When Daniel Lustig ’08 set his sights on medical school, he knew he was in for a challenge. It’s a demanding curriculum, but he also knew it was something he was ready for. Now a surgical resident at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Lustig was invited back to Trent to meet with prospective medical professionals and help them understand what lies ahead as they continue their pursuit of a career in medicine.

Dr. Lustig offered his list of what students need in order to be competitive in their pursuit of a medical license, emphasizing the importance of getting involved with extracurricular groups across campus and in the community.

Since its formation in 2010, the Trent Pre-Medical Society has built and maintained a friendly pre-medical community at Trent by offering support and guidance for students in their medical related endeavors. Fourth-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student and president of the Pre-Medical Society, Erika Crowley, says the group tries to host several health professionals during the academic year. The group also holds mock MCATs for students and helps coordinate volunteer opportunities. Dr. Lustig brought unique surgical residency experience to the group, she said, but they’ve also had dentists, dermatologists, family medicine residents and veterinarians attend to speak with undergraduate students at Trent.

Earlier this year, Trent announced that students considering a career in medicine upon graduation would benefit from the launch of the Medical Professional Stream, a unique new four-year program designed to give students a unique advantage in a career in medicine by providing them with the academic and non-academic foundations that will best prepare them for professional program examinations, applications, and interviews. The new program, which will offer students guidance in course selection, volunteer activities, and skills development opportunities will welcome its first cohort of undergraduate students in September 2017.