Five Questions With...

Session: Honorary Alumni Lecture
August 28, 8:45–9:45 am (CST)

Biographical questions

What is your fondest memory of your time in medical school at the University of Saskatchewan?  
Dr. Wasylenki: My fondest memory is of founding and editing a medical student journal—INTERFACE—which provided often controversial commentary on aspects of medical education and practice. The byline was "The physician who knows only medicine does not know even medicine." 

What is one thing you wish you had known when you graduated from medical school? 
Dr. Wasylenki: To buy real estate in Toronto!

What are the top resources that have helped you along the way in your education/career?
Dr. Wasylenki: Top resources have been mentors, colleagues, friends and family. Also, a strong belief in social responsibility arising from my Saskatchewan background.

Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you in your life and/or career?
Dr. Wasylenki: Tommy Douglas inspired me, Grif McKerracher, professor of psychiatry in Saskatoon, directed my interests and Stan Freeman, professor of psychiatry in Toronto helped me to develop a human approach.

What is the one takeaway you want your listeners to leave your session with? 
Dr. Wasylenki: That more resources are needed for mental health and addictions services.

Fun questions

What fictional character do you identify with the most and why?
Dr. Wasylenki: Although he is not fictional, I have always identified with Johnny Carson because he made people laugh every night—by far the best medicine!

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?
Dr. Wasylenki: Lara's Song from Dr. Zhivago as it connects me to my roots. Also Crazy by Patsy Cline for obvious reasons. 

If you were given one day to try out any other profession, what would it be and why?
Dr. Wasylenki: Professor of 18th century English literature to live in the company of the great men of that time including Samuel Johnson, Jonathon Swift and Alexander Pope.

Session: Indigenous health
August 28, 10:00–11:00 am (CST)  

Biographical questions

What is your fondest memory of your time in medical school at the University of Saskatchewan?
Dr. Tootoosis: The laughs shared with classmates over lunch breaks in the health sciences shared lounge.

Why is the topic of Indigenous health so important to you?
Dr. Tootoosis: Indigenous health is important to me for the same reasons that health is important to any individual. True health can offer an opportunity to live a full life, full of personal value. All humans deserve that.

What are the top resources that have helped you along the way in your education/career?
Dr. Tootoosis: The evolution of the cell phone into the handheld computers we now carry and Pepid.com, an excellent point-of-care quick reference. 

Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you in your life and/or career?
Dr. Tootoosis: My parents, of course—Edwin and Millie Tootoosis. Their unconditional support, guidance, lessons, faith and love carried me through.

I will list the collective of my extended family/tribe as a third person. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters (aka cousins), and community members all contributed and supported at pivotal times, and I am forever grateful. My work ethic and drive have been built observing many individuals face and conquer life-altering challenges. Through my family and community, I witnessed the purity and strength of the human spirit, and this made obtaining a medical degree and pursuing a career in medicine very achievable. 

What is the one takeaway you want your listeners to leave your session with?
Dr. Tootoosis: Universal concepts of humanity apply to all our encounters with those we care for and effective application of such concepts is no less important than the evidence we use to provide our best care. Indigenous health belongs to Indigenous people and communities, I hope to share ideas on how as physicians we can play a key supportive role.

Fun questions

What motivated you to participate as a speaker at the Highlights in Medicine Conference and Reunion? 
Dr. Tootoosis: I feel it an honour to be considered as someone who can contribute. The topic of Indigenous health is so important to me, and I feel that I am at a place in my career where I can offer some insights on the topic. 

What is one thing you wish you had known when you graduated from medical school?
Dr. Tootoosis: I wish I had understood that residency was more of an opportunity than a challenge I needed to endure. I would have loved to focus on learning versus survival. 

What fictional character do you identify with the most and why?
Dr. Tootoosis: I would say Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. I face my fears and I am open about my vulnerabilities when in a foreign territory or environment and I also strive to help others on my path along the way when the opportunity presents. My path is grounded in humility, faith, courage and belief in the human spirit. 

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?
Dr. Tootoosis: "The Prayer" performed by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Why? Because I love the melody and the lyrics speak to my faith being what fuels my humility, courage, belief in the human spirit abilities and strength.

If you were given one day to try out any other profession, what would it be and why?
Dr. Tootoosis: Environmental engineer. I love building things that hopefully result in a better future.

Session: Medicine in a post-Covid world
August 28, 10:00–11:00 am (CST)

Biographical questions

What is your fondest memory of your time in medical school at the University of Saskatchewan? 
Dr. Neudorf: Being welcomed by the Dean on day one. He was very welcoming and positive, and set the tone for continuing to “aim high” and to become the type of doctor the community needed.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you graduated from medical school?
Dr. Neudorf: That public health existed as a career choice! We received very little information about what a career in public health entailed and I stumbled upon it late in my internship. After a discussion with a public health physician (Dr. Bruce Reeder) and an elective in the Saskatoon Public Health Unit with Medical Health Officer Dr. Paul Gully, I was hooked.

What are the top resources that have helped you along the way in your education/career?
Dr. Neudorf: Networks of peers and mentors such as the Urban Public Health Network, and the Public Health Physicians of Canada, and colleagues I have had the opportunity to work with from around the world. Being able to pick up the phone and talk to someone who may have faced the same issue I am dealing with and brainstorm about solutions has been a fail-safe go-to resource for me over my career.

Also, a supportive family to keep me grounded and remembering to keep a good balance. They show me daily the importance of working for better health and better policy, but also the importance of love and acceptance, being present and making a difference in the lives of those around you.

Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you in your education/career?
Dr. Neudorf: David (Butler) Jones has been a great mentor at various stages of my career as we both have moved through various roles in the public health system. He always has provided practical leadership advice and friendship.

Ian Johnson was an early mentor in my specialty training who taught me about the art of balancing academia and practice, and about the use of good data and analysis in influencing policy and practice. I continue to connect with him as a friend and colleague.

Jim Fergusson was the first CEO I worked with in a health authority. He gave me many opportunities to innovate and grow as a health system leader and executive.

Why is the topic of your session important to you?
Dr. Neudorf: COVID has been the biggest public health challenge I have faced in my career, but it has also been a foundation-shaking global event that gives us all pause and a chance to reflect on what could be different as we emerge from its shadow. The pandemic and our response to it has had direct and indirect effects on the health system and society globally, giving us a chance to re-imagine the way we do our work and incorporate action on the determinants of health in new ways. I look forward to exploring these concepts with those in attendance.

Fun questions

What motivated you to participate as a speaker at the Highlights in Medicine Conference/Reunion? 
Dr. Neudorf: The chance to re-connect with friends from my time in training, and to give back to the College in a small way.

What is the one takeaway you want your listeners to leave your session with? 
Dr. Neudorf: Everything impacts the health and wellbeing of our patients and our community. A better understanding of this interconnectedness helps us be better doctors and achieve better outcomes in a balanced way.

What fictional character do you identify with the most and why?
Dr. Neudorf: Hari Seldon from Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series. He is portrayed as a social scientist and mathematician who tries to predict the future course of society and prescribe changes to improve the odds of better outcomes. This is similar to what we try to do in public health (with less certainty and with fewer tools or resources!)

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?
Dr. Neudorf: I don’t know if I could do that. I’d get very tired of that song, and it would be stuck in my head and drive me crazy! If I had to pick one that matched my aspirations it would be “Peace On Earth” by U2. It has the right mix of hope for a better world, tempered with the gritty realism of inertia to change. Otherwise, I’d probably want to set the tone for a relaxing time by picking a favourite concerto (Mozart’s piano concerto #9 in E flat) or a jazz guitar vibe such as Charlie Byrd’s “Byrd by the Sea live”

If you were given one day to try out any other profession, what would it be and why?
Dr. Neudorf: Politician/prime minister–I spend a lot of time producing evidence to inform public policy, and it would be instructive to get a feel for the pressures and realities faced on the “other side” (and fun to try to take a health-in-all-policies approach) to a broad policy agenda.

Session: Equity, diversity, and inclusion in medicine
August 28, 2:00–3:00 pm (CST) 

Biographical questions

What is your fondest memory of your time in medical school at the University of Saskatchewan? 
Dr. Tshala: My fondest memory was in third-year medicine while I was at the Regina General Hospital campus. Our class decided to fundraise for "Movember" and if we reached a certain amount then one of our classmates would wax his back and chest. Needless to say, this kind-hearted volunteer had quite a bit of hair in these areas. But yet, he forged on and together our class raised over $1,500 for prostate cancer research. We then hosted a private livestream where we had a professional waxer come and wax the volunteer while everyone watched from a distance. Truly an entertaining moment for everyone involved.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you graduated from medical school?
Dr. Tshala: How to wake up early and still be functional without a million cups of coffee.

What are the top resources that have helped you along the way in your education/career?
Dr. Tshala: My seniors. Whether it be senior medical students, senior residents or even staff. There are a million and one medical learning resources out there but nothing beats the experience and advice of those who have journeyed through medicine before you.

Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you in your education/career?
Dr. Tshala: The first person that comes to mind is Dr. Rebecca Crumpler, the first black female physician who inspired me to pursue a degree in medicine and gave me a role model to look up to. Next is Dr. Rashmi Bhargava for showing me how awesome OBGYN is as a specialty and how amazing it can be. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to recognize my mom for working tirelessly to ensure that I got the best educational foundation to prepare me on my medical journey. Without her tenacity, endurance, and tireless effort, I certainly would not be here today. 

Why is the topic of your session important to you?
Dr. Tshala: In today's rapidly changing socio-political landscape, a refresher on equity, diversity and inclusion in healthcare settings seems like the most appropriate way to educate ourselves on these changes. Learning how to make a safe and respectful environment for all does not have to be a difficult road to navigate.

Fun questions

What motivated you to participate as a speaker at the Highlights in Medicine Conference/Reunion? 
Dr. Tshala: Part of the CanMeds roles defines physicians as health advocates and volunteering for this conference is just part of that. I take great pleasure in teaching and educating people on topics that I'm passionate about and I'm so happy that medicine has afforded me the opportunity and a platform through which to do so.

What is the one takeaway you want your listeners to leave your session with? 
Dr. Tshala: Treat others how you would want to be treated. Love knows no bounds.

What fictional character do you identify with the most and why?
Dr. Tshala: Homer Simpson! I love food and I love napping! I also grew up watching The Simpsons and aside from the mischievousness of Bart, I always felt I related with him the most. 

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?
Dr. Tshala: Michael Jackson's "Thriller." The first few notes of that song are perfect for making an entrance and overall, it’s just an amazing song that's so iconic. I love playing it in the O.R. when babies are born.

If you were given one day to try out any other profession, what would it be and why?
Dr. Tshala: I would want to be an F1 driver. The amount of dedication it takes to be someone like Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen.

Session: Leaders in medical research
August 28, 2:00–3:00 pm (CST) 

Biographical questions

What is your fondest memory of your time in medical school at the University of Saskatchewan? 
Dr. Conly: The camaraderie of my classmates and the fun times while learning medicine.

What are the top resources that have helped you along the way in your education/career?
Dr. Conly: Core clinical training from the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.

Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you in your education/career?
Dr. Conly: My wife Patricia, whom I met in my last year of medical school for her unwavering support; Dr. Allan Ronald, University of Manitoba; and Dr. Thomas Louie, University of Calgary (formerly University of Manitoba) for their inspiration and motivation as pioneering infectious diseases physicians.

What motivated you to participate as a speaker at the Highlights in Medicine Conference and Reunion? 
Dr. Conly: The opportunity to present some original findings to the alumni of the U of S College of Medicine.

What is the one takeaway you want your listeners to leave your session with?  
Dr. Conly: The importance of taking on any scientific or policy challenge, regardless of the difficulty and challenges.

Fun questions

What fictional character do you identify with the most and why?
Dr. Conly: Yoda from the Star Wars series is someone who is unassuming but very wise.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?
Dr. Conly: Chariots of Fire is very motivational and a testament to strength of character.

If you were given one day to try out any other profession, what would it be and why?
Dr. Conly: A cowboy for the independence of it.

Session: Young innovators
August 28, 10:00–11:00 am (CST)

What is your fondest memory of your time in medical school at the University of Saskatchewan? 
Dr. Sullivan: Post-exam celebrations with my awesome classmates!

What is one thing you wish you had known when you graduated from medical school?
Dr. Sullivan: The importance of work-life balance and building career longevity.

Why is the topic of your session important to you?
Dr. Sullivan: I think that as physicians we can and should play an important role in advocating for improved population health by sharing accurate information on social media.

Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you in your education/career?
Dr. Sullivan: Dr. Rob Woods, who was my first program director who is not only extremely supportive but also motivates you to be the best you can be. Dr. Carla Holinaty, who emulates the type of family doctor I aim to be. Dr. Jennifer Gunter, OB/GYN, and social media influencer and advocate extraordinaire.

What is the one takeaway you want your listeners to leave your session with? 
Dr. Sullivan: I hope they will consider joining the fight against the infodemic and helping their own communities through social media advocacy.

Fun questions

What motivated you to participate as a speaker at the Highlights in Medicine Conference and Reunion? 
Dr. Sullivan: I’ve attended the conference once before and find it’s a great time to both reconnect and learn!

What fictional character do you identify with the most and why?
Dr. Sullivan: Mindy from The Mindy Project; she loves her job and doesn’t take herself too seriously.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?
Dr. Sullivan: March March by The Chicks; a powerful ballad for our time.

If you were given one day to try out any other profession, what would it be and why?
Dr. Sullivan: I would be a Sugar Rush TV show baking judge so I could sample all their tasty, fancy desserts!

Session: Betty-Ann and Wade Heggie Lecture in Integrative Medicine  
August 28, 11:00 am–12 noon (CST)

Biographical questions

Where did you attend university and what led you to pursue your career path?
Dr. Kaplan: Bachelor’s degree – University of Chicago; master’s and PhD degrees – Brandeis University; postdoctoral – Yale University (Dept. of Neurology) and Veterans Administration Hospital (Neuropsychology Laboratory), West Haven, Connecticut. I always knew I was attracted to the physiological basis of human behaviour and that I could never be a clinician. Beyond that clarity, I just had the good fortune to have doors open for me, and I walked through.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far? 
Dr. Kaplan: Finding out that my research on nutrition and mental health would result in more than additional publications for my CV; it would result in transforming some lives for the better.

What are the top resources that have helped you along the way in your education/career?
Dr. Kaplan: Top resource has been my thick skin – the knowledge that if you are correct and if you are ethical, you can cope with personal attacks.  But I think you mean a different kind of resource, so I need to acknowledge the universities, hospitals and private foundations that have always stepped forward to help and support me, and there are too many to list.

Who are the three people that have been the most influential to you in your education/career?
Dr. Kaplan: It’s so hard to narrow it to three!

• Eugene Arnold (MD), Ohio State University, who continues to educate me about the importance of doing proper clinical trials of non-drug treatments.
• Julia Rucklidge (PhD) University of Canterbury, Christchurch, NZ: my one student who was smart enough to see the importance of nutrition research and to do the many studies that needed to be done.
• The late Robert Church (PhD), one of the founders of our medical school, and a biochemist and geneticist, who always understood the importance of my research and connected me with so many people in the agricultural world who have taught me that everything begins in our soil.

You have been asked to speak at the Heggie Lecture in Integrative Medicine, what can listeners expect? 
Dr. Kaplan: They can expect to learn that contrary to the dominant public narrative, there is now a vast amount of very solid research demonstrating that nutrition is the foundation of our brain health. That research emanates from many countries and is relevant for people across the lifespan. And the research is mostly uncorrupted by industry funding (unlike most pharmaceutical studies).

I won’t have time to go into all of it, but the research includes every methodology I can think of, from case studies to case series to various types of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Effect sizes are always moderate to large. And there is replicating evidence across different laboratories.  They will also learn that nutrition is not magic, because many other factors influence mental health.

Fun questions

What motivated you to participate as a speaker at the Highlights in Medicine Conference and Reunion? 
Dr. Kaplan: As I prepared for my retirement from the University of Calgary, I set myself two primary goals. One is Knowledge Translation (KT), which is why I initiated writing The Better Brain, and why I am thrilled to be speaking to an audience such as this one.

What is the one takeaway you want your listeners to leave your session with? 
Dr. Kaplan: Although there are many causes of impaired mental function, one fundamental cause (which has been ignored ever since the start of the psychopharmacology ‘revolution’ 50 years ago) involves diet and supplementation. We need to educate the public to take control of their own health much more, by learning about what nutrients do in our brains.

Where is the one destination in the world that you have never been, but is top on your list of places to visit? 
Dr. Kaplan: Saskatoon, of course!

If you were given one day to try out any other profession, what would it be and why?
Dr. Kaplan: I think it might be family medicine. Not because I have a drive to be a clinician; I don’t. But I would love to educate people about lifestyle variables that put their health in their own hands. In other words, I would like to empower them to take responsibility for themselves before turning to medication.

Session: Clara and Frank Gertler Lecture in Medicine - Using social innovation as a tool of transformational change in medicine
August 28, 1:00–2:00 pm (CST)

Biographical questions

What is your fondest memory of your time in medical school at the University of Saskatchewan? 
Dr. Lafontaine: The Indigenous support programs had a major impact on me in both considering applying to U of S for medical school and helping me work through the struggles every medical student experiences. I have so many good memories from U of S.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you graduated from medical school?
Dr. Lafontaine: Life takes you on many adventures where you end up in places you’d never expect.

What are the top resources that have helped you along the way in your education/career?
Dr. Lafontaine: Countless professors, mentors, colleagues and leaders who’ve been very gracious with their time and insight. The greatest resource I’ve had in my journey has been the people around me.

Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you in your education/career?
Dr. Nahiz Noureldin, a professor at the Saskatchewan Federated College (now First Nations University of Canada). He “voluntold” me to move from the back of my Chemistry 101 class to the front – the first of many experiences where he pushed me to raise my personal expectations of what I could be.

Valerie Arnault-Pelletier, Indigenous coordinator at the College of Medicine. There are few people who have had a greater impact on the success of Indigenous medical students in the College of Medicine than Val in my opinion. She held my hand – both literally and figuratively – throughout medical school and beyond.

Dr. Tom Dignan, a national leader in Indigenous education and advocacy. Dr. Dignan invited me into my first medical leadership experiences and mentored me throughout my career and leadership journey. He taught me about the “messy” side of system change and how caring about people always comes before successfully transforming health systems.

Why is the topic of your session important to you?
Dr. Lafontaine: System change can be confusing, and it seems to get more complex every day. Finding a model that distills aspects of system change into more accessible, easy to understand concepts is something I wish I had at the beginning of my leadership journey.

Fun questions

What motivated you to participate as a speaker at the Highlights in Medicine Conference and Reunion?
Dr. Lafontaine: I have so many good memories from the U of S and wanted to contribute as an alumnus.  

What is the one takeaway you want your listeners to leave your session with? 
Dr. Lafontaine: We often focus on the operations and logistics of system change, but the human part is often just as important. You can have amazing strategies and tools, but you can’t create an environment where those will be used by colleagues and patients – all that work may not have much impact.

What fictional character do you identify with the most and why?
Dr. Lafontaine: I watch lots of cartoons with the kids, so Aang from the Last Avatar. He’s full of hope, frequently overwhelmed, but always figures things out because he’s supported by the people around him. 

What is one place in the world that you have never been, but is top on your list of places to visit?
Dr. Lafontaine: I want to visit Vietnam with my wife. She fled there with her family after the Vietnam War and I would love to experience modern Vietnam with her along with learning more about her homeland’s history.  

If you were given one day to try out any other profession, what would it be and why?
Dr. Lafontaine: Materials engineer. In undergrad, I did several summers of research into creating novel compounds, but I never had the chance to use those compounds to build real-world things.

Ms. Sehjal Bhargava, Ms. Daisy Ko, Ms. Elektra Laxdal and Mr. Mohamed Omar

Session: Student leaders
August 28, 2:00–3:00 pm (CST)

What was your motivation/inspiration to apply for medical school and become a physician?
Ms. Sehjal Bhargava:  From the time I was young I remember being driven by the idea of trying to make the world a better place. I was inspired by my mom and aunt who are both incredible women in medicine, advocates, and leaders, and my dad who goes out of his way to advocate for and treat vulnerable and underserved patients in dentistry. Watching them take care of others and our families drew me to the idea of a career in medicine. 

Ms. Daisy Ko:  A career in medicine seemed to strike a balance between scientific curiosity and the desire to create positive change in people’s lives. Volunteering at SWITCH (Student Wellness Initiative Toward Community Health) at the end of my undergraduate degree cemented my dream. The fantastic mentors, friends, and community members I met there showed me the art of communication, the power of trust in community and the complexity of health. Besides, speaking as an insufferable nerd since birth, what other career path is more likely to keep me in school for all eternity? 

Mr. Mohamed Omar: I have had many family members who I have personally witnessed struggle with their health, some of which are no longer with us. Experiencing what it is like to be on the patient side of the patient-physician relationship has elevated my appreciation for what physicians do and the impact they can have on their patients. Combining my respect and appreciation for the profession with my keen interest in the field of medicine, I set out early on in my educational career to become a physician. One day I want to have the same positive impact on my patients.

How has COVID-19 impacted your studies?
Ms. Bhargava: As a third-year medical student, not much changed except for the addition of PPE, and the added anxiety about the unknowns of COVID-19. I feel lucky to have been able to continue our clinical education relatively uninterrupted. For me, COVID-19 shone a spotlight on my local community and more broadly, the Canadian health care system. From the banding together of our communities to the increased utility of healthcare resources, to realizing the strengths and cracks in our healthcare system, I was inspired by the opportunity for advocacy and innovation that the pandemic provided. Additionally, COVID-19 forced me to reflect on my personal priorities and what I wanted out of medical school and a future career.

Ms. Ko: There has been an interesting synergy between the pandemic and advocacy. With current events relating to race and racism, advocacy has felt different in this past year and a half – more urgent than ever, and with a new momentum. COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of using our privilege as medical students to add to that momentum. For those of us lucky enough to have avoided the more devastating impacts of the pandemic, it has felt easy – and necessary – to move advocacy work higher up on our priority lists. 

Finishing pre-clerkship at the WebEx School of Medicine was a blessing in many ways, and my class was fortunate enough to have our third year largely unchanged by COVID-19. My heart goes out to the classes of 2023 and 2024, who have shown incredible resilience in getting through the early years of medical school isolated from the College of Medicine community. As we find our rhythm in a world with vaccines, I’m hopeful we will be able to make up that lost time in welcoming our junior colleagues.

Ms. Elekra Laxdal: One of the biggest areas it impacted was direct patient care. Since learning was largely virtual, it was more challenging to establish the rapport and connection that face-to-face interactions allow.

If you could travel back in time to your White Coat Ceremony, what advice or words of wisdom would you give to your younger self? 
Ms. Bhargava: Kindness, patience, and common sense will go a long way. And trust in the process, it will all make sense eventually! 

Ms. Ko: Medical school is like eating four pancakes every day. You like pancakes, and four is a reasonable number. But some days, you’re just not in the mood for pancakes, and that’s okay! Just remember that you have eight to eat tomorrow. 

Ms. Laxdal: Allow yourself more space for non-school-related activities. It’s easy to get wrapped up in medical school and push your passions to the side, but they are so important for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. 

Mr. Omar: Although that wasn’t too long ago, I would tell myself that it’s not going to be easy but to do everything in my power not to make it more difficult than it needs to be. In other words, do what you can in you power to take it easy and still enjoy the life you have worked so hard for. 

What area of medicine interests you the most and why? 
Ms. Bhargava:  Public health, preventative medicine and pediatrics are my main areas of interest. My interest in upstream and public health began with my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, which placed an emphasis on social and environmental determinants of health and wellness. I have always loved working with children, and enjoy the focus on prevention, early childhood development, and working to ensure children grow up safe and healthy, and in a healthy environment. I am excited to explore these areas more through electives this coming year!

Ms. Ko: I care deeply about equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in medicine, 2SLGBTQ+ health, and underserved populations. My favourite rotations in clerkship were surgery and psychiatry, and I’m interested in the relationship between surgical outcomes and patient readiness and support networks. Putting these interests together, I hope to pursue a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with an eventual focus on gender-affirming surgery.

Ms. Laxdal: As a former track and field athlete and kinesiologist, I’ve always been fascinated with the physical limits of the human body. During my first two years, I’ve been especially interested in anatomy and physiology, and thus some of my top interests have been orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.

Mr. Omar: It is still a bit early to say going into second year. But so far, internal medicine has caught my interest, more specifically, cardiology. Internal is such a vast field that allows me to explore all facets of medicine. Also, I quite enjoy the process of taking a history, ordering appropriate tests and then coming to a decision based on the findings. Cardiology was one of the modules we recently covered, and it definitely stood out as one that is really interesting. The heart is arguably the most important organ in the body and to learn the pathophysiology behind many of the disease processes was a real thrill.

What are some of your interests outside of medicine?
Ms. Bhargava: Outside of medicine I love spending time with my friends and family, and enjoy long-distance running, swimming, biking, hiking, graphic design and photography! My friends know me as someone who loves projects. Most recently I helped launch and now chair the Saskatchewan Chapter of Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, and enjoy coordinating advocacy efforts and projects that help address the climate crisis from a health perspective alongside other inspiring members of the health care community here in Saskatchewan.

Ms. Ko: Music is one of the most important factors in my wellness; I owe my sanity to singing with the Greystone Singers and Saskatoon Chamber Singers. I watch just enough movies to hold snobby opinions about movies. I love to eat so I’m trying to love to cook; until my culinary talents reveal themselves, I have a comprehensive rank list of places to get ramen in Saskatoon.

Ms. Laxdal: Since an injury took me out of running in my first year of medicine, I’ve really been getting into mountain biking. I also enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, skiing and fishing.

Mr. Omar: I love the game of soccer. I have played the beautiful game since I was three years old and continued until my recent retirement from the men’s university soccer program at the U of S. More recently I have also been enjoying the game of basketball quite frequently. Besides sports, I love to socialize with my friends and connect with new people.