Q&A with Claudia

"The School's commitment to community outreach resonated with me. This was apparent in first-year when we volunteered with local organizations as part of our learning.

Additionally, exploring rural medicine during Discovery Week was an eye-opening experience for me, which may have altered my career trajectory - stay tuned!"

Claudia
MD Class of 2026

Click here to contact Claudia

Why did you decide to pursue medical school?

A few months after my tenth birthday, I was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This experience exposed me to, and piqued my interest in, the world of medicine. Following my diagnosis, I spent years establishing a deeper understanding and motivation for pursuing a career in medicine through work, extra-curricular, and life experiences. Collectively, these experiences allowed me to realize that a career in medicine would allow me to continue my work within the IBD community on a deeper level.

What was your academic or life journey to applying to medical school?

I completed a BSc and then, driven by my passion for research, a MSc in Cell Biology at University of Toronto. I then worked as a research coordinator at the IBD Centre at SickKids, and had to quickly transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, I balanced MCAT prep in the evenings, and retook the exam that summer. That application cycle I received only one interview invite which ultimately didn't pan out, but the next year I received three interviews and two acceptances.

What do you love about Schulich Medicine?

So many things! Since receiving my interview invite, I felt as though I was welcomed into a family. There is such a warm and vibrant community here. During my orientation week, I made so many meaningful connections with my peers which have only strengthened over time.

Coming from a background valuing patient advocacy, the School's commitment to community outreach resonated with me. This was apparent in first-year when we volunteered with local organizations as part of our learning. Additionally, exploring rural medicine during Discovery Week was an eye-opening experience for me, which may have altered my career trajectory - stay tuned!

Why did you become a Student Ambassador?

I was drawn to the Student Ambassador position because it offers the exciting opportunity to engage with prospective medical students. As an O-Week Coordinator, I immersed myself in welcoming new students, guiding them through the transition into the academic year. Organizing student groups, facilitating orientation sessions, and providing one-on-one support, I found immense fulfillment in being a pivotal part of their introduction to our academic community. This experience enhanced my organizational and leadership skills while deepening my understanding of incoming students' needs. With a physical disability myself, I empathize with applicants facing similar challenges and am eager to expand my mentorship role to a broader audience.

Do you have a personal motto or favourite quote?

My favorite quote is 'the race is long and, in the end, it is only with yourself.' Whenever I face moments of doubt or comparison, I find comfort in these words. They serve as a constant reminder that life is not a sprint but a marathon, and the only competition that truly matters is the one against our own limitations. Reflecting on this quote encourages me to prioritize personal growth over external benchmarks, reminding me that true fulfillment comes from striving to be the best version of myself.