Dr. Danielle Martin tells the story of her grandfather, Jacques Elie Shilton, a hard-working Egyptian immigrant who, months after arriving in Montreal with 10 family members, suffered a devastating heart attack.

Many MMI stations will call upon the applicant to propose a health policy that would improve the country. Knowing more about government initiatives to reduce health inequities will always be beneficial, especially with regards to high-yield topics like Indigenous health, rural health, and homelessness. I would recommend checking out all of the links under the "Social development" heading. My personal favourite is the "Housing First" approach under the Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy link; it's a radical but convincing way to end homelessness in Canada while improving social capital and resources for people experiencing homelessness.

Canada's Policy and Programs for Employment and Social Development encompass a wide range of initiatives aimed at addressing health inequities and promoting social development. These policies and programs can help premed students prepare as future physicians by increasing their awareness of the challenges faced by various communities, including Indigenous populations, rural residents, and homeless individuals.

By exploring the links under the "Social development" heading, premed students can gain a deeper understanding of government initiatives that seek to reduce health disparities and improve social conditions for vulnerable populations. For instance, the "Housing First" approach under the Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy is a compelling solution to address homelessness while enhancing social capital and resources for people experiencing homelessness.

In addition to homelessness strategies, other programs focus on skills and employment, learning, labor, income security, and service networks supporting government departments. By familiarizing themselves with these programs and policies, premed students can better appreciate the broader context of healthcare and social determinants of health, which will allow them to become more informed and compassionate physicians.

Furthermore, premed students can use their knowledge of these policies and programs during MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) stations, where they may be asked to propose health policies to improve the country. By understanding existing initiatives, students can develop well-informed and relevant policy suggestions, demonstrating their engagement with pressing healthcare issues and their commitment to social justice and health equity. Overall, Canada's Policy and Programs for Employment and Social Development provide essential context for premed students as they prepare for their future roles as healthcare professionals.

"Amazing book on compassionate medicine and learning about how to help others in ways that make the most sense to them. Opens up a lot of ideas about multidimensional ways of understanding well-being." - Ben

On Becoming a Healer: The Journey from Patient Care to Caring about Your Patients, written by Dr. Saul J. Weiner, is a transformative book that delves into the art of compassionate medicine and emphasizes the importance of truly understanding patients' needs in a multidimensional context. Dr. Weiner, a professor of medicine, pediatrics, and medical education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, shares his insights and experiences to guide premed students and aspiring physicians on their journey towards becoming empathetic, patient-centered healers.

For premed students preparing for a career in medicine, this book offers invaluable guidance on how to cultivate a deep sense of compassion and genuine care for patients. By exploring various aspects of well-being, Dr. Weiner encourages students to consider patients as unique individuals with diverse needs, rather than simply focusing on treating their symptoms or diseases. This approach fosters a more holistic understanding of healthcare, helping future physicians to develop strong connections with their patients and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

On Becoming a Healer also provides practical advice for students on how to navigate the challenges and complexities of the medical profession while maintaining their empathy and humanity. The book emphasizes the importance of active listening, effective communication, and adaptability in addressing patients' concerns and creating tailored care plans that truly resonate with them.

In summary, On Becoming a Healer is a powerful resource for premed students seeking to develop the qualities and skills necessary to excel as compassionate, patient-centered physicians. By embracing the principles laid out by Dr. Weiner, students can embark on a fulfilling journey towards becoming not just healthcare providers, but true healers in the lives of their patients.