Vanessa Toupin
Tell me about your background before pathology/medical school?
Before medical school I completed my undergraduate degree in nursing at the University of Ottawa. Following graduation, I worked for a few months in public health and then went on to begin my medical training at Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
What made you choose pathology as a career?
Pathology was a bit of an incidental finding for me — if my background is any evidence, I was initially drawn to patient-facing roles, particularly internal medicine. What ultimately drew me in was my passion for problem solving and desire to understand disease at a deeper level. I knew I would continue to be intellectually challenged, and the work-life balance is certainly an added bonus.
What attracted you to Western’s pathology program?
I wasn’t able to secure an elective at Western, but I was fortunate to connect with both a junior and senior NOSM graduate who were candid about their experiences. They made it clear that the program offered what I was looking for: a supportive learning environment, ample teaching from staff who genuinely enjoy it, and a friendly group of co-resident.
What are some specific things that you like about Western’s AP program?
What stands out to me about Western’s anatomical pathology program is how welcoming the staff and senior residents are. They’ve fostered an environment that’s ideal for learning. Being essentially all in the same room makes it easy to share interesting cases and encourages discussion. It’s also a program that values adult learners, where people genuinely care and go out of their way to support your growth and make things work for you.
What are your hobbies outside of medicine?
Equestrian activities have been a passion since I was three, and I jump at any opportunity to help with farm work — albeit this has been a challenge to maintain along with medicine. I love spending time outdoors and have been able to find other outlets such as hiking and mountain biking. I also enjoy traveling, especially backpacking where I can make spontaneous discoveries and explore new places off the beaten path.
What are your career goals?
I’m currently keeping an open mind regarding subspecialty interests, as I feel it’s still early to commit. I am, however, interested in medical education and am drawn to the idea of working in a smaller community setting, where I could have a more generalist role.
What is something you would like to tell students who may not be able to do an AP elective at Western?
For students who aren’t able to do an anatomical pathology elective at Western, I would say that the resident group here is fantastic and the staff are incredibly welcoming. The off-service rotations can feel long at times, but don’t be intimidated — most people are kind and supportive, and as long as you show up and do the work, the experience is well worth it. If you’ve never
been to London, it’s not nearly as bad as people make it out to be, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
