More Testimonials

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Current Students

Hear from current students about their experience in the BMSc Program.

Emaad Mohammad, Epidemiology and Biostatistics

How would you describe your experience in your department as part of your BMSc education?

My experience in my department has been an enriching one, with an engaging curriculum, encouraging professors and great peers being the highlights.

What is the best aspect of your program?

I think the best aspect of my program is the close-knit community in Epi and Biostats, which fosters close interactions and collaboration among faculty and students.

Why should students consider coming to Western University for the BMSc program?

The BMSc program at Western is unique as it offers many areas for specialization within your degree, so you're bound to find something that interests you in our program.

Claire Park (Clinical Physics) and Simran Sethi (Biological Science), Medical Biophysics

How would you describe your experience in your department as part of your BMSc education?

The Medical Biophysics experience has provided us with diverse opportunities for networking with students and faculty, academic research, and most importantly, the development of critical thinking skills that will be valuable for the rest of our academic lifetimes.

What is the best aspect of your program?

Since we are such a small undergraduate department, we have developed a close community between students and faculty. We work academically alongside each other, but we also have the chance to challenge each other and grow together as friends, supporting our future goals.

Why should students consider coming to Western University for the BMSc program?

Medical Sciences gives you the opportunity for “trial-and-error” with your courses and interests in the first two general years of study. When you get to third year, you’ve really developed your interests to pursue a module/specialization that is right for you.

Christopher Tran, Pathology

How would you describe your experience in your department as part of your BMSc education?

Being in Pathology actually changed my life plan. Since high school I always wanted to be a medical doctor; however, after I started my thesis, I developed a passion for research. The Pathology program at Western was truly a great experience. With only 15 students in the Honors Specialization, it provided an environment to develop meaningful connections with my peers and instructor.

What is the best aspect of your program?

The thesis project is an excellent opportunity to experience what research is like. In the Pathology module, it is unique in the sense that it offers a wide variety of projects, both in basic and clinical sciences.

Why should students consider coming to Western University for the BMSc program?

The BMSc program offers a wide selection of courses that allow for a well-rounded understanding of human biology. It allows students to tailor their learning to their interests and offers multiple opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge to practice.

Reid Vender, Medical Health Informatics

How would you describe your experience in your department as part of your BMSc education?

I felt immediately welcomed by the close-knit community of Medical Health Informatics and BMSc. My classmates were always supportive and friendly, owing to the non-competitive nature of Western. Students and professors alike were always available to lend a helping hand.

What is the best aspect of your program?

Medical Health Informatics considers an important intersection between medicine and technology. I am excited to be developing my theoretical and practical knowledge in this area so I can lead and be involved in these innovations into the future.

Why should students consider coming to Western University for the BMSc program?

The BMSc program offered me a balance between schoolwork, social life and extracurriculars that allowed me to explore my interests and discover the path I would be happiest to take.

Lanujan Kaneswaran, Medical Health Informatics

How would you describe your experience in your department as part of your BMSc education?

My experience in the departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Computer Science has been insightful; working with professionals who have developed and differing perspectives has in turn developed my own. My experience has given me a more holistic approach to how I interpret information, leading to a more critical understanding of the world around me. This effect has and will continue to be a meaningful and irreplaceable addition to the list of skills I've acquired through my BMSc education.

What is the best aspect of your program?

Being a part of multiple departments gives me substantial diversity in and flexibility with my education, despite pursuing an Honors Specialization. Working with the Pathology and Computer Science departments allows me to see health issues from a unique, interdisciplinary perspective. I am also permitted to learn skills that capitalize my strengths and talents to discover novel solutions to these problems. This opportunity was all made possible through the BMSc program; the program provides a plethora of modules for students to explore and meet their academic interests.

Why should students consider coming to Western University for the BMSc program?

Going to just about any school will give you the Bachelor's degree many post-undergraduate opportunities require, but will not guarantee the skills or experience you'll require to be successful from that point forward. An education that teaches critical, life-long learning is crucial for success in any field, and Western University's BMSc program meets that need.

Tyler Johnson, Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity

How would you describe your experience in your department as part of your BMSc education?

Being involved in a biochemistry focused Honors Specialization has been extremely interesting and informative, but challenging enough to always keep me engaged and thinking about how I can contribute to furthering the understanding of medical sciences.

What is the best aspect of your program?

The best aspect of the Honors Specialization module is that we have the opportunity to get involved in real-world research during the thesis course, which gives you the experience and connections necessary for future professional avenues.

Why should students consider coming to Western University for the BMSc program?

Students should consider coming to Western for the BMSc program because on top of the extremely interesting things you will learn during your time here, you will be challenged enough to want to better your understanding of the ways we can improve medical sciences.

Alumni

Meet some of our alumni.

Nicholas Tonial

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Current Program: MD/PhD at Western University

Degrees Held: BMSc – Honors Specialization in Physiology and Pharmacology

Future Goals: Clinician Scientist – working as a clinician in the hospital and also run a research lab that connects with my area of specialization

Why I chose the BMSc Program: The structure of the program really caught my attention; I enjoyed having two years (Medical Sciences 1 and 2) to decide what area I wanted to specialize in for my BMSc degree in years 3 and 4 – it gave me time to “test the waters” in various areas before I found the one that suited me best.

How did my BMSc degree prepare me for my future goals? Not only did it provide me with the academic stamina and learning needed for my future, but it also allowed myself to develop leadership skills, communication skills, and grow as an individual.

What inspired me to pursue an advanced degree or this career: I have always had a passion for helping others, and I always had an idea of being involved with patient care through medicine. When I came to Western, the BMSc degree allowed many opportunities to get involved with research and this sparked my interest for the scientific process. When I found out about the MD/PhD program, a degree that combined both of my passions, I knew it was the right path for me.

Favourite Western memory: This is a tough one to answer, because there are way too many to decide from… but if I had to pick one, I would say my residence experience was my favorite memory. You meet so many new people, both in your program and other programs. These friendships last forever, and to this day my close friend group consists of many of the people that I met in my very first week here at Western.

Best thing about being a student at Western: The amount of opportunities that are available across campus; whether that is academic, social, volunteer, or work opportunities. I would not be where I am today if it was not for the amazing things that are offered here at Western. This school shaped me into the person that I am today, and I will be forever grateful.

Advice to students considering Western: Follow your intuition because it will take you very far. Of course you need to consider various factors when choosing which university and program to attend, however, follow that gut feeling you have when you visit various universities. One of the big reason I chose Western was because when I attended the Fall Preview Day back in 2012, I had this feeling that this was the place I wanted to spend the next 4 years of my life – I followed that “hunch” and I have never been happier with a single decision in my life.

Kate Dillon

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Current Program: University of Toronto, MD candidate

Degrees Held: BMSc, MSc (Clinical Anatomy)

Why I chose the BMSc Program:

I chose the BMSc program because I felt as though the module system was a good fit for me. It allows students to tailor their education toward their own individual interests in the latter part of their degree. The calibre of the educators in the BMSc program was also something that drew me to this program. Being taught by professors who were experts and leaders in their respective fields was important to me when choosing a program and a University.

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

The vast and diverse knowledge base that I gained from my undergraduate BMSc degree has undoubtedly prepared me well for my graduate courses and for any future goals that I intend to pursue. However, it is the transferrable skills and the unique problem-solving approach to this degree that I feel has best equipped me to succeed in any number of professions. The process of critical thinking and evaluation was heavily stressed in this degree and it is for this reason that I feel I am well prepared to step into any number of different fields and vocations.

What inspired me to pursue an advanced degree?

I was inspired to pursue an advanced degree because of my love of education and my passion for the subject matter that I was introduced to during my undergraduate degree.

Advice to students considering Western:

Get involved and enjoy the ride. Western has so much to offer and with the incredible diversity we have on campus there are so many ways to get involved with like-minded people and find your niche. Don’t be afraid to seize opportunities and take risks, they will either pay off or become a learning experience, both of which will bring you a step closer to where you want to be.

Jeff Dietrich

dietrich Current Program: Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Class of 2019

Degrees Held: Honors BMSc - Honors Specialization in Physiology

Why I chose the BMSc Program:

The BMSc Program was a perfect fit; it exposed me to basic science while opening the door for me to pursue medicine.

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

The BMSc program offered a variety of fascinating and challenging courses in anatomy and physiology which eased my transition into medical school. The program also gave me the freedom to choose unique courses in order to help focus my interests.

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

Medicine was always my dream, and the BMSc program enabled me to take the next step towards attaining it.

Advice to students considering Western:

Do it, and make the most of your time here.

Nicole Conners

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Current Program: MD Candidate - University College Cork

Degrees Held: Bachelor of Medical Science – Honors Specialization in Physiology; MSc Global Health (McMaster)

Why I chose the BMSc Program:

I chose to study in the BMSc Program because of its flexibility of modules. Upon delving into general science topics, I realized my passion toward Physiology following the second year course. The flexibility of the BMSc program allowed me to follow my interests, where I decided to pursue an Honors degree in Physiology and complete a thesis project.

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

As the BMSc program at Western is highly competitive and well-known, this degree definitely provided me with the tools needed to succeed in a medical related career. By taking advanced Physiology courses, my knowledge on the human body was enhanced significantly. The professors inspired me to continue pursing education, providing me with the framework and knowledge to succeed in a medical related career. The relevance of material learned was outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every class and it was evident that each course was very applicable to everyday life.

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

I absolutely LOVED my thesis project and knew that a master’s degree was right for me. Western has instilled life-long learning within me, as I seek to obtain further knowledge about health related issues. It is hoped that a graduate degree will provide me with an advantage when applying to further education.

Advice to students considering Western:

GO TO WESTERN! I seriously cannot imagine going elsewhere. The BMSc program is demanding but definitely worth it. By beginning with a general overview of science related topics, you are able to realize your interests and specialize in upper years. All courses were very fair and extremely interesting. Great professors and great campus. It was very easy to become involved in extracurricular activities and I highly suggest this. I have nothing bad to say about the program and Western in general. I have had such a positive experience and am thankful that I chose to go to Western.