“The snow floated in the air, gently suspended in time as we made our way through the dark streets. Only the glow of the streetlights and our phone screens illuminated our way. With the cold, harsh wind piercing through our winter coats, we huddled closer and shuffled our way to Pogue Mahone. We were led to a round table eagerly waiting for the feast to begin. Little did we know that we would have to wait another agonizing 30 minutes before our hunger would be quenched. Let the games begin. ”

– Ashley Zhang, 1T6 

Shots were taken and yes, the alcoholic kind! The first big LMPSU social night was started with a bang. LMPers from all years alike joined for a night of laughter, good conversation and best of all, free food! First we dominated Museum Tavern back in August, and now we’ve conquered Pogue Mahone like the majestic Emperor Penguins we are. That’s right, Emperor Penguins are incredibly attractive and social (I looked it up).

The night was met with 16 pounds of chicken wings. Of course, that’s more than any one person can finish so it found its way to each of our hands leaving a scrumptious finger licking sauce behind. Grilled cheese sandwiches, loads of nachos, spring rolls and meatballs were also served. Food was delicious and really encouraged mingling between LMP students.

It was a prime opportunity for second year LMP students to get to meet the upper years in a casual environment and bond with other second year students. For the upper years, this was a good way to let loose before a crazy last week of tests, reports and assignments. It definitely led way to many Snapchat exchanges, selfies and creeper shots. Overall, the night ended with a blast (and a few missing items – but who needs a hat anyways?). I can’t wait for our next big event: Healing and the Heart Conference next semester so stay tuned!

P.s. did I mention how majestic we are?

Till next time,

Your webmaster, Lisa

Interested in research?

Join the LMPSU for an evening with Dr. Avrum Gotlieb for an opportunity to learn how to look for and find research positions that interest you, whether for the summer or graduate school. Dr. Gotlieb is a professor of laboratory medicine and pathobiology. He is the founding chair of the department. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and get a head start into looking for positions. Some topics to be discussed include obtaining summer research positions and selecting a research supervisor for graduate school. Refreshments will be provided.

A night a free food, games and raffle prizes is forth coming. That’s right, BUSS, LMPSU, IMMSA, MGYSU and UPSA have co-organized an exciting event where you can exercise your social skills, bond with other students of similar programs, show off your mad board and card gaming talents, and most importantly, have fun times! So, on Halloween eve, come by the UC Junior Common Room from 6 – 9pm and take this time out of your busy study schedule to snatch some free food and enjoy the company of your fellow friends and classmates. Have any questions, comments or suggestions for games you’d like to see? Contact us here!

Here I stand in a blinding white room. The clock reads 6:01 pm and chip bags have already been crumpled open. Voices of the exec team fill the void of a room too big for our own company. Excitement lingered for the final additions to our council family to come…

If today was to be anything like the turnout last year, expectations for attendance was low. This year was surprisingly different: one minute, there were basically only third years who showed up and the next minute, practically 20 new faces flooded in! As with all general meetings, we had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Templeton and Dr. Hegele’s introduction speeches to LMP. Of course without fail, they highlighted our remarkable program and the cream-of-the-crop individuals who make it up (essentially, we da best – but in a totally non-elitist fashion of course).

Now for the part we had all been waiting for: second year rep and non-specialist rep elections! (I can bet 90% of you thought I was going to say “free pizza”). A whopping 7 second years ran for the position of second year representative: Gao Xiao, Trillium, Armin, Christian, Aditya, Sudarshan and Jordan. Congratulations go out to all individuals who had the courage to stand in front of their peers, Dr. Templeton and Dr. Hegele to give their wonderful speeches and responses. It was certainly not an easy feat, especially with incredibly tough questions as, “What is your favourite colour of the rainbow and why?” to answer impromptu. With so many different personalities and creative responses, it quickly became a close race for first. Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, there was only a single candidate, Andrew, for the non-specialist LMP representative.

Ultimately, Sudarshan Bala and Andrew Rajkumar were elected and we’d like to welcome the two new representatives to the executive family!

Till next time,

Your webmaster, Lisa

Green semi-lush grass, grayed by the basking leaves of tall, thick trees, hosted the annual LMPSU BBQ. It welcomed both old and new feet and the ever so often bun crumb. Warm BBQ smoke coloured the air while lively chatter radiated throughout.  The talk of free food drew all LMPers (and non LMPers as well – we don’t discriminate) with the greatest anticipation for the incoming second years.

Typically, one would walk past the UTSU building and really only take note of the painted Wall-E  roof architecture thing. But, with an aura of smoky BBQ aromas, it inevitably said, “big, awesome, party happening right here, right now.” With the academic year quickly approaching, it was time to greet the incoming second years and what better way to do it than with hamburgers and hotdogs grilled by our very own VP Social, Michael Nguyen. Like the natural born rebel that he is, Michael went at the BBQ apron-less, shamelessly dropping a patty or two through the grill bars. Regardless, great tasting protein patties made their way to Charles Lee, our internal affairs officer and temporary food server of the day.

      

One by one, young innocent faces started showing up and ah, of course, they were the second years we were all waiting for! Without a doubt, awkwardness lingered for a while and it probably didn’t help that we were stuffing our faces. However, with the efforts of the upper years, I think they integrated well. For all the incoming second years: it may still feel superficial now, but remembering my time as a second year, I know just how much you’ll come to know each other and love the LMP community. Having Dr. Templeton, current students and alumni congregate together reaffirmed the tight-knit support group the program provides.

Finally, congratulations to this year’s exec committee for successfully organizing and hosting our first LMPSU event! (Also, what a coincidence that we’re all toting LMP colours?)

Till next time,

Your webmaster, Lisa

The second-going-on-third years are at it again, colluding to take over LMPSU. This time, headquarters temporarily moved to Museum Tavern. However, thanks to the warm, lax air of July and the ever so alluring aroma of meat, they were swayed away from their evil plans and instead took the opportunity to further bond as a group.

Candle lights, checkerboard floors and wooden wall panels emanated an old rustic feel as the restaurant welcomed the group. With everyone having a busy summer whether it be researching, volunteering, working or studying, it was nice to catch up especially over delicious food. We enjoyed the liking of all sorts of  protein platters from buttermilk fried chicken to duck buns to baby back ribs.

We laughed, joked, contemplated about our course selection, and even caught sight of a celebrity (or so we think, definitely reaffirmed by the neighbouring table’s shrewd attempts at snapping a pic via selfie-ing). The dinner ended with blueberry pie, chocolate cake and sorbet.

But, the night is never over without a  game board session to finish it all off! We went on to play Wits & Wagers with our knowledge of random (and often American) trivia tested. It was definitely a sweet end to the beginning of an exciting third year.

Till next time,

Your webmaster, Lisa Q

That’s right, LMPSU is holding a BBQ and of course that means free food!

Come down to Hart House Circle on August 6th, 1-4pm to enjoy an afternoon of free snacks, drinks, burgers, hotdogs, and their vegetarian counterparts. But hold on, BBQ grilled meat patties on a bun not your cup of tea? Not to worry, this is also a great opportunity to welcome and meet the incoming second year LMP specialists.

All LMP undergraduates including specialists and non specialists are welcome. Let’s make this a great kick off start to the new academic year!

Join us this Thursday to ask questions of our past alumni! Learn what can help you thrive!

From 5-7PM in FG103, find answers to the questions you really want to know about life after LMP.

Refreshments will be provided. 🙂

Join us February 13th @ MSB 3163 from 12-1 for a roundtable discussion with Dr. Adrienne Shnier on the conflicts of interests caused by pharmaceutical funding of biomedical practices and education!

For full details, visit our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/387540244724058/