Jeremy Lee- BSc. Physiology

Jeremy Lee, former member of HKSN, reflects on his academic journey at McGill. He highlights the importance of balancing school with one’s passions and hobbies, and taking a moment to stop and smell the roses. Learn more about Jeremy’s time at McGill and his current commitments.

Tell us about what you (have) studied at McGill.

I graduated from McGill with a Bachelors of Science in Physiology in June 2017. I was looking to do a Pre-Med degree for my undergrad when I was in the process of applying to university, and one of my friends from high school suggested studying Physiology to prepare for a career in Medicine. While it was a gruelling and difficult program, I have no regrets and loved everything I learned in my degree.

Interviewer’s note: for more information regarding the physiology program at McGill University, please refer to https://www.mcgill.ca/physiology/undergraduate-studies

What have you been doing after graduation?

I’m currently in my first year of medical school at the University of Alberta — the first of many more years to come in my medical training…:’)

Interviewer’s note: for more information regarding the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta, please refer to https://www.ualberta.ca/medicine/

What are some pros and cons about your program?

When I studied Physiology at McGill, I really enjoyed the material that was taught in our lectures. Our lectures had a very strong pre-medical focus and I find when I reflect back on the program now, my Physiology degree prepared me very well for understanding the concepts that we are learning in medical school now. One of the biggest cons — something I’m sure most Phgy students find out really quickly — is that the program can be very rigorous in terms of course workload and examinations. You learn to both love and hate the “Type B” multiple choice questions on exams which force you to really study the material to a point, because you’re no longer able to rely on simply eliminating incorrect answers to arrive at the correct response.

What were some valuable involvements at school that taught about yourself and oriented your goals?

Getting myself involved in basic science research early on — during my second year at McGill — really showed me the kind of career I wanted for myself. I learned that my personality and my interests were better suited to a profession that involved working collaboratively with other people on teams, rather than doing most things in solitude with minimal social interaction. As a result, I saw myself less likely going into academia and research full-time, and actively pursued my goal of getting into medical school.

Most regretful thing you’ve ever done at McGill?

Not getting out and meeting more people in my first year at McGill. It would’ve been nice to find my #homeawayfromhome sooner, and to know more people in upper years at McGill who would’ve given me good advice on how to get involved in extracurricular activities during undergrad sooner, and which courses to take in my program.

Proudest thing you’ve ever done at McGill?

Joining HKSN (of course), and getting to know some of the most hardworking, driven, and inspiring people at McGill as a result. I think most people underestimate the value of networking with others, even students in other programs, as I certainly did before joining HKSN.

What advice would you give to younglings at McGill? or… If you were to go back to your first year, what would you have done differently?

I would tell everyone in their first and second years to pursue their passions and keep up their hobbies, as far as getting involved in student clubs or organizations goes. I believe that continuing to do the things that you enjoy doing the most throughout University will guide you towards like-minded individuals with similar interests, goals, and personalities. Remember that there is no universal blueprint for success in your University career, so do what makes you happy and don’t let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn’t get involved in at McGill.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don’t take yourself too seriously throughout university — they say that laughter is the best medicine, after all. Remember to stop and smell the roses every once in a while because your time at McGill goes by so quickly, and you’ll want to hang on to every memory that you possibly can once you finally cross the stage at your graduation ceremony.