Isabella Tari
Hi everyone! My name is Isabella Tari, and I am an MD2029 student in the French stream. This year, I had the opportunity to serve in the Junior Assistant role for Global Health, which gave me valuable exposure to how the portfolio works behind the scenes. Through this experience, I was able to learn how events are organized, how we collaborate with partners, and what initiatives resonated most with students. It also allowed me to see where we can improve, and I would love the opportunity to build on that experience as VP Global Health next year. Ottawa is one of the most diverse cities in Canada. As medical students training in this environment, we are uniquely positioned to learn from patients, physicians, and community partners whose experiences span the globe. It is important that we do not take this diversity for granted. Instead, we should actively engage with it; learning from global health practitioners and community leaders that serve diverse populations both locally and internationally. Global health is not only something that happens abroad; it is also very much present in the communities around us. Developing cultural competency is essential in medicine, and that process begins during our training. As future physicians, we need to develop the awareness and skills required to care for patients from all backgrounds with respect and humility. Strengthening exposure to global health perspectives throughout medical school can help us better understand health inequities, social determinants of health, and the broader context in which our patients live. If elected, I hope to continue and expand initiatives that students have enjoyed this year. I would love to host more global health panels and invite physicians to speak about their experiences working in global and humanitarian settings. Hearing directly from doctors who have worked in these spaces helps make global health careers feel more tangible. I would also like to organize another SimX Day, where students can participate in team-based simulations responding to a global health crisis, creating a fun and interactive way to learn. I also hope to strengthen engagement with global health stakeholders such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Building relationships with these organizations can help connect students with mentorship, resources, and opportunities to learn more about humanitarian and global health work. Another priority for me would be improving transparency and communication between students and the Global Health Office. There are many opportunities available throughout medical school; in pre-clerkship, clerkship, and even residency, as well as scholarships and faculty-supported initiatives that students may not always hear about. I would work to make this information more accessible so students can better explore and plan for global health opportunities during their training. Overall, I’m extremely excited about the possibility of continuing to work on the ASoc team and helping grow global health initiatives within our class. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, and I would really appreciate your support!
VP Global Health
Eleni Karaiskos
“I have travelled to 5 of the 7 continents of the world.” This is the fun fact I shared at the icebreaker at the beginning of my first year at uOttawa Medicine. Being a globetrotter is a defining part of my identity, and so is medicine. For me, learning across borders to improve patient care represents the intersection of these two passions. In fact, if it were not for international exchange of medical knowledge throughout history, we might not even have the Hippocratic Oath in Canada today! This spirit of collaboration and shared learning is something I hope to continue fostering within our medical community, and it inspired me to run for VP Global Health Jr. As your future representative, I will strive to: - Expand Networks of International Partners and Preceptors Although uOttawa already has partner institutions in France and China, it can be daunting to find a placement independently, outside these parameters. I would like to create a curated directory of preceptors and institutions, expanding the available opportunities to a wider berth of countries and making them more accessible. - Increase Awareness of International Health Opportunities in Pre-Clerkship Early international exposure allows students to learn various approaches, technologies and perspectives they may not encounter otherwise. To increase knowledge of global resources within our program, I propose hosting talks with panelists who can share local and global experiences, highlighting different innovations, research options and career paths. My goal is to cultivate a passion and enthusiasm for learning and sharing of medical knowledge. - Promote Exploration of Canadian Culture and Health Systems Canada’s healthcare landscape and patient populations are uniquely diverse, offering many global perspectives within our own country. To further reinforce cultural competency among uOttawa medical students, I would collaborate with non-profit organizations on workshops or fundraising initiatives, liaise with the Faculty to explore how to better incorporate some of these concepts into our curriculum, and promote electives across Canada. - Maintain Preexisting Relationships and Create New Ones I would actively participate in the CMFS annual general assembly to discuss nationwide issues in global health initiatives and exchanges. Coordinating the CMFS Global Health Portfolio Positions would allow me to be the point of contact and identify new opportunities to bring to uOttawa. Finally, I would serve as a liaison to strengthen the connection between students and the IGHO. True global health equity goes beyond meeting basic medical needs; it ensures patients and communities feel dignity and empowerment over their health. I aim to advocate for this autonomy while encouraging students to engage thoughtfully and inclusively. As we expand our breadth of opportunities and partnerships, it is imperative they are not only ethical and sustainable, but rooted in respect and collaboration. Through this role in the Aesculapian Society, I hope to strengthen local connections and global networks, increase awareness and reach of existing programs, and help students access meaningful global health experiences. Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to working with you. Eleni Karaiskos M.D. Candidate | Candidate au M.D. Class of 2029 | Promotion de 2029 University of Ottawa | Université d’Ottawa Email: ekara063@uottawa.ca Facebook: eleni.karaisk0s