After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago, I chose to pursue my PhD studies at McGill University because I wanted to return to Canada, my birthplace. I was attracted to McGill because of its international reputation in the medical sciences. I was thrilled to be admitted to the Experimental Medicine program.
McGill literally changed my life. It has always served as a reference point on what a university ought to be.”
The 1980s were exciting times at McGill and in biomedicine. The McIntyre Medical Sciences Building was full of thought leaders and the atmosphere was electric. I really felt part of a special community of scholars at McGill. Faculty members treated graduate students like peers and your fellow graduate students were absolutely first-rate.
I’ll always appreciate the extracurricular activities as well. I had many friends at the School of Music (before it was Schulich) and spent many hours playing chamber music with them. They, and some musicians, even tried to convince me to switch from science to music.
And of course, there was Thomson House, the perfect place to chill and to meet friends. Many of them have gone to prominent positions in academia, business, law and government.
I’ve had the privilege of living in several of the world’s great cities. But Montreal will always have a very special place in my heart.”
McGill literally changed my life. It has always served as a reference point on what a university ought to be. I’ve thought about it quite a bit and ascribe McGill’s unique ethos to a pervasive culture of open collaboration and critical/respectful discourse. These ingredients, along with a cozy sens de la famille, are the secret sauce to McGill.
I’ve had the privilege of living in several of the world’s great cities. But Montreal will always have a very special place in my heart. It is just the right size and so cosmopolitan. A place where music, art and culture are savoured. A place where the sublime and avant-garde are equally celebrated.
My time at McGill prepared me well for my career as a biomedical scientist. Through my formal classes and conversations with professors, I learned how to think and how to carry out experiments.
Unbeknownst to me, I also received an invaluable education on how to be a university leader. I had a chance to see former Principal David Johnston, Dean Richard Cruess and Dr. Phil Gold in action. Ever since, I’ve always asked myself “what would they do?” whenever I’m faced with a challenging situation. And it has been a singular privilege to re-connect with Principal Johnston who called me moments after I was named president of UBC.