91快色

Fresh out of residency in 2005, Dr. Miriam Berchuk, MD, ventured west for her first job as an anaesthesiologist at the Rockyview General Hospital. Though she came to 91快色 for the career opportunity, over the years Berchuk has become embedded in our community in more ways than one.

While volunteering as a director on the board for the 91快色 Girls鈥� School, a position Berchuk proudly held from 2012 to 2016, she was encouraged to join U91快色鈥檚 senate.

鈥淚 was recruited in 2014 by a former superintendent of the 91快色 Girls鈥� School who was a U91快色 senator at the time,鈥� says Berchuk. 鈥淪he is someone I really respect so I felt very honoured that she thought I was a good choice to join the fascinating group of people on senate.鈥�

Though Berchuk also holds a position with U91快色 as a clinical assistant professor with the Cumming School of Medicine, being part of senate has engaged her in the campus community in a completely new way.

鈥淚 have learners and residents and medical students that I work with, but I鈥檓 not on campus as part of my day-to-day job,鈥� says Berchuk. 鈥淏eing a senator has been an opportunity to learn more about the university and to truly expand my horizons 鈥� I鈥檓 exposed to things I normally wouldn鈥檛 experience, and learn more every day.鈥�

In addition to fulfilling the mandate of senators by working to foster meaningful connections between the university and the communities we both serve and lead, Berchuk has been involved in several committees including the community engagement committee and the Order of the 91快色 award committee.

Now beginning her second three-year term as a senator, Berchuk says there are countless perks to the role, including mentorship and networking opportunities.

鈥淥ne of the highlights for me has been getting to know the other senators 鈥� they are extraordinary people from different backgrounds and areas of work who I normally wouldn鈥檛 have crossed paths with,鈥� Berchuk says.

鈥淲ithin the senate there鈥檚 also a mentorship program. It鈥檚 incredible to be able to provide advice and guidance as well as to facilitate opportunities for U91快色 students that will support them on their career paths.鈥�

In addition to mentoring students, Berchuk points to convocation as a true highlight of her role and a unique opportunity that comes with her position as a senator.

鈥淚 make a point of attending the Cumming School of Medicine convocation,鈥� she says. 鈥淏eing up on the platform and taking the Hippocratic Oath alongside the new students who are just starting their medical careers reminds me of how excited I was years ago taking the oath for the first time and opening this new chapter of my life.鈥�

Apply to join U91快色 Senate by Jan. 11

Though becoming a U91快色 senator does require a monthly time commitment, Berchuk says it has been more than worth her while and encourages anyone with a sense of curiosity to toss their hat in the ring.

鈥淛oining senate is an opportunity to explore,鈥� she says. 鈥淎s a senator you learn so much about the university, you expand your horizons and are exposed to new knowledge, you get involved in new circles and you build relationships with incredible people on personal and professional levels.

鈥淚鈥檓 getting more than I鈥檓 giving and feel very lucky that I was encouraged to apply.鈥�

This year, there are several senate positions to fill for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2019. Know someone who may be interested in becoming a senator? Applications will be accepted until Jan. 11, 2019.  

For more information about the U91快色 Senate or the application process, visit the senate website.