PLANS - Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians

Join us on Wednesday March 11, 2026!

Our co-op session students spent the last two weeks exploring a variety of health and medical fields through engaging, hands on experiences.

We started off with a visit to the Nursing department, where students learned about the profession, training pathways, and what a career in nursing can look like. This session was so fun they even got to make fake bruises!

Students also participated in the Medical Students Seminar, gaining insight into the journey to medical school and life as a medical student.

Later the students met with the School of Health and Human Performance and the Department of Pharmacology to learn about different academic programs, research opportunities, and career pathways within health sciences.

A big thank you to our incredible facilitators for welcoming our students and making these sessions informative and inspiring. 🥹🫶🏾

Our last co-op session students spent the day exploring science and health fields through two hands on sessions.

The morning began in the Physiology and Biophysics department with a visit to Dr. Lomniczi Lab where students learned about current research and lab techniques.

In the afternoon students met with the School of Health Sciences to hear about the different academic pathways at the school like ultrasounds, nuclear medicine….etc.

A big thank you to our amazing facilitators for making these sessions a success 🥳🩺

The last couple week’s of co-op sessions were full of exploration, creativity, and connection! 💡

Students learned about pathways in Biomedical Engineering, Physician Assistant Studies, and the African Canadian Service Branch scholarships available to them! Gaining insight into health and academic opportunities.

The following week, students explored leadership and community through sessions with BSAC, and wrapped up the day immersed in the Dal Art Gallery Exhibit and Transition Year Program discussions. 🎨📚

Two weeks of learning, networking, and inspiration ! A BIG thank you to all our facilitators for continuing to create meaningful experiences for our students!

Last week’s co-op session was filled with energy, learning, and inspiration!

We started the morning with a fitness and wellness session led by Chaz and Shayna Samuel, using movement to explore the importance of discipline, teamwork, and balance. Students then heard from Vanessa Borden Cohort advisor for the Inclusive Pathways to Medical Professions (IPMP), joined by two students currently studying Medical Sciences, who shared their experiences and advice on pursuing health related careers.

In the afternoon, students visited the Biosignal Lab with Dr. Tim Bardouille from the Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science to learn how brain activity is studied through advanced technology.

We wrapped up with an engaging and interactive Financial Literacy session, thank you to the team at RBC and all our amazing facilitators for leading such impactful and inspiring sessions! 💡

Week 2 of the PLANS Co-op Program was another inspiring and busy day on campus!

Students began at the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (SCSD), exploring careers in speech-language pathology and audiology through interactive activities.

They then met with Dr. Andrew Lynk, Chief of Pediatrics at IWK Health, joined by Temi Odunuga a second-year medical student, who shared their experiences in pediatrics and medicine.

To end the day, students met with a team of psychiatrists at the Department of Psychiatry, including MSc and PhD students, the Department Head Dr. Vincent Agyapong, and Dr. Mutiat Sulyman EDIA Director.

Another amazing week of inspiration, learning, and connection! 🖤🩺✨