One of the things that draws me to the [name of department] is the opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. I know that [Professor’s name] is currently working on a SSHRC- funded project that looks at the philosophical underpinnings of planning and organizing space in urban contexts. My undergraduate Honours thesis looked at the effect of monuments on cultural memory, and I read a number of [Professor’s name] articles outlining [his/her] theoretical framework that ended up forming the basis for my work. I have spoken to [Professor] and [he/she] encouraged me to apply to [name of program], and has agreed to serve as my supervisor.

The breadth of courses focused on public health at [name of institution] is a strong fit for the area of public health I wish to pursue in the future. Additionally, the opportunity to complete a practicum in the field will allow me to bring the professional skills I have gained through my co-operative program to a new industry. My international volunteer experiences in public health have provided me with a unique perspective on global health and social determinants of health that I feel can be applied to public health agencies in Canada.

I have been volunteering in several health care facilities for five years. My interaction with seniors in a long-term care facility, with children through Kidsability, and patients and health care professionals at Toronto General Hospital have allowed me to see various life stages and the struggle individuals and families have when impacted by an illness. Shadowing with a GP also showed me how a professional can struggle when there is not a positive outcome when a patient becomes ill.

Additionally, my natural ability to relate and be compassionate to others was emphasized while I was a Science Student Help Team Member. Many students that dropped into our office were distressed about their academic performance, work load, and ability to juggle volunteer positions. I provided a safe environment for them to talk, and because of the training we received through Counselling Services we knew when to refer students to other departments or resources on campus. Students have returned to our office to let me know that my support and advice made a difference in their lives. My goal is to continue that support as a medical professional.

With my interest in negotiation and mediation, and my experience in Human Resources, I am eager to enhance my knowledge through the Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources program at [name of institution]. My goal is to become a mediator and to further enhance my negotiation abilities that I developed through my undergraduate experience, in order to solve problems and resolve disputes with public and private organizations.

Ever since I had the opportunity to serve as a Legislative Page when I was in high school, I knew that I wanted to work in public service, making a contribution to positive change in Canada. I know that my goal is not to become a politician, but the government has a strong need for people to serve as consultants in drafting policy. I am planning to complete my PhD in Philosophy of Ethics, and then pursue a Master of Public Service so that I can put the extensive knowledge and analytical skills to use in a very practical way.

In my last year of university I reduced my course load in order to gain hands-on experience in several rehab clinics in my local region. This has enhanced my understanding of the speech language pathology profession as I was able to shadow several SLPs in different environments working with children and senior populations. In my previous undergraduate terms, I carried a full course load that often included one or more labs and was successful in the co-op process that required me to apply to jobs, interview for jobs, and secure a co-op position for each of my five work terms. My strengths will ensure I will be successful in a graduate-level program.

As mentioned, my area of research focus aligns with several faculty members in the Department of Applied Health Sciences. I am excited to join the AHS research team, students, and faculty in order to resolve some of the challenges that society is struggling with around Alzheimer’s disease.

My five years of dedication to various health care agencies has proven that medicine is where I can have the most impact on others. My professionalism, academic excellence, leadership skills, empathy and compassion will be utilized in the MD program and in my future role as a physician.