Sara Ghandour

Candidature — Family Medicine Representative Delegate

Hi everyone,

My name is Sara, and I'm an R1 Family Medicine resident at the Parc Extension site. I'm a passionate advocate by nature, and I'd love the opportunity to put my advocacy experience to use representing our cohort as your family medicine delegate.

Prior to medical school, I worked with various community and student organizations as an events planner, executive committee member, and support group facilitator for marginalized groups including survivors of sexual assault and LGBTQ+ migrants. Through these varied roles, I've gained a deep appreciation for the diversity of experiences and opinions held by different people, while also learning how to set an agenda that advocates for their collective interests. I believe this capacity would serve me well in representing our cohort.

During medical school, I worked with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), where I helped integrate a new planetary health curriculum into our MD program, meeting both MCC objectives and addressing student demands for a more climate conscious education. I also met with politicians both in my local riding and during Federal Lobby Day to advocate for environmental policy changes. These experiences taught me how to communicate effectively with stakeholders holding varied opinions and priorities, and how to move an issue from concern to concrete institutional action. I believe these skills translate directly to representing residents' interests to program leadership.

As your delegate, I would prioritize maintaining a high standard of academic excellence within our program while advocating for policies that protect our collective well-being. I would make myself regularly accessible and take advantage of this opportunity to get to know you and represent your voices at the ARM.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.

Sara