From science to social justice to medical school: Simran Bedi (MA SocJ 2024)
My name is Simran and I came to Canada to fulfil my dream of becoming a doctor. For this purpose, I completed my undergraduate studies in Applied Life Sciences - giving me a strong science background. Throughout my undergraduate years, I was exposed to different worldviews and also had the privilege of listening to the stories and challenges of students from different walks of life. It was clear to me that various social, economic and political factors were influencing my life along with the lives of many around me. The pandemic further made these social disparities evident. A culmination of these experiences motivated me to pursue my Masters in Social Justice Studies. This program helped me build a strong background on various factors - beyond an individual's control - that influence their overall wellness and health outcomes. I worked on projects that focused on immigrant health in rural Ontario and on challenges faced by International Medical Graduates trying to enter the Canadian workforce. However, it was truly my colleagues and professors in the program whose contributions shaped my knowledge and personal growth the most. As a medical student, I often reflect on the difficult yet important discussions we engaged in during my Masters, to ground myself as they serve as a gentle reminder of why I chose medicine in the first place - to serve.


