Medicine, Education, and Development for Low-Income Families Everywhere
MEDLIFE is a secular, volunteer-run global health organization whose mission is to help families achieve greater freedom from the constraints of poverty, empowering them to live healthier lives.
The MEDLIFE UTSC Chapter is a student-run group at UTSC that was founded in 2013. The Chapter provides students with real-life, hands-on experience working with impoverished communities and underserved populations, brings consciousness to global health, and allows students to realize the difference they can make as an individual.
When not abroad, members can help at home through fundraising efforts. All donations are put towards the MEDLIFE Moving Mountains Campaign, and 100% of proceeds are used for the creation of medical clinics, schools, and other developmental projects specific to the needs of each community.
MEDLIFE UTSC's 2023-2024 EXECUTIVE TEAM
Meet the Co-Presidents!
Samantha Ashleigh Lam
Hi everyone, Ashleigh here! I'm in my 4th year double majoring in Human Biology and Health Studies. This'll be my second term serving as our chapter's Co-President and my fourth term as a MEDLIFE executive. That said, I'm so proud to see how far our team has come, especially with the impact that each and everyone creates to the communities we support. Definitely looking forward to seeing more of our fellow UTSC students in our upcoming events! |
Meet the Operation Department!
Vice President: Sahana Gopalakrishnan
Hi, my name is Sahana and I am the VP Operations of MEDLIFE for the 2023-2024 school year. This is my third year in the club, during which I have been able to be a part of multiple fundraisers and academic events, as well as attend the SLT in Ecuador. I am heading into my 4th year of study, majoring in Human Biology and Psychology. Super excited to continue being a part of this team to make meaningful impacts on the community. |
Finance Officer: Joshua Thomas My name is Josh and I am this years treasurer for MEDLIFE. I am entering my 4th year, majoring in human bio and minoring in psychology and environmental science. Some of my hobbies include cycling and pickup basketball. I’m excited to be part of MedLIFE’s executive team and I look forward to all of this year’s initiatives. |
Meet the Marketing Team!
Graphic Designer: Rachel Karwel
Hi everyone! My name is Rachel and I’m going into my 2nd year of Paramedicine. I’m one of this year's graphic designers and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at some of this year's events! My favourite season is spring and My favourite colour is pink #you’reKenough |
Media Journalist: Victoria Amador-Argueta
Hi everyone! My name is Victoria and I'm going into my fourth year at UTSC. I am double majoring in Human Biology and Health Studies (Population Health). I have been a part of MEDLIFE as a general member for 2 years and was the top fundraiser for the “Moving Mountains” campaign in 2021. This year, I am thrilled to take a new role within MEDLIFE as a Media Journalist. I am excited to join MedLIFE's executive team and eagerly anticipate all the initiatives planned for this year! |
Media Journalist: Sebastian Velez-Canola
Hi guys! My name is Sebastian! I am a third year student double majoring in Human Biology and Psychology, and I am also one of your media journalists for this year! I can’t wait to promote all the wonderful events that MEDLIFE will be hosting this year. Looking forward to seeing you all soon! :) |
WebMaster: Anjalie Ramraj
Hi everyone! I’m in my fourth year double majoring in Human Biology and Molecular Biology, Immunology and Disease. I am eager to be a part of MedLife and contribute to improving healthcare access worldwide. Stay tuned for all of our upcoming events and be sure to check out our website! |
Meet the Academics Department!
Vice President: Connor O'Dell
Hi everyone! My name is Connor and I'm a fourth year student double majoring in Human Biology and Health Studies- Population Health. I'm very excited to be serving as MedLife's UTSC Vice-President of Academics this year! Be sure to keep an eye out for all the academic events we have planned for the year! |
Academic Ambassador: Niyonta Zulfiquar
Hey everyone, my name is Niyonta and I am a second year enrolled in UTSC's Neuroscience Co-op program 🧠❤️. As one of the three academic ambassadors, my position in MEDLIFE concerns the planning of professional events that bring students closer to their career goals in healthcare. If you want to find me outside of MEDLIFE, I'm usually found studying in quiet (and renovated!) spaces like the library 📚. Some fun facts about me are that I like visual arts, reading and writing about literature, and that I still try different sports (archery, tennis etc.), even if my hand-eye coordination is a little more than ✨️disappointing✨️. |
Academic Ambassador: Noor Ghumman
Hi all, I am Noor and I am an Academic Ambassador. I am in my third year studying Human Biology and Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Disease. I am thrilled to be part of MEDLIFE and look forward to working on fun and helpful events for you all. I am here to advocate for accessible healthcare and to empower students like me to navigate toward their aspirations effectively. I am looking forward to meeting you at our events! |
Meet the External Department!
Vice President: Darren Suthananthan
Hi there, my name is Darren and I will be taking on the role of VP External during the 2023-2024 academic year! During my tenure, I hope to make a positive impact by using my networking skills to raise awareness for low-income communities in need of better healthcare, while also coordinating meaningful events that promote the MEDLIFE movement. Looking forward to interacting with you all at our events this year! |
Mobile Clinic Ambassador: Maya Khan Hi everyone! I'm Maya, one of your Mobile Clinic Ambassadors for the 2023-2024 school year! I'm in my 3rd year studying Human Biology and Psychology. I am excited to return back as an executive member and recruit as many volunteers for our service learning trip. I look forward to meeting you all at our MEDLIFE events! |
Elizabeth Persaud Hi everyone! I'm Elizabeth and I will be one of your Mobile Clinic Ambassadors for the upcoming school year. I'm in 4th year studying Human Biology and Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Diseases. I'm excited to connect with you all and recruit volunteers who are passionate about community development to join our next service learning trip! |
Fundraising Officer: Francesco Martire Hey everyone! My name is Francesco, I’m a second-year student pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Immunology. I’m originally Italian and Peruvian, so the cause is very important to me. This year, I will be fundraising officer - meaning I’m in charge of creating new events, seeing them go through, and working with other members to find the best possible outcomes. Looking forward to working with you all this year! |
Fundraising Officer: Modupeooreoluwa Olunuga Hey! My name is Modupe. I'm in my second year doing a double major in Biochemistry and Population Health. I'm excited to be a part of MEDLIFE this year as I look forward to seeing everyone at our various events, where we can work together to raise funds to improve access to healthcare around the world. |
2nd Year Student Representative: Hilal Jaleel
Hey everyone, my name is Hilal Jaleel and I’m in my second year majoring in Biochemistry and double minoring in Biology and Psychology. I will also be one of your second year representatives for this year! I look forward to bringing the many events that we have planned for everyone, and am thrilled to be working with such a wonderful team to bring them to life! Some hobbies that I enjoy doing are graphic designing, going to the gym, and listening/making music. |
3rd Year Student Representative: Syeda Gaillani
My name is Syeda. I am a third-year student at UTSC doing a double major in Human Biology and Psychology. As a third year representative, I look forward to engaging with my peers and promoting the club. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! |
3rd Year Student Representative: Maham Faisal
Hello everyone! I’m Maham, and I am the Third Year Representative. I look forward to all the events, fundraisers, and initiatives we will be doing throughout the year and being part of such an influential club that stands for equal access to education and healthcare on a global scale. If you have any questions about the club, feel free to contact me. :) |