As Justin Lalonde wraps up his undergraduate medical degree at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, he’s taking a very special memory with him: the residents’ lounge at the hospital, where undergraduate students completing their clerkships would also get together.
“It was the gathering point for our cohort. We’d meet up with our colleagues there after days of not seeing each other,” Justin recalled. “We made a point of asking each other how we were really doing. Those simple, heartfelt moments really strengthened our sense of belonging.”
Justin quickly realized that medicine is about more than diagnoses and treatments. He sees it first and foremost as a human-centred process based on listening and solidarity. As co-president of the Francophone stream, Justin was actively involved in the Faculty.
“What drew me to it was the idea of advocating for my fellow students and supporting them throughout this intense journey,” he says.
That responsibility enabled him to play a tangible role in the well-being of his cohort, to support certain colleagues through difficult times, and to realize just how much stronger they were together.
“I worked alongside colleagues who are both brilliant and inspiring. Being chosen as valedictorian was really touching.”
Justin Lalonde
This year, Justin received two major honours: the title of valedictorian and the Person Competency Award, both of which attest to his skills and his personal qualities.
“To be honest, my initial reaction at being chosen valedictorian was a slight bit of panic at the thought of giving a speech in front of everyone!” But more than anything else, once the shock wore off, Justin felt an immense sense of gratitude. “I worked alongside colleagues who are both brilliant and inspiring. Being chosen as valedictorian was really touching.”
Justin was particularly moved when he learned he had received the Person Competency Award, which pays tribute to the human dimension of medical practice. He never expected to receive an award so in tune with his values. “For me, more than clinical knowledge, it’s the ability to listen, to create a sincere bond with patients and to show empathy: that’s what gives medicine all its meaning.” He sees the award as encouragement to continue anchoring his practice in those values.
Alongside his studies, Justin has always sought to strike a balance, particularly through sport, which plays a major role in his life. “I’ve played soccer and volleyball, and did track and field.... Coming to medical school in a new city and joining a team with other students not only helped me to stay balanced, but also to forge valuable bonds.”
That need for balance and camaraderie has guided Justin’s choices throughout his studies, especially in times of high pressure or exams. “More recently, I took up tennis with a few people in my cohort. Once again, it was more than a sport—it was a way of disconnecting, learning together and cultivating friendships while following a path that was sometimes demanding.”
As convocation approaches, Justin is feeling a mixture of emotions. While he’s excited to be celebrating with his friends-turned-colleagues, he’s also feeling wistful. “On the one hand, I’m happy to be turning the page and to be celebrating with my colleagues—people who’ve become true friends. I can’t wait to see them cross the stage and applaud them.” On the other hand, he finds it hard to close such an intense chapter without feeling a twinge of sadness, since all these years of learning and hard work have also built a strong community.
“At the same time, there’s a certain nostalgia. These four years have been intense, full of challenges and wonderful encounters.”
The future is bright for Justin: he’ll be returning home to his native province to begin his residency in obstetrics and gynecology in Montreal. “I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and to being there for my patients at critical times.”
Although his career plan isn’t settled yet, Justin knows that he wants his practice to reflect the values that have guided him thus far: listening, empathy and caring. “If I stick to those benchmarks, I’ll be on the right track.”
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