
What advice would you give to new students?
Reid: Take advantage of new opportunities, and do things you are interested in. Take some time to consider what is important to you, and let that guide your extracurricular activities and pursuits within medicine.
Sameena: Take advantage of the freedom and flexibility of the first two years of medical school. There are so many new things to try, and plenty of opportunity to get involved with what you're interested in. It's also a great opportunity to meet new people!
How did you engage with student life on campus?
Reid: I got involved with music whenever possible. My classmates and I formed a band which played at countless venues and fundraisers throughout medical school.
Sameena: I did a little bit of everything - intramural sports, class council, orientation week, running a club, and most of all, music. I joined a band as the singer/guitarist near the beginning of medical school. We played quite a few shows together over the last four years, and became best friends in the process. I actually got to know Reid through the band, as he plays keyboard (amazingly, might I add).
What was your most memorable UAlberta experience?
Reid: Sameena and I co-organized a battle of the bands for the medical students in our second year. It was awesome getting all the years together, playing and listening to the other bands!
Sameena: Organizing Orientation Week for incoming medical students was definitely one of my more memorable experiences. This was another way Reid and I got to know each other. The five of us in charge were a great team, and had an awesome time putting together a full week of activities for the first year students. It was hard work, and required the largest Costco run any of us will probably ever do, but completely worth it!
What was your favourite class during your program?
Reid: The cardiac, pulmonary and renal block in pre-clerkship was great. Lots of interesting physiology and pathology which affects how these systems work.
Sameena: This is hard for me to answer. I liked most of our blocks, and wouldn't be able to choose just one. This was partly how I knew family medicine was right for me.
What's next for you?
Reid: I am very fortunate to be starting my residency in anesthesiology at the University of Alberta. Of course, I will be making time for music and video projects on the side!
Sameena: I will be starting my Family Medicine residency in Edmonton this summer!