I am currently a third-year neuroscience student at McGill University. My passion for mental health developed from my fascination with the mind and all of its complexity. In the past few years I have had a diverse set of experiences pertaining to mental health who shape who I am.

 

My experience in the psychiatric emergency department at MGH were some of the most challenging and heartfelt moments in my life. Assisting staff and talking with patients really had an impact on me, and how I aim to treat people. I’ve also been heavily involved with research. At the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, I helped with studies at the McGill Group for Suicide Studies pertaining to the connection of the microbiome with major depressive disorders through post-mortem suicide studies. One summer, I worked at St. Michael’s Hospital with the Arthur Sommer Rotenberg Group for Suicide and Depression Studies with a Clinician-Scientist. I examined emergency department data on individuals experiencing homelessness as they presented with suicide-related events. More recently, I examined how cannabis administration in adolescence affects mice in adulthood, again at the Douglas. In addition, I help with a nationwide educational campaign on safe adolescent consumption of cannabis: cannabisandpsychosis.ca.

 

Collaborative mental healthcare is something providers should apply in their workspaces, and should attempt to instill in patients and their communities to provide the most supportive and productive care. CMH reminds me of the necessity of every role in providing great mental healthcare. My goal is to become a Clinician-Scientist, and to work in knowledge translation as we push for more effective treatment strategies for patients.