Turning hometown dreams into reality
By Max Martin, MA’19
While completing her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at the University of Windsor, Kara Picco remembers sitting by the living wall in the lobby of the medical building and watching as Schulich Medicine — Windsor Campus students walked by with their coloured backpacks.
“I always dreamed of being in their shoes,” she said. “It gave me the motivation to continue pursuing my goals.”
For Picco, Medicine Class of 2020, studying to become a doctor has been a lifelong aspiration. Now, getting to do it in Windsor, where she was born and raised, is the cherry on top.
Her hometown dream has become reality.
Before entering medical school, Picco was already volunteering at hospitals in the Windsor community, gaining valuable experience that she says has helped her throughout her studies.
One experience while volunteering on a paediatric floor was particularly significant for Picco.
“I still remember a patient whose parents could not be with them at the bedside. As a volunteer, I was able to sit with this patient, hear their stories and put a smile on their face,” she said. “This was an important moment, as it showed me the value of being a good listener and how small gestures can make a positive impact on a patient’s illness experience.”
It’s a philosophy she wants to spread into her hometown, where she hopes to one day open her own community practice.
Picco’s desire to practise medicine close to home is partly because her connection to the Windsor area runs deeper than soil. Three generations of strong women – her grandmothers, mother and sister – are who continue to inspire and support Picco throughout some of the challenges of medical school.
She says one of those challenges is that the amount of information there is to learn can, at times, be overwhelming.
“Medicine is a lifelong learning process, and you can’t become an expert in your field overnight,” Picco said. “I’ve come a long way and I know if I keep on this path I can become a knowledgeable physician, providing optimal patient care.”
Her aspirations don’t stop at expert though. Picco wants to one day teach at the Schulich Medicine — Windsor Campus, saying it would “be a pretty amazing full-circle experience.”
In the meantime, the fourth-year student is confident the training she’s receiving at the Windsor Campus will allow her to excel as a physician. The dedicated faculty and small class sizes give her valuable, hands-on learning opportunities.
“As a first-year medical student, I had the opportunity to deliver babies with the help of an experienced obstetrician. This was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget,” she said.
Picco has also made sure to give back to the community she calls home during her studies. She has been the Community and Charity Liaison for her class during the past four years, engaging her classmates with local charities and initiatives.
Last year, she was the recipient of a Learner Peer Award of Excellence for her contributions to the School.
“To think of myself when this was a farfetched dream, to being a current medical student and accepting an award for making a difference in the lives of my classmates and the Campus, it was a humbling experience,” she said.
As Picco prepares to graduate next year, she’s able to reflect on all she’s learned while still keeping her community and her purpose top of mind.
“I am very fortunate for the experiences I’ve had growing up and studying in Windsor,” she said. “Moving forward, I hope to have a positive impact by staying actively involved in community outreach and advocacy work, providing mentorship to students and remaining dedicated to my profession.”
