New to the Anatomy Program? Meet some current students

If you’re a new student in the Anatomy program, welcome!

The Masters of Applied Science in Anatomical Sciences Education Program, which welcomed its first cohort last year, offers a unique opportunity to combine training in pedagogy and educational research with hands-on experience in human anatomy.

To help you find your bearings, second-year students Rachel Piché and Sri Gunturi offer their advice.

What advice do you have for a new student starting in the Anatomy program at the Faculty of Medicine?

Rachel Piché: Really try to engage in the school community and get to know your professors. There is so much you can learn from making connections within the faculty and unique perspectives to gain.

Sri Gunturi: Focus on clinically relevant content emphasized in class. Collaborate with peers when studying, especially when preparing for labs. The diversity in our program is a strength, so utilize it and work together!

Can you suggest a great place to study? To meet up with friends? For a little alone time to relax?

RP: RGN third floor lounge is always a great place to hangout, study or kickback and relax.

SG: The graduate student lounge at RGN is perfect for studying, relaxing, or catching up with classmates. The health sciences library also offers quiet study spots and group study areas.

Can you name your favourite subject, class or professor within your program, and why?

RP: Based on my program it is no secret that anything anatomy-related is my favourite subject. However, these classes wouldn't be the same without the phenomenal instruction of Dr. Ramnanan and anatomy lab staff! Everyone in our department is extremely student-oriented and are always eager to listen to feedback to better adapt and support the needs of their students.

SG: My favorites are Anatomy of the abdomen and POCUS. The abdomen course gave us a great understanding of organ layout, while POCUS allowed us to see anatomy in action, which was mind-blowing!

Can you suggest a great activity to do off campus?

RP: Level One is always a fun place to eat, grab drinks and play board games with friends near downtown.

SG: Explore Ottawa! Visit Byward Market, stroll in Major Hill or Strathcona Park, check out the National Art Gallery (free on Thursday evenings), and try cute cafes like Luxe Bloom or Little Victories.

Please share one of your favourite memories of your first year at the Faculty.

RP: I first entered the faculty during my undergraduate degree in TMM. One of my favourite memories was showing up to the orientation day BBQ. To be surrounded by so many friendly, intelligent and supportive individuals, and have professors, whose research you admire, flipping burgers for you, made the experience that much more welcoming.

SG: A highlight was teaching high school students during a Let's Talk Science event in the anatomy lab. Seeing their excitement as we explained anatomy and its clinical relevance was truly rewarding.

What do you know now that you wish you had known coming into the Faculty?

RP: Get involved in the larger uOttawa community! Sometimes being all the way at the medical campus can feel like you are a bit removed from what is happening within the school. Join clubs, take the shuttle to the downtown campus to join in intramurals, go see MedShow and immerse yourself in the student experience.

SG: It's normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Remember, everyone's in this together. Don't hesitate to reach out to classmates or professors if you're struggling – they all want you to succeed!

Any last thoughts to share about your experience so far at the Faculty of Medicine?

SG: Enjoy the experience, meet new people, and seize every learning opportunity. I've made great friends and learned so much more than just anatomy. You'll have a great time here, and we're always here to help if needed!

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