2023 Admissions

Class of 2026

If you want to contact our student ambassadors, send them an email to admissions.med [at] mcgill.ca

Alex

Class of 2026

Languages: English, French, Mandarin (Casual)
Education: BSc. (Honours) Anatomy and Cell Biology (McGill U., 2022)
Three years in sport psychology research at the Bloom Laboratory (McGill)
One year in cellular biomechanics research at the Ehrlicher Laboratory (McGill)

My name is Alex and I am grateful to be one of your student ambassadors. I grew up in Brampton and Toronto before moving to Montreal to complete a BSc. in Honours Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill. Throughout my undergrad, I was also a high-performance athlete on the Canadian national fencing team. My athletic experience motivated me to pursue research in sport psychology where I investigated how leaders can establish productive group norms to promote positive team outcomes. As part of my honour’s thesis, I also researched how cells detect and respond to shear forces in their environment.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading memoirs and continue to compete in fencing. I love spending time training with my teammates and travelling together to competitions. Through my course work and athletic career, I became curious in learning more about the human body and pursuing Medicine. I chose to study Medicine at McGill because I admired the teaching faculty and McGill’s ability to integrate anglophone, francophone, and other diverse cultures into a welcoming environment. I’m excited to begin my medical career at McGill and would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Cariane

Class of 2026

Languages: English, French
Education: DEC Health Sciences (Cegep regional de Lanaudière à Terrebonne), Med-P Campus Outaouais (McGill 2022)

My name is Cariane and I am honored to be a student ambassador! I was born and raised in Terrebonne. Graduating from Terrebonne cegep, I completed my Med-P year before starting my first year of medical school at the brand-new Campus Outaouais. I've wanted to become a doctor since high school when I realized medicine is a perfect balance between humanities and sciences while being in a field that fosters lifelong learning. As a first-year medical student, I am honored to be involved in such outstanding diversity and privileged to have access to first-hand experience such as the anatomy labs and the Longitudinal Family Medicine experience, as well as the various research programs offered by McGill’s Faculty of Medicine. I love to work out and hanging out with my friends. In fact, in my spare time, you can either find me at the gym, with my friends, running, in a road trip or trying to learn how to surf... I remember the application process like it was yesterday and understand how stressful it can be, but I would be happy to answer any kinds of questions you may have or if you have any tricks to give for a surf newbie don’t hesitate to contact me! I wish you all the best, you got this, and I look forward to meeting you!

Adam

Class of 2026

Languages: English, French, Swahili (Casual), German (Novice), Spanish (Novice)
Education: DEC Sciences de la nature (Bois-de-Boulogne, 2014); B.Sc. Microbiology & Immunology (McGill, 2017); Ph.D. Microbiology & Immunology (McGill, 2022)

My name is Adam, and I am so pleased to serve as an ambassador for the Class of 2026. I was born and raised in Montreal with Somali & Djiboutian roots. I have been studying at McGill since 2014 where I completed my B.Sc. in Microbiology & Immunology and am currently in the final stages of my Ph.D. in the same department. My experience in graduate school further supported my desire to pursue medical education. Working in translational research and vaccine development, I later hope to bridge the gaps from the lab bench to the patient’s bedside in the future as a clinician-scientist.

As a first-year medical student, I am incredibly honoured to be part of such a multicultural and diverse cohort. With the largest class of Black students in McGill Medicine history, it is inspiring to be part of the change in representation in both the scientific and medical fields. In terms of education, we are fortunate that McGill offers a lot of hands-on experiences such as anatomy labs, ultrasound sessions, and the longitudinal family medicine experience (LFME). Having studied here for a long time, I can attest that the university attracts world-class scientists, professors, and doctors to deliver an incredible curriculum poised to prepare you to be excellent in your chosen field.

The application cycle is long and very stressful, but I hope to be able to answer any questions you might have and demystify the process as best as I can. Feel free to contact me and ask me anything! Looking forward to meeting you all and hearing more about your journeys. Good luck!

Magalie

Class of 2026

Languages: French, English, Spanish (novice)
Education: DEC Health Sciences (Cégep de Victoriaville, 2019-2021), Med-P Qualifying year (McGill 2021-2022)

My name is Magalie and I am very excited to be a student ambassador for the class of 2026. I grew up 2 hours away from Montreal in a small city called Victoriaville where I went to Cegep. I moved to the island of Montreal for the Med-P year, which has been a huge, but amazing change in my life. I have done a lot of volunteering in high school in multiple fields surrounding inequities. I have also gone on a humanitarian trip to Haiti where I had the chance to work with children on their self-esteem. Helping people has always been very important to me and giving my time seems like a natural way to do so. My choice to pursue medicine only came later during CEGEP when I finally considered the possibility and applied to McGill. Now that I am done with Med-P and studying the MDCM program, I could not be happier with the choice I made. Coming from a small town definitely shaped my views on life, which I love to discuss around good Italian food or a warm cup of coffee. On the weekends, you can find me studying in my pyjamas or playing tourist all around Montreal. I deeply believe in a healthy work-life balance, which, for me, comes through reading, doing sports like volleyball and hiking or hanging out with friends. If you ever want to discuss joining McGill, choosing to study medicine, moving to Montreal, or any other concern you may have, do not hesitate to contact me, it will be a pleasure to help you in your journey!

Daniel

Class of 2026

Languages: English, French, Cantonese, Mandarin, German, Spanish, Dutch
Education: French Baccalaureate (Collège International Marie de France, 2017); BCL/JD, Joint Bachelor of Civil Law & Juris Doctor (University of Ottawa, 2022)

My name is Daniel and I'm happy that you are interested in medicine at McGill. As a medicine student ambassador, I look forward to helping should you have any questions regarding the application process, the curriculum or any other concerns.

I am a native Montrealer. Prior to attending university, I completed my studies within the French lycée system. My journey to McGill's Faculty of Medicine is slightly unconventional, as I hold a joint Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Ottawa. Due to my legal training, I worked at an international law firm handling complex medical malpractice cases. This provided me newfound insight into the medical profession; particularly appealing is the unique opportunity doctors have to positively impact the lives of their patients. Consequently, I decided to pursue my medical education at McGill because I could identify more with the humanistic role of the clinician providing high-quality care regardless of socioeconomic factors.

To me, the McGill Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences embodies excellence with its internationally renowned academic expertise, diverse cohorts and outstanding student support services. I believe that innovation is the unifying component underlying the faculty’s holistic medical curriculum and instrumental to the myriad of research opportunities available in state-of-the-art facilities. In my free time, I like to play Mario Kart and have been told that I have a slight obsession with Call of Duty. I also relax by listening to '80s music as I run or bike along Montreal's vibrant neighborhoods and scenic urban beaches. Personally, I feel honoured to be part of the McGill family in the MDCM program. McGill has so much to offer. Please do not hesitate to reach out as I would love to help!

Devon

Class of 2026

Languages: English, French
Education: DEC Enriched Health Science (Dawson College, 2021); Med-P (McGill University, 2022); MDCM (McGill University, 2026)

I'm Devon and I'm ecstatic to be representing McGill's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences as a Student Ambassador. I study at our recently inaugurated Campus Outaouais, where we have state-of-the-art facilities, excellent faculty access, and a growing community of passionate learners. As an anglophone, I was initially worried about how I would fare at a French-speaking campus, however, my experience thus far has been nothing short of excellent. I chose medicine because I find it to be the noblest of careers, where my work has a direct, significant impact on people's lives. The variety and flexibility of the career are an added bonus, given my affinity for teaching, practicing, and learning alike. I adore a challenge, as exhibited through my various past and present experiences in student body leadership, sport, and community service.

In my spare time, I enjoy weightlifting, basketball, and running. As a future practitioner, it is of the utmost importance that I set a positive example for my patients. I also enjoy hosting events, public speaking, reading, and socializing with friends. If you would like to contact me, don't hesitate to reach out.

Taylor

Class of 2026

Languages: English, French (casual)
Education: DEC Health Sciences (Dawson 2016-2018), Bachelor of Science (McGill University 2021)

As a born and raised Montrealer, I’ve lived in four different boroughs and spent my childhood and adolescence exploring the various things our city has to offer! Throughout my undergraduate at McGill, I was involved in various actives ranging from research, hospital volunteering, and student associations. I’m a big proponent for being involved in school & community life and making connections with your peers. Aside from this, my two main interests lie in cooking & recipe development, and thrift shopping. I love to be immersed in the experience of creating a dish and finding a good deal on a vintage piece of clothing! Although I have always been interested in Medicine, my interest truly strengthened when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. This diagnosis opened me up to a passion for advocacy, and I have been engaging as a Crohn’s Disease advocate ever since! I chose McGill Medicine for its emphasis on early clinical exposure, unique Transition to Clinical Practice curriculum, and plethora of student-run organizations. This year, I am the Academic Representative for the Class of 2026, and I am loving the role so far. Please feel free to reach out for advice on any pre-med, academic, or recreational topic!

Jae

MD-PhD

Languages: English, Korean, Japanese (Casual), French (Novice), German (Novice), Mandarin (Novice)
Education: MSc. Medical Sciences (McMaster University 2020), B.Sc. Life Sciences (McMaster University 2017)

My name is Jae, and I am excited to be your student ambassador for this upcoming academic year. I was born in Seoul, South Korea and ultimately grew up in Toronto, Canada before moving to Montreal. I completed both an undergraduate and a master's degree at McMaster University prior to starting my MD/Ph.D. education here at McGill University. I have a huge passion for academic research, where the major focus of my scientific career thus far has been to explore the mechanisms that underlie the progression of a wide range of cardiometabolic diseases (e.g. atherosclerosis, diabetes, NAFLD) by elucidating the role of a serine protease known as PCSK9 and its ability to antagonize the LDL receptor. With a multidisciplinary academic background, I have published in several high-impact journals which include Nature, the Journal of Clinical Investigation, ATVB, and the Journal of Hepatology. Additionally, my interest in medicine stems from (1) my passion to reinforce and advocate for the cultural/social diversity, which is so prevalent within our patient population today, and (2) to deepen our understanding of how academic research translates into patient care, reinforcing the ‘bench-to-bedside’ concept that is very well-established within the medical community. Outside of medicine and in my spare time, I enjoy participating in competitive chess, practicing martial arts (Wing Chun, Krav Maga, Shaolin Kungfu, MMA), and composing music on my acoustic guitar. I look forward to meeting everyone and would be happy to connect and answer any questions that you may have!

Michael

Class of 2026

Languages: English, French 
Education: DEC Health Sciences (Marianopolis College, 2021); Med-P Qualifying Year (McGill University, 2022)

My name is Michael and I'm incredibly happy to be representing McGill medicine. I grew up in the greater Montreal area (Laval) but did most of my education on the island of Montreal. I define myself by my charisma, empathy, and my unwavering ability to laugh at my own jokes. Outside of academics, I like to go out with my friends, play video games, and exercise. Also, I'm a huge Marvel, horror, and sci-fi movie fan. Before life gets too hectic, I hope to travel and see more of the world as soon as I can.

From a young age I had a soft spot for the sciences, but it wasn't until high school when we learned about the body's organ systems that I truly found my passion within the broad field. From there, I discovered medicine specifically when I witnessed first-hand the impact a physician can have on a patient and on a community at large. From that moment, I set off on my journey to join this outstanding profession. McGill, of course, being a world-renowned university, located in my home city, and having core values that aligned with my own, made it my top choice for medical school. It goes without saying how humbled and excited I am to embark on this life-long journey. Apart from being the top medical doctoral university in the country, McGill's "Patient at heart, science in hand" mantra is something I deeply resonate with. For me, I see McGill's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences as one determined to shape future physicians that practice evidence-based medicine and, likewise, always place the patient at the centre of their care. That perspective aligns with my values as a future physician; I strive to be an expert in my field and be capable of taking that expertise and translate it into compassionate care for my patient in need.

I look forward to meeting you all!

Vanessa

Class of 2026

Languages: English, French, Spanish (novice), Hebrew (novice)
Education: D.C.S. Pure and Applied Sciences (Dawson College, 2017); B.Sc. Biology (Concordia University, 2020); B.Sc. Kinesiology (Concordia University, 2022). Two years in orthopaedic surgery research at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research.

My name is Vanessa, and it is truly an honor and a privilege to be a medical student at McGill University. I have been extended the honor of serving as an ambassador for the Class of 2026 and I will carry this title with the utmost pride.

To tell you a bit about myself, I was born and raised in the beautiful city, Montreal. I am an avid baker and cook, I enjoy playing in a soccer league with my friends, and I also spend some of my past time playing piano. My time is spent most with family and friends, which are the most important aspects in my life. Prior to being admitted in the Faculty of Medicine, I was completing my second degree in Kinesiology, while working at a pediatric clinic as a physician assistant and volunteering at the Lady Davis Research Institute in the orthopaedic department. It was my time spent working at the pediatric clinic that has proven to prepare me most for my medical journey. McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences aims to create physicians that will have their patients at heart and science in hand. What this means to me is that McGill is creating doctors that are first and foremost empathetic, but also doctors that foster resilience, health advocacy, inclusivity, and professionalism while being a healer. I have had the privilege of seeing this for myself working as a paediatric physician assistant for remarkable doctors that were graduates of McGill, are preceptors for LFME, and are mentors and role models for individuals like myself, who aspire to become doctors. Being a medical student at McGill, I am now seeing firsthand why McGill is a world-renowned university.

With that said, please do not hesitate to reach out, as it would be my pleasure to tell you about my experience at McGill thus far, whether it be as a current student or my journey to getting here, and to help you in your own journey in any way that I can!

Sepehr

Class of 2026

Languages: English, Farsi
Education: Thesis-based MSc - Physiology (University of Toronto 2021), B.Sc. (Honours) (University of Toronto 2019)

My name is Sepehr Niakani and I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. I immigrated to Canada when I was 15 and completed my high school and university education in Toronto prior to pursuing my medical studies at McGill University. I was intrigued by the sciences early on in high school which promoted me to major in physiology and immunology at the University of Toronto. I then completed a master’s degree in physiology where I studied the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in improving upper airway activity, underpinning sleep apnea at a basic science laboratory. You can find me playing soccer, watching stand up comedies, or hanging out with friends in my free time (which is becoming increasingly rare). I look forward to seeing you aspiring medical doctors and sharing with you the knowledge and experiences of my path to medical school. Finally, I leave you with a fantastic quote from Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, which I found particularly interesting when I was in your shoes applying to medical school:

"Which is more important," asked Big Panda, "the journey or the destination?" "The company," said Tiny Dragon.

Kenneth

Class of 2026

Languages: English, French, Cantonese (Rudimentary), Mandarin (Rudimentary)
Education: B.Sc. Honours Physiology (McGill University, 2019); B.A. Psychology with minor in Educational Psychology (McGill University, 2021)

My name is Kenneth, and I am honoured to be a student ambassador! I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and later moved to Toronto where I spent most of my childhood before coming to Montreal for undergrad at McGill. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always kept in touch with the things I love: my musical side, community service and active living. For several years I was a trumpeter and sat on the executive council for a student-run wind orchestra called McGill’s Symphonic Band Club, I’ve enjoyed giving back to the community by volunteering at Kids Help Phone and as a tutor for underprivileged children just to name a few. My passion for medicine began as a physiology student and grew stronger as I dove deeper into the subject and received more exposure to the field of healthcare. But why McGill? I chose McGill due to the bilingual environment, its stellar reputation, cutting-edge research, and of course being able to live in the beautiful city of Montreal. During my free time you can always find me going rock climbing, hiking, or exploring the city. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I would be very happy to help!

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