Julia Kemzang’s name is ringing out across medical circles these days as the third-year MD student adds awards, recognition and leadership roles to her very full resumé.
Making a name for herself is strengthening Julia’s voice on the health care stage—an essential step, she says, in her plan to effect change in health care for women and under-represented racial minorities.
“Proving you’re capable of great achievement gives you more credibility to action positive change,” she says. “Putting myself out there will really help my future self to fulfill my goals of improving health outcomes, because I’ll already have a platform to do so.”
“Proving you’re capable of great achievement gives you more credibility to action positive change.”
Julia Kemzang, MD 2025
Something’s not right
Julia began to notice inequities in the health care system through the experiences of her mother, who suffers from chronic conditions.
“When she tells these stories about what happens in the hospital, I think to myself, that’s not how it’s supposed to go,” she says, explaining that equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is an essential component in health care because of the vulnerability involved.
“It’s important to me, obviously, because I’m a woman of colour,” she says. “But EDI maximizes care by giving patients the respect they deserve and making patients feel human and heard.”
Resolving to make a difference, Julia decided to combine her growing passions for EDI and science—piqued by a course on pregnancy in high school—by entering medicine.
Getting down to business
Upon her admission in 2021 into the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine’s MD program, Julia got to work right away, seizing opportunities in research and leadership.
Working her way up from VP of the Aesculapian Society last year, Julia is now president of the medical student council, earning her not only credibility but a platform for listening and discussion.
Last year, Julia also served as the president of the Black Medical Students’ Association, supporting Black students one on one to integrate into the Faculty of Medicine, building strong rapport with each one as she mentored them.
“Mentoring minority students will increase diversity in medicine by helping them complete medical school and have the tools to treat minority patients in clinical settings,” she says. “But increasing diversity in medicine starts at the admissions level, so I’m also involved in research exploring how to better the admissions process.”
She’s also proud to have begun a tutoring and mentoring service for minority groups with some of her friends from medicine, law, finance and engineering.
“Our diverse background gives us a bigger breadth of knowledge to be able to help these minority students,” Julia says. “I’m really hoping to expand it in the next couple of years.”
Her highest achievement thus far, she says, is being honoured earlier this year with a Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for medical students.
“I think they are acknowledging my leadership; my resumé is very leadership-heavy,” Julia says. “This was a huge source of validation for me, and motivation to keep doing what I am doing.
“I’ve done many, many diverse extracurriculars in the hopes of actioning change,” she continues. “Whether it be student council, research, interest groups, et cetera, everything I’ve done has had the purpose of wanting to change something.”
Making space for her voice
Just two years into her medical journey, Julia already carries the wisdom of a seasoned medical professional. Last month, as Aesculapian president, she addressed a packed room of medical students at the Faculty’s White Coat Ceremony, sharing her insights into how to succeed in the “wonderfully chaotic” world of medicine—and how to push one’s voice above the din.
She spoke of the importance of continuous learning, seeking success through collaboration not competition, exhausting every resource at one’s disposal, and seeing every question as an opportunity for growth. But her most important piece of advice? Her very own motto since undergrad.
“Become really comfortable with putting yourself out there, making space for yourself, getting out of your comfort zone,” Julia says, “and also, with hearing the word ‘no.’ If I don’t get ‘that’ opportunity, it changes nothing in my life. But if I do get it, it changes everything.”
Julia acknowledges the great role the Faculty of Medicine plays in the support, guidance and nurturing of the growth of medical students.
“The Faculty has been very accommodating of my leadership activities,” Julia says. “I am also grateful for the opportunities to speak and inspire other students.”
Julia is proud to be the first doctor in her family and is continuously looking to support and inspire future medical students.
“With dedication and hard work, I really believe that you can accomplish whatever you want to,” Julia advises. “Just be patient with yourself and trust yourself.”
Her next steps? Julia plans to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. And she’s not done climbing the leadership ladder in pursuit of her goals, aiming to become involved in policy making, specifically for decisions that affect patients.
“I have seen much mistreatment of minorities in hospitals and clinics, in medical school, across the medical world, that I want to work in a position where I have the power to contribute to new policies or driving change,” she says. “I don’t just want to practice medicine; I want to also practice the admin and global health side of medicine.”
When Julia sees someone in a prominent position she looks up to and aspires to, she takes the advice she has shared with so many peers: have faith in your own dedication and hard work.
“I’m going to do what I have to do to be where I need to be in that position,” Julia says.
“I trust the fact that if I want to be her, I’m going to be her.”
Watch Julia Kemzang’s acceptance video for her Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award.
See Julia speak at the 2023 Faculty of Medicine White Coat Ceremony (15:27).
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