I'm running for the ARD position, aiming to build upon the successful work of Mohammad Al- Qadi, Stephanie Roberts, and Kathleen MacMillan. As the ARD, my focus will be on empowering Atlantic medical students. My platform centers on three key areas:

1. 1. Improving CFMS Engagement: I am dedicated to increasing engagement with the CFMS among Atlantic students. By integrating CFMS opportunities into first-year orientation week at all schools, students will become aware of the opportunities the CFMS offers. I will collaborate closely with medical student societies to foster open dialogue, ensuring the unique perspectives and voices of students are well-represented. To make active involvement feasible, I'll actively pursue financial sponsorships for travel to support students' participation in CFMS programming, CoAMS, and the Atlantic Research Conference.
2. 2. Creating Collaboration and Opportunities: My vision is to unite Atlantic medical students in a cohesive community, fostering impactful projects and invaluable opportunities. I'll work with medical school interest groups to host joint career nights and CaRMS panel discussions. Increasing research and medical education collaboration, I'll establish an accessible resident as mentors program, providing equitable opportunities for students pursuing specialties with limited exposure at their schools. Additionally, I'll organize social events to provide networking opportunities across the region.
3. 3. Advocating for Your Needs: I will prioritize addressing pressing issues impacting our medical education by working with MedSoc and UGME Deans. Ensuring fairness and inclusivity, I will advocate for geographical equity in allocating CFMS travel funds and student initiative grants. I'll address concerns with the visiting elective portal, streamlining and improving the process. Recognizing the diverse time zones, I'll ensure CFMS meetings are scheduled reasonably. I will work to promote Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Decolonization (EDID) standards in the curriculum and for clinical placements across the region.

I am committed to making a lasting, positive impact on our medical education journey. Thank you for your support.

As a candidate for the position of CFMS Atlantic Regional Director, I am thrilled to present my platform, centered on three key pillars: Representation, Support, and Innovation. If elected, I pledge to advocate for the diverse needs of Canadian medical students in the Atlantic provinces and work tirelessly to enhance their educational experience and overall well-being.

1. Representation:

   • - Advocate for over 8000 medical students from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Dalhousie University New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and Centre de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, ensuring their diverse needs are heard and addressed at the national level.
   • - Foster open communication between CFMS representatives, member school presidents, and the CFMS Board through regular teleconferences and meetings to promote transparent decision-making.
   • - Collaborate with medical student societies in Atlantic Canada, promoting unity and collaboration among members while bringing regional perspectives to the forefront.

2. Support:

   • - Provide guidance and mentorship to fellow medical students, supporting their academic and personal success.
   • - Connect medical student societies and students with the appropriate resources.
   • - Support the organization of regional events such as the Conference of Atlantic Medical Students (CoAMS) which will help foster a sense of community within the Atlantic Medical Schools.

3. Innovation:

   • Embrace innovative approaches in medical education to meet the evolving needs of Canadian medical students.
   • Actively participate in relevant stakeholder committees and working groups, representing the voices of Atlantic medical students in decision-making processes.
   • Promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity within the CFMS and support initiatives that create a more inclusive medical education environment.

In conclusion, my platform is built on the pillars of Representation, Support, and Innovation, all aimed at empowering Canadian medical students in the Atlantic provinces. With my passion for research, leadership experience, and dedication to community engagement, I am confident in my ability to serve as an effective and enthusiastic CFMS Atlantic Regional Director.

My name is Dixon Pinto and I use he/him pronouns. I am currently an incoming third year medical student at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University. I am running to be one of your Ontario Regional Directors for the 2023-2024 school year. My journey to medicine stems from my lived experiences as a queer South Asian person growing up in Brampton, ON. These lived experiences have guided my research which focuses on 2STLGBQIA+ health and its intersection with social determinants of health. My goal is that these experiences will guide my advocacy within the role of Ontario Regional Director and help shape cross-university programming to challenge the status quo. Below are three pillars of my platform, if you have any questions, please feel free to message me ([email protected]). I look forward to working with you all to strive for more equitable practices.

• 1. Increasing transparency between CFMS and Ontario Medical Students through monthly video updates on social media (e.g., TikTok, Instagram Lives, Instagram Reels, Twitter) and using social media to organize takeovers by residents across the province so that students could ask questions about different programs across the province.
• 2. Creating more cross-collaboration among medical school clubs and interest groups to decrease redundancy and increase participant turnout to events.
• 3. Making CFMS travel grants more accessible to students by advocating for providing funds to students who have not attended an in-person CFMS annual/general meeting in the past.

I look forward to meeting you at the virtual by-elections meeting.

Dixon Pinto

Class of 2025, Western University

Hello All! My name is Zwetlana (she/her) and I am absolutely thrilled to be running for one of the Ontario Regional Director positions. As we build on the legacy of the previous ORDs and seize new opportunities to advance the ORD portfolio, my platform focuses on the following key areas:

• 1. Comprehensive Engagement with Ontario Medical Schools – As your ORD, I will place a high priority on building strong relationships with all Ontario medical schools. Here's how:
  • A. Engagement with Ontario Medical Students Association (OMSA) – attending OMSA meetings and acting as the communication between OMSA and CFMS.
  • B. Maintaining open communication channels with MedSocs – to enhance collaboration and camaraderie with Medical Societies, I will aim to continue the Ontario Presidents’ Round Table meetings and attend all possible MedSoc meetings. Understanding each school's challenges enables better advocacy for their interests at CFMS.
• 2. Support Wellness and Mental Health – Prioritizing the well-being of medical students is critical. Together with OMSA and Ontario Medical Societies, I will promote initiatives that address mental health and burnout.
  • A. Continuing Support for Wellness Initiatives: Inspired by previous ORD engagement with OMSA's Wellness Weekend, I will ensure ongoing support for such programs and explore new wellness initiatives.
• 3. Increasing CFMS Awareness and Engagement – To effectively engage Ontario medical students, awareness among students about CFMS is crucial. I propose the following steps:
  • A. Targeted Social Media Messaging: Welcoming incoming medical students through tailored social media content and video messages during Medical School Orientation.
  • B. Clear and Concise Updates: Providing regular updates on CFMS initiatives, opportunities for involvement, and ways to connect with ORDs.

All in all, if elected, I will strive to effectively represent the interests of Ontario medical students and CFMS. Thank you for considering me to be one of your ORDs!