By Sarah Fullerton
Digital Communications Specialist
Justen Wilmot (BSc ‘24) began his undergraduate degree with one goal: attending medical school. Now in his second term in the Doctor of Medicine program at Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM), Wilmot is making strides toward becoming a cardiologist.
Wilmot graduated from Waterloo with a degree in Biomedical Science and a minor in Medical Physiology. During his time at Waterloo, he was a member of the Pre-Med club, the Brain Exercise Initiative Club, and the UW Undergraduate Research Club, and he started a blood and stem cell drive for Science students on campus. Beyond extracurriculars, he pursued research internships on campus that enriched his learning experience and even finished his degree with a bang as class valedictorian at convocation.
Now in his second term at SUSOM, Wilmot credits the Waterloo Faculty of Science’s medical school pathways program for providing a streamlined path to medical school and a solid foundation for his first year as a med student.
“Waterloo gave me the tools to succeed,” he says. “My experiences at Waterloo, combined with the mentorship I received from professors and researchers on campus, helped me define my career goals and build a competitive application for medical school,” says Wilmot.
Through the partnership, Wilmot received a USD $20,000 scholarship, helping to lighten the financial load of medical school and allowing him to focus on his studies. Six months into his time at SUSOM, Wilmot is enjoying the close-knit community, small class sizes, and hands-on learning opportunities, including clinical skills training and anatomy labs. Outside of academics, he has embraced campus life by participating in events like Nigerian Independence Day and the annual Bizzy B 5K run, which promote health and wellness on campus.
Looking ahead, Wilmot is focusing on his goal of specializing in cardiology, a field he is very passionate about. When asked about what advice he would give students considering medical school abroad, Wilmot shares, “take full advantage of the resources and opportunities that the Faculty of Science and the university provide. Seek mentorship and engage in meaningful experiences on campus that will contribute to your application beyond just grades.”
Interested in medical or veterinary school? The Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo can help you get there. Visit our programs and majors page to discover a program that’s right for you and our medical school pathways program page to discover medical school partnerships.
Photography provided by Saba University School of Medicine.