Daniel Bersyniow
Change does not happen by chance, it happens by choice. I believe our medical school journey will test us, stretch us, and at times, overwhelm us. But with the right support, it can also unite us, strengthen us, and remind us why we chose medicine in the first place.
Integrity, accountability, and the courage to act when others hesitate: these are the qualities that define me, and the ones I will bring to the role of class president. I am not afraid to speak up for what our class needs, and I am committed to following through on our needs as I believe leadership is fundamentally built on trust and responsibility.
I have served as a board member on the University of Ottawa’s Student Union and on the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s Special Education Committee. In those roles, I learned how to navigate institutions, stand firm for students, and turn promises into action.
My platform rests on four pillars:
1. Administrative Excellence We should not waste energy chasing down PowerPoints, struggling with unclear exam expectations, or feeling unsupported academically. I will work directly with faculty to ensure materials are posted on time, guidelines are clear, and support is always accessible. Our focus should be on becoming the best doctors we can be, not battling bureaucracy (leave that to me).
2. Student Life and Well-being Medical school is demanding, but it should also be memorable. I will support events that bring us together, such as organizing a fall potluck, cultural nights, and extra therapy dog sessions before exams. I will also fight to strengthen access to mental health resources. Most importantly, I will establish an Emergency Hardship Fund: a safety net for classmates facing sudden financial crises. Because when one of us struggles, all of us are affected.
3. Transparency and Communication Our inboxes are flooded and announcements often come from many different places. It’s confusing and stressful. I aim to set up clear weekly updates in our class facebook group. This will be a simple recap of everything important, so no one feels left behind or in the dark. Information should empower us, not overwhelm us.
4. Equity and Support for All Every student, no matter their background, deserves to feel seen, supported, and included. I will push for accessible course materials, reliable exam accommodations, and mentorship opportunities for students from underrepresented groups. I will also work to strengthen our peer-support network by advocating for culturally safe training, so no one faces this journey alone.
But I don’t want to stop there. Together, we can go further A career development night led by residents and physicians to give us insight into specialties and pathways. A class legacy project that we built together, something that leaves a lasting mark for future cohorts, reminding them of who we were and what we stood for.
The next four years will shape our lives. We can choose to simply survive them, or we can choose to build something greater, together.
I am ready to lead with integrity, to act with courage, and to serve with determination. With your support, I will strive to make our time in medical school an experience we will remember for life.
Change does not happen by chance, it happens by choice. And today, the choice lies in your hands.