Bike Helmets, Musical Theatre and a Band: Giving Back, and Finding Community at U of T

Now that summer is here and cyclists are hitting the streets of downtown Toronto, I find myself browsing the news headlines anxiously, hoping not to read about another rider death. I too make my way around the city on two wheels and am passionate about promoting bicycle safety, regular exercise and green travel. Not to mention, throughout medical school I've cared for several patients suffering devastating brain and spinal injuries due to traffic collisions.

That’s what gave me the idea to start a charitable initiative to buy bike helmets for underprivileged youth in Toronto. I already knew there was a need. In my second year of medical school at U of T, I conducted research on pedestrian and cyclist collisions, and found there were more accidents in Toronto’s marginalized neighbourhoods.

Inspired by my research, I suggested that my group focus on bicycle safety for our simulated class advocacy project. With the support of classmates and faculty members, we decided to bring this idea to life.

In early 2012 we got to work, soliciting bicycle companies for donated helmets and distributed them with the help of Evergreen Bike Works and Charlie's Freewheels – two groups that already had deep ties in some of Toronto's most marginalized communities. With the support of donors and sponsors, we gave out 25 helmets in the first year. The success of this initiative led us to create the Injury Prevention Interest Group (IPIG).

Now that I'm convocating and about to start residency, I'm encouraged to see that enthusiastic new leaders have taken the reins. The group has taken on a life of its own, and there have been fundraisers and education events in the community.

Looking back at my medical school years, some of my best memories involve coming together with other students to build community in the Faculty. Starting a charitable interest group was one of the highlights, but I also loved singing in Orbital Groove, our medical school band, and directing and acting in Daffydil, our annual musical theatrical production. There too, I got to raise funds for charity and be part of campus life in my own way.

Next year, I’m thrilled to be starting residency at U of T in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I'm excited about the progress that's been made improving the lives of people who've suffered serious injuries, but I also know that prevention – such as the simple act of wearing a helmet – is the best medicine.

I guess you could say my ultimate goal is to put myself out of a job!