Students - College of Medicine | University of Saskatchewan

Leading with Heart and Science: Samantha Leech’s Journey to the USask Regina Campus

A Métis medical student and professional violinist, Samantha is creating a "seat at the table" for Indigenous learners while revolutionizing medical imaging.

Humanizing Medicine at USask

2026 Indigenous Student Achievement Award recipient Michelle Desjarlais looks to play a role in transforming the future of Women’s Health.

Anna Martens-Koop first became interested in vaccine research while completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). What began as curiosity quickly grew into a desire to contribute to the field herself.

Calm in the crease: Learning to lead through action and reliability

Regina learner Holly Kozan (MD Class of 2028) is an elite goaltender in Canada's National Ringette League (NRL), giving her a unique perspective as she journeys through medical school.

The journey to investigate a new therapy for multiple sclerosis

During her undergraduate degree, Dr. Nataliya Tokarska (PhD) realized she had an interest in neuroscience.

Spotlight on the Black Medical Student Association

Two MD student representatives from the Black Medical Student Association (BMSA) chapter at USask’s College of Medicine sat down to talk about the student-led group, its purpose, achievements, current initiatives, and upcoming events.

MD students create student group to help drive change in Saskatoon

A group of medical doctor (MD) students in the College of Medicine have taken steps toward improving lives in Saskatoon by creating a student group, the SAGE Student Collective, which supports the SAGE (Secure, Assist, Guard and Engage) Clan Patrol in grassroots mutual aid.

Passion to professional fulfilment: USask graduate recognized for his leadership

Carter Frerichs completed the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program in 2025 and was recognized by his colleagues for his exceptional leadership during the program.

Award-winning USask student reflects on her path to medicine

Brianna Andrews (she/her) is a third-year student in the MD program at the College of Medicine. Recently, she won several awards at the Fall Formal. She sat down to talk about how she came to medicine, and the key to her success.

Returning to school: USask Physical Therapy students pursue their dreams

Four Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) students have proved that it is never too late to go back to school. Inspired by their life experiences and support from their families, they chose to become physical therapists and are not looking back.

Challenging Disparities: MD Student Advocates for Queer Health Equity

Jess Klaassen-Wright (they/them), MD Class of 2027, is an advocate both nationally and internationally for queer health in Canada. Recently, they helped organize the Trans Health Bootcamp that took place in Saskatoon on October 18, 2025. The bootcamp was funded by the Social Accountability Lab for Learning and Teaching (SALLT) Fund. Klaassen-Wright sat down to talk about how they became involved in the initiative, and the success of the day.

MD Students Reflect on the Indigenous Learning Experience at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

In September, Saskatoon site learners from the MD Class of 2029 participated in an Indigenous learning experience at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Three students sat down to talk about the day and what it meant to them: Shahd Nabhan (she/her), Hamza Saghir (he/him), and Sophie Dyke (she/her).

Exploring cellular therapies for peripheral nerve repair

Bhadrapriya Sivakumar is a graduate student in Dr. Anand Krishnan’s (PhD) lab in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology at the College of Medicine.

Bringing AI into the classroom

Sundus Zia, a third-year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can play a role in medical education.

The MD-PhD path: Bridging medicine and research

Kirk Haan is one of two students pursuing the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Relationships and Community: A Conversation with Dr. Jae Newton, Lindsay Gold Medalist

On June 5, 20205, Dr. Jae Newton received the Lindsay Gold Medal at the University of Saskatchewan’s Convocation ceremony. This medal is annually awarded to the graduating MD student with the most outstanding academic achievement in each year of training in the College of Medicine. Dr. Newton sat down with us to talk about her medical journey and how she got to where she is today.

2025 - Year of milestones for physical therapy graduate

After completing the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program in December 2024, Henry Francisco started his career as a physical therapist at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon with the inpatient acute care team but that is not the only big change for this graduate so far in 2025.

Building Bridges: Northwest Family Medicine Site

Dr. Anum Ali shares her experience with the Northwest Family Medicine Resident Community Outreach Committee.

Celebrating Diversity in Medicine: Asian Heritage Month

In honour of Asian Heritage Month, three medical students speak about their journey into medicine and what diversity in medicine means to them.

Two USask medical students develop t-shirts to raise awareness for Red Dress Day

Rebecca Seifried and Terri Thunder, two University of Saskatchewan (USask) medical students, came together to support and bring awareness to Red Dress Day by creating a special Red Dress Day t-shirt. Thunder and Seifried emphasized that “hope and strength” are the key messages that they want people to gather from their design.

A journey into the human side of medicine

Vaidehee Lanke, a first-year medical student in Saskatoon, reflects on the Healer's Art Program and her journey participating within it.

Indigenous Achievement Week: Celebrating three exceptional College of Medicine Learners

The College of Medicine is proud to celebrate Cameron Bird, Sheila Naytowhow, and Terri Thunder, who were honoured with USask Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) Awards. These awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Indigenous students at USask and were celebrated at the awards ceremony on March 13. To further highlight their achievements, we asked Cameron, Sheila and Terri a few questions about their award and to provide words of advice to other Indigenous students pursuing similar fields of study.

Women in Medicine: Celebrating International Women's Day with our Students

Six medical (MD) students from the College of Medicine spoke with us about their journey into medicine.

From student athletic trainer to physical therapist

In December, Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) graduate, Joanne Lavoie, started her career as a physical therapist (resident) on the medicine team at Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatoon.

Prince Albert site clerkship

Two former University of Saskatchewan medical students reflect on their clerkship experiences in Prince Albert.

Pursuing MD and PhD degrees

Jared Price is one of two students enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) dual program at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

The SLIC experience in Melfort

My name is Hope Packet and I am completing my third year in Melfort in the Saskatchewan Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (SLIC).

Small actions: Greening health care one glove at a time

After a record-breaking summer both in terms of heat and fires, it becomes increasingly hard to ignore the presence and impact of climate change.

Making the Links: A Certificate in Global Health

Making the Links allowed us to expand our understanding of health through theory and practice.

Primary Care, Second Language

“Primary Care, Second Language” is a podcast project based in Saskatchewan and launched in the summer of 2023 by a group of medical students at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine.

Choosing Wisely STARS: Advocating on the national stage

As our healthcare system continues to be stretched thin, it is important to be mindful of the cost and consequences of the tests and treatments ordered by healthcare providers.

SLIDE training: Recognizing the signs of melanoma

Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, and its incidence is on the rise. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness month in Canada, it has been at the top of my mind and a perfect opportunity to discuss something I am deeply passionate about.

Invincible We Are: a student blog on living with chronic illness

We have always had a key interest in writing. Both of us have spent countless hours in our creative space working away at a poem or preparing an eye-catching commentary for classes. It was not until we began the Arts and Humanities course in Year 2 of medical school that we realized the similarities in our interest in writing.

Moving mountains: the uphill battle Westmount students face with mental health

In our second semester of our first year of medical school, we spent our spare time working with the students at Westmount Community School as part of an urban inner-city practicum for Making the Links: A Global Health Certificate Program.

You can’t spell 'paradise' without PA: a clerkship experience

Imagine waking up to a Saskatchewan sunrise, driving two minutes to work, parking directly outside the hospital, walking inside to be greeted by familiar faces, then working with phenomenal physicians with diverse patients. After a day of histories, physicals, procedures, and personalized attending teachings, you drive home and unwind with a walk at Little Red River Park or a swim in a nearby lake.

Small Community with Big Medicine: Hands-On Learning in Meadow Lake

Currently, I am enthusiastically completing my third-year of medical school in Meadow Lake – a community of 5,000 people – via the Saskatchewan Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (SLIC) program.

Changing my perspective on poverty in Saskatoon

Recently, I had a shift in my perspective on the topic of poverty in Saskatoon. My world was the USask campus and my home in University Heights. I hadn’t seen what was happening in certain parts of our city until my experience in the community and workplace centered learning experience.

Black History Month: The importance of representation and community building

As a Black medical student in Saskatchewan, I often reflect on my experience as I navigate the daily nuances of the health care system and the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. I recognize that as a medical trainee, cis-gender female, English-speaking immigrant settler, I carry with me certain privileges.

How a summer research project with pewaseskwan turned my curiosity into a passion

When I was presented with the opportunity to do a 2021 Dean’s Summer Research Project with Dr. Alexandra King (MD) and her research team, pewaseskwan – the Indigenous Wellness Research Group, I did not understand the extent of the wonderful experience that was in store for me.

The importance of meaningful, community-led research projects

This past summer, I had the privilege of participating in a community-based participatory research project with the pewaseskwan (The Sky is Clearing) research group.

Queering the medical curriculum

We spent the summer reviewing literature and creating suggestions for best practices for including queer content in the medical curriculum.

A Mini Integration Weekend in Regina

Being a University of Saskatchewan medical student in Regina has always felt like being in on a best kept secret.

Nature is Medicine: Launching PaRx in Saskatchewan

When we first heard about Park Prescription, or PaRx, we were excited about the health benefits it could offer patients in Saskatchewan, and the greater purpose it served within the climate change movement.

How a Pandemic Sparked a Passion for Planetary Health & Climate Change

I’ve always loved getting outdoors and have made conscious efforts to bring reusable bags to the grocery store. However, I was never one to try and practice minimalism or compost, and definitely not one to try and keep up with the news on climate change.

Fighting Seniors’ Social Isolation with Music

The idea of a social event for seniors was floated around at our monthly Senior Social Isolation Prevention Program (SSIPP) meeting in December, a program that connects older adults with medical students for weekly phone calls. The idea was to bring joy, entertainment, and promote SSIPP to the older adult community.

How I helped with COVID contact-tracing

My name is Morgan, and I am a first year-medical student at the University of Saskatchewan. I joined the Saskatchewan Health Authority's (SHA) pandemic supplemental work force, alongside approximately 50 of my classmates, in early December 2020 for the duration of our Christmas break.

Medical students’ concussion collar awarded CMA Joule Innovation grant

Two second-year students from the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Brandon Spink and Richard Ngo, were part of a four-member team that was awarded a $10,000 Joule Innovation grant for the 2020 competition in the Emerging Physician Innovator category.

What we learned during Family Medicine Interest Group Week

During Family Medicine Interest Group Week (Feb. 8-12), medical students Jessica and Shannon write about why they're interested in family medicine and what the specialty entails.

From history to medicine: How I wrote a book while also attending medical school

Two years ago, I was in the parking lot of St Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon and about to leave a dialysis clinic – one of the clinical encounters that second-year medical students complete as a part of the nephrology unit – when I received an email from McGill-Queen’s University Press. My prospective book An Ambulance on Safari had been accepted for publication by their press.

Adjusting to Medical School in a Pandemic

The first three months of medical school have gone by quickly. As we stop to catch our breath in between midterms and finals, we have a lot of milestones to reflect on.

While We Learn, They Die: Why We Need Immediate Action in the Drug Crisis

I’ve always been told to never discuss politics with family. I broke that rule unwittingly when I went back home during the September long weekend and my dad shared that one of his friends overdosed due to cocaine cut with fentanyl.

Why did I choose the MD/MBA program?

When I started medical school on August 8, 2018, I was a proud member of the Class of 2022. Throughout the next two years, my classmates and I often talked about how we couldn’t wait to get onto the wards to start working with “real patients.”

Beginning Second Year with a Greater Sense of Balance

I was in term two of my first year of medical school when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit.

Unusual beginnings in unprecedented times: Starting medical school during a pandemic

As two long-time friends in first year medicine, the word on our minds when we think about starting medical school during a pandemic isn’t “unprecedented”--it’s “privileged.”

Connecting Generations in a Time of Disconnect

Social distancing measures and visiting restrictions at long-term care homes have helped curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, but they also mean isolation and loneliness for some.

12 Tips for Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being During COVID-19

Reading all the articles and studies getting published on COVID-19 inspired me to create something that would help others do just that. A practical framework for supporting our own and others’ psychological needs for motivation and wellness.

My View From The Sidelines During COVID-19

The last few weeks have been a crazy whirlwind of news headlines from across the world, an abundance of information, and disruptions in almost every aspect of life.

The Student Voices of COVID-19

We are medical students. For the past several years, we have dedicated innumerable hours to the learning and practice of our trade. Our physicians and other mentors have guided us on this journey, providing us with their valuable time as well.

Why We Need A Black Medical Students Association at USask

One of the things I love most about being in Medicine is the moment you open the exam room door to reveal whose waiting behind it. The anticipation of getting to meet and help someone new. To have an impact on someone’s life, whether it be in a small way or long-lasting.

My Reflection on Advocating for Universal Access to Contraception

Current coverage of contraception in Canada is ridden with gaps that inhibit women’s reproductive autonomy, and limit access to contraception.

Finding My Place at the College of Medicine

As the holidays come to an end, and I reflect back on my time away and the past couple years since entering medical school I can’t help but think about how lucky I have been to have had so many opportunities and to have entered into such an incredible community.

We toured the STARS Ambulance in Regina

When it comes to transporting patients in need of emergent medical care, the stars are the limit!

How Writing an Essay Deepened My Interest in Anesthesiology

"It is without question in anesthesia that the adverse effects of obesity have complicated the work of the profession and new strategies can be undertaken to deal with the effect of these."

Creating a Cartoon to Engage Patients About Their Health

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency globally. Some studies indicate a 79% prevalence rate in remote areas in Canada. It’s also particularly common in children.

The 21st Century Physician: Technology is Changing, Why Aren’t We?

Medicine is constantly evolving. Physicians in the 21st century will have diagnostic, screening, and preventative equipment with far greater capabilities than their 20th century predecessors.

Finding a concussion hack in 48 hours

University of Saskatchewan (USask) medical students Richard Ngo and Brandon Spink teamed up with biomedical and mechanical engineering students to win a 48-hour hackathon with their invention that could prevent concussions in sports.

7 Tips for a Successful Year in Medical School

As the morning air on my walk to school becomes a hint cooler, it rings in the promise of a new school year. Reflecting on the past 365 days, I realise how far I’ve come on a journey that has challenged me more than anything else in my life.

How Dillon Taught Me that Building Community is a Clinical Skill

It is hot! I feel the sweat rolling down my face and arms as I try not to think about how hard it is to breathe.

Reflecting on the PREP program

As the month of June came to a close, so too did my time in the PREP program.

PREP Part II: My textbook is now my real patient

The past two weeks have proved to be very interesting here in Lanigan. I have been working with Dr. Akinjobi, a Nigerian-trained doctor who has worked in South Africa, England, and Australia.

PRISM: Pre-clerkship Introductions to Specialities in Medicine

All medical students get asked the coveted question in medical school, ”So, do you know what you want to be when you grow up?” It's a question many students find difficult to answer.

Prepping for PREP

Ah yes! The summer between second- and third-year medical school. Often spoken about between classmates as if we are part of a Shakespeare story – the last summer.

Medical students take research projects to Belgium

Hallo! (“hello” in Dutch, not just a major typo) Our names are Hope Fast and Cadence MacPherson and we are second-year medical students at the University of Saskatchewan.

Day of Action for Seniors Care and Aging: Behind the Scenes (Part 2)

On Feb. 4, medical students from across Canada gathered in Ottawa to lobby the government for a coordinated response and plan to seniors care and aging during the Canadian Federation of Medical Students Day of Action.

National Day of Action for Seniors Care and Aging: Behind the Scenes (Part 1)

Since the beginning of November, over a dozen medical students from across the country were working to prepare the research and documentation on seniors care and aging used for the Canadian Federation of Medical Students Day of Action, which took place on Feb. 4.

Working to understand harm reduction in Saskatoon

In the hustle and bustle before a long stretch of back-to-back finals, myself and fellow U of S students took a step back from our studying to be trained in recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose, including education on naloxone administration.

SMARoadmap trip provides hands-on experience

My name is Corey Ziegler, a first-year medical student, and I recently had the privilege of being part of the Saskatchewan Medical Association Roadmaps experience up to Buffalo Narrows and Île-à-la-Crosse.

Road trip builds appetite for career in rural medicine

I have always known that I wanted to practice rural medicine in some capacity. These small rural communities make up such an important part of Saskatchewan’s backbone. They are rich in history, culture, and, in my experience, full of very loving people who make delicious food!