Say Hello to Team NEXUS!
Welcoming the Class of 3T0
Hi everyone! My name is Ryan, and I am a second-year medical student at the Mississauga Academy of Medicine. I’m from Richmond Hill and did an undergrad in Physiology at Western.
I was drawn to medicine by the opportunity to combine my curiosity for science with my passion for wanting to support my community. I’m excited to build meaningful connections with patients while continually learning from both my patients and colleagues!
Having been involved in Orientation Week at Western, I’ve seen how much the people and community around you can impact your experience during such a major transition. I’m involved in organizing O-Week for the 3T0s because I want to help create a sense of belonging and make the start of medical school a little less intimidating.
To the class of 3T0: embrace the uncertainty! You don’t need to have everything figured out. Take things one step at a time, try new things, approach everything with an open mind, and get to know the incredible people around you.
Hello! My name is Linda, and I am a second-year medical student in the Peters-Boyd Academy! I am originally from Ottawa and did my undergrad at McMaster University, where I studied Health Sciences with a specialization in Child Health.
My lived experiences have shown me the impact medicine can have in helping people live full, meaningful lives - both by keeping people healthy and by supporting them through times when their health is challenged. During undergrad, I also became interested in the unique position physicians hold in advocating for patients and addressing issues of equity within the healthcare system.
One piece of advice I’d give is to build a life outside of medicine! Prioritize time for your friends, loved ones, hobbies, anything that makes you feel like yourself. I love event planning and meeting new people, which is why I’ve been involved in Orientation Week here and at McMaster. I’ve also spent a lot of time this year exploring Toronto, performing in Daffy (our program musical), reading, writing, and running. These moments have kept me grounded and helped me manage the challenges of medical school while reminding me of the things that bring me joy.
Hello 3T0s! My name is Oyinda, and I’m a second-year medical student in the Peters-Boyd Academy. I’m from Calgary, AB, but grew up in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland. After completing my BHSc at the University of Calgary, I found myself moving to Toronto for medical school. Having lived in different parts of the country, I’ve learned to become comfortable with being new. Each move has meant finding community, appreciating different ways of life, and letting a new place become home in its own way.
Even still, walking into the Medical Sciences Building on the first day of O-Week, I carried a mix of anticipation and nerves about what the next four years would hold. Yet, much like the other places I’ve called home, I found an incredible community here. From the very first week, I was welcomed by upper-year students, faculty, staff, and classmates who made this new chapter feel a little more familiar.
My most meaningful experiences at Temerty have come from being open to new people and experiences; plunging in headfirst, even when something felt unfamiliar. From connecting with patients, being backstage at Daffy, running a 10K, and now helping welcome you to Temerty, I’ve learned the best parts of this journey are often the ones you don’t plan for.
To the 3T0s: You don’t need to have everything figured out. Stay curious, say yes, and let the people and experiences around you shape the journey.
Hi! I’m Josh and I am so excited to welcome the 3T0s to Temerty Medicine. I did my bachelor’s at Queen’s University and am now a second-year medical student in the FitzGerald Academy here at U of T.
I grew up in a lot of places including Etobicoke, South Korea, Lebanon, Jordan, and Mississauga, which exposed me to different cultures and perspectives that ultimately led me to pursue medicine. Particularly, living in Lebanon during the height of the Syrian refugee crisis helped me recognize my own privilege while feeling helpless in the face of others’ pain. That experience pushed me toward medicine as a way to overcome those feelings of powerlessness, something I keep as a reminder to persevere.
If I could talk to myself a year ago, I would say that starting medical school can be overwhelming, but that everyone is feeling the same thing. Ignore the pressure to be something you aren’t. For me it was to be an extrovert when I’m not. You will find your people, find your rhythm, and above all else, you will be okay.
Finally, my advice would be to be considerate of those around you. Relationships, whether personal or professional, matter. There will always be goals to chase and opportunities to pursue, but your ambitions should never come at the expense of someone else. It is easy to get jealous or compare yourself to others, but ultimately, the only person you should strive to be better than is the person you were yesterday.
Hi 3T0s! My name is Rozhin Garousi, and I'm a second-year student in the MD Program. I grew up in Richmond Hill and completed my undergrad at McMaster in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, which is probably where my love for all things psychology began.
A big part of what drew me to medicine was wanting to be a support person for the communities I care about. Whether through mental health advocacy or simply showing up for people in difficult moments, that's the part of this field that first pulled me in, and continues to motivate me every day.
Outside of class, you can usually find me exploring new coffee shops downtown or trying workout classes with friends! Making time for the things and people that keep me grounded has been one of the most important parts of my first year.
To the incoming class: this year is going to change you in the best ways. You'll grow more than you expect and learn things about yourself you never saw coming. Embrace all of it, put yourself out there, say yes to things, meet people, and explore what genuinely interests you. And above all, give yourself so much grace along the way.
Welcome to Temerty! You're going to love it here :)
