New to the MD Program? Meet some current students

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

You’re probably excited to join our dynamic Faculty of Medicine, the first and largest bilingual medical program in North America.

Below, second-year students Aliki Karanikas and Nicole Wisener share how to succeed—and have some fun!—on this challenging and very rewarding journey.

What advice do you have for a new student in the uOttawa MD program?

Aliki Karanikas: Everyone’s journey will look different. You might experience imposter syndrome and not feel as though you belong. In those moments, it is essential to remember that you were chosen for a reason. Trust that you deserve to be here and that you are capable! Continue on your unique path and all will work out as it is supposed to.

Nicole Wisener: Medical school can be incredibly challenging. Try to practice gratitude every day—it has been my anchor during stressful or uncertain times, and I hope it can be the same for you. In moments of difficulty, remember why you chose to become a doctor, why you are committed to a life of helping others, and all it took to get you here. Be proud of your achievements and grateful for the opportunity to study medicine. Not everyone has this chance.

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

AK: The Social Sciences Building is peaceful, with a plant wall and large windows for natural light—a nice way to mix up your study environment and visit main campus since our classes are at Roger Guindon Hall. I enjoy meeting up with friends at the Happy Goat on Main: it’s close to campus and has delicious coffee, baked goods, and a nice patio. To relax, I enjoy exploring Ottawa’s many bookstores, like Singing Pebble Books, Black Squirrel, and Octopus Books.

NW: It has been so fun to explore all the great spots in Ottawa! For study spots, I love our school library, and cafés like Happy Goat and Wise Town are super popular, too. My friends and I love walking along the canal, going to the farmer’s market at Lansdowne, and trying new restaurant spots like Fratelli’s, Pure Kitchen, and Dreamland Café. I also love trying new workout studios, like Barres and Wheels or Twitch Studio.

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

AK: There are a variety of supports and resources in place for the medical students to assist us in different aspects of our lives—educationally, personally and professionally. The Student Mentoring Centre was extremely impactful during my first year: mentors provided educational materials, answered our questions about challenging concepts, and offered study tips and tricks in a comfortable and non-judgmental setting.

NW: You are going to hear so much advice, but you don’t need to take ALL of it! Everyone is different, so be true to yourself: give yourself the space and time to figure out how you want to study, who you want to spend time with, and how you want to spend your free time. Everyone goes through an adjustment period when starting medical school. Try not to feel pressured to have it all figured out right away—everything falls into place with time.

What is your favourite subject or class within your program?

AK: I loved Physician Skills Development, where we learned how to interview and do a physical exam on standardized patients. It was done in small groups and it was extremely hands-on. The residents and physicians we had as our tutors were extremely kind and supportive, which made it a positive learning environment! They also shared with us their strategies and tips from day-to-day physical exam and interviewing practices.

NW: My favourite is case-based learning, which you’ll soon learn to call “CBL.” Twice a week, we gather in groups of eight students with a topic expert and get to discuss medical cases based on what we are learning that week. It’s been a great opportunity for me to ask questions without fear of judgment, to hear my classmates’ perspectives, and to work together to analyze situations and come up with diagnoses and treatment plans.

Can you suggest a fun activity to do off campus?

AK: I like to go for runs with friends—there are so many great paths by the Ottawa River and along the canal—and get a sweet treat afterwards from one of the many delicious bakeries/coffee shops. It is a great way to get some physical activity, explore the city, and be social all at the same time!

NW: There are so many great activities in Ottawa, but one of my favourite activities last year was going apple picking with my friends! There are so many orchards in and around Ottawa, and it was so fun to pick apples and bake an apple crumble together afterwards.

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

AK: My experience at the Faculty of Medicine so far has been really positive! We are privileged to learn from physicians who are so passionate about their professions and leading experts in their fields. I have also found a lovely community of friends at uOttawa who have helped me navigate the ups and downs of first year medicine!

NW: Medical school has been fantastic so far; I truly love it. It will take time to adjust, but remember that you and your classmates are all in the same boat—you are all doing everything for the first time. Let yourself explore all that our school, and the city of Ottawa, have to offer. Being a medical student is a privilege, and at the core of everything is our collective dedication to serving our community. I hope you love it as much as I do.