Faces of U of T Medicine: Sahar Zarabi

Sahar Zarabi was drawn to medicine while completing her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at McMaster University. This fall, she’ll start medical school as one of the incoming students with the Class of 2T2.

What made you want to become a doctor?

It was during undergrad that I realized how truly rewarding medicine is. As part of our undergrad curriculum, we enrolled in project courses and mine was in emergency medicine. I started my course with very little knowledge of medicine, but this changed quickly. I regularly went to the ward to talk to patients, their families and the healthcare team. Many patients were acutely ill, and having the privilege of talking to them and helping them in their most vulnerable state was truly rewarding. One memorable experience was when a doctor was trying to put braces on the hand of an older woman with a broken wrist. She was in a great deal of pain and I watched how kind, gentle and thoughtful the doctor was in easing the patient’s both emotional and physical distress. Moments like these inspired me to pursue medicine.

Have you had mentors or role models who’ve helped you along the way?

My research supervisors in emergency medicine were incredibly supportive and kind in helping me reach where I am today. They instilled a genuine interest in research and medicine that I will always carry with me. I could write a book about the things I have learned while working with them, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

How did it feel when you got your acceptance letter?

It was an overwhelming moment that I will never forget. I was just getting ready to go to work and I opened my email that said “we are pleased to extend to you an offer of admission” and that’s all I read before crying. Of course, I read the email many more times after that to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

What are you most looking forward to as a UofTMed student?

Being surrounded by amazing people: peers, mentors, and patients. I am also incredibly excited to explore Toronto, the food and the many cultures that make up this amazing city.

What do you think the biggest challenges will be?

I think the biggest challenge would be to try and limit my interests and pick a couple of things to be involved with, while maintaining a good balance between personal and professional life. Hopefully I can overcome this by learning from my mentors.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I love travelling, meeting new people, and getting to know different cultures. I also enjoy playing intramural sports, including soccer and water polo. In my spare time, I love to go for a hike or bike ride and explore nature.

Faces of U of T Medicine introduces you to some of the interesting people studying in the Faculty of Medicine. From advising political leaders to providing care to Toronto’s most vulnerable populations, members of our community are having an impact at home and around the world.

Do you have an interesting story to share? Contact us at medicine.communications@utoronto.ca.