New to the TMM Program? Meet some current students

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

You’re joining one of the Faculty of Medicine’s newer programs, launched in 2016. Renowned for its academic excellence, its classes are small and student-centric, giving you a chance to interact one on one with international experts in the biomedical field.

Emily Schraeder and Omar Moghrabi, both heading into their final year of the program, share insider tips and info for putting your best foot forward.

What advice do you have for a new student starting in the TMM program?

Emily Schraeder: Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your peers, friends or professors—it is so important. You feel like your questions might be “dumb,” but chances are others have the same questions. Content can get overwhelming, so ask for clarity if a concept doesn’t make sense rather than guessing. If you don’t want to ask in front of the whole class, see the prof after class or go to their office hours, or ask a friend who understands the concept. Talking to the profs is also a good chance for them to get to know you.

Omar Moghrabi: My advice is to stay on top of things, as your schedule can get pretty busy. But save some time for self-care, making friends, and participating in TMMSA events!

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

ES: I really enjoy studying at Morisset Library on main campus: it’s super quiet and you see other people working, which motivates me to study. You can also book rooms with whiteboards there if you want to study with a group so you can all talk. I like to meet up with friends at a coffee shop, like Second Cup close to main campus. In between classes, I like to hang out in the TMM lounge on the 2nd floor of Roger Guindon Hall (RGN).

OM: The RGN library is perfect for all three, in my opinion. There's a lounge area with booth stalls, private rooms that you can easily reserve, quiet study areas, puzzles and games, computer access, and even a 3D printer. Whether you're there to study, work on a group project, or even just to relax in a quiet space, it has what you need.

What do you wish you had known coming into the Faculty?

ES: Don’t compare yourself to others. At first, it felt like everyone was smarter than me and knew what they wanted to do after they graduated. But the more people I met, the more I realized everyone is on their own path and still figuring out their own stuff. So, I wish I hadn’t been so hard on myself for not having it all figured out and comparing myself to others.

OM: Had I known how friendly and caring the whole TMM community was, I wouldn't have been as shy and reserved at first. Whether it's professors or classmates or the student association, everyone has been so kind and friendly, which has contributed to a real tight-knit, team-work vibe to the program and Faculty as a whole.

What’s your favourite subject, class or professor within your program, and why?

ES: My favourite class was probably molecular bio and inherited disorders (TMM3101) with Dr. Lisa D’Ambrosio. Her content was super interesting and easy to follow; I learned a lot and I think her exams were very fair.

OM: Honestly all the classes in TMM are well designed, with student success in mind—I liked aspects of all of them. Each professor has a unique teaching style yet shares the same passion and care for the courses they teach. The phage lab was an incredibly fun, organized and well-paced introduction to real laboratory work in a supportive and exciting environment. 

Can you suggest a great activity to do off campus?

ES: During the summer, going to the beach with friends is one of my favourite activities. In the winter, I enjoy trying out a new restaurant in the city.

OM: The best way to get involved in off-campus activities is to join on-campus clubs that do those things. For example, the uOttawa Rock Climbing Club frequently go to the Coyote Rock Gym, which is very close to RGN. Find a hobby you enjoy, and you're guaranteed to find a community within the University that shares your interests.

What’s one of your favourite memories of your first year at the Faculty?

ES: Mine was during our phage lab course. Some people prepared a pitch for the phages they had isolated and the pitches were so fun. Someone did a parody, another made a skit, and others had funny presentations about why we should vote for their phage. It was exciting to see everyone’s different creative ideas.

OM: One of mine was annotating the genomes of phages. It felt so amazing to be part of real scientific discovery and classification so early on in my academic career—the feeling of making my personal contributions to science in this manner is a high I definitely won’t forget.

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

ES: Enjoy your time in TMM: it’s a small program, so don’t be afraid to talk to people, make new friends and make connections. I met so many great people during my first year at TMM and can’t wait to meet many more!

OM: Enjoy the ride as much as you can. Be proud of the things you do and learn, and don't be afraid to express yourself and your love of science. The time goes by so quickly and there truly is so much to cherish about your experience here.