From Volunteer to Staffing Coordinator to Med School: Areej’s Journey through QCH
Areej’s path to medicine began in Ottawa’s west end, where Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH) played a central role in her life—from welcoming her brother into the world to being the place she first volunteered at age 16. During her volunteer experience, she witnessed both moments of joy and moments of loss, which inspired her passion to support people during life’s most vulnerable times.
From a young age, Areej was naturally curious and eager to learn. During a routine doctor’s visit, her physician took the time to explain every step of the examination. This interaction showed her that being a physician is not only about providing care but also about teaching, leading, and listening. It was at that moment that her dream of pursuing medicine truly began.
Today, Areej works as a staffing coordinator at QCH while preparing to begin medical school at the University of Ottawa this fall. Although her current role is behind the scenes, she sees firsthand how critical teamwork and administrative support are in delivering safe, quality care. “It really takes a village to promote healthcare,” she reflects.
Areej is excited about the journey ahead, but her vision goes beyond earning an M.D. Growing up in a rural part of Ottawa, she witnessed firsthand the impact of limited access to care, especially during emergencies like the tornado that once shut down her high school for a week. Inspired by those experiences, she hopes to one day open a clinic in the west end to better serve underserved communities.
Areej’s Study Tips for Future Students
The path to medical school was not without challenges, particularly when transitioning from high school to university and adapting to online learning during the pandemic. Areej shares the following strategies that helped her succeed:
Use active recall. Quiz yourself, explain concepts out loud, or create flashcards to strengthen understanding and memory.
Stay adaptable. Be open to adjusting study methods when something is not working.
Seek support. Make use of available resources, such as AccessMHA which provides free mental health services in the National Capital Region.
We are proud that her journey started here at QCH and look forward to seeing the impact she will make in the future of healthcare.
Hear from Areej in one of our latest YouTube videos here.