Shamini Vijaya Kumar is a Resident in the Schulich Family Medicine Teaching Unit (FMTU) at Humber River Health. Shamini has provided her perspective on what her experience has been as one of the first Residents in the Schulich FMTU.

Could you describe the role of a Resident in the Schulich FMTU?

As a Resident in the Schulich FMTU, we have two main roles. In the Schulich FMTU, we care for patients with a primary and preventative care perspective. The Schulich FMTU at Humber has been recruiting new patients from the area to address the large gap in primary care need. A number of these patients are those who do not have a family doctor, who have lost their family doctor, or are even new to the country. Many patients are designated to each of the Residents and we care for them under the supervision of our preceptors. Over time, we are able to obtain a good understanding of their medical conditions, as well as their social determinants of health. We work together as a team and with the patients to help address their medical needs in the best way we can.

Outside of the Schulich FMTU, we do have another role in the Hospital through the off-service rotation. During this time, we work with our preceptors in various specialties, such as Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN), which allows us to advance our training.

How does it feel to be one of the first Residents in the Schulich FMTU?

It is very exciting to be one of the first Residents in the Schulich FMTU. The community has been very welcoming and supportive. It has made that transition from Medical Student to Resident very easy.

As one of the first Residents in the Schulich FMTU, we also have that unique opportunity of being able to shape the program and contribute to its growth as it attracts more patients, Residents, and Medical Students. We have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their learning experience and take on a mentorship role.

Tell us about your journey prior to Humber.

I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto, St. George Campus, double majoring in Human Biology and Cells and Systems Biology. I then did Medical School at the University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus, completing many of my core rotations at Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga. During my fourth year of Medical School, I explored various other teaching sites in the GTA, including Humber.

Why Humber?

During my time at Humber, I had many positive experiences. Both as a Medical Student and as a Resident, I found my preceptors to be very dedicated to teaching, providing a participative and supportive environment.

Overall, there is a lot to learn at Humber. It is a very high-volume centre with a diverse population and a strong understanding of the social factors that influence health. I am really looking forward to getting to know the community here and working with all of you.