IMS STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Craig Madho & Swapna Mylabathula MHSc TRP Student & MD/PhD Student IMSSA Co-Presidents
Years Active in the IMS: 2017 - 2018 Co-Presidents
The story of the Institute of Medical Science Students’ Association (IMSSA) is one of humble beginnings. Dr. David Kideckel, IMSSA president from 2011-2012, helped unify the student group to better engage trainees that worked all across Toronto. Under his leadership, IMSSA was revitalized, and students from across the different research sites were brought together. Following this success, Dr. Richard (Rich) Foty was elected as president of IMSSA from 2012-2013. Rich scaled and expanded IMSSA – most notably, working with the Student Alumni Faculty Engagement (SAFE) committee to develop the first IMS-led TedMed event, setting the stage for future big events. Over the course of the next two years, IMSSA continued to grow – presidents, Rageen Rajendram (20132014) and Richie Jeremian (2014-2015) both promoted the diversity of IMSSA and created several unique initiatives. 2015-2016 marked a milestone in IMSSA leadership when we elected our first Co-Presidents. During their tenure, Katherine Schwenger and Meagan O’Neill built strong relationships between IMSSA and the wider university community. Partnering with SAFE, they launched two annual IMS events: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s One Brave Night and UofT Talks. Fadl Nabbouh took over the helm in 2016-2017 and brought his own unique vision to IMSSA by building a strong sense of community among students. Under his leadership, IMSSA doubled in size to over 100 members and recognition of the importance of student wellness was made through the creation of a formal Wellness position on the IMSSA executive. IMSSA was built by students for students. As current co-presidents, we have taken this mandate and the legacy of past presidents to empower students and provide the tools for them to thrive. To date, we have led an array of initiatives aimed at building a community within and outside of the IMS, such as AWAKE Olympics and IMSSA Candygrams. It is our goal to continue to empower students to reach beyond the lab and build a strong community filled with lasting and meaningful relationships. Photo: L-R: Craig Madho & Swapna Mylabathula
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