As part of our Back to School 2025 coverage, we asked our graduate students to share their experiences of studying Family Medicine as they begin their new academic year.
Name: 听Raisa Chowdhury
Degree: Master Student in Family Medicine听(Global Health)
Supervisor: Bertrand Lebouche and Esli Osmanlliu
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Tell us a bit about yourself:
My undergraduate degree was in Computer Science and International Development Studies and my academic interests include data science in health and AI in health. My hobbies include reading, singing, biking, cooking and writing.
What inspired you to pursue graduate studies in Family Medicine?
My background in public health and research with marginalized communities showed me how important primary care is in improving health outcomes. I want to develop stronger research skills to better听understand and address the health challenges faced by individuals and communities, especially those with limited access to care.
What areas of primary care or research are you most passionate about?
I鈥檓 really interested in women鈥檚 and children鈥檚 health, immigrant populations, and technological developments in primary care. My past projects on menstrual health and substance abuse highlighted how social factors impact health and I want to explore research that helps address these issues.
Do you have any goals for your time here that you hope to achieve?
I want to strengthen my research skills, especially in designing and implementing digital health tools that work in primary care settings. I also hope to connect with mentors and collaborators who can support my growth as a researcher focused on health equity.
What are you most excited (or nervous) about as you begin this new chapter in your graduate studies?
I鈥檓 excited to dive deeper into research that makes a difference in real communities. I鈥檓 a bit nervous about balancing the workload, but I鈥檓 eager to learn and develop as a researcher.
What would you like to do after you graduate/ what are your career goals?
After graduating, I want to focus on research that improves access and outcomes for underserved populations, using digital tools and data-driven approaches to strengthen primary care and public health
systems.
What are your first impressions of Montreal?听
First impression from 4 years ago : So vibrant鈥攖he city has a soul !
Do you have any Back to School hacks?
Going to bed by 11pm.
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Best of luck Raisa!
For more info on our Graduate Programs, please visit:
