Q&A with Andrew
"Medicine allows me to combine many of my interests. I enjoy teaching and want to have a role in curriculum development in the future. I also want to work as part of a team and thankfully medicine is very collaborative. I also like to learn new things so pursuing a career driven by research and innovations excites me because there is always something new to learn."
Andrew
MD Class of 2026
Why did you decide to pursue medical school?
Medicine allows me to combine many of my interests. I enjoy teaching and want to have a role in curriculum development in the future. I also want to work as part of a team and thankfully medicine is very collaborative, which I really look forward to. I also like to learn new things so pursuing a career driven by research and innovations excites me because there is always something new to learn. Most importantly, doctors have the privilege to change lives and really make a difference for our patients.
What was your academic or life journey to applying to medical school?
I started to think about medical school during second year undergrad. I volunteered with organizations working with patients and families navigating our healthcare system to get a better sense of this. Through these roles, I realized the impact doctors can have and decided this is something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. It took me 3 application cycles, 2 gap years and writing the MCAT twice, but I couldn't be happier that I stuck with it.
What do you love about Schulich Medicine?
The easy answer is my classmates and the sense of community. I am so thankful to have met my classmates and develop friendships that I know will last a lifetime.
I also really like that the MD Program gives us exposure to clinical experiences very early on. Whether through Discovery Week, longitudinal clinical experiences, or just emailing a doctor in a field you want to shadow, Schulich Medicine makes this easy to do and gives us the opportunity for a great learning experience!
What organizations or extracurricular activities are you involved in through medical school?
I am involved with the Neuroscience Community Outreach Group, Teddy Bear Hospital, Hashtag Health Podcast and am a course rep for our experiential learning class. I also play on the Schulich ICHL hockey team - go Med Wings!!!
Schulich Medicine also offers research opportunities and I have been able to get involved in projects in medical education, orthopaedics and physiatry. Outside of School, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club as a mentor and tutor throughout first year.
What do you wish you knew before you were accepted to the MD Program?
We have more free time than I initially thought. Classes and modules will take up some time but most days are half days for classes and we get a full day off in both first and second year. It's okay to keep up with your hobbies, hang out with friends/family or join one (or more) of the many student groups. You will have time to do it all!
What is your favourite local attraction, activity or restaurant?
London Knights games are always a fun time. Ticket prices are pretty reasonable and there are no bad seats.
Where is your favourite campus study location?
Thames Hall. I definitely recommend going early in the morning though to get one of the study rooms upstairs.
What is your advice for prospective applicants?
Just be yourself. The admissions and interview processes can be daunting, but let your personality shine through and talk about the things you are passionate about.
