Robin Manaloor is a graduate of the U of A MD program's Class of 2020.
As your journey comes to a close, what advice do you have for new students?
University years provide some of the most formative and memorable experiences in life. Take advantage of the numerous activities, groups and opportunities available. Try something new and discover what you are passionate about. Most of all, don't be afraid to fail and learn. Push yourself and find a balance that works for you. Take care of yourself and enjoy the journey!
How did you engage with student life on campus?
There are many ways to get involved both on campus and in the community and the Faculty supports many of these initiatives. Over four years, I have sat on the University of Alberta MD Admissions Committee. I found it incredibly rewarding to advocate on behalf of medical students and voice the collective opinion with regards to admissions criteria and changes in policy. I also love watching and participating in sporting activities. I was fortunate to play on numerous intramural teams throughout medical school including ultimate frisbee, soccer, futsal, basketball and handball. This provided an opportunity to interact with a variety of my classmates and get to know other students in the UAlberta community.
What was your most memorable UAlberta experience?
I have now been at the university for three degrees and have been fortunate to have many memorable experiences. My clerkship experience stands out in particular. The transition from the classroom to the ward is like nothing I have ever previously experienced. I remember my first night on call, the first time I had to deliver heartbreaking news, the first time I helped deliver a baby. The emotions and thoughts that occur in these moments are valuable memories I continue to hold.
What was your favourite class during your program?
I have had a unique range of class experiences completing degrees in business and medicine. I most enjoyed the clerkship years (third and fourth year) of medical school. Being directly involved in patient care is a privilege and connecting with patients and their families were some of my most rewarding encounters. In particular, internal medicine, anesthesia and emergency medicine were some of my favourite rotations.
Who was your favourite mentor or preceptor?
There are several excellent mentors and professors I have had the pleasure of getting to know during medical school. One of the best is Samina Ali, a pediatric emergency physician at the Stollery Children's Hospital. I have worked with her for three years now in both clinical and research settings. Dr. Ali is an outstanding clinician, a passionate researcher and a thoughtful mentor. She has been a role model throughout my time in medical school.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a U of A student?
Although at times it can feel like it, you are never alone in your educational journey. Friends, family, professors, colleagues and classmates are there to support you when you need it. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Cherish the relationships you have built and find a balance between your personal and professional goals. Be kind to one another and enjoy the moment. Although you might not be called a student ever again, if eight years of university has taught me anything, it is that learning never ends.
What inspires you about your chosen field?
Anesthesiology allows for a balance of procedural medicine, physiology, clinical pharmacology and the ability to fully focus on one patient at a time. The diversity of patients and variety of clinical environments drew me to the specialty. Anesthesiologists are leaders in perioperative management and patient safety. They are confident in stressful circumstances and remain calm during rapidly evolving clinical situations. They function well in team settings and quickly build rapport with patients. These are some of the aspects of anesthesiology I encountered throughout clerkship that inspired my interest in the field.