by Kristen Ashworth

Graphic design by Jayne Legatt

On September 8, 2023, the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) welcomed the new fall IMS graduate cohort with its semi-annual IMS Orientation coordinated by the Institute of Medical Science Students’ Association (IMSSA) core executive team. The morning was hosted at the beautiful Faculty Club, and was action-packed – filled with faculty introductions, ice-breaker activities, program and club presentations, and of course, a delicious breakfast!

The day was kick-started by an address from IMS Director Dr. Minyao Liu and SGS Vice Dean Dr. John Peever, both of whom highlighted the commendable nature of the IMS community, which maintains both exceptional prestige and a tight-knit community cultivated amongst IMS students and faculty alike. 

Following these remarks, students were informally enacted into the program by taking the IMS Graduate Student Oath. Originally created in 2008 by then-IMS director (2000-2010), alumnus, and established faculty member Dr. Ori Rotstein (MD, MSc), this pledge has been a landmark tradition of the IMS Orientation – and has even been adopted by other graduate institutions around the world since its founding. The purpose of the oath is to remind and ground students in the principles and morals of scientific pursuit. It encourages students to commit and stay true to the values of honesty, integrity, and ethical clarity as they embark on their research careers at IMS.

A fun ice-breaker activity mid-way through the morning allowed students to mix and mingle at tables associated with the general vicinity in which they reside in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. The activity allowed students to connect with their geographical neighbours – and perhaps meet a new commuting buddy along the way!

The subsequent presentations introduced students to the wide array of clubs and associations that IMS has to offer, including IMSSA, the Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program, U of T Talks, Let’s Talk Grad Wellness, and Raw Talk Podcast, to name a few.

As in years past, the IMS Magazine was showcased both in presentation form and at a booth in the main foyer. Our team was thrilled to meet many eager students who were interested in joining our team this year, and we hope to see you again soon!

A warm welcome to all of our new IMS students, and cheers to a wonderful year ahead.

Photos taken at the Orientation, including complimentary student portraits, may be accessed at the following link for a limited time.https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17yLugAwY-3yXLelNUhN5GKM8mZ6yYKzn?usp=sharing