Through her community involvement, clinical placements and active role in the Faculty, the graduate of the French-language undergraduate program has made a name for herself for her ability to collaborate, listen and move things forward in a group.
This approached netted Assani the Faculty’s 2024 Collaborator Competency Award, a distinction she finds humbling. “I was honoured to receive this award,” says Assani. “It’s a nice way to recognize the commitment and teamwork I’ve applied to each initiative I’ve taken part in, alongside people who are just as passionate.”
This belief was reaffirmed during a memorable placement at The Ottawa Hospital’s Cancer Centre. Through it, Assani discovered the power of an interdisciplinary approach: “I saw close collaboration among radiologists, radiation oncologists, oncologists and surgeons coming together to achieve a shared goal: developing a treatment plan for each patient.”
“Patient-centred care isn’t just letting patients choose — it’s informing them so they can make the best decisions possible and adapting care given the obstacles that can present themselves.”
Dourra Assani
Her takeaway from this experience reinforced her vision of the central role of the patient in care.
“Patient-centred care isn’t just letting patients choose — it’s informing them so they can make the best decisions possible and adapting care given the obstacles that can present themselves,” she explains.
This sensitivity to the needs of patients and, more broadly, to those of vulnerable people, fuels Assani’s commitment to improving access to essential services. With this in mind, she co-founded Help Young Minds, an initiative born at the outset of the pandemic to offer distance tutoring to those most in need.
“My passion for health promotion awoke in me an additional passion for promoting education. The high demand we’ve had since our launch really surprised us and confirmed the extent of the need. During my studies, I very quickly became aware of the fundamental role education plays as a social determinant of health.”
This project, like her experiences in medicine, has taught her the importance of taking action. “Innovation and initiative in these areas, even at a small scale, can have a considerable impact. A simple idea from a conversation can lead to a project that makes a difference for many people.”
As her studies in the Faculty come to a close, Assani feels very grateful. She’ll soon start a residency in diagnostic radiology at Newfoundland and Labrador’s Memorial University, with a desire to further her commitment. “I know I’ll remain true to my passions: promoting social accountability and strengthening equity, diversity and inclusion in health care.”
“We should never forget that kindness can make all the difference.”
Dourra Assani
Among the many things Assani has learned, one stands out: “We should never forget that kindness can make all the difference. Offering our kindness can be the nicest act and, sometimes, the only real support that we can give.”
She already puts this lesson into practice, as one memorable incident during her first week in clinical work shows, when she was still in first year. After a long conversation, a patient warmly thanked her for being there. “I realized that even as a first-year medical student, my presence in the clinic had value and could make a difference. This confirmed my career choice.”
During her time at the Faculty of Medicine, Assani developed the confidence needed to get out of her comfort zone and go beyond her limits. With unfailing spirit, she was able to advocate for patients and explore new pathways. More than anything, Dourra Assani has discovered that just, humane medicine is developed together and that a simple idea, a caring gesture, can make a difference.
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