Name: Whitney Ereyi-Osas (instagram: @whittykisses_)

Medical School: University of Calgary (Class of 2023)

Undergraduate degree: Bachelor of Health Sciences

Degree(s) before medicine: I graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences with a major in Health and Society, a concentration in Sociology and a minor in Women’s Studies.

Why medicine??

I think the obvious answer is that I wanted to help people, but I think for me my answer is more than that. Throughout my degree program I learned a lot about how factors such as race and income can disadvantage some people’s access to adequate healthcare, and I realized that that was a current gap in today’s healthcare system. So I wanted to do medicine not just to help people, but to help people who are specifically overlooked by today’s current healthcare system.

Hardest part of the medical school application process??

The MCAT. Studying for that test took SO much energy, and for some reason I had the not so smart idea that I could study full-time while working and volunteering. I thank God everyday I never have to write that test again lol.

One thing that you would do differently??

I think if I could do anything differently is that I would take an extra year in my undergrad and graduate in 5 years instead of 4. I feel like there were so many different classes that I wish I had the opportunity to take but never got to because I was so focused on finishing my degree requirements, so I would’ve loved to do that. Oh and maybe a study abroad opportunity as well. I’d just take everything slower in general – it’s definitely not a race.

“What can YOU bring to medicine that isn’t already there. What are gaps you think are missing, or what are areas you want to learn more about/add to??” – Whitney

One advice you would give for pre-meds/aspiring physicians:

Medicine is more than just getting a high GPA, and having an established list of extracurriculars. What can YOU bring to medicine that isn’t already there. What are gaps you think are missing, or what are areas you want to learn more about/add to?? 

Interests outside of medicine:

HUGE Beyonce fan and insecure fan. I love bullet journaling and creating fun artsy graphics, either on paper or digitally!

Future plans:

After medical school I hope to get an MPH somewhere down the line and work as a paediatrician with marginalized populations.

What extra-curriculars were you involved in during your undergrad?

I did a couple things during my undergraduate degree. I volunteered with a fashion club whose fashion-related events centred around various social issues such as climate change, gender diversity, and racial diversity. I also volunteered (and then later started working) as a research assistant doing research mainly around childhood trauma. I also helped organize a summer program for immigrant and refugee youth called RISE for Health that aimed to help improve health literacy and prepare youth for university.