Celebrating Temerty Medicine's newest graduates
This fall, more than 4000 students will step on to the stage at the University of Toronto’s Conovation Hall and exit it as graduates.
Among them are learners from a variety of programs in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine including occupational science & occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, nutritional sciences and molecular genetics as well as the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute and the Institute for Medical Science.
Some of Temerty Medicine’s newest alumni recently reflected on the achievement.
Nolan Willie, Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy
What inspired you to pursue occupational therapy?
I became interested in occupational therapy after completing my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria. As an Indigenous and Queer person, I often felt that something was missing in my studies — a holistic, relational perspective that truly resonated with me. What drew me to occupational therapy was its focus on people, communities and the meaningful connections that shape our well-being.
Do you have a memorable moment from the program?
Some of my most memorable moments in the program came from my fieldwork experiences and the chance to co-facilitate a national workshop at the CAOT Conference with my research partner, Marie Francis. Bringing our work to a national stage as students was an incredibly affirming experience. It showed me how ready I am to step into practice and how much value I bring as an Indigenous person whose culture and relationships deeply shape who I am.
These experiences helped me see the kind of occupational therapist I want to become, one who blends knowledge, humility and cultural grounding to support others in ways that truly honor who they are.
What advice would you give your first-year self?
If I could give advice to my first-year self, I’d say: take it all in. Be open, curious, and engaged, but don’t overextend. This program moves fast and balance is key. The lessons, friendships and moments of growth are just as important as the grades.
I’m grateful for everything I took on and for the lessons I learned about pacing, boundaries and caring for myself while caring for others.
What are your future plans?
I’m excited to begin my career with VHA Home Rehab Solutions where I’ll continue to build my clinical skills and deepen my understanding of community-based practice.
Looking further ahead, I see myself becoming a mentor, educator, and leader in the field, someone who helps shape systems and teams to better serve clients, families and communities. As an Indigenous clinician, I carry with me the teachings and perspectives of my people, always mindful of the generations before me who never had these opportunities. My goal is to honor them by helping to build a health care system that is compassionate, culturally grounded and inclusive.
Lianna Montanari, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute
Before beginning my master’s studies, I completed an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science and Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion at the University of Guelph-Humber. Building on the foundation of my graduate research, I’ve continued my academic journey as a first-year PhD student at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, conducting my research through the KITE Research Institute under the supervision of Prof. Jennifer Campos. My work focuses on the cognitive health of older adults with sensory impairments, such as hearing loss, and examines how these impairments influence mobility and overall functional well-being.
In 2019, my grandmother was in a car accident which left her in critical condition. After surviving, the injuries that she had sustained required her to undergo several surgeries and an inpatient rehabilitation program at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. It was ultimately the rehabilitation strategies implemented that gave my grandmother her life back, and I couldn’t help but wonder about the research that must have been conducted to inform said strategies. This experience therefore motivated me to pursue a career in Rehabilitation Science, with a specialization in aging
Securing the Canada Graduate Scholarship – Masters from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada was my most memorable moment in the program because it was my first major academic award. It gave me the confidence and resources to pursue my goals at a higher level, and it validated the hard work I had put into my research up to that point. That recognition pushed me to keep striving for excellence in my academic journey
I would tell my first-year self to believe in herself and her abilities! It is natural to feel overwhelmed initially, but viewing challenges as opportunities for growth is essential. I would also emphasize the importance of seeking guidance and building professional relationships, as they are invaluable throughout one’s academic journey
I have always been passionate about mentorship, and I hope to teach at an academic institution in some capacity. Sharing knowledge and guiding students through their learning journeys is something I find deeply rewarding. I aim to combine teaching with active research to contribute meaningfully to my field while inspiring and supporting the next generation of scholars.
Kiruththika Pushpalingam, Speech-Language Pathology
As an Eelam Tamil-Canadian woman, I have witnessed how stigma and language barriers can silence families. I think of my aunt who visited countless doctors, prayed at temples and even hid my cousin from the public to protect him from judgment. As an immigrant with little to no guidance, she faced immense challenges trying to find support for her son. With the help of a compassionate speech-language pathologist, my cousin now communicates with confidence, a transformation that changed all our lives. His journey and my aunt’s resilience inspired me to pursue this field in order to destigmatize communication disorders, advocate for accessible care and build culturally grounded practices that truly reflect the families we serve.
One of the most memorable experiences from my program was my clinical placement at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where I worked on the brain injury rehabilitation team. Working with children and teens recovering from brain injuries profoundly changed how I understand communication. I came to see that communication is not just about speech, it encompasses memory, connection and identity.
This experience deepened my appreciation for cognitive-communication and its vital role in daily functioning. I witnessed how seemingly simple tasks, like sending a text message, can become challenging after a brain injury and how the support of a speech-language pathologist can make a meaningful difference. By helping patients rebuild their communication skills, it not only enhances their ability to interact but also supports their overall well-being. This placement continues to shape how I view this work and the kind of clinician I aspire to become.
I would tell my first-year self to embrace the process and believe in yourself. There were moments throughout the program when self-doubt felt overwhelming when I questioned my abilities and whether I truly belonged. However, learning to trust the journey, stay grounded in my values and approach every challenge with a growth mindset changed everything.
Every challenge resulted in learning something new, not just about the field, but about myself and the kind of speech-language pathologist I want to become.
My future career plans are to continue working with community-based and non-profit organizations to make speech and language services more accessible. I want to focus on care that is culturally and linguistically relevant which truly reflects the families and communities it serves.
Through this work, I hope to explore how speech-language pathologists can play a stronger role in community spaces, bridging clinical practice with everyday life. For me, it is about creating meaningful, inclusive approaches to communication that honour people’s diverse languages, stories and experiences.
Sean Chiu, Physical Therapy
What inspired you to pursue physical therapy?
Since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy. I was interested in athletics and the human body and knew that a desk job was not for me.
During a co-op student placement at a physical therapy clinic, LifeMark, I saw how physical therapists built relationships with their clients every day. I enjoyed seeing the conversations and the social aspect of the profession with each patient.
Fast forward through my undergraduate and graduate studies, including all the clinical experience I have had, pairing the social aspect with the technical skills in the profession has turned this interest into a huge passion of mine.
Do you have a memorable moment from your two years at U of T?
A memorable moment from the program would be our physical therapy run club. At the start of the program, running was just an interest of mine — I did not have many people around me to push me with it until a couple of friends in the program started running together, ultimately creating the run club.
The first ever run started out with four of us (shout out to Ashton, Jasmine and Chris) and it eventually grew to many! Not only did it bring us closer and give us a mental break from school, this club pushed me to take running more seriously, becoming a serious passion of mine!
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Take a step back to focus on the bigger picture rather than trying to perfect the nitty gritty.
In school, so much information is thrown at you, and it is very easy to become overwhelmed — something that I felt a lot in first-year. Learning to take a step back when your mind is cluttered to view the topic in a bigger light will help to calm any frustration, lessen the chance of burnout and regain focus on the overarching theme. Realizing this allowed me to excel more in classes and become a much better clinician during clinical placements!
What are your future plans?
I recently started my career at Athlete’s Care as a full-time physiotherapist resident and at Mount Sinai Hospital as a causal physiotherapist resident. I will also be working at The Running Physio. I am very excited to start taking on patients and to help them get back to being their full selves
Suraiya Mumtaz Mangra, Institute of Medical Science
Research area: Neuromodulation and Parkinson's Disease
Supervisor: Prof. Andres M. Lozano
Research site: Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital
My interest in neurodegenerative diseases began in high school while volunteering at a senior home specializing in dementia care. I later became fascinated with the potential of using neuromodulation therapies to manage these disorders while working as a research assistant at Toronto Western Hospital.
My MSc research examined the impact of deep brain stimulation on brain structure in patients with Parkinson's Disease. Specifically, I looked at its effects on hippocampal volume, a region that is vital for memory and learning.
While at IMS, the highlight of my graduate experience was connecting with fellow students, IMS staff, my program advisory committee, and my lab members. As co-editor-in-chief at the IMS Magazine this past year, I also found it especially rewarding to lead the launch of our four seasonal issues and collaborate with dedicated peers on initiatives like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Workshop and the IMS Magazine's first fall launch party. These experiences gave me insight into leadership abilities I never knew I had.
As I close my chapter at IMS, I'm thrilled to begin a new journey at Johnson & Johnson as their first Canadian global trial associate. I'm excited by the opportunity to learn from talented new colleagues around the world while continuing to support and drive research that has a meaningful impact on patient care.
My most important takeaway from graduate school is that you miss every opportunity you don't pursue. Ask questions, apply for grants, join student groups that interest you, and make the most of the resources IMS offers. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish.
Akshat Pai, Institute of Medical Science
Research area: Childhood Stroke
Supervisor: Prof. Nomazulu Dlamini
Research site: SickKids Research Institute
My research focused on understanding and predicting which specific clinical and non-clinical factors impact neurological outcomes post-stroke in children. The key question of why some children had better neurological outcomes than others even with similar stroke pathophysiology sparked my interest in this field of study.
Some of the greatest highlights of my graduate studies were serving as a mentor in the IMS Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program, as a contributor for the IMS Magazine, and as co-judge at IMS Scientific Day.
I recently began my postdoctoral fellowship where I am building a generative AI-based digital twin prototype to help clinicians assess the risk of adverse outcomes and plan treatment accordingly.
My advice for new students would be to encourage them to take advantage of the U of T’s network of world-renowned research hospitals. Specifically, I would reach out to experts whose work makes you wonder how you can help solve a problem that will meaningfully impact patient lives.
Songhee Back, Nutritional Sciences
What made you want to pursue a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences?
I first joined the department of nutritional sciences in my third year of undergrad and was immediately drawn to the energy in the lab. Everyone approached their projects with genuine passion and curiosity. With their mentorship, I developed my critical thinking and research skills. That experience motivated me to pursue my MSc in the same department.
What were some of the greatest highlights of your time as a graduate student in Temerty Medicine?
Serving as president of the Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students’ Association has been one of my proudest experiences. It gave me the chance to meaningfully connect with students, staff, faculty and alumni and bring our community together. From post-seminar dinners to spontaneous hallway chats, these moments made my graduate experience truly special.
What’s coming up next for you?
I’m currently working in marketing at a global medical device company. Every day, I apply the analytical and knowledge translation skills I developed during my MSc in a fast-paced, real-world setting. I’m excited to continue building my career in the medical device and pharmaceutical space.
If you could talk to your first-year-of-grad-school-self, what would you say?
I would tell my first-year-self not to compare my journey to anyone else’s. Everyone’s path looks different, and that is okay. I would remind myself to focus on my goals and not let pressure overshadow my curiosity. I am here to learn and grow, not to chase perfection or measure my worth by publications.
What advice do you have for incoming graduate students?
There’s so much more to graduate school than just publications. The relationships and connections you build along the way often become the most meaningful parts of the journey.
Ido Nofech-Mozes, Molecular Genetics
What made you want to pursue a PhD in Molecular Genetics?
My decision to pursue graduate studies in molecular genetics was largely influenced by the research interests I developed throughout my undergraduate training. Completing a PhD let me harmonize my research interests, try new approaches and gain valuable experience.
What were some of the greatest highlights of your time as a graduate student in Temerty Medicine?
I enjoyed watching the growth of ideas into finished products and seeing all the twists and turns that came with that. I also appreciated working with students and faculty members and presenting at conferences where I was able to meet and discuss science with leaders in my field of study.
What's coming up next for you?
I am currently a first-year medical student at U of T. During my PhD I became interested in the translational potential of personalized medicine and precision therapeutics. I decided to supplement my research skills with clinical training to better understand the realities and challenges of bringing researching findings from bench to bedside.
If you could talk to your first-year-of-grad-school-self, what would you say?
I would tell my first-year self to have more patience. Research takes time and comes with many ups and downs, making it easy to burn-out. However, when everything comes together it will zoom by. Experiencing the highs and lows makes the process that much more satisfying.
What advice do you have for incoming graduate students?
I would advise incoming graduate students to try new things that are outside of your comfort zone. You may find a new field that you become fascinated with. Fully embrace your role as a trainee and learner, continue to try new things and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
