Wrapping up the semester for the holidays

Alex Moszczynski, PhD

As we finish our course work, proctor exams, and grade assignments, it is hard to believe that the fall semester is already drawing to a close. It seems like we just got started.

I would like to express my gratitude to the council members, and to all of you for making this semester so memorable.

Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Graduate Students Council undertook some major changes this semester, including the formation of a new social committee and the additional responsibilities of a health and wellness representative. In addition to our annual collaboration with Strong Bones, Strong Minds, Strong Muscles (SBSMSM) to hold a Trivia Night fundraiser in October (we raised $390 this year for the Children’s Health Foundation), we added several new events to our roster that will be repeated in the future.

In September, we held a Scholarship Applications Forum where more than 100 students came to learn from a panel of experts, ranging from professors who have experience with awards panels to students who hold tri-council awards. We also held an Open Mic Night in November, which filled The Grad Club with music and good times. We will definitely be holding more of these in the future, so keep those chops ready for future performances.

Jessica Blom, the Council’s Physiology and Pharmacology and Health and Wellness representative, did a phenomenal job keeping the School’s fitness challenge going. She held group fitness session in October, organized ongoing fitness tracking for the competition, and singlehandedly did the bi-weekly draw for winners. We will be accepting tracked fitness hours until December 19 — submit before then, and we will announce the winner in the New Year.

None of the events this semester would have been possible without the hard work of the entire Council. The departmental and social representatives, who helped plan events, get the word out, and recruit talented individuals for participation in our entertaining and academic events, have done a fantastic job.

We are looking forward to working closer than ever with SBSMSM in the New Year to plan many more exciting events. We are also working on integrating more socials amongst the medical and dental students, so stay tuned for details next semester.

Wherever you are from, wherever you will be going, and whatever traditions you may celebrate over the break, I hope you enjoy good company, fun times, and safe travels. Happy Holidays!

See you in 2016,

Alex Moszczynski
PhD Candidate, Department of Neuroscience
Chair, Graduate Students Council, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry