The Department of Family Medicine had a total of six Masters students and two PhD students who graduated this Fall and who were conferred their degrees on December 2 at Place des Arts. Congratulations – you make us so proud! Here, we meetÌýJoel Klinton to hear his ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ story.
Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, I have been living in Canada for the past 6 years (Toronto, Brockville, Montreal and now Ottawa).
What have you enjoyed the most about studying at the Department of Family Medicine?: I deeply value the guidance and mentorship I received from each faculty member. Their ability to recognize and understand our individual journeys, aspirations and unique learning needs created an environment that was both supportive and inspiring. This personalized approach transformed the learning experience into one that was not only enriching but also enjoyable, fostering growth and curiosity rather than stress or pressure. Their encouragement and adaptability made a lasting impact, motivating us to reach our full potential while feeling genuinely supported every step of the way.
A (proud/scary/wonderful) moment you will never forget? I truly appreciated how each course incorporated a practical component to help us better understand and apply the concepts we were learning. Among these, the focus group exercise in FMED 625 (Qualitative Health Research) stands out as the most memorable. It was an engaging and thought-provoking experience to collaborate with my classmates, debate diverse perspectives, and share our insights on the topic. This interactive activity not only deepened my understanding of focus group dynamics but also highlighted the value of collective learning. It was an excellent opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world application, making the learning experience both impactful and enjoyable.
What’s next: I have recently joined Ottawa Public Health as the Knowledge Exchange Specialist. This new role presents an incredible opportunity to contribute to meaningful public health initiatives by facilitating knowledge exchange. My Master’s degree in Family Medicine has been invaluable in preparing me for this position, equipping me with the skills and insights needed to bridge research and practice effectively. I am eager to grow in this role and make a positive impact alongside a dedicated team of professionals.
Congratulations Joel!
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