Algoma University Students Excel at National Healthcare Conference
Algoma University made history by sending delegates to the Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Health Care for the very first time.
NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
Algoma University students achieved remarkable success at the 21st annual Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Health Care (CUCOH), held at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. One of the university's delegates was honored with first place in the national research poster competition.
CUCOH, the largest student-run healthcare conference in Canada, brings together students from across the country to delve into the ever-evolving healthcare landscape through keynote speeches, workshops, case studies, and research presentations.
This marked Algoma University's inaugural participation in the national conference. A total of 21 students from the Sault Ste. Marie and Brampton campuses took part, gaining exposure to a diverse range of healthcare professions and interdisciplinary perspectives. The conference's theme, 'Many Paths, One Purpose: Exploring Contrasts in Healthcare,' highlighted the varied approaches to healthcare delivery across different populations and environments while underscoring the shared commitment to patient health and well-being.
Dr. Nikki Shaw, Algoma University Biology Professor and Faculty Advisor, emphasized the value of such opportunities for undergraduate students, especially those exploring health-related careers from diverse academic backgrounds. She stated, 'The conference provided our students with a unique opportunity to engage with complex healthcare issues, build confidence as emerging scholars, and represent Algoma University within a national academic community. I am proud to have supported their participation and witnessed the positive impact it had on their learning and professional growth.'
Algoma University's delegates excelled in various categories. Jacob Kajnar, a fourth-year Environmental Science student, secured first place in the 'Urban Capacity vs Rural Constraints: A Comparative Systems Analysis of ED Wait Times in Canada' case challenge. Shrishti Gupta achieved second place, while Navdeep Kaur and Tanvi Malik earned third place in the 'Cultural Safety vs Service Delivery: A Co-Developed Reintegration and Wellness Program for Indigenous Youth' case.
In addition to the case challenges, Algoma University students were selected to present their research posters in CUCOH's national research competition, which featured over 40 undergraduate researchers from various Canadian institutions. Jacob Kajnar was awarded first place in this segment.
Emilie Vezina, President of the Algoma University Health Science Club and a fourth-year Biology student specializing in Health Science, expressed her enthusiasm for the conference. She said, 'Attending the Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Health Care with a group of Algoma University students was an incredible experience. As our first time at the conference, we were proud to bring a northern perspective to the conversation. Conferences like these are vital for fostering collaboration across regions, which is crucial for addressing today's healthcare challenges and bridging the gap in health outcomes between northern and southern regions.'
Algoma University's participation in CUCOH exemplifies the institution's commitment to experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting students in their exploration of healthcare, research, leadership, and community impact.
