Faces of U of T Medicine: Justin Lam
Before beginning his MD studies at the University of Toronto, Justin Lam did an undergraduate degree in art history at Stanford University. Although his humanities background meant Lam had to manage a steep learning curve in his first two years of medical school, it gave him a unique perspective on the “bigger picture” of health care and medicine. As Lam prepares to graduate on June 6, he spoke with writer Julia Soudat about some of his best moments at U of T and his plans for the future.
How did your humanities background shape your experience as a medical student?
It definitely meant that I had to study harder in the first two years of medical school to keep up with my classmates who studied life sciences. But my training in the humanities and social sciences taught me the art of close looking — the skill of visual analysis for little details and fitting those details into a larger picture, literally and figuratively. I’ve always been interested in the bigger picture - understanding context and structural and systemic issues — this pushed me to be a better medical student.
What were your most rewarding experiences at U of T Medicine? Biggest challenges?
One of my most rewarding experiences was the longitudinal clerkship experience because I got to build year-long relationships with my preceptors and patients. It was nice to have the opportunity to see my patients again and again. For example, I got to see one of my patients in the prenatal clinic, then I helped to deliver her baby, and saw that patient and her baby at their six week follow-up and beyond. It was amazing!
Outside the classroom, I enjoyed my work with the Black Medical Student Association, the Humans of 1T7 project, ArtBeat, Synesthesia and Daffydil. These activities added colour and vibrance to my time at U of T!
I love being involved and engaged in the community around me. Because of this, and because medical school is a demanding, the most challenging part of my time at U of T was trying to stay centered and balanced. I was lucky to have a supportive network of family and friends who I could lean on. I couldn’t have gotten through it and stayed relatively well were it not for the people around me, so to them I say a very big thank you!
What’s in store for the future? What specialty do you hope to go into?
In July, I’ll start my paediatrics residency. I’m very excited! My goal is to be the best paediatrician that I can be. A mentor once told me to read the beginning of “The Tale of Two Cities” to understand what residency is like: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was an age of wisdom, it was an age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity.” I expect it will be incredibly busy, but also an amazing time for learning and growth.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to be working in paediatrics at a place where I can also be involved in medical education research, working with students, and advocating around issues of equity and diversity. Who knows what this might look like, though, or where it will take me!
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Do what you love. We all get to where we are by standing on the shoulders of giants, so stay humble and remember to thank the people who have gotten you this far. Remember that there is always something that we can learn from someone, no matter what walk of life they come from. And most of all, try to enjoy the process! It’s great to get to where you want to be, but I think it’s also important to enjoy the steps along the way.
What do you like to do when you’re not in school?
I love photography — a couple years ago, I did “a photo a day” project that lasted almost three years. I also enjoy reading and writing; I have a small fountain pen collection because I really enjoy the process of putting pen to paper. Otherwise, I like to spend time with friends and family and eating delicious food, checking out new restaurants or returning to old favourites.
For the full schedule of #UofTGrad17 convocation ceremonies, visit http://www.convocation.utoronto.ca/events.