Convocation spotlight: MD '23 grad Preetha Gopalakrishnan

MD '23 grad Preetha Gopalakrishnan. Photo supplied.

What initially drew you to this area of study?

I had a mentor who recommended that I select a people-focused career where I can make changes to better people's lives at an individual and population level.

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?

I spent my two years of clerkship in rural Alberta, focusing on rural family medicine in Lac La Biche during my third year and learning about medicine in a regional centre in Grande Prairie in my fourth year.

What was the biggest challenge you faced?

My mental health was something that I had to be very cognizant of throughout medical school and I learned that I needed to take time to care for myself.

How did you stay motivated and who helped you keep going when things got tough?

I have a strong support system of family and friends who have been instrumental in my success. I particularly enjoyed phone conversations with my sister when I needed perspective on work-life balance.

What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program of study/specialization?

I would advise prospective medical students to take time to learn about themselves and explore the variety of different careers medicine has to offer.

What have you learned about yourself, and how will you use this going forward?

I learned that I am someone who works well in interdisciplinary teams providing services to diverse marginalized populations and problem-solving around system challenges. I will use this to advocate for improving mental health-care access in the communities where I work.

What comes next for you in your career/academic journey?

I will be moving to Toronto in July to do my family medicine residency. I plan on focusing my practice on substance use and mental health care as a primary care provider.