Why Are You Here?

October 21, 2010 at 11:06 pm

Walking through Brodie Centre, one can’t help but feel  a sense of community. Waiting patiently in the Tim Hortons line are students from across the spectrum of the health sciences professions as well as support staff, Residents in their scrubs, faculty members, physicians, therapists, you name it….we’re all part of what makes the university’s Bannatyne campus such a diverse and stimulating environment.

But, from time to time, we all need to consider why are we here? Is it to run an exceptional administrative unit or advance our own department or personal goals? 

Clearly, first and foremost, we are here because of the students. As a faculty, we can never lose sight that students are our “raison d’être.”

The Faculty of Medicine is addressing students’ needs in a number of ways. We have allocated 2,000 square feet of space on 2nd floor, T Building for University of Manitoba Student Services to establish a greater presence on this campus.  

In the coming months, all students will benefit from the availability of full-time student services including:  disability services, learning assistance, student advocacy, student and career counseling, and exam accommodation space.

Faculty of Medicine Student Affairs has also recently expanded the student counselor program with the appointment of six faculty members effective Oct. 25 and they will be available for all students to receive career counseling at their request.

Student counselors will assist Med IV students to prepare for the CaRMS process prior to Nov. 16 submission date including review of their MSPR (Dean’s letter), CV, reference letter, personal cover letter and interview skills. Appointments can be made through the Student Affairs office at 789-3213.

To get a closer look, I will be attending classes in both Med I and Med II and will participate in tutorial groups over the winter. I also hope to start a series of Dean’s breakfasts with students in the next few weeks.

We are also forming a new Student Advisory Group which will meet regularly with Student Affairs to voice their concerns, raise any issues, and, we hope, enable the  Faculty to better serve our students. Doctors Gary Harding and Rob Brown have agreed to be the faculty reps along with a broad representation of medical and PA students.

I invite students to attend an interactive Student Town Hall on Friday, Oct. 29 from Noon – 1 pm in Frederic Gaspard Theatre and to bring their questions and feedback.

What do you think we could be doing differently as a faculty  to enhance our students’ learning experience at the University of Manitoba? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.