Convocation 2026: Jessica Bennett

Jessica Bennett

Graduating with a doctor of medicine, Jessica Bennett already holds an Honors degree in cell biology from the University of Alberta. When she was not studying, she could often be found people-watching in the Katz Atrium or recording episodes for YegMDPod in the Sperber Library Media Lab. By following her passion and learning to "listen to her spleen"—a phrase she picked up from Netflix's Love Is Blind—she successfully discovered her true calling and matched into a general surgery residency.

Financial Support and Awards

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry Third Year Clerkship Award, Patricia Ann Peat Resident and Student Family Medicine Award, Stuart Iglesias ESS/OSS Bursary, Dr Ray and Gloria Rajotte Leadership Scholarship in Medicine, Harold and Opal Hess Bursary in Medicine, Jason Lang Scholarship and David and Beatrice Reidford Research Scholarship – Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

What drew you to your area of study?

I was drawn to medicine because in medicine I am able to use my passion for science and problem-solving to make a real-time, tangible positive impact on the lives of people around me.

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?

I am most proud of the work I have done with MD Outreach and YegMDPod to share information about the program with prospective students. Through these programs, I have learned a substantial amount about rural Alberta and the healthcare needs of these populations. It has also been really impactful seeing former program participants and podcast listeners of a similar background to myself go on to become my junior colleagues.

What were your go-to spots at the U of A? Why?

I'm a big fan of natural lighting and people-watching, so I'd have to say the Katz Atrium, the sixth-floor pedway from Katz to MSB and the third-floor HEC pedway at our NAMP campus. And of course the Media Lab at the Sperber Library for recording a good podcast episode.

What did you learn about yourself during your time at the U of A?

As a contestant on the popular Netflix show Love Is Blind once said, I learned to "listen to my spleen". When choosing what extracurriculars to participate in or choosing a career path, I followed my passion, because at the end of the day, a career in medicine will be challenging and time-consuming regardless, so it became important for me to look inwards and figure out what drives me and what I would want to immerse myself in daily. Ironically, listening to my spleen led me to a career in general surgery!

Do you have anyone in particular you'd like to thank for helping with your success?

The MD admissions team has been incredibly supportive of my leadership and community involvement projects. I'd also like to thank my parents and my sister for always inspiring me to give 110% towards all of my goals, and my partner and friends for being there for the highs, the lows and the in-betweens.

What advice would you give to a student considering your area of study?

Work/life balance is important! While having adequate academic knowledge is important to become a good and safe physician, it's also important to fill your days with other activities that make you feel happy.

What's next for you in your career and/or academic journey? What do you hope to accomplish?

I matched to general surgery at Western! I am excited to become a surgeon and to learn from one of the leading programs in the country in robotic surgery training and to explore the potential unlocked with this new technology.