I vividly recall the spring afternoon in 2012 when I received the call from Dean Paul Allison informing me of my admission to the McGill University Faculty of Dentistry. The jubilation and pride that I experienced was like nothing I have felt before – I was about to study at the most prestigious institution in the country alongside some of the brightest minds in the world.
Since then, I have had the privilege of studying and working at the University of Washington and Harvard University, where I encountered more exceptional talents from around the globe. Wherever I go, I am continually struck by the esteemed reputation of McGill and the remarkable accomplishments of its alumni. However, the true legacy McGill bestowed upon me extends far beyond its name. Reflecting on my journey, I have come to realize that the most profound impact McGill had on me was instilling a sense of social responsibility, a value deeply embedded in the University’s culture.
My time at McGill reinforced my belief that education is not merely about mastering a discipline; it is about understanding how that discipline intersects with and influences the world around us. It was not just about learning how to perform a dental filling, but more importantly reflecting on “how could we have prevented people from getting cavities in the first place?” and “how can we increase access to care for people who cannot afford this filling?”
I eagerly participated in the numerous outreach activities and opportunities offered by the program, which involved serving underprivileged populations. My experience at McGill, with its culture of social stewardship, solidified my commitment to using my skills to make a meaningful contribution to the world.
In recent years, I have found myself increasingly drawn to an issue that has become impossible to ignore: climate change. It represents the greatest threat humanity has ever faced, with profound implications for international peace, stability and human health. I was astonished to learn that the healthcare sector is responsible for 8.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. These emissions are causing pollution, climate disasters and poor air quality, disproportionately affecting the health of vulnerable communities. In 2021, a patient in British Columbia was the first to receive the diagnosis of “climate change.”
This stark reality underscores a troubling paradox: our professions, which aims to improve population health, are inadvertently harming it through excessive waste generation, resource consumption, and energy use. I became determined to advocate for environmental action in healthcare.
Fighting climate change is an immense challenge. It is a complex problem that transcends borders and requires collective action. Moreover, a healthcare sector grappling with rising financial pressures seldom prioritizes environmental sustainability, particularly when it challenges established practices. It is an uphill battle, but every step of the way, I have felt the lasting influence of my McGill education. It instilled in me a steadfast commitment to social responsibility – to fight a battle not for personal gain, but for the betterment of the society.