The Council Members

President: Dave de Launay
Contact: president.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - President
Q1.
If you have any questions concerning ASoc and are not sure who to talk to, feel free to contact me or our VP Executive and we will be able to answer you or direct your question to the appropriate person.
 

VP Executive: Nacera Hanzal
Contact: vpexecutive.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - vp executive
Q1.
If you have any questions concerning ASoc and are not sure who to talk to, feel free to contact me or our President and we will be able to answer you or direct your question to the appropriate person.
 

VP Admin: Juliane Ratté
Contact: vpadministration.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP Admin
Q1. Can I share a locker with a student from a different stream?
Yes.

Q2. Can any student attend ASoc meetings?
Yes. Students can even put forward motions at ASoc Meetings as well.

Q3. Can clerks rent lockers in RGN?
Yes, provided there are lockers leftover after pre-clerkship students have signed up.

VP Academic Jr: Mario Corrado
Contact: vpacademic.jr.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP ACADEMIC
Q1. Why can't we have our marks released sooner?
The process of marking exams is rather time consuming. All the scantrons and CDMQ questions need to be graded. The scantrons are sent downtown and need to be returned. Once that has been done, multiple individuals go through all the comments made on the feedback forms. Any problematic questions then need to be addressed.

Q2. Why do we have to fill out multiple evaluations for the same lecturer?
The professor’s performance may vary between lectures (the way information is presented etc.), therefore it is ideal to have a separate evaluation completed for each.

Q3. How does the faculty handle the issue of professors that consistently receive poor reviews?
There is an evaluation flagging system in place. If professors receive evaluations that are below expectation, they get brought to the UGME Dean’s attention. If a problem is found, the professor is spoken to. They then get the chance to improve in the subsequent year. If they consistently fail to improve, they may no longer be asked to give the lecture. It should also be noted that the evaluations professors receive play a significant role when they apply for various positions (administrative, research, teaching, etc.).

Q4. Is it possible for the library to have longer hours?
This may be possible, but the library does have a limited budget. Extended hours during exam time would have to come at the expense of access to journals, or perhaps hours during regular days.

Q5. Why is there a discrepancy between the material taught to the French and English Stream?
The material presented to each stream is equal, but not identical. Statistically, students perform the same on the exams regardless of what stream they are in. Faculty works to ensure this. Ultimately, the objectives for both streams are the same, and they are what the students are responsible for.

Q6. Why are some objectives not addressed during lecture?
Objectives are considered to be the students’ responsibility. If you feel that some objectives are not covered well, and should be better addressed, please include this in your unit evaluation.

Q7. Why do we have mandatory mindfulness sessions?
As future physicians, it’s important that we learn to take care of ourselves as well as our patients. Mindfulness is one way in which we can do this. Studies have shown that simply being in the room during mindfulness sessions comes with benefits (AMA, 2017). Previously, mandatory physical activity sessions were provided as an option, but students found it awkward. The purpose of these mandatory sessions is to encourage personal wellness in addition to learning how to better communicate with patients. It is an important skill.

Q8. Why do some of the professors not seem to know what we have/have not covered?
Professors are given this information. If you feel that the professors are not informed of this/are not teaching at an adequate level, please include this in your evaluations.

Q9. Would it be possible to have some days off to study for the midterm exam?
The type of schedule you are given in medical school is meant to train you for the working world (residency and beyond). It should also be noted that the University of Ottawa is one of the few schools nationally that provides students with a March break. It is important for students to learn how to maintain their wellness throughout the year and become accustomed to effective scheduling.

Q10. Why are the lecture recordings so unreliable?
This recording system is based at the downtown campus, so we have little control over it. However, if you notice an issue with the recordings, please create a list of the specific lectures and present them to faculty/your class president so that they can then relay that information to the appropriate people downtown.

VP External Jr: Kristina Yau
Contact: vpexternal.jr.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP external
Q1. What is the CFMS, OMSA, CMA, OMA, etc? and what is your role?
Click here to see the VP external page on our website.

Q2. How can I get more involved in medical leadership and politics?
Keep an eye out for your biweekly VP External Update emails - this is how we'll inform you of opportunities to get involved as they become available. Feel free to email us anytime if you have any questions and concerns, or just want to learn more!

Q3. What benefits/discounts are available to me and how can I access them?
Click here to see the VP external page on our website.

VP Global Health Jr: Carlie Boisvert
Contact: vpglobalhealth.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP Global Health
Q1. Who is part of ASoc Global Health?
Our team is the Global Health Sr., Global Health Jr., a Global Health assistant who helps the Global Health Jr., 1-2 Global Health Advocates and our Local Officers. Local Officers roles are Jr. and Sr., and include the Local Exchange Officer (LEO), the Local Officer of Global Health Education (LOGHE), the Local Officer of Reproductive and Sexual Health (LORSH), and the Local Officer of Indigenous Health (LOIH). Local Officer positions are outlined through the CFMS and have student roles in all Canadian medical schools.

Q2. What is global health?
Global Health seeks to research, understand, and address health inequities and barriers to access for populations worldwide. This includes improving the health of vulnerable populations within Canada as well as internationally.

Q3. What are your main events during the year?
Events change year to year, but every Fall we host the Annual Action Global Health Network Conference (uOttawa Global Health Conference). The 6th Annual AGHN will be on September 30th, 2017. Be sure to check it out!

VP IT Jr: Mahdi Zeghal
Contact: vpcommunications.jr.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP IT
Q1. How can I get in contact with the Council or the student body?
Please use our contact us page to send us a message or feel free to e-mail any one of us. If you are looking to advertise related things to the student body, we will screen for content and direct you to the proper class presidents.

Q2. Where can I follow the Aesculapian Society?
You can like our facebook page at www.facebook.com/uottawameds/ and follow our twitter account @uOMedSoc.

Q3. What is the easiest way to keep track of events from ASoc and interest groups?
Subscribe to the regularly updated ASoc calendar on our website. You can also use the Apollo system.

Q4. I am experiencing difficulties with technology (i.e. e-mail, school website, etc.), where can I find help?
Please submit a help request form with the Medtech at http://www.med.uottawa.ca/medtech/help/, they will be in touch with you in no time! If your question is dealing with a lecture recording, please contact your YEAR 1 or YEAR 2 coordinator or class president.

VP Philanthropy: Marc Lawrence
Contact: vpphilanthropy.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP Philanthropy
Q1. I heard there is funding for going to a conference, how can I apply for it?
Yes, there is funding opportunities for conferences provided you are presenting a poster or talk at it. The first source of funding is from the department from which your work is coming from. Talk to the chair of the department to ask about funding opportunities – most departments should have funding for this (if the answer is no or you have trouble, send an email to the Vice Dean Dr. Forgie for help). The second source of funding is the Aesculapian Society Medical Student Conference Fund (bursary # 752200302561 on uozone). This award is rewarded retroactively – meaning if you go to a conference in the fall semester, you apply in the winter; and if you go to a conference in the winter semester or summer, you apply in the fall. The scholarship requires an application and is worth up to $1000, but is typically around $500. You can only win this award once during the 4-years of medical school. Currently, this award is not funded for the fall 2017 application cycle, which may change if funding is procured by ASoc.

Q2. I want to participate in ______ fundraiser/charity event, can you help me with this?
Yes! Anyone is free to work with any charity they would like, and the VP Philanthropy is available to assist with charitable projects. Reaching out for help is a great idea.

Q3. I'd love to participate in Prostate Canada Cancer Network, but I'm a girl/can't grow a mustache. Can I still join?
Of course! Although growing a moustache is the iconic Prostate Cancer Canada Network activity, Prostate Cancer Canada Network is about much more than that: it is about raising funds for Men’s Health projects (prostate and testicular cancer research, mental health projects, and fighting physical inactivity). Therefore, you can still raise money for the cause, and a great way to do that is through the MOVE campaign. Make an activity goal for the month, such as working-out every day for the whole month of Prostate Cancer Canada Network, stick to it, and post your progress!

VP Athletics: Graeme Puskas
Contact: vpsports.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP Athletics
Q1. What is the schedule to use the Gym at the Rehab centre?
2017-2018 schedule:
Tuesday: 5 - 6:30 pm BADMINTON
Thursday: 5 - 6 pm BASKETBALL

Q2. Do I have to show up for every intramural game that I signed up for?
No, however keep in mind that some teams may require a minimum number of guys and girls in order to fully participate. In these cases, it's best to let your teammates know beforehand to avoid having to default.

Q3. All these intramurals look fun, but I am not sure how much I can handle. Do you know generally how many sports students sign up for?
More information about these events will be coming throughout the year. Look out for updates from your VP Athletics!

Q4. I signed up for intramurals and cannot participate and the deadline to withdraw has passed. Can I get a refund or switch with someone?
No.

VP Community Health: Sherif El Meniawy Youssef
Contact: vpcommunityhealth.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP Community health
Q1. When we get 10 hours in an interest group, will it automatically show up on our MSPR?
No, similar to documenting observerships, you need to input your interest group MSPR entry, which will be verified by the undergraduate medical education office. The location to enter your extra-curriculars and observerships can be located at: http://app.med.uottawa.ca/StudentPortal/

Q2. Can I be executive member of 3 interest groups?
No, the undergraduate medical education office only has the option to enter your name as an executive for two interest groups. The limit of 2 also exists to distribute leadership opportunities fairly.

Q3. Can I grab two bananas from the free breakfast event?
3 if you want. ;)

VP Social: Kevin Roy
Contact: vpsocial.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP social 
Q1. Why do O-week leaders have to pay a fee?
Since O-week leaders participate in the activities they need to pay to contribute to the costs.

Q2. Can the ASoc budget be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages?
No.

Q3. Is there still time for social events during clerkship?
Absolutely! Most of the social events will be planned after each block (i.e. every 12 weeks).

Q4. Are there specific clerkship social events?
Other than the post-exam events, there aren't currently any clerkship-specific events. This year we are trying out a new mini frosh week as a clerkship-specific event. In fourth year there is grad ball as a celebration.
 

VP Finance Jr: Winnie Wu
Contact: vpfinance.jr.aesc@uottawa.ca

FAQ - VP FINANCE
Q1. How do I submit my interest group or O-week receipts in order to be reimbursed by ASoc?
Please fill out the expense form found on the ASoc website HERE and send via email to your VP Finance Jr Asoc email alongside a clear picture of the receipt.

Q2. Can interest group executives pay for food using ASoc funding?
At this moment in time, money from ASoc cannot be used to purchase food.

Q3. Can an interest group go overbudget?
Although we encourage all groups to use the entirety of their budget, we have seen under-useage in the past few years. As a result, we simply ask a formal request be issued by interest groups if they are going overbudget and the council can vote on a motion to provide the extra money.

Q4. Who should external funding for an interest group be written out to?
The Aesculapian Society. Be it also noted that the interest group executive should pick up the cheque from their funder and provide it to the VP Finance Jr or drop off in the mailbox in the Asoc office. It has been incredibly difficult to provide clear instructions to various hospital departments regarding where the Asoc mailbox is in our office for cheque drop offs. It would be more efficient if executives brought the cheque to the VP Finance Jr.

Q5. How much time do I have to cash in my cheque after receiving a reimbursement?
6 months, after which the cheque is not valid. There are a number of cheques from years past that haven't been cashed and are well over 6 months old. So please, CASH YOUR CHEQUES ASAP.

VP MD/PhD: Zacharie Saint-Georges
Contact: vpmdphd.aesc@uottawa.ca
Vishesh Patel
VP academic SR
vpacademic.sr.aesc@uottawa.ca

Nabil Asraoui
VP global health sr
vpglobalhealth.aesc@uottawa.ca
Linda Mardiros
Class pres - yr 2 fr
copres2fr.aesc@uottawa.ca
Claudia Meloche
class pres - yr 4 fr
copres4fr.aesc@uottawa.ca
Christopher Gupta
VP Global health Assistant
Nirob Saha
VP FINANCE SR
vpfinance.sr.aesc@uottawa.ca

Zafrin Islam
Class Pres - yr 1 en
copres1en.aesc@uottawa.ca
Rohit Gopinath
cLASS PRES - YR 3 EN
copres3en.aesc@uottawa.ca
Bryce Bogie
Senate Representative
Lana Ramic
VP Athletics Assistant
Giancarlo Pukas
VP IT Sr
vpcommunications.sr.aesc@uottawa.ca
Kawtar Zitour
Class Pres - yr 1 fr
copres1fr.aesc@uottawa.ca
Sophie Lamontagne
Class pres - yr 3 fr
copres3fr.aesc@uottawa.ca
Céline Sayed
PAST PRESIDENT
Harriet Yan
VP IT Assistant
​
Alexandra Finstad
VP eXTERNAL SR
vpexternal.sr.aesc@uottawa.ca

Toros Canturk
Class pres - yr 2 en
copres2en.aesc@uottawa.ca
Kevin Chi
Class pres - yr 4 en
copres4en.aesc@uottawa.ca
Janani Ramamurthy​
VP academics Assistant

Bita Azad
VP SOCIAL ASSISTANT

​Honorary Presidents

Dr. Paul MacPherson

Bio
Dr MacPherson is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Ottawa with cross-appointments in the Dept of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology and in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health. He is also a specialist in infectious diseases at the Ottawa Hospital, and a clinician-scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. He obtained his PhD from the University of California at Berkeley in 1991 and his MD from McMaster University in 1998. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Toronto and subspecialty training in infectious diseases at the University of Ottawa. He has an active practice in infectious diseases with a focus on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Dr MacPherson holds an OHTN Research Chair in Gay Men’s Health and leads a research team examining ways to improve access to and retention in culturally specific healthcare for gay men and on strategies to reduce HIV transmission.

Dr. Louise Laramée

Bio
Diplômée de médecine de l’Université de Montréal à 22 ans (beaucoup trop jeune!), Ottawa m’accueille pour Médecine Interne et pour Cardiologie. Ensuite, on m’accepte au Mid America Heart Institute à Kansas City au Missouri pour un fellowship en Cardiologie Interventionnelle, site reconnu à l’époque pour « angioplastie directe dans l’infarctus aigu et le choc cardiogénique » (devenu Code STEMI 20 ans plus tard). Beaucoup de belles opportunités à mon retour à l’Institut de Cardio d’Ottawa (de faire plus de travail) : formation des résidents en cardio et `fellows` en intervention, examinateur en cardiologie au Collège Royal des Médecins et Chirurgiens du Canada, nombreux comités aviseurs et directeurs au niveau local, régional et national, recherche en cardiologie interventionnelle et en santé cardiovasculaire chez la femme.Le début du volet francophone coïncide en fait avec ma première grossesse et je me retrouve première co-directrice du module cardiovasculaire. J’y travaille avec l’aide précieuse des Affaires Francophones, dont je deviens membre presque à ses débuts et j’enseigne les aptitudes cliniques surtout en cardio mais aussi en médecine interne. J’enseigne aussi la physiologie cardiaque aux résidents en radiologie et aux inhalothérapeutes, et évidemment presque tout le curriculum cardio (APC, ateliers de physiologie, ECG,…) . Il faut comprendre qu’en début de carrière, on nous ‘demande’ de faire ce que les autres ne veulent pas nécessairement faire; pour moi, c’est un coup de cœur et je tombe en amour avec l’andragogie et la pédagogie médicale. En plus de formations en cardiologie et en nouvelles techniques d’intervention au cours des ans, je participe (et je continue même maintenant) à toutes sortes de formations et je lis tout ce que je peux trouver sur : leadership, résolution de conflit, communication efficace, harcèlement et intimidation, écriture de questions d’examen, supervision clinique, collaboration interprofessionnelle, apprentissage adulte, gestion d’équipe, … Je réalise que mon intérêt principal est la « personne ». Je m’implique au conseil d’école, je veux tout faire pour tout le monde.Mon focus professionnel principal (autre que clinique) est le développement personnel et professionnel des étudiants en médecine, par l’enseignement au volet francophone et la formation des profs, particulièrement en ce qui a trait au raisonnement clinique, à la rétroaction formative et au développement de l’identité professionnelle et de la compétence clinique. Je représente depuis plusieurs années le Consortium National de Formation en Santé (CNFS) au Comité d’Admission et j’ai eu la chance de côtoyer et voir s’épanouir bon nombre de cohortes d’étudiants maintenant heureux en pratique médicale à travers le pays.