Celebrating Canada Day: Reflections for RVU’s Canadian Students
By: Gursharan Lubana, OMS I, Tenisha Takhar, OMS I, and Oluwagbenga Dada, OMS II
Every July 1st, Canadians around the world pause to celebrate Canada Day—not just with fireworks and flags, but with a deep sense of pride in the values that define their identity. For Canadian medical students studying in the United States, this day takes on special meaning. It’s a moment to reflect on where they’ve come from, how their upbringing shaped their calling, and how they carry those values into their future practice as physicians.
“The Spirit of Canada Is with Me”
By Gursharan Lubana, OMS I
As a Canadian studying medicine in the United States, Canada Day reminds me of the values I carry from home; compassion, inclusivity, and quiet resilience. In Canada, healthcare is built on the belief that care should be accessible to everyone. Growing up in that environment taught me that listening deeply matters, that health is shaped by more than biology, and that empathy is just as important as knowledge.
These values align closely with osteopathic medicine, where holistic care and human connection are central. Studying in the U.S., I bring these Canadian lenses with me into every classroom, clinical encounter, and community event. Whether it’s being the calm in a moment of stress or finding common ground with a patient through shared humanity, I know that the spirit of Canada is with me.
Canada Day isn’t just a celebration—it’s a reminder to carry those ideals into every space I enter. I’m proud to wear the maple leaf in my heart and in my practice.
“A Sense of Belonging in Every Encounter”
By Tenisha Takhar, OMSI
Canada Day brings to mind community, multiculturalism, and the shared belief that everyone belongs. These values have profoundly shaped who I am and the kind of physician I hope to become.
Growing up in a system that prioritized access and inclusivity gave me a strong foundation in patient-centered care. It helped me understand that good medicine goes beyond diagnoses—it’s rooted in trust and equity.
Now, studying medicine in the U.S., I’m building on that foundation. I’ve learned that there’s no one “right” way to practice medicine, and that diverse systems and perspectives only make us stronger. Even far from home, I carry my roots with me. Being Canadian is more than geography—it’s a mindset of empathy, responsibility, and care.
“A Bridge Between Two Worlds”
By Oluwagbenga Dada, OMS II
Last year, on a bright Canada Day, July 1st, I was packing my bags, filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. My journey was about to begin, leaving home in Canada to embark on medical school in the United States. The drive across the Detroit border was smooth. Relations between the U.S. and Canada were strong, and I had peace of mind as I looked forward to starting my training as an osteopathic medical student (DO) and beginning the next chapter of my life.
Still, I remain hopeful. A growing number of provinces are opening pathways for DOs to practice, and it’s exciting to think that my training here might one day bring me back to serve Canadian communities. Being trained in both systems offers a unique perspective—and a deep appreciation for the values of both nations.
Being a Canadian student in U.S. medical training means navigating dual realities. I carry the values of equity and compassion instilled in me at home, while simultaneously gaining world-class clinical experience here.
As Canadians in medicine, we carry more than textbooks and stethoscopes—we carry compassion, humility, and a quiet commitment to serve. On this Canada Day, and every day, may we keep building bridges and leading with kindness.
From All of Us:
To our fellow Canadians—near and far—Happy Canada Day! May we continue to heal with empathy, serve with compassion, and live out the values that shaped us, no matter where our paths take us.
To learn more about our international students at RVU, please visit the Office of International Scholar Success.