Julianna Deutscher
MD class of 2018
Recipient of the 2016 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for her social justice work in global health
"Understanding where my patients come from and being compassionate about the struggles they face will make me a better physician. My ultimate goal is to work in a practice that advocates for vulnerable populations."
Navi Bharj
Dental class of 2019
Co-founder of the Alberta chapter of Oral Health, Total Health, a national non-profit agency hosting Sharing Smiles Day events to advocate, educate and improve the oral health care of persons with developmental disabilities
"It really made it all worthwhile when Hannah, a young eight-year-old child, gave me a hug at the end of Sharing Smiles Day, thanking us for organizing the event. We are privileged to be in a field where we can make a difference in the community, both in and out of the dental office."
Dental hygiene class of 2017
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) student representative for the University of Alberta. An engaged student leader, active in promoting National Dental Hygienists Week in April
"My favourite memories are being in the clinic with 40 of my best friends. And as soon as you are seating your patient, you are immersed into an incredible, hands-on experience."
Ursal Williams
Medical laboratory science class of 2017
Hailing from the Tsilhqot'in First Nation. Aims to restore her family's fading cultural ties with post-secondary education
"I know a lot of high school students have dreams and I think it's important that they follow through. If you keep going, you can do whatever you want."
Radiation therapy class of 2017
One of the "founding five" U of A students to trail blaze the new radiation therapy program
"Cancer care is challenging but also very rewarding. A career in radiation therapy allows you to learn so much about yourself and what compassionate care means through daily interactions with our patients."
Zhu-Lin
Chinese surgeon, U of A Young Physician Training Program participant, 2017
Learned how to perform sentinel lymph node biopsy for early-stage breast cancer
"I want to tell my colleagues it's an extraordinary experience and if they get the chance, they have to come here. It will open their eyes and enrich their lives."
Leonard Ngunga
Cardiologist, faculty member of the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya
One of the many physicians and nurses receiving training at the U of A as part of an extended partnership with Kenya's Aga Khan University Hospital
"When I first came, the cardiology faculty [back home] was only two people. Now we have at least five faculty in the department and a cardiac unit. It's the only one in the region," said Ngunga, who will help direct Kenya's first cardiology fellowship training.