Student Spotlight: Calgary medical students explore the importance of advocacy

Learning how to become ambassadors to the community and for their patients

September 20, 2022

U of C student advocacy event: Learning now to become ambassadors

Contributed by Chaim Katz, University of Calgary medical student, U of C student delegate to AMA RF and student observer to CPSA.

Students are the future of the profession. Although foundational medical education is essential, providing students unique opportunities to get involved in advocacy is fundamental to their future as ambassadors to the community and for their patients. With that in mind, the University of Calgary Medical Students' Association (CMSA) hosted a club fair/advocacy symposium on August 19 to promote the many ways students can get involved in their community.

External groups were invited, as well as student clubs. Dr. Paul E. Boucher, past president of the AMA, spoke at the event about why advocacy and extracurriculars are crucial for medical students. He described unique ways students can get involved, including at the AMA.

The event encouraged further learning and engagement with various groups. Representatives from over 30 clubs and over 150 students explored the event where the AMA sponsored the food and raffle prizes. Bingo cards with club names were provided so students could potentially win raffle prizes, including additional funding to participate in conferences.

Continue reading this Student Spotlight profile (Alberta Doctors’ Digest, September-October 2022)

Submit your story to Student Spotlight in Alberta Doctors' Digest

Do you have an experience that you think will make your colleagues exclaim, “Wow! That’s neat!”? We’re keen for inspirational and fascinating stories of students doing extraordinary things for the Student Spotlight column in our digital magazine, Alberta Doctors’ Digest. Are you interested in being featured? View our criteria for submitting a story.

Alberta Medical Association Mission: Advocate for and support Alberta physicians. Strengthen their leadership in the provision of sustainable quality care.