The path to medical school begins long before an application is submitted. For science alumnus Ahmed Abdelkader (BSc ’23), that journey took shape at the University of Waterloo.
Now a second-year medical school student at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Abdelkader graduated in 2023 from Biomedical Science with a minor in Medical Physiology. He was inspired to pursue this path following a knee injury in high school that required surgery.
“Going through surgery and rehab gave me a new perspective,” he says. “That’s when I realized I wanted to work at the intersection of sports and medicine.”
Abdelkader immersed himself in campus life right from the start of his first term, balancing varsity football and squash with volunteering for the Waterloo Warriors Team Up program, joining the inaugural Waterloo chapter of Motion Ball, and serving as an executive on the University Council advocating for student athletes throughout his time at Waterloo.
He completed his undergraduate degree with a bang, graduating as class valedictorian in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement and campus-wide leadership.
Ahmed Abdelkader, University of Waterloo class of 2023 valedictorian, addresses graduates during a convocation ceremony.
Ahmed Abdelkader holds an OUA medal and award plaque at a championship event for squash.
“During your undergraduate degree, it’s important to explore what you’re interested in and what you excel at,” Abdelkader says. “I turned my passion for athletics into helping other people, which added to my application and gave me the tools to understand how I could support others.”
As a second-year medical student, Abdelkader is focusing on discovering a surgical specialty he enjoys that allows for a healthy work-life balance, and he looks forward to starting clinical rotations this fall. He continues to compete in squash at a competitive level and tutors MCAT students to support himself through school.
Reflecting on his journey to medical school, Abdelkader shared the following advice for others aspiring to do the same:
- Take each year seriously: Every year counts toward your GPA at Canadian medical schools, so maintain a strong academic record from the start.
- Be strategic but stay authentic: Rather than building an application you think admissions committees want to see, focus on one that genuinely reflects who you are and what you care about.
- Keep an open mind: If you don’t receive an offer from a Canadian medical school, don’t give up! There are excellent international schools that welcome Canadians.
- Don’t take rejection personally: If you get rejected, it’s not a critique of you. The place you’re meant to be will appreciate what you bring to the table.
Abdelkader’s path to the Temerty Faculty of Medicine was shaped by thoughtful academic and extracurricular choices that were supported by a program and campus that encourages students to step outside of their comfort zone. Through undergraduate research opportunities, the IDEAL Scholar program, and medical school partnerships, Waterloo Science students have access to experiences that help them stand out when applying to medical school.
Learn more about pathways to your professional career.