Orientation Week 2023

Hometown: Edmonton, AB

Previous Degree: BScH @ University of Alberta, Physiology

Advice for First Year: Hi everyone! I’m really looking forward to welcoming the class of 2027 to the UofA med family. Even though O-Week is short, I want the 1st years to know that y’all can always reach out to us upper years for any questions and we are all happy to offer guidance (unless there’s an exam that week 💀)!  

One piece of advice that I want to share with the incoming class is to find time to rest and spend time doing things you enjoy even when school gets tough. Spending some time every week reading a book, watching my favourite show, or hanging out with friends really helped me de-stress and avoid burnout. 

You’ve made it this far, I’m sure you will all do great in first year of med. I’m so excited to meet everyone during O-Week! See you on the first day!

Hometown: Edmonton, AB

Previous Degree: BSc @ University of Alberta, Psychology

About Me: Hello my name is Omar. I like to exercise and hang out with friends for fun!

Advice for First Year: My advice for med is to not take yourself too seriously! Med has a lot of hard times and being able to laugh makes things easier.

Hometown: Calgary, AB

Previous Degree: HBSc @ University of Toronto; Double Major in Immunology, Disease and Molecular Biology & Mental Health Studies

Advice for First Year: Congratulations!!! Enjoy your first year. Take time to meet new people and novel experiences that push yourself out of your comfort zone. In my eyes, first year is the perfect time to figure out the kind of balance you want between your personal and professional lives. There’s going to be points where you might feel confused or overwhelmed, but don’t let those outshine the positive moments. If you ever need anything, come find me on campus and I’ll be happy to chat!

Hometown: Calgary, AB

Previous Degree: BSc @ University of Calgary, Neuroscience

About Me: This is O-Week Officer Abhishek reporting for duty! A little bit about me, outside of med - I love playing and watching basketball, making many Spotify playlists to help cope with the seasonal depression, trying new food spots in Edmonton (go checkout our food insta “FedMonton” !!), and also find myself trying out new hobbies that usually don’t last longer than a week (currently I am a poet).

Advice for First Year: If I could give you one piece of advice going into med - make time for things that you love, or have always wanted to try; the med will make time for itself! 

You all are going to be amazing doctors and I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you! 

Hometown: Calgary, AB

Previous Degree: BSc @ University of Calgary, Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology

Advice for 1st Year: Congratulations 2027s!! It’s a huge accomplishment to make it here so make sure to take it all in, you’re in for an amazing journey! My advice is to embrace the experiences and emotions in the first year. Celebrate the highs and lows. There might be times where you feel on top of the world and times where you question your life decisions. Through it all, know that everything is a learning experience that’s shaping you for success. Remember that all of us are in the same boat and we’re rooting for you! If you ever need anything or just want to chat please find me on campus, I’ll be happy to talk :)