Full circle moment! For this episode, we chatted with two former DUHC hosts, Basmah and Mustansir, to catch-up and learn more about Medical School at University of British Columbia (UBC)! They walk us through how the UBC Medicine program is set-up, pre-clerkship vs. clerkship, a typical day, and how Med School compares to undergrad (especially in terms of studying). We learn about the main components of the UBC application, pre-requirements, and how Basmah and Mustansir tackled it all. Before we signed off, they spoke on how they deal with burnout, how matching into residency works, and some hidden curriculum/misconceptions about Med School!

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

For this week’s episode, we sat down with Celia Briand, a second-year student in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at Dalhousie! Celia walks us through everything about the PA journey, from applying to understanding how PAs differ from physicians, all the way to a typical day in the program. We discuss how to stand out as an applicant, how to prepare for interviews, what rotations look like, and the work-life balance in the program. 

Make sure to tune in if you’re a prospective PA student, exploring healthcare careers, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the PA journey!

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

This week, we broke down everything you need to know about summer jobs: from resumés and cover letters to acing your interviews! Summer is an essential time, especially for those interested in professional programs, to gain work experience.

We start off by sharing how we’ve spent our past couple of summers working and how we actually landed those positions. We then dive into the nitty-gritty of finding and applying to jobs, including where to look, cold emailing, how to use your connections effectively, and why starting in volunteer roles can make applying easier when you’re lacking experience. We also talk about rejection, ghosting, and why not hearing back is part of the process. 

Then, we walk through how to efficiently tailor your resume and cover letter for different roles and how tools like AI can help you throughout the application and interview-prep process.

We want to emphasize that there’s no such thing as a wasted summer. Even jobs that aren’t directly related to your field of interest can build transferable skills, confidence, and connections that will open doors later on! If you’re a first-year wondering how you’re going to spend this summer, this episode is for you!

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

It’s our first non-guest episode, and we’re so excited to walk you through our favourite study techniques for different classes, tips for staying motivated during finals, and our favourite spots to stay focused! Exams change a lot from first to second year, and your study methods should change with them. In this episode, we tackle flashcards (and highlight our favourite app Anki), brain maps, how to use AI properly when you study, and how to absorb information better during lectures. We emphasize how time-management is crucial during this time, and how to stay on top of deadlines so that you finish high-priority tasks efficiently! We end the episode with our favourite spots to study on- and off-campus and provide our final tips for any first-years (and beyond) entering exam season!

This is the perfect episode to listen to before the exams begin. We’re wishing everyone the best and remember: first year is the time to experiment and figure out what study methods work for you so don’t be too hard on yourself!

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Ramaya and Wateen, two students currently in the Dalhousie Science Scholars & Leaders Program (DSSLP). Wateen is a 4th year Neuroscience student and is minoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Ramaya is a 2nd year Medical Sciences student who started the program in first year through the First-Year Interest Group.

Together, they take us through what the DSSLP is really like: from the courses and first-year interest group to the mentorship, unique opportunities, and how to get involved or apply. They share how the program has shaped their confidence, helped them explore their passions, and supported them in reaching their academic and professional goals. 

Make sure to tune into this episode if you’re curious about the program, thinking about applying, or just want to hear what real students have to say about their experience. You won’t want to miss it!

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Shirin Mehrpooya, a second-year MSc student in the Epidemiology and Applied Health Research program at Dal! Shirin shares her journey from an undergrad in MedSci to grad school, why she chose to take a year off to work, and the challenges of figuring out what you want to pursue.

We dive into the application timeline of her program, applying for funding, her conference experience, and advice for students considering a master’s program. She takes us inside her research project, which explores the needs and experiences of violence against women survivors and emergency care readiness in Nova Scotia. 

This episode is extra special because Shirin is Yasmin’s sister, which made for a deep dive full of insights and personal reflections!

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

This week, we sat down with Liam Murray, a fourth-year Respiratory Therapy (RT) student, to get the inside scoop on what the program is really like! Liam walks us through the application process and admission requirements, shares why he chose RT over other programs at Dal (like radiology, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine), and gives a glimpse into a typical day in RT. He also talks about the hands-on clinical work during summer terms and third year, highlights some of the exciting technology students get to use, and wraps up with valuable advice for students considering the program. 

Whether you’re curious about RT or just learning what it is for the first time, this episode is a must-listen!

Follow us on IG: 

https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode, we sat down with Dalhousie nursing student Zehra Khan! She shares why she switched from a MICI degree into nursing, what the application (especially the CASPER) and advanced standing option look like, and what a typical day in nursing school really involves. We also dive into clinical placements, how to balance school with life outside academics, common myths about nursing, and Zehra’s advice for anyone considering the program!

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

Season 7 is here! 

The Hidden Curriculum Podcast returns with a brand-new team of hosts ready to bring fresh perspectives and authentic conversations to Dalhousie’s student community. This season, we’ll continue uncovering the “hidden curriculum” of university life sharing stories, tips, and insights to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of being a student. 

In this week’s episode we have the FINAL episode of the year AND the final episode with this set of hosts. Since they are graduating, to end Eshia and Basmah’s time on the podcast, we reminisce on undergrad, share MCAT tips, offer some final advice, and just drop random facts about us in general! Be sure to catch this final episode and stay tuned for what’s coming in the new year!

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1