in fostering a tight knit community. I was lucky enough to be on the student council throughout both high school and undergrad. My priority as a potential member of the MMSC lies in creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and supported. I would greatly appreciate it if you took the time to read my respective platforms. Thanks!
As VP Student Affairs I will prioritize advocating for the wellbeing of students across all 3 campuses. My goal is to help the learning process of UGME feel as collaborative as possible. This involves strengthening the mentorship program that is already in place and creating unified academic resources that are easily accessible. Furthermore, I would like to promote feedback and open dialogue between the cohort and administration. It can be hard to speak up, and I want to encourage everyone to voice their opinions. An anonymous feedback form that is a place for people to list any concerns (academic or not) will help combat this issue. Finally, I will work with the wellness and social committees to host regular wellness events that are catered to the current needs of the cohort. Overall, I will advocate for both personal and academic needs as we embark on our Med School journey together.
My platforms and roles inherently work hand in hand with EDI. I want to act as a person who can contribute to a brave space for people to bring up opinions and voice concerns. I think it's important to understand my own experiences are different and others have a unique lived experience. I want to use my role as a means to engage in open dialogue, learn about and prevent incidents of discrimination/oppression. Bridging gaps in knowledge between different parties and actively listening to people's feedback is important to me. I think it is vital to acknowledge that the cohort we have is very diverse and specific people may have different needs that aren't being addressed. As internal or student affairs, I will act as an advocate for EDI and play a part in fostering an environment that addresses the issues of systemic discrimination against diverse groups of people.
As VP Student Affairs I will prioritize advocating for the wellbeing of students across all 3 campuses. My goal is to help the learning process of UGME feel as collaborative as possible. This involves strengthening the mentorship program that is already in place and creating unified academic resources that are easily accessible. Furthermore, I would like to promote feedback and open dialogue between the cohort and administration. It can be hard to speak up, and I want to encourage everyone to voice their opinions. An anonymous feedback form that is a place for people to list any concerns (academic or not) will help combat this issue. Finally, I will work with the wellness and social committees to host regular wellness events that are catered to the current needs of the cohort. Overall, I will advocate for both personal and academic needs as we embark on our Med School journey together.
My platforms and roles inherently work hand in hand with EDI. I want to act as a person who can contribute to a brave space for people to bring up opinions and voice concerns. I think it's important to understand my own experiences are different and others have a unique lived experience. I want to use my role as a means to engage in open dialogue, learn about and prevent incidents of discrimination/oppression. Bridging gaps in knowledge between different parties and actively listening to people's feedback is important to me. I think it is vital to acknowledge that the cohort we have is very diverse and specific people may have different needs that aren't being addressed. As internal or student affairs, I will act as an advocate for EDI and play a part in fostering an environment that addresses the issues of systemic discrimination against diverse groups of people.