Hello, uOttawa MD2028! My name is Andy Bai, and I am running to be your VP External Affairs Junior on the Aesculapian Society next year. Before I dive into my platform, allow me to introduce myself a bit. I grew up in Ottawa and completed my Bachelor of Science in Physiology at McGill University (’24). At McGill, I served as U2 Representative and then VP Finance on my student council, the Physiology Undergraduate League of Students. In both these positions, I helped communicate my peers’ interests to the council and Department of Physiology, and I collaborated closely with fellow members and other councils on events, finances, and decision making. My favourite part of it all, besides meeting new people, was being able to actively contribute to my student community; I hope to do the same for you all on ASoc! As VP External Affairs Junior, I would be responsible for representing Ottawa students at both the Ontario Medical Students Association (OMSA) and Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS). This includes voting on matters regarding each organization’s finances, educational services, and public stances, as well as informing any decision making with our school’s best interests (e.g., sharing uOttawa’s academic regulations and aspects of our curriculum that are beneficial vs. in need of improvement). I am currently a member of the CFMS National Day of Action Planning and Research Committee, and I attended the CFMS National Day of Action as well as the OMSA Day of Action & EDID Conference this year. Meeting medical students from other Canadian universities is a wonderful experience (e.g., connecting through shared experiences and learning about each other’s differences), and I would love to promote opportunities to do so as VP External Jr. As VP External Affairs Jr., I would aim to accomplish the following: 1) Facilitate networking opportunities with other Canadian medical students - Advocate for ways to share student experiences between Canadian medical schools (e.g., nation-wide with CFMS or Ontario-wide with OMSA) 2) Provide prompt, detailed information on CFMS and OMSA resources/events - Examples: CFMS National Day of Action & Medical Day of Action, OMSA Day of Action & EDID Conference, AMBOSS and Osmosis discounts, and OMA insurance services 3) Ensure your input is communicated effectively to the OMSA and CFMS - Send out a monthly feedback form for student concerns to be brought up at OMSA (monthly) and CFMS (biannual) meetings Thank you for taking the time to read my platform! If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to message me on Instagram @andyy.bai or by text at 613-513-6097.