Convocation Spotlight Series II Kelsey Won

Humanitarian. Community advocate. Future leader.

FoMD Communications staff - 11 June 2020

Kelsey Won is a graduate of the U of A School of Dentistry's Class of 2020.

As your journey comes to a close, what advice do you have for new students?

I'd give new students the same advice I'd give to my first-year self: Don't compare your whole self to the best bits of everyone else. Know that you can't do (or be) it all, and that's OK! And whatever you choose to do during your time at school, do it with intention.

How did you engage with student life on campus?

In my first year, I became a regular volunteer with SHINE Dentistry, a student volunteer group that offers free dental care to the underserved Edmonton community every weekend. All care is provided by senior dentistry and dental hygiene students, while registered dentists and dental hygienists from the community, the preceptors and junior students assist. I loved it and the experience got me hooked! I eventually became chair of SHINE Dentistry in my final two years, and saw through the transition of the Boyle McCauley Dental Clinic (the space generously used for SHINE Dentistry on the weekends) from the basement of the Boyle McCauley Health Centre to its own stand-alone clinic.

I was also an active member of student government through the Dental Students' Association (DSA) and transitioned from vice-president to president in my fourth year of dental school. The DSA gave me tremendous insight into student and faculty experiences. It allowed me to push my personal growth, advocate for student voices and oversee our students running some amazing initiatives.

What was your most memorable UAlberta experience?

The first time I saw the new building for the Boyle McCauley Dental Clinic, decals of three logos had been incorporated onto the windows: Boyle McCauley Health Centre, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and SHINE Dentistry. Not only did it signify that SHINE Dentistry was an integral part of the clinic and the community, but it was also the same SHINE Dentistry logo I designed in my first year of dental school. Though the opening of the new site was a milestone for the organization, it was a memorable moment for me personally as well.

What was your favourite class during your program?

It's hard to pick just one, mostly because dentistry is such a small and close-knit group that all the classes we attended together really blur together sometimes. Overall, I think the head and neck cadaver dissections in my second-year anatomy class will remain the most memorable pre-clinical class experience, but even then, it was my classmates and lab group that really made the difference!

Who was your favourite mentor or preceptor?

I want to preface this by saying that the School of Dentistry is lucky to have an amazing group of caring staff, and I owe my learning to so many of them. Students that have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Tom Stevenson, however, know that his positivity is unmatched. At every opportunity he uplifts learners and instills confidence in his students. The excitement that he has for the next generation is so refreshing, and I hope that one day I can have even a fraction of the positive impact that he has on the world!

What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a U of A student?

If you want to do something, you can. So go ahead, what's stopping you? Start an event, a group, a movement, an initiative! You can find people here who will support you.

If you could accomplish one thing in your career what would it be?

To teach others (though first I'll have to learn enough that I'm worth listening to).

How do you plan to celebrate convocation?

Socially distanced, my family on Zoom and preferably with brunch.

Here is a soapbox. Stand up and tell us what you have to say.

Working in health care allows many the privilege to experience people from all walks of life. If you don't think that prejudice is alive and well within the health-care system, I challenge you to open your eyes and start to question the status quo. Whether you are a learner or new graduate, change starts with you.