By Kowsar Teymouri

Graphic design by Yu-Wen Jan

On the bright, lively morning of September 12th 2024, Toronto buzzed with its usual energy, but something extra exciting was happening at the iconic Faculty Club: the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) was rolling out the red carpet (metaphorically, of course) to welcome its newest cohort of graduate students! The IMS student association (IMSSA) executive team and the ever-organized and resourceful Emilie DesRosiers—our amazing IMS Admissions and Recruitment Administrator—had poured their hearts into planning an orientation to remember.

The day kicked off with a cozy breakfast in the stunning Faculty Club dining room, where new students were strategically seated with upper-year students to spark networking and conversation. No awkward silences here—just the buzz of future scientists connecting over coffee and pastries.

The new IMS cohort kick-started their journey by networking with peers over a delicious breakfast

At the registration table, enthusiastic volunteers greeted students with warm smiles, snazzy name tags, tote bags stuffed with IMS swag (hello, free merch!) and essential info to jumpstart their academic adventure. Then came the dynamic duo of IMSSA presidents, Hamzah Khan and Stefan Aguiar, whose energy as MCs could rival a double shot of espresso.

IMSSA Presidents Hamzah Khan and Stefan Aguiar delivered an engaging overview of resources and student groups available for IMS students

The program officially began with opening remarks from the IMS director, Dr. Mingyao Liu, who emphasized the vital role of the community at the IMS. From there, the stage was packed with resourceful introductions—students got the inside scoop on everything from the Centre for International Experience to IMS-specific programs like the Professional Development Initiative, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee, and the always-popular IMS Research Rounds. To keep things fun, the IMS core team even shared their favourite snacks while explaining their roles. 

Dr. Mingyao Liu set the tone with inspiring opening remarks, highlighting the importance of student experience and community values at IMS

As any seasoned graduate student will tell you, orientations are an information marathon, so a well-deserved break followed. Enter the IMS Passport activity: students collected stamps from various student group booths, turning a break into a fun scavenger hunt and starting conversations that led to instant sign-ups. 

After the break, Nayaab Punjani, the teaching assistant (TA) for the MSC1010/1011 seminar series in translational research, gave a quick and helpful rundown of the course expectations. Then, everyone’s favourite graduate coordinators, Dr. John Vincent and Dr. Isabella Caniggia, wrapped things up with a treasure trove of tips to help students navigate their degrees.

IThe iconic IMS Orientation selfie wasn’t quite a selfie this year, but just as memorable!

Just like that, another IMS orientation was in the books. We’re left with fantastic photos, cherished memories, and a vibrant new class of 2024 IMS researchers. Welcome to the family, new students—we can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll achieve!