Q&A with Mackenzie
"Medicine is a team sport! It is impossible to be expert in everything and you certainly won’t be an expert in anything right away. I learned to leave my ego behind and forgive my own ignorance."
Mackenzie
MD Class of 2025
Why did you decide to pursue medical school?
I had experience working as a physiotherapist prior to entering medical school, so I knew that I enjoyed daily interaction with patients and using my knowledge of the human body to improve their lives. I wanted to expand my knowledge base and scope of practice, and take on more of a leadership role in the healthcare environment. I also wanted to have a wider influence as a healthcare provider to the spread benefits of health literacy and prevention through exercise and other lifestyle factors.
What was your academic or life journey to applying to medical school?
I completed my BSc in Biology at the University of Waterloo in 2016. I did a co-op program so I was able to try different jobs throughout undergrad, and I found that I enjoyed working with people. I combined that with my love for exercise and completed a MSc in Physiotherapy at McMaster University in 2018. I worked as a Registered Physiotherapist at both a sports medicine clinic and rehab hospital in Toronto. In 2020 I applied for medical school and started the MD program at Schulich in 2021.
What do you love about Schulich Medicine?
The Learner Experience Office (LEO) is excellent! Their role is to support students’ well being throughout their educational journey. The LEO staff are always available to chat if students are experiencing difficulty, whether it be mentally, physically, socially or otherwise. It’s reassuring to know there is a friendly group of professional counsellors and physician educators who understand the challenges you’re facing and can provide guidance or advocacy when needed.
What organizations or extracurricular activities are you involved in through medical school?
My favourite activity has been the Interclass Hockey League (ICHL). Every class has its own team and we play scrimmages on a weekly basis. All skills levels are welcome! Once a year we organize a tournament called the Schulich Cup which includes the dentistry school and a team of staff physicians.
I’ve also been an executive of Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group. We’re a club that promotes healthy eating, exercise, mindfulness, and other lifestyle factors as a form of medicine. It’s been rewarding to organize events and give presentations to spread the word about this growing area of interest.
What has your experiential learning been like thus far?
I’m currently completing my third year, which is essentially entirely experiential learning (called “Clerkship”). I spend every day working in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of residents and attending physicians from all different specialties. It has allowed me put my knowledge from first and second year into practice in a supportive and safe environment. My experiences have been diverse and eye-opening, such as assisting with an abdominal tumor excision or being the first to assess a newborn with a cleft palate, but it’s the everyday routine patient interactions which help me master my foundational skills.
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I remember how intimidated I felt when I was applying to medical school. I felt like there was a disconnect between what being a medical student was like and what was being portrayed on social media, tv shows, etc. At the time, I didn’t have any friends or even acquaintances who had gone through the process, so I would have appreciated an honest perspective. I wanted to share my experience with future applicants to help uncover some of the mysteries and relieve the anxiety.
What do you wish you knew before you were accepted to the MD Program?
The thrill of being accepted is real, and I felt a confidence boost like none other. But I realized quickly that medicine is extremely humbling. The collective knowledge of the field is immense and overwhelming. That’s why specialties exist (and other health care professionals).
Medicine is a team sport! It is impossible to be expert in everything and you certainly won’t be an expert in anything right away. I learned to leave my ego behind and forgive my own ignorance.
Would you change anything about your journey to medical school?
I am tempted to say I wish I had planned to pursue medicine earlier in my life. This would have allowed me to better plan my extracurricular activities, write the MCAT sooner, and apply straight from undergrad. There are some downsides to starting medical school at age 27. However, the years between my undergrad and medical school were extremely formative for me and included some life-changing events. I would never trade that time for an easier pathway, as it’s part of what makes me the person I am and enabled me to pursue medicine when I was ready.
What do you like to do for fun?
Playing or watching pretty much any sport is fun for me! I’m working on improving my golf game in the summers. I also enjoy hiking, any time outdoors, and video games if I have extra spare time. Time with family and friends is always cherished of course.
What is your favourite local attraction, activity or restaurant?
Joe Kool’s is a great spot for deep-dish pizza.
Do you have a personal motto or favourite quote?
“At the point of crisis, at the point of annihilation, survival is victory.” - Dunkirk (2017)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My favourite travel destination is the Yukon.
Where is your favourite campus study location?
There’s a big open space on the 1st floor of Thames Hall that I like, although I tend to study at home the most. I love having a dual monitor and easy access to food!
Who do you admire and why?
I admire my wife! She has supported me throughout my entire journey in medical school and has made some significant sacrifices along the way. She works incredibly hard and is the most determined person I know. I wish I had her organizational skills and discipline to wake up early on days off.
What is your advice for prospective applicants?
My advice would be to engage in activities and experiences that allow for interaction with others in meaningful ways. This could be something completely unrelated to medicine, and it could be something paid or unpaid. Anything that requires you to build relationships, communicate, empathize, listen, and understand life experiences of others will be beneficial. Medicine at its core is a profession of human interaction and it’s beneficial to understand what this entails from direct experience.
Also, if you’ve ever felt faint or anxious in a medical environment and are worried this will hinder your ability to pursue medicine, you can overcome it! It’s more common than you think.
