As part of our Back to School 2025 coverage, we asked our graduate students to share their experiences of studying Family Medicine as they begin their new academic year.
Name: 听Karen Golfi
Degree: Master Student in Family Medicine听
Supervisor: Machelle Wilchesky
Hometown: Montreal
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Tell us a bit about yourself:
I鈥檓 Karen, a native Montrealer. I completed my Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Biology at Concordia University听and have spent much of my formative years in various healthcare settings- working and volunteering with vulnerable populations. Most recently, I鈥檝e been working in a research centre based in a local long-term care facility, where I鈥檝e contributed to projects focused on improving care for older adults, including areas like sensory impairment, elder mistreatment, and cognitive impairment.
In my free time I enjoy baking, spending time with family, and hunting down the best iced coffee spots!
What inspired you to pursue graduate studies in Family Medicine?
Through work and volunteer opportunities, along with lived family experiences, I was inspired to pursue graduate studies in Family Medicine. I have witnessed firsthand the barriers that my grandparents, who immigrated to Canada, and others in similar circumstances, experienced in accessing equitable medical care- barriers which were made worse by language, literacy, and cognitive impairment. These experiences, coupled with working in long-term care research, fueled a desire to explore how healthcare systems can better serve vulnerable populations.
What areas of primary care or research are you most passionate about?
Primary care serves a fundamental role in our healthcare system, guiding the management of chronic illnesses, preventive care, and frontline services. The pandemic exposed existing challenges in healthcare access, particularly in delivering patient-centered care. I am passionate about researching and exploring practical solutions to enhance the quality, accessibility, and delivery of care.
What are you most excited (or nervous) about as you begin this new chapter in your graduate studies?
I鈥檓 most excited to learn from renowned faculty with expertise and experience in primary care research and look forward to connecting with students from diverse backgrounds, learning from their unique perspectives.
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Best of luck Karen!
For more info on our Graduate Programs, please visit:
/familymed/education/thesis-based-graduate-programs...
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