As part of our Back to School 2025 coverage, we asked our graduate students to share their experiences of studying Family Medicine as they begin their new academic year.
Name: Zara Lipman
Degree: M.Sc. in Family Medicine
Supervisor: Justin Sanders
Hometown: Montreal
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Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Zara and I just finished my undergrad with a major in biology and a minor in psychology. I love science and learning and I can’t wait to get started with my graduate studies!
What inspired you to pursue graduate studies in Family Medicine?Ìý
I was inspired by watching both the positive and negative experiences my family members have faced in healthcare. These experiences taught me just how important family medicine is but also how much room there is for growth and that is something I want to be a part of.
What areas of primary care or research are you most passionate about?Ìý
I’m most passionate about palliative care and chronic illness. In these areas I’m most passionate about focusing on the patient comfort element of healthcare which often gets overshadowed by the goal of saving the patient’s life.
Do you have any goals for your time here that you hope to achieve?Ìý
I hope to contribute meaningful research to the field of family medicine and learn as much as I can!
What are you most excited (or nervous) about as you begin this new chapter in your graduate studies?Ìý
I’m most excited to jump into something new since this experience will be pretty different from anything else I’ve done in the past.
What would you like to do after you graduate/ what are your career goals?Ìý
I hope to someday be a doctor or work in healthcare in another way and ideally, I would also like to continue down the path of research.
What are your first impressions of Montreal?Ìý
I grew up here but I love the city because of how lively it is, especially during the summer.
Do you have any Back to School hacks?Ìý
My back to school hack is studying at the library or somewhere on campus when it’s too hard to avoid distractions at home. I find it easier to focus when everyone around you is focusing too.
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Best of luck Zara!
For more info on our Graduate Programs, please visit:Ìý/familymed/education/thesis-based-graduate-programs...
