A Purpose to Serve: MD student receives the Youth Leadership in Action Award

When Brynn Romanovitch arrived in Saskatoon for university, she knew one thing for sure: she wanted to continue serving the community like she had in her hometown of Weyburn, Saskatchewan.

“Growing up in a prairie community, the sense of volunteering and working together is big,” said Romanovitch. “I think that's kind of where my passion for it came because [Weyburn] was more of a close-knit community.”

This led Romanovitch to the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre. “I started volunteering at the food bank because I needed to find some way to connect,” said Romanovitch, reflecting on her want to find community after moving to Saskatoon. “I reached out to the [Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre], and they got back right away and had such positive energy and were so welcoming that I couldn't wait to get started there.”

In acknowledgement of her work with the food bank, Romanovitch received the Youth Leadership in Action Award. The award celebrates one individual each year for their exemplary work and contributions.

Describing what it was like to receive the award, Romanovitch shared, “Unexpected, to say the least. I do my best to be present and give time to the food bank because I know it's a very valuable resource in the community, but also selfishly because I enjoy it and enjoy my time there and it's really fulfilling for me. So, recognition for spending time there was not something I ever expected. I'm very grateful and thankful to have been even nominated for something like this.”

She went on to emphasize, “Having the opportunity to receive the award and share my positive experiences there is what was really most exciting to me. And being able to hopefully share what it means to be a part of the team and maybe intrigue others to get involved with the community as well.”

Romanovitch’s drive for volunteering is closely tied to one of the reasons she is passionate about studying medicine. At the heart of both is a desire to connect and support those around her.

“I think this ties back to my roots coming from a more rural community…medicine gives you a really unique opportunity to build relationships, not only with colleagues and who you're working with, but I find that the relationships you get to build with your patients are really unique, especially in rural communities."

Romanovitch added, “My family doctor was who I saw for any kind of health concern throughout my life growing up in Weyburn. So, I thought, ‘Wow, I really would get to form these kinds of long-term relationships with patients.’ I think it’s really rewarding to have in a career, and not something you necessarily get in other careers.”

Looking further into the intersection between studying medicine and her want to uplift community, Romanovitch shared how she sees it impacting her work as a future physician.

“I want to be the type of physician who is an active member of their community, those relationships are really important to me,” said Romanovitch. “I think being able to form those kind of relationships and connections is how I see myself moving forward. I want do that throughout my career and be someone that my patients feel comfortable with.”

Romanovitch’s experience volunteering has helped her develop positive relationships within diverse communities, a valuable skill she’ll carry forward into her medical practice.

“[Patients] are going to be in vulnerable situations sometimes. By forming connections within the community, it helps them when they come to you feel like they're in a safe space,” said Romanovitch. “When you're working with more vulnerable sectors of the community like at the food bank or in other positions that I've had, you really get a different perspective of things, like disparities that are happening within the community. It almost feels like you have a deeper passion for wanting to help because you've kind of seen it with your own eyes and seen the disparities from more of the perspective of those experiencing them.”

In parting, Romanovitch offered a few words of advice for others interested in balancing medical education and volunteering.

“Find things that you're passionate about and don't do things just because you think you should be,” said Romanovitch. “I found that in the past I was maybe trying to do that. And then I realized life is super busy and there's a lot going on…making time for things that you're passionate about comes a lot more naturally than things that you feel like you have to or should be doing.”

Romanovitch would like to acknowledge the following individuals from the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre for their support: Erin Berger, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, and Jasleen Kaur, Program Director.

“And also, thanks to my parents for the way they brought me up,” said Romanovitch. “They really encouraged me to pursue things that I was passionate about and give back in ways that I'm able to.”