Reflection and Learning
In this section of my E-Portfolio I have encapsulated all of my learnings and reflections throughout my Community Engaged Learning Course (MEDSCI 9995E) at Western University. This course is an interdisciplinary course which focuses on health through various lenses. In addition, the course has taught me to connect Basic Medical Science disciplines to community-based interventions that help people live happier and healthier lives. I have added two of my formal reflections for the course. In addition, I have sampled work from both 4995E and other courses that I believe were vital in my interdisciplinary learning this year. I have loved incorporating different perspectives into my projects and connecting back to the Social Determinants of Health to extract insights in other courses as well.
Reflection Four
This reflection taught me about the often-overlooked systemic barriers to oral healthcare, particularly for marginalized groups with public insurance. I chose to include it in my portfolio because it challenged my assumptions and deepened my commitment to addressing health inequities with empathy and advocacy. It also reinforced my goal of becoming a family doctor who is attentive to the social determinants that shape patient experiences.
Reflection Five
In this reflection, I was tasked with reflecting on my own identity as a leader. Reflecting on my growth as a leader in the South Asian community, I’ve realized that my voice holds power and that I have a responsibility to use it to advocate for those facing systemic barriers. This experience taught me what true perspective-taking looks like; listening deeply, understanding diverse experiences, and acting with purpose to create meaningful change.
Learning Philosophy
My learning philosophy centers on goal-based learning, where setting clear, achievable objectives is the foundation for success. I use SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to create a structured approach to my growth. Regular self-check-ins allow me to reflect on my progress, identify challenges, and reevaluate my goals as needed. This iterative process ensures that I stay adaptable and focused, constantly aligning my efforts with my aspirations. By breaking larger ambitions into smaller, manageable steps, I maintain motivation and track meaningful progress, turning my goals into tangible outcomes.
Transformative Learning
Over the course of this year, I have felt my learning philosophy change into one that incorporates more perspectives and focuses on a learn-through-experience approach.
2024/25 Bayfield Don Team (Left)
A fellow Medical Science Peer, Jason Zhang, and I at a Gala (Right)
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Major Learning Experience
As a Don, when I supported a distressed student who was struggling with academics and personal challenges. I realized that learning isn’t just about content—it’s about understanding people and adapting my approach to meet their needs. I tailored a solution by connecting them with campus resources while also offering consistent peer support, which showed me the power of empathy-driven leadership.
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Student Philosophy
I have learned that I enjoy learning most through creating projects and presentations, where I can apply knowledge in creative and practical ways.
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Learning From Peers
Through CEL, I learned a great deal from my peers, especially from the insightful discussions at my table where classmates openly debated and shared diverse perspectives. I found myself listening deeply to their points and realizing there were many angles I hadn’t considered before. Particularly, my peer Ethan’s, experience working in the pharmaceutical industry, in particular, added depth to our conversations about opioids and substance use, offering a real-world lens I wouldn’t have otherwise had.
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A Role Model
As a Senior Advisor for WICSA, I felt like a role model for South Asian students, offering guidance and representation within our community.
Major Works
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Med Sci 4995E
Position Paper
Below you will find my Position Paper on "Publicly Funded IVF Treatment in Canada". I showcased this assignment because I believe it demonstrates key concepts in 4995E, which are empathy and perspective-taking. I explored literature from across the globe to craft arguments for a new IVF treatment system. I also analyzed counter-arguments ensuring I presented a balanced view of the issue. A lot of 4995 focused on providing a balanced view to ensure all perspectives were considered.
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Special Topics Infographic
This infographic is from another Medical Science course called 4931: Special Topics. The infographic is about Microbiota Health and Aging populations. I chose to include this project because I incorporated lessons from CEL into the assignment. Particularly, the SDOH were pivotal in shaping the assignment. Aging populations are often an at-risk group and having this knowledge from CEL helped shape the research processes for my Special Topics course.
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One Health
Presentation
In my One Health Course: Health Policy for Medical Science, I also found myself incorporating lessons from CEL. In this course, I completed a project on Immunotherapy approvals in Canada and the United States. The literature review and critical appraisal skills I developed in 4995E proved to be valuable in completing this project. I learned a lot about immunotherapy programs in both countries and how processes can affect patient outcomes. This learning is valuable for my future work in Healthcare, where I hope to make treatment more accessible for patients in Canada.