Faces of U of T Medicine: Kim Blakely
Kim Blakely is an MD student at the Faculty of Medicine and will be convocating on May 31, 2016. Kim served as the President of the University of Toronto Medical Society and led a highly successful UofT Gift of Life Campaign. Prior to medical school, Kim also completed her PhD at UofT in oncology research through the Faculty of Medicine.
Kim is among 13,500 U of T students expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall to receive their degrees during ceremonies that run from May 31 until June 16. Share your convocation memories with us using the hashtag #UofTGrad16.
Tell us about your area of interest.
The specialty I’ve chosen to pursue is dermatology. The breadth and complexity of diseases in dermatology, and the way they impact patients, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally, really resonated with me. I also love that being a dermatologist allows you the flexibility to be an internist, a surgeon, and a pathologist all within a single day, and I think that is something very unique and special to dermatology.
What was your favourite experience from Med School?
I think my fondest memories come from clerkship, the time when students finally become immersed in patient care and we get our first taste of what being a doctor truly feels like. I’ve met so many wonderful patients and these experiences have really helped shape the person I am today. I also have many great memories of my time as president of the University of Toronto Medical Society, being involved in all the amazing initiatives and outreach programs that our student body orchestrates.
Where do you see yourself in three years? In five? In ten?
Over the next five years, I’ll be completing my residency training in dermatology at the University of Toronto and really honing my knowledge, skills and interests in this field. In the future, I see myself establishing a practice as an academic dermatologist and pursuing a blended career that includes medicine, research and teaching. I have a particular interest in cancer, which stems largely from my PhD in oncology research, and I could see myself continuing to further explore and develop this as I progress in my career. I also appreciate the valuable role that dermatologists play in the community and I see myself becoming involved in initiatives to improve e-health technologies to increase access to dermatologic services in underserved areas.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Enter your medical training with an open mind and heart. It may not feel apparent on a day-to-day basis, but the next four years will help shape every aspect of your life, not only from the type of physician you will become, but also the type of individual and the way you choose to live your life. It will challenge you physically and mentally, and I encourage you to embrace every moment, as these will be some of the most revealing and rewarding years of your life.
What do you do when you’re not in school?
When I’m looking to relax, you’ll often find me with a paintbrush in my hand. I have always been a visual person, and my artistic outlet has come through painting. My family and friends often joke that my apartment looks like one of an aspiring artist, with canvases covering my walls and floors. I would tend to agree with them if not for the medical textbooks and research articles strewn amongst those canvases. Spending time with family and close friends is also very important to me. Medical school doesn’t afford one a lot of personal time, so I capitalize on it when I do have it and you’ll often find me catching up with girlfriends from my PhD or having dinner with my family.
Faces of U of T Medicine introduces you to some of the interesting people studying in the Faculty of Medicine. From advising political leaders to providing care to Toronto’s most vulnerable populations, our students are making an impact on communities at home and around the world.
Do you have an interesting story to share? Contact us at medicine.communications@utoronto.ca.