Meet Jonathan

Jonathan Rom, BMSc '15

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Current Program:  MD Candidate - Ben Gurion University (Israel)

Degrees Held: Honors BMSc – Honors Specialization in Medical Sciences; MSc Public Health (Western)

Future Goals:  Psychiatrist, development of comprehensive psychiatric care centre

Why I chose the BMSc Program:

I realized that the interdisciplinary approach would give me a broader understanding of medicine. This understanding has led me to have better insight into the fields of pharmacology, physiology, pathology, microbiology and immunology and to stay current with research in those fields.

How did my BMSc degree prepare me for my future goals?

I understand medicine to be a collaborative effort. I learned this from seeing how many similarities there were between the medical sciences and how well they complimented each other. Once I recognized this, my idea that health systems should work the same way was a natural progression, and has put me on this long and rewarding path.

What inspired me to pursue an advanced degree or this career:

If interdisciplinary medical sciences teaches you to look at the patient from every possible angle, then public health looks at patient populations from every possible angle. I want to practise using my thorough knowledge of these sciences to properly translate life-saving habits and treatments to geriatric patients. Public health is the field to gain those expertise.

Favourite Western memory: 

Walking around campus as part of Western Foot Patrol on the late night shift and seeing the wind effortlessly wisp the shimmering snow off of UC hill at midnight.

Best thing about being a student at Western

Knowing that this school is made of a body of professionals and peers that want you to be successful, to make a name for yourself and to make an impact in your field.

Advice to students considering Western:

You don’t know what it is that you don’t know. Having even a beginner’s understanding of the various medical sciences can put you leaps and bounds ahead of your peers. Use this chance to go to Western and gain knowledge that is both eclectic and taught by quality professors in different but intrinsically linked disciplines.