The Ryan Séguin Peer Support program is a student-run program for medical students at uOttawa. 67 MD students at uOttawa have undergone training in peer support and proactively reach out to their peers regularly.
Sophia Liu
Anglophone Stream
Hello everyone! My name is Sophia Liu and I'm a MD2025 student from Mississauga, ON. I love to read, watch Netflix, and go out with friends in my down time. Please feel free to reach out to me about anything! I'm always ready to listen and chat.
Lisa He
Anglophone Stream
Hi! My name is Lisa and I'm an MD2025 student. I did my undergrad at New York University. My hobbies include watching tv, travelling, and going to coffee shops with friends. I am passionate about breaking the stigma of mental health in medicine and I am particularly interested in combating anxiety and depression. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk about anything or if you are feeling lonely as I know the feeling and am always open to chatting!
Gagan Geekee
Anglophone Stream
Hi and hello! My name is Gagan Geekee, and I’m an MD2025 student here at uOttawa. I’m from Oakville, but I actually spent most of my childhood growing up in India! My hobbies include reading, playing video games and eating (if that counts as a hobby). I also have 2 dogs back at Oakville (named Coco and Taro) who I love very dearly. I’m always happy to talk about anything, be it mental health related or otherwise!
Jaskarn Khangura
Anglophone Stream
My name is Jaskarn Khangura and I am an MD2025. I grew up in Brampton and went to McMaster for undergrad. My hobbies include playing basketball, spending time with family, and listening to music. I’m passionate about mental wellness and I want to support my peers as we start our rewarding, yet challenging careers in medicine. I’d be happy to chat about anything so please do not hesitate to reach out to me!
Makenna Timm
Anglophone Stream
Hi all! My name is Makenna Timm, and I’m an MD2025 student from Squamish, BC. I love baking, fermenting new and strange foods, and getting outside. I have experience supporting survivors of sexual violence, but please reach out to chat about anything and everything. I’m always happy to listen.
Sean Hui
Anglophone Stream
Hello everyone! My name is Sean and I am a MD2025 student. Before medical school I worked as a nurse in Pediatric Mental Health, and so the topic of mental health and wellness has always been very important to me. If you ever see me on campus, feel free to give me a shout - I’d love to get to know more of our class!
Raj Bapuji
Anglophone Stream
My name is Raj Bapuji, and I am originally from Edmonton, Alberta. It has been great getting to know many of you so far, and I hope to know many more of you in the months to come. Some of my interests include playing chess, watching classic film, hiking, and playing soccer. I've recently taken up a feverish interest in skiing, and am excited to see what I can do with time. I am a huge hockey fan, particularly of the Edmonton Oilers (I know they're terrible, don't remind me... ). I used to be a distress line listener, so I have first-hand experience with many of the invisible problems people can face on a daily basis that can interfere with their mental health. What I can say is, it is completely normal to feel down about anything in life, whether it be academics or adjusting to a new city. If you need someone to talk to about anything, I'm happy to chat (in person or through messages
Nadine Cheffi
Anglophone Stream
Hello! My name is Nadine, and I’m a MD2025. Before coming to Ottawa, I lived in Qatar, but I’m originally from Tunisia! I did my undergrad here at Ottawa as well! I love playing and listening to music, and I’m a big fan of comedy TV shows (like Modern Family, The Office, Life in Pieces) and K-dramas. As you can see in the picture, I LOVE bubble tea (and smoothies haha). Throughout my life journey, I’ve come across a lot of change, and I know firsthand how hard it can be to adjust and readjust. I joined the Side by Side team so I can help support you in anyway possible, whether it be listening or giving some advice or simply hanging out and having fun! To me, taking care of our mental health and well-being is the key to success and happiness, and I believe in the power of conversation! If there’s anything on your mind (really, anything at all), my doors are always open! Please don’t hesitate to reach out, even if we’ve never talked before (I love hearing people’s stories and making new friends along the way). We’re all in this journey together, and we’re stronger together! (PS: Here are some specific mental health topics that are near and dear to me: change anxiety, suicide prevention, depression, medication use, stigma reduction. But as I mentioned, feel free to chat with me about anything at all!)
Cynthiya Gnanaseelan
Anglophone Stream
Hi! I’m an MD2025 from Markham, ON. My hobbies include watching basketball and football, trying out new foods, and baking. I have a particular interest in mental health but am happy to talk about anything!
Racheal Madray
Anglophone Stream
I’m a MD2025 student from Brampton, ON. My hobbies include going to the gym/working out, cooking, watching Netflix series (favourites being Lucifer, Brooklyn 99, Superstore, or New Girl)! I enjoy spending time with friends and family and being outside in nature. I have a particular interest in racism, suicide prevention, medical culture, and work-life balance in medical school, but I am happy to chat about anything.
Amy Zeglinski-Spinney
MD/PhD
Hey everyone, my name is Amy Zeglinski-Spinney. I'm an MD2025 student originally from Ottawa, ON. My hobbies include painting, cooking, rewatching Grey’s anatomy episodes, and going out with friends! Since classes are virtual, I’d love to get a chance to meet more MD2025s so please reach out — I’d love to chat! I am happy to talk about anything, virtually or in-person over coffee/bubble tea!
Isabelle Lefebvre
Francophone Stream
My name is Isabelle, and I am a student in the francophone stream of the 2025 cohort. In my spare time, I enjoy doing activities in nature, participating in team sports, as well as playing video games. I have a particular interest in technology and innovative educational methods. One of my wishes is that we all reach our full potential over the next four years. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need someone to listen attentively or if you just want to chat!
Aryan Ahmadvand
Francophone Stream
Hello everyone, my name is Aryan Ahmadvand. I am an MD2025 student from Ottawa. My hobbies include, playing soccer, making music, and hanging out with friends. I am looking forward to getting to know my peers better.
Tara Gholamian
Anglophone Stream
My name is Tara, and I'm a MD2024 originally from Vancouver, BC! In my free time I love eating sushi, watching Netflix shows, and going on long walks with some good company. I am extremely passionate about mental health and wellness, and I am open to conversations about anything!
Chloe Ahluwalia
Anglophone Stream
My name is Chloe Ahluwalia. I’m an MD2024 student from Toronto, ON. I love to read, practice yoga, and watch basketball. I am a huge Raptors fan so I’m always down to talk Raps! I was a Crisis Responder with Kids Help Phone for a while so I have a particular interest in crisis lines and suicide resources, but feel free to reach out about absolutely anything! Happy to chat! ☺
Janet Wilson
Anglophone Stream
My name is Janet Wilson and I am a MD2024 student from Ottawa, ON. I love singing, reading, running with my dog and listening to podcasts. I am particularly interested in working to overcome perfectionism, but please don’t hesitate to reach out to chat about anything that is on your mind!
Jenny Jeong
Anglophone Stream
My name is Jenny Jeong. I’m a MD2024 from Toronto, ON. I enjoy playing the piano, walking my dog Aidan, and exploring new restaurants with friends. I have a particular interest in mental health stigma especially in Asian communities. I’m really looking forward to chatting with you!
Abby Ross
Anglophone Stream
My name is Abby Ross and I’m an MD2024 from Kingston, ON. When I’m not studying, you can find me swimming, watching Netflix, or hanging out with friends. If you’re dealing with anxiety and/or burnout, I’m always here to talk. I’m also happy to chat about pretty much anything else, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Brent Deveau
Anglophone Stream
My name is Brent Deveau. I am from the east coast. I enjoy watching hockey, backcountry camping and canoeing, and spending time with my daughters. I have a particular interest in medical culture as it pertains to mental health and wellness. Don't hesitate to reach out to chat, we are all in this together.
Roger Wei
Anglophone Stream
My name is Roger Wei. I’m an MD2024 student who is originally from Taichung, Taiwan. I did my undergrad at McGill University and my passions include playing badminton, cooking food, and procrastinating. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to chat about anything!
Janani Ramamurthy
Anglophone Stream
Hi my name is Janani Ramamurthy! I am from London, ON, and did my undergraduate degree at McGill University. My interests include photography, thrifting, and biking! I am available to talk about anything and have particular interests in cross-cultural impacts on mental health and sexual violence.
Zafrin Islam
Anglophone Stream
My name is Zafrin, I’m an MD2024 in the Anglophone stream. I grew up in Vancouver and Mississauga, and I went to McMaster and the University of Toronto before joining the uOttawa family! I love to bake and experiment in the kitchen. I spend my free time watching Netflix, reading, and napping. I’m especially interested in supporting others with imposter syndrome, depression and anxiety. I’m happy to lend an ear, chat and provide support about anything!
Viththy Arun
Anglophone Stream
Hi everyone, my name is Viththy Arun. I am a MD2024 student originally from Scarborough, ON. My hobbies include going to the gym, watching and playing a lot of basketball (Rockets fan for life), and binge-watching basically any Netflix show. You may also run into me enjoying my box of SuzyQ donuts. I have a particular interest in reducing the stigma around mental health. If you ever want to talk about absolutely anything, please reach out! I’d be more than happy to chat. 🙂
Sohana Farhin
Anglophone Stream
My name is Sohana (she/her) and I’m a MD 2024 from Hamilton, Ontario, situated upon the traditional territories of the Haudensaunee and Missisaugas. I love to relax by taking walks in nature, spending time with my loved ones, and am passionate about my skincare routine. I immigrated to Canada at a young age and am originally from Bangladesh. Being a woman of colour and also being in medicine, I’ve noticed that there’s so much intersectionality and stigma when it comes to talking about mental health. I believe that we all deserve to have unconditional support as we navigate our journeys in medicine. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need support or just want to talk!
Garima Aryal
Anglophone Stream
Hi friends, I’m Garima from the MD2024 cohort. I enjoy travelling, photography, hiking, knitting and cozying up next to the fireplace with a good book. My motivation to become a peer supporter stems from my own experiences in the face of adversity. Please know that you are not alone and that you can reach out to me for literally anything! If you want to learn more about my story, here’s the link to my UOMed Speaks Up post: https://www.facebook.com/UOMEDSpeaksUp/photos/a.506019879773582/1334493646926197/
Kashyap Patel
Anglophone Stream
I am a MD2024 student originally from Brampton, ON. My hobbies include trying new food, cooking, table tennis and watching a whole lot of Netflix. I have a particular interest in medical culture and its impact on our mental health, but I am happy to chat about anything.
Mariska Batohi
Anglophone Stream
My name is Mariska and I'm an MD2024 from London, ON. I LOVE eating, playing pool, puppies, and going for fun walks!! I'm always here to talk about family issues, anxiety, or anything else you feel comfortable sharing.
Natalia Fontecha
Francophone Stream
My name is Natalia Fontecha and I’m a MD 2024 student. I’m originally from Colombia and moved to Canada 10 years ago. I really like doing outdoor activities, playing volleyball and watching movies. I LOVE french fries; fries from anywhere! Let me know if you want to go out to get some fries 🙂
Camille Mallet
Francophone Stream
My name is Camille, I’m currently a student in the MD2024 cohort! I’m from Maisonnette, a small town located at the northeastern corner of New Brunswick. My hobbies and interests include video games, making home-made mac and cheese, scuba diving and outdoor activities. I feel comfortable chatting about sexual violence and mental health, but I’ll be happy to talk about anything.
Vanessa Bournival
Francophone Stream
My name is Vanessa Bournival, but everyone calls me Van. I’m a proud Ottawan and a MD2024 in the French stream. You’ll never find me without a mug of tea, even during a heat wave! When my nose isn’t in a book, it’s usually covered in rock climbing chalk. In addition to bouldering, I love playing soccer, drawing and slacklining. Mental health is incredibly important to me, and I’m always happy to chat over a nice cup of tea.
Eloise Deschenes
Francophone Stream
My name is Éloise and I am part of the MD2024 class in the French section. A little bit about me, I studied at uOttawa in Health Sciences before pursuing medicine. I like practicing all kinds of sports and of course animals. You can send me pictures of your cats, dogs or other animals, I will never refuse them! I also have a great interest in mental health, and in suicide prevention. Please feel free to contact me to discuss these topics or anything else. It will be my pleasure to get to know you and be an open ear without judgment! You can always contact me on social networks.
Sarah Khadij
Francophone Stream
Hello! My name is Sarah and I’m an MD2024 student in the French stream. During my free time, I like spending time with friends and family, baking, and trying new restaurants! Mental health is extremely important to me. Like all of you, I go through hard times as a medical student and in my life in general, which has taught me the importance of sharing my experiences with my peers. For these reasons, I would love to lend you an ear to talk about anything and everything! My inbox is always open for your messages. 🙂
Amélie Lachance-Soulard
Francophone Stream
Hey everyone! My name is Amélie and I am a MD2024 in the French stream, born and raised in Ottawa. I love soccer, ringette, the piano and The Office. My favourite pastime is spending quality time with my family, friends, and my dogs! I am passionate about mental health and am very proud to be a part of Side by Side’s exec committee. Please feel free to send me a message, I can’t wait to speak to you! 🙂
Dorsa Mavedatnia
Anglophone Stream
Fun fact about me: I got carpal tunnel syndrome in grade 8 and had to wear a brace on my wrist for a month because I was obsessed with Tetris and played for hours everyday. Growing up, mental health is something that was rarely brought up by my family and it wasn't easy for me to talk about what was on my mind. This could probably be related to growing up in a middle eastern family, where there is a stigma and very little emphasis is placed on mental wellbeing. When I entered undergrad, I saw the impact that mental health had on those who were very close to me, and I noticed that very few people reached out for help. Mental health is important to me because it's difficult for me to watch those I care about struggle, and I want to help eradicate the stigma that I saw growing up and even now.
Ibrahim Mohammad
Anglophone Stream
My name is Ibrahim Mohammad, and I'm an MD 2023 student in the anglophone stream. Fun fact, I was born in Cairo, Egypt, and I'm fluent in English, French, and Arabic -- more than happy to help out in any of those languages! I have special interest in navigating Medicine as a Person of Colour, and in religious/spiritual mental health (especially from a Muslim perspective). But of course, more than happy to be there for you in the way that you need me to be 🙂
Lindsey Symons
Anglophone Stream
I grew up in Greely (30 mins south of RGN) and am really happy to be back in Ottawa after 6 years of undergrad/grad school. My time away helped me better understand just how important it is for me to prioritize work-life balance and to reach out for help during difficult times. I have been dancing since age 3 (jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary), love to cook, travel, take care of my house plants, and above all spend quality time with my friends and family. I am always here to listen, so please feel free to reach out on Facebook (Lindsey Symons) or in person if you would ever like to chat.
Zina Fathalla
Anglophone Stream
My name is Zina and I’m an MD2023! I was born in Iraq but grew up in Mississauga, ON. I went to McMaster for my undergrad in Health Sciences. I love all kinds of music and I am essentially listening to music 24/7 other than during class. I also enjoy dancing, playing tennis, and rock climbing. As a major extrovert, I absolutely love talking to others and forming genuine relationships. I truly believe everyone has a unique and important story to tell. That is why I am so excited and grateful to be a Peer Supporter this year to help support the mental health and wellbeing of my amazing peers. I will listen to any and all topics you bring to me but I am particularly interested (and even experienced) in relationships and family affairs. Please never hesitate to reach out to me. I will always be there to listen and give you the space to express yourself however you like.
Nicholas Laird
Anglophone Stream
My name is Nicholas Laird and I am thrilled to get the chance to be on the Side by Side Peer Support Team! I am a MD2023 and have always been very passionate about mental health and hope to one day pursue a career as a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I understand that as medical students we are exposed to a tremendous amount of stress and it is my hope that I will be able to help those who may be struggling and need someone they feel they can reach out to. I am very interested in mental health related disorders such as anxiety and depression with interests in suicide and hope to be able to one day make a difference in the lives of others struggling with these disorders. Overall, I am very excited to get this opportunity and hope to be able to make a difference in the uOttawa community.
Rishi Gupta
Anglophone Stream
My name is Rishi Gupta and I am a MD2023 medical student. Over the past few years, I've faced numerous challenges before and during medical school that have provided me with insight on how to tackle challenges through novel approaches. Everyone has different methods to tackle mental health concerns, but seeking advice and pursuing a collaborative approach towards dealing with these issues has always proven most effective. Having faced challenges both academically and socially with friends and family, I would be more than happy to discuss my own personal experiences as well as provide support on any topic, including the following: racism, suicide, medical culture and many more. Feel free to reach out online or in person and I look forward to speaking with you!
Sarah Giacobbo
Anglophone Stream
I am a MD2023 medical student with a passion for technology in medicine and mental health. After graduating from my undergrad in health sciences three years ago, I completed my Masters in Management of Innovation, and worked full time at the Royal Bank of Canada, bringing artificial intelligence into banking operations. I love exercise, yoga, hiking and exploring new places, as well as baking, and I really enjoy meeting new people. As a cancer survivor, and from supporting my dad as he battled cancer himself, I've become an advocate for self-care, personal wellness, and building resilience, and will always be available to provide support anytime, in any capacity.
Enxhi Kotrri
Anglophone Stream
My name is Enxhi and I am a MD2023 medical student. I am from Windsor, ON, where I also completed my Bachelor’s in General Science from the University of Windsor. In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends, go for walks, and try new restaurants and coffee shops. Mental health is important to me because I have watched those close to me face mental health issues and struggle to reach out for help because of the stigma that so often surrounds this topic. This is no exception in medical school as we navigate unique learning challenges and experiences together, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you’re going through a hard time. Topics that are of particular interest to me include medical culture and domestic violence.
Lauren Duffy
Anglophone Stream
Hello! My name is Lauren and it is a privilege to be joining the Side by Side Peer Support program. I’m from Newfoundland where I completed my Visual Arts degree at Memorial University. I am passionate about mental health and as an indigenous student I have a particular interest in Indigenous health. Medical students face unique stressors and mental health challenges which in my experience, are not frequently discussed. It is a sign of self-awareness and resilience to connect with supports. If you wish to speak with someone in a confidential, safe space or want help navigating available resources please reach out. You can message me on Facebook or chat with me in person; I’m here to listen.
Abdullah Haroon
Anglophone Stream
My name is Abdullah, and I am in the MD2023 English stream. I was born in Pakistan and moved to Oakville, ON in Grade 11. Before joining the medical program at uOttawa, I studied Health Sciences at McMaster University. During my free time, I enjoy walking outdoors in nature, playing with my Cockapoo, Milo, and watching shows on Netflix. For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about mentorship, peer support, and teaching as my way of helping others grow and succeed. I never want anyone to feel like they have to get through difficult things on their own. You are never alone; I am always happy to lend a listening ear and do whatever I can in my role as a Peer Supporter to help you navigate those difficult moments and to continue following up with you for as long as needed. Please don't hesitate to reach out anytime via email or Facebook.
Gabrielle Ouellette
Francophone Stream
My name is Gabrielle Ouellette, originally from Edmundston, New Brunswick, I am an MD2023 student in the French stream. People affected by mental health problems are everywhere. I believe that the more we stigmatize mental health issues and suicidal behaviors in society, the less likely people are to speak openly about what they are going through. There is nothing to be ashamed of. We all don't feel well at times, and we need to be there to support, lean and encourage each other through the obstacles medical students face on a daily basis. Mental health problems bury people every day. Many live miserably in silence. The stigma only survives if we feed it. So, we all have a responsibility to talk about it and lead by example. My dream is that one day the people around me talk to me about their mental health as comfortably as they do about their back pain. My ears and arms are always open. To you reading this, your well-being is important to me and you must take care of yourself first. I feel comfortable talking about anything that’s on your mind. That being said the following subjects hold a special place in my heart: suicide, depression, anxiety, mental health medication, sexual abuse, relationships.
Timothé Langlois-Thérien
Francophone Stream
Fun Fact: I worked in a restaurant in Montreal for 2 summers, and there wasn’t a single day where I wasn’t mistaken, at least once, as Justin Trudeau. It got to the point where I had to change my hairstyle! Why mental health matters to me: My mom was diagnosed with bipolar disorder over 30 years ago. She recently published a book (Ma vie est une série Bip) in which she opens up about her condition and her struggles with the Canadian psychiatric system. She is definitely a huge source of inspiration in my eyes. Her resilience and transparency encourage me each day to never hesitate to openly deal with issues around mental health and to care for my own mental health. I have particular interest in medical culture and suicide.
Nacera Hanzal
Francophone Stream
My name is Nacera and I’m a MD2023 medical student in the French stream. I’m originally from Algeria but have lived most of my life in the Maritimes, where I did my undergrad in medical sciences at Dalhousie University. In my free time, you can find me binge-watching crime shows, beating my friends at board games, spending time with my family or eating couscous. When I first started my undergrad, the concepts of mental health and self-care were somewhat foreign to me. I slowly began to realize how, as students, it’s often easy to neglect one’s own mental health when prioritizing our academic responsibilities. Topics that I’m particularly interested in include mental health in marginalized communities, racism, and destigmatizing mental illness within the medical field.
Linda Mardiros
Francophone Stream
My name is Linda, I'm a MD2023 medical student in the French stream. I am both Armenian and Lebanese; love the food but can barely cook it. I can speak Armenian, but in all honesty, I'm not that great (it's the effort that counts)! Growing up, the importance of mental health was not often discussed, which at times left me feeling alone. I am thankful to be surrounded by supportive family and friends who helped destigmatize it for me. Discussing mental health is important because you can never fully tell what someone is hiding behind their smile during this medical school journey. My particular interests fall in mental health of marginalized communities, equity, diversity and inclusion related matters, and destigmatizing the medical culture.
Myriam Harper
Francophone Stream
My name is Myriam Harper, I am a MD2023 French stream student, and I will be one of your Peer Supporters this year. Before medical school, I studied in both Health Sciences and Psychology. I am a huge foodie, I love to indulge in fine dining (despite the student budget) and trying new foods. I am also a cat mom to the cutest little Persian cat that you may or may not spot during MS teams or Zoom sessions. I joined Side by Side for many reasons, in part to help normalize and increase open discussions surrounding mental health within medicine. My particular interests lie within depression/anxiety, substance abuse, and the mental health culture within medicine. I look forward to starting this new role and chatting with you in the near future!
Olivia Gallarino
Francophone Stream
My name is Olivia Gallarino and I am an MD2023 medical student here at the University of Ottawa. I am so lucky to be a part of the Side by Side team and look forward to continuing to play an important role in the de-stigmatization of mental health. I am passionate about normalizing conversations relating to wellness and mental health. I would describe myself as an open person for whom discussing personal struggles is very important. I often hope that by initiating the conversation about the challenges I am going through, I can encourage others to share their experiences. I wish everyone could understand that there is no shame in admitting that we are suffering in any way. I love being the friend to whom we can come to be consoled and from whom we can seek support. Fun fact: I love to relax playing the ukulele and bake homemade breads!
Niève Séguin
Francophone Stream
Hello, my name is Niève Séguin. I am an MD2023 student in the French stream. I am from Casselman, ON. I discovered new hobbies during the pandemic such as playing golf, flipping furniture and going on long walks. I am very passionate about the environment! If you want to talk about eco-anxiety or anything else, please feel free to reach out!
Rahym Belrachid
Francophone Stream
Hi! I’m Rahym and I’m a third year medical student in the French stream. I grew up in Montreal and my parents are originally from Algeria. I completed my undergrads in Physiology and Kinesiology before starting medicine in Ottawa. I enjoy reading, spending my time with friends and family, swimming, hiking, and skydiving (highly recommend it!). My family has been my biggest support since day one. I hope I can be of help and support to anyone going through some tough moments as medicine is not an easy path to go through. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Andrea Zukowski
Anglophone Stream
My name is Andrea Zukowski and I’m a MD2022 student! On my down time, I love going on outdoor adventures – big and small. Being healthy mentally can look different for everyone and can sometimes feel like a journey. Regardless of where you are on your journey, having someone by your side who understands what you are going through can help lighten the load. I’m happy to talk about anything that’s on your mind!
Lubina Nayak
Anglophone Stream
I'm a MD2022 student born and raised in Ottawa. I enjoy reading, biking, doing handstands, and of course, watching Netflix (if you haven’t seen Schitt’s Creek, you’re missing out!). Don’t hesitate to reach out, I am always happy to chat about anything!
Stephanie Lau
Anglophone Stream
My name is Stephanie and I'm an MD2022 in the anglophone stream. Apart from mentorship, some of my other passions include playing board games, drinking bubble tea, eating chicken nuggets, and binging Netflix! Please do not hesitate to reach out and I look forward to getting to know you all! 🙂
Rebecca Seliga
Anglophone Stream
My name is Becca and I am a MD2022 student in my 2nd year of being a Peer Supporter. I love travelling, reading, and hiking up to high places. My specific interests and areas of support include coping with mental illness and suicide prevention, but I’m always happy to provide support to anyone about anything!
Julia Zhu-Pawlowski
Anglophone Stream
My name is Julia Zhu-Pawlowsky. I’m in the 2022 class and originally from Ottawa. In my spare time I love playing with my dog, playing board games, and trying all sorts of new food whether that means going out to restaurants or making it myself. I’m always glad to talk about anything, whether medicine related or not!
Javad Niazmand
Anglophone Stream
I'm a MD2022 student originally from Waterloo, ON. My interests include playing golf, spending time with friends and watching sports. I am happy to talk about anything!
Eileen Kao
Anglophone Stream
My name is Eileen and I am a MD2022 in the English Stream. When I am not studying, you can probably find me playing tennis or cooking up something tasty (and probably unhealthy) in my kitchen. One random fact about me is that I love bees but hate all other bugs. As a Peer Supporter, I have a particular interest in racism and medical culture, but I would love to support you in any domain.
Sanmeet Chahal
Francophone Stream
My name is Sanmeet and I'm a third-year medical student in the French stream at uOttawa. I was born in India but moved to Ottawa when I was seven years old. I grew up in Ottawa, completed my undergrad at the University of Ottawa in Physics before starting medicine here as well. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to podcasts, reading, and playing badminton and basketball. I have special interests in suicide, cultural issues, racism and interpersonal relationships.
Francis Demontigny
Francophone Stream
My name is Francis Demontigny; I’m a MD2022 candidate in the francophone stream and keen member of the Side by Side team! I am originally from the Mauricie region of the province of Quebec. I am a graduate for the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, BC and I also studied medical biology at the Université du Québec in Trois-Rivières, where I worked in molecular biology research for two years. I have a profound interest in humanities as well as mental health. I am also a big fan of hiking and a proud member of the LGBTQia2+ community. I am all ears for you and please do not hesitate to reach out for anything!
Lisa Amrani
Francophone Stream
I am a MD2022 medical student and I will be thrilled to talk with you. There are so many things that I wish I had been told when I was in 1st and 2nd year, and I am here to tell you those things! You can tell me anything, feel free to reach out to me. I am passionate about personal development in order to become the best version of yourself, and I sincerely believe that it comes through mental health and personal balance. I am a mental coach in training, the goal of it is to learn how to develop mental strength, and you can also benefit from it by coming to talk to me! I am also passionate about sports and fitness, it is my medicine. My special interests include psychology, mental health and mental strength, sports and fitness, personal development and suicide. I love motivating others to help them become the best version of themselves.
Jade Taki
Francophone Stream
My name is Jade Taki and I am very lucky to be able to work with you all this year! I am a person that is very devoted to the happiness and wellness of all the individuals around me and I would like all of you to know that I will do my best to be able to be there for you throughout every step of your journey. I am an individual who thinks strongly of the importance of mental health and I would love for us to have more discussions about this subject, as a society, with the aim of eliminating the stigma associated to mental health. We are always stronger together and as a result, the feeling of community and belonging is very important to me. Until I will have the opportunity to meet you in person, I would like to wish you all the success in your journey and I wanted to remind you that you have someone, alongside you, that is supporting you and that will be helping you at every step. I wanted to leave you all with one of my favorite quotes: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together - African Proverb”