Welcome Address from AFMC
Friday April 12 | 9:20 AM - 9:30 AM
Dr. Anna Kawowska
Dr. Anna Karwowska is the Vice-President, Education at the Association of Faculties of
Medicine of Canada (AFMC). In this role she has the privilege of being involved in medical
education across the continuum, at the national level.
Dr. Karwowska received her medical degree from McGill University. She completed her training
in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at the University of Calgary. Her
clinical practice is in Child Maltreatment Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
and she is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Ottawa.
Dr. Karwowska has extensive experience as a leader and collaborator in the academic medicine
setting, with medical education and community partners. She is a strong advocate for learners,
teachers and educators along the medical education continuum.
Overdose Reversal with Naloxone
Friday April 12 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Our workshop aims to empower participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to prevent, identify, and respond to overdoses in a trauma-informed manner, while advocating for harm reduction and community safety. Attendees will receive training on administering naloxone. The session will blend didactic teaching with hands-on training, providing participants with opportunities for open engagement and questions.
Sophia Nunes
CFMS National Officer of Public Health, Medical Student at University of Toronto
Amy Evans
General Manager at Overdose Prevention Society
Public Speaking & Interviewing Skills
Friday April 12 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Whether you are at a research conference or an interview, public speaking is likely going to play a role in your future. This session will cover some tips and tricks to boost your confidence to present yourself and your work with ease. We will cover ways to improve your speaking style, the power of wording, and how clarity is key. All of these skills can be applied to any future presentations, speeches, and interviews you may have coming up. Check out this session if you're interested in becoming a more competitive interviewer or want to become a confident speaker!
Jun Kim
Jun Kim is a medical student at the University of Manitoba and is the Associate Global Health with the CFMS. He has been heavily involved with the world of public speaking and competitive debate, being the Canadian National Debate Champion in 2022 and is currently working as a public speaking coach. Jun is passionate about science communication and healthcare policy, dedicating time to Science For Everyone, a non-profit organization, as a podcast host and video resource creator to improve science literacy Canada-wide. He has also been an invited speaker with multiple organizations including the Western University's Faculty of Education and CFMS' very own National Day of Action.
CaRMS Residency Match Trends
Friday April 12 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM
The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) will present and discuss current residency match data and trends with a focus on applicant experiences, Family Medicine and more.
John Gallinger
CEO, Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS)
John Gallinger is CEO of the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), an independent, not-for-profit, fee-for-service organization that provides a fair, objective and transparent application and matching service for medical training throughout Canada. Since joining CaRMS in 2015, John has focused his efforts on building collaborative client, partner and stakeholder relationships to improve and enhance the CaRMS client experience. John has also used his considerable expertise and knowledge to focus on areas such as strategy execution, operational excellence, responsible and transparent financial stewardship, system reliability and enhancement, and the generation and provision of robust data to aid in decision making at all levels.
John is an active volunteer, having held numerous community and industry-based board positions while also doing individual volunteer work with adult literacy groups and Habitat for Humanity. John is also an avid endurance athlete, competing in marathons and triathlons. He lives in Ottawa with wife Patti and enjoys traveling to visit their five sons and rapidly expanding families.
Ryan Kelly
Director, Client Experience & Service Excellence
Ryan has been with CaRMS since April 2007. Starting in an entry-level communications position and taking on many new challenges over the years, he is now Director, Client Experience & Service Excellence. Ryan is responsible for identifying targeted improvements that make the application and selection process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Ryan loves hockey and golf, plays euchre, and tolerates football. His son Cohen loves LEGO, plays video games, and tolerates hockey and golf. Neither has any appreciation for soccer, and probably never will.
How to Win an Election: CFMS Elections Information and Q&A Session
Friday April 12 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
An overview of the CFMS elections format, some quick tips and tricks on how to stand out as a candidate, followed by an informal q&a for anyone interested in running.
Helen Jin, CFMS President
Helen is a third year medical student at Western, and is serving as this year's CFMS President. As leader of the organization, and having been a part of two elections herself, she is familiar with the CFMS elections process, as well as qualities that have helped past candidates become successful.
Health Policy Writing for the Medical Student
Friday April 12 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Have an interest in health policy or health systems? Want to learn more about writing policy papers, advocacy breakdowns, or world events? Here’s your chance! This session will focus on introductory skills in health policy for medical students. The interactive presentation will go through the regulatory framework of healthcare in Canada, how this applies to health policy advocacy for medical students, and how to write for campaigns or proposed health system changes! We will also learn how to write a Briefing Note (used by regulatory bodies in Canada to quickly disseminate health policy information) and Policy Papers. All backgrounds in health are welcome to join this session and bring their own perspectives.
Sebastian Lopez Steven, CFMS National Officer of Health Policy
Sebastian Lopez Steven (he/him/el) is a second year medical student at the University of British Columbia serving as the National Officer for Health Policy with the CFMS. He completed his Master of Science in Health Policy at Carleton University in 2022 where his research focused on advocating for equitable change to blood donation policy. He brings to the presentation previous experience working in Health Canada’s COVID-19 Taskforce and a current role as the Senior Co-Chair for the UBC Provincial Advocacy Committee that recently completed a campaign to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery in British Columbia. Ask him about anything health policy or Vancouver related!
Leading Boldly, Walking Humbly: The Role, Responsibility, and Power of a Student Advocate
Saturday April 13 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Navigating the path to leading community-based initiatives as a student can be overwhelming at times. Balancing our social responsibility, understanding the power and privilege we have, and bringing these principles together to implement endeavours in an effective, humble, and culturally-safe manner is no easy task. Join us for an engaging session to learn how to effectively organize advocacy-based initiatives, staying true to your passions while keeping social accountability and cultural humility at the forefront.
Simal Qureshi
Simal Qureshi (she/her) is a 3rd year medical student at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Prior to starting her journey at Memorial, Simal completed her Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership, as well as her Master’s in Applied Health Services Research at the University of New Brunswick. Passionate about equity, diversity, and anti-racism, Simal focuses much of her time on research and advocacy-focused initiatives including Skin of Colour Dermatology, exploring access to healthcare in rural communities, as well as serving as the Director of Advocacy for the Canadian Atlantic Medical Students' Association.
Claire Donnici
Claire Donnici (she/her) is a medical student at the University of Calgary in the class of 2025. Before medical school, she obtained an MSc in neuroscience studying child brain development. Claire has a passion for community-based advocacy. During her time as a medical student, she has facilitated partnerships with community organizations to connect students with the community through outreach and volunteerism.
Both Simal and Claire are a part of the Longitudinal Advocacy Training Series organizing committee which offers advocacy workshops to medical students across Canada.
Understanding and responding to patient and health care provider grief
Saturday April 13 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Grief is frequently present in health care – from the grief that patients feel on the diagnosis of a serious illness/injury themselves, or the loss or progressive illness of someone close to them. Similarly, the medical community may experience grief – whether due to the death of a patient, feelings of helplessness in an overloaded system, or burnout. Canadian Virtual Hospice has developed a variety of free, online materials and educational resources to support physicians and people working in health care to provide care and respond to patients who are experiencing a loss, to support colleagues who may be experiencing grief, and to better understand and respond to their own grief.
Marney Thompson, M.A.
Marney Thompson, M.A., Registered Clinical Counsellor & Approved Clinical Supervisor
Marney Thompson is the Director of Bereavement Services at Victoria Hospice and an executive member of the Canadian Grief Alliance. She is an experienced conference presenter, clinical co-lead of the BC Psychosocial Palliative ECHO project, and a counsellor in private practice. In addition to these roles, she is also co-author of the award-winning book, “Transitions in Dying and Bereavement,” and a number of peer-reviewed articles related to psychosocial palliative care, medical assistance in death, and prolonged grief.
Busting Gender Affirming Care Myths: A Presentation from the Canadian Queer Medical Students Association (CQMSA)
Saturday April 13 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Come learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ health and gender-affirming care from the Canadian Queer Medical Students Association! Our talk will address the current political context of gender-affirming care in North America using evidence-based medicine. We will explore 2SLGBTQIA+ health disparities, provide an overview of gender-affirming care, and dispel common myths and counter-arguments against evidence-based gender-affirming care.
Nadia Boukina (she/they)
Nadia is a third year medical student at the University of British Columbia. They are the UBC CQMSA Steering Committee representative, and are the CQMSA Resource Development portfolio co-lead. When not doing clerkship or queer advocacy, they love exploring British Columbia, the mountains, and Vancouver.
Jack Lawrence (he/him)
Jack (McMaster Medicine, c2026) is passionate about community-based medicine and research. He's delighted to be affiliated with CQMSA as the McMaster Steering Committee rep, and one of the co-leads of the Resource Development Committee. He spends his free time with good people, eating good food, and listening to good music.
Douglas M. Lebo, MPH (they/them)
Douglas is a graduating medical student at Université de Montréal. They are passionate about queer & trans health and have been Administrator of the Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ Medical Students’ Association for three years.
Katrina Sliwowicz (she/her)
Kat is a second year medical student at UBC. She is new to CQMSA but was actively involved in the queer organization at her undergrad. She is excited to help educate others on trans healthcare today and the threats it is facing. She has a sweet ball python and cat and she loves them both very much.
Guess who's the doctor? Dismantling Bias in Healthcare
Saturday April 13 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM
In today's diverse world, a doctor's image influences both patient perceptions and how medical professionals view themselves and their peers. Join us for an interactive workshop that challenges these stereotypes and invites medical students to explore these issues. Participants will engage in discussions and activities aimed at dismantling these preconceptions, fostering a more inclusive vision of the medical profession. We'll also address gender biases in medicine, focusing on topics like reproductive health and family planning, empowering attendees to advocate for gender equity in healthcare.
Join us in reimagining the doctor and transforming the future of medicine to embrace diversity and equality for all.
Precilia Kong
Precilia Kong (she/her) is incoming third-year medical student at the University of British Columbia, where she also earned a Masters of Public Health and a Bachelor's of Science. She holds leadership roles within her medical school community as Vice-President Academic for the Class of 2026 Council and supports peers as a Medline Peer Supporter. Beyond medicine, she is passionate about uplifting underserved communities both locally and globally, promoting equity in healthcare, and advocating for mental health. Precilia is an avid volleyball player, unwinds to a good sitcom and enjoys catching up on her Goodreads list.
Delaram Shojaei
Delaram Shojaei (she/her) is a student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) going into her third year of medical school. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario and holds a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Oncology. Dela has held various roles on university students’ councils and student senate organizations, and founded novel mentorship programs. Outside of academia, Dela is a first-generation immigrant who advocates for accepting and open conversations to promote equity in medicine, leadership, teaching, relationships, and everyday life. She is also a strong fan of spin and barre classes!
Family Physicians: The G.O.A.T.s of Comprehensive Primary Care
Saturday April 13 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Join the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) for an insightful dialogue about a career in family medicine. Hear family physicians, with diverse experiences and in various stages of practice, share their perspectives, their lessons learned, and what opportunities lay ahead for the field of family medicine.
Dr. Jobin Varughese
Dr. Jobin Varughese is a comprehensive Family Physician who completed a Bachelor of Science at the Pre-Medicine program at Universidad Iberoamaericana, followed by medical school at Medical University of the Americas on the island of Nevis and a Family Medicine residency program and geriatric fellowship at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.
Following his education, Dr. Varughese made his way to his hometown of Brampton to begin working in complex care, rehabilitation, long-term care and family health team environments, and since 2011 has offered his expertise to students, through his affiliation with the University of Toronto and McMaster University. He now serves as the Interim Assistant Dean of Primary Care Education with Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. Dr. Varughese has been a OCFP Board Director since 2019 and now holds the role of President-Elect. He is the Chair of the Section of Teachers at the CFPC and as Associate Vice President of Academics at William Osler Health System.
Dr. Mike Green
Dr. Michael Green completed his medical degree at the University of British Columbia and his residency training in family medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland. In 1995 he received his Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP) and Fellowship (FCFP) in 2011. He also completed his Master of Public Health with a focus on health policy and management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Dr. Green is a professor in the Departments of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences at Queen’s University. He has served on many professional and government committees, has a passion for research which covers a broad range of health and policy areas including primary care, quality of care, health equity, and Indigenous health.
With the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Dr. Green has been a member of the Indigenous Health Committee and the Patient’s Medical Home Steering Committee and is currently the President of the CFPC.
Dr. Marion Dove
Dr. Marion Dove is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at McGill University, as well as being a practicing family physician. She previously held the positions of Post-graduate (Residency) Program Director, and Director of Faculty Development, both in the Department of Family Medicine.
Dr. Dove attended Harvard University (BA) prior to obtaining her MD from McMaster University. She completed her residency in family medicine at McGill University, and a Women’s Health Scholarship at the University of Toronto, before beginning her family practice at the CSLC Côte-des-Neiges in Quebec.
To this day, her family practice remains there and for many years it included obstetrics with deliveries at the Jewish General Hospital. She has also practiced remote medicine in Blanc Sablon, on the lower north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Her research interests include family medicine obstetrics, role modelling, and medical education.
Dr. Meera Anand
Dr. Meera Anand completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto, followed by medical school at the university of Toronto as well. She went on to do her Family Medicine Residency at the University of British Columbia. Following her education, Dr. Anand loved British Columbia so much she started her Family Medicine practice in Surrey, BC. In addition to comprehensive Family Medicine, she has an interest in Women’s Health and receives consultations in her community for contraceptive health and procedures. Dr. Anand is currently the Director of Family Practice for the Undergraduate Program at UBC and the Curriculum Director for the Postgraduate residency program. She continues to teach medical students and residents on a regular basis and supports Family Medicine preceptors in their teaching roles.
Dr. Marck Mercado
Dr. Marck Mercado completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Waterloo, followed by medical school at the University of Toronto, and most recently completed his residency in Family Medicine at the McMaster University Halton site. Throughout his medical education, Dr. Mercado has focused on improving the diversity of healthcare practitioners in Canada and minimizing barriers to accessing healthcare faced by patients of equity deserving groups.
His current work involves providing a family medicine perspective to the post-graduate medical education Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee of McMaster University; and raising the voices, work, and lived experiences of racialized healthcare practitioners in Canada through the Differential Attainment in Research (DARe) Group Collaborative.
He is also practicing comprehensive family medicine as a long-term locum family physician at the Stonechurch Family Health Centre in Hamilton Ontario and assists with the education of medical learners at McMaster University.
Setting yourself up for financial success: How to budget
Saturday April 13 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Join us for an interactive session, where you will gain advice from a team of MD Financial Management and Scotiabank professionals who are dedicated to advising medical students. Financial success starts with creating a budget and managing your debts and expenses effectively while you are still in training. We will walk you through how to prepare a budget that matches your lifestyle and needs and can help you stay on track to maintain your financial health in medical school and beyond.
Sophia Chouinard
As an Early Career Education Specialist with MD Management Limited, I work with and support medical students, resident physicians and new-in-practice physicians across Canada. Taking a holistic approach, I work to deliver financial literacy presentations and share my knowledge with early career physicians to support them in managing their financial needs and reaching their financial goals.
My career in financial services began in 2020, and I earned a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Marketing from the University of Ottawa in 2021.
Away from work, I enjoy cooking, playing sports and exploring local businesses in my city.
Melea Kellough
I understand the value of advice and take pride in providing physicians and their families with thoughtful planning to help them meet their financial needs and reach their goals in life. Taking a holistic approach, Imwork to consistently deliver tailored planning solutions to ensure my clients’ overall financial wellness. In 2015 I joined MD Management Limited, where my career in financial services began.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and hold a Certificate in Advanced Financial Advice from the Canadian Securities Institute. I am also working toward the Certified Financial Planner® designation.
Away from work, I love to travel locally in beautiful British Columbia, and also to explore other parts of the world — I have a long bucket list! I also really enjoy cooking and skiing, and I spend a lot of my spare time hiking in the North Shore mountains.
Aya Shea
I’m part of a healthcare banking team that is dedicated to serving students working towards practising and securing their financial future. I will keep communication seamles and draw on the support of experts across the country to serve your unique needs. You’ll have access to advice and solutions tailored to every stage of your career, from finals to your first practice and beyond.
As your one point of contact for your student journey, I am here to support you with your professional education and personal financing needs. I have 5 years of industry experience, specializing in education financing, tailored banking advice and solutions specific to the needs of busy student professionals like yourself. I am committed to delivering best-in-class advice and services and ultimately, with our team of experts, help you achieve your financial goals.
I am involved in the Healthcare professional community in Greater Vancouver area. I’m happy to discuss your financial needs and what defines success for you at your convenience.
Accreditation - A tool for Continuous Quality Improvement in Medical Education
Saturday April 13 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
During the course of this presentation medical students will learn about the Canadian residency accreditation process. Specifically looking at what it is, why it’s important and how it affects residents. RDoC President, Dr. Devon Mitchell, will discuss the vital role accreditation plays as a tool for quality improvement in medical education, exploring RDoC’s role in accreditation and how RDoC is using accreditation to advocate for healthier ways to learn and work and to drive system change that positively impacts the culture of medicine.
Dr. Devon Mitchell, RDoC President 2023-2024
Dr. Devon Mitchell, is a PGY-4 Emergency Medicine resident at the University of British Columbia, and in 2023 he became the inaugural candidate for the University of Toronto Area of Clinical Excellence in Queer Health. He is a firm believer that residents across Canada deserve a just, safe, and high-quality working and learning environment. He was previously the president of the Resident Doctors of BC (RDBC), where he advocated strongly for workplace protections and a fairer deal for residents during collective bargaining. He is also a board member of the Canadian Doctors for Medicare and believes strongly in a high-quality, universal, taxpayer-funded healthcare system. In his spare time, he is an amateur foodie and an even more amateur runner, and he is always interested in recommendations for both restaurants and trails.
Advocacy for Medical Students: From Patients to Politicians
Saturday April 13 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Learn about the structure of government in Canada, effective strategies for a meeting with politicians and how to maximize the impact of your advocacy efforts.
Hao Ming Chen, MPH, CFMS Political Advocacy Team Lead
Hao Ming Chen is currently a second-year medical student at McMaster University. Before medical school, he graduated from the Master of Public Health program at Western University and subsequently worked as a Projects and Research Manager at a grassroots public health coalition. His interests include empowering students around political advocacy, artificial intelligence in public health, and effective policy implementation.
