DUHC

For our final episode of the semester, we had the pleasure of speaking with Riya Ralli, a Master of Health Administration (MHA) student here at Dalhousie, to break down all aspects of the program. Riya shares her journey from studying Dentistry in her home country to moving to Halifax to pursue her master’s, driven by a passion to create meaningful change in healthcare systems.We talk about what the MHA program actually entails and the career paths that can follow it. Riya also tells us about the different streams you can take within the master’s and the amazing mentorship opportunities available to students. Finally, we get into the hidden curriculum and talk about the skills you build beyond the classroom and coursework.We highly recommend giving this episode a listen, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the MHA program. You might just discover a path you didn’t even know was an option!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

This week, we sat down with Faith Jamieson, a Bachelor of Dental Hygiene student at Dalhousie, to learn what life in dental hygiene is really like. Faith walks us through the role and responsibilities of dental hygienists, as well as the diverse settings in which they can practice.We also dive into the application process, where Faith shares valuable advice on what prospective students should focus on when applying. She gives us an inside look at the structure of the program, including courses, exams, and how dental hygiene compares to a typical undergraduate experience. Plus, we explore student life, what a typical day looks like, the class culture, and how she balances academics with everything else.Considering dental hygiene? Then you won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at the program. We’re wishing everyone the best as finals approach! Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this episode, we’re joined by Josie Burke and Gracie Burns, first-year PharmD students at Dalhousie who transitioned into pharmacy after completing two years of undergrad! They share an inside look at the path to pharmacy: from deciding to apply, to what the admissions process involves, and how to navigate interviews successfully.We also explore what being a pharmacist really looks like, including roles, scope of practice, and common misconceptions. Josie and Gracie break down the structure of the PharmD program, what courses and exams are like, and how pharmacy school compares to undergrad. Plus, they touch on student life, class culture, and how they balance everything outside of academics.Whether you’re considering pharmacy, curious about healthcare careers, or looking for real student perspectives, this episode offers a helpful and honest look into the PharmD journey! Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Kate Lamont, a first-year law student at the University of Toronto and a Dal MedSci alumni! We breakdown how Kate realized that she wanted to pursue law, the adjustments she faced, and the biggest misconceptions surrounding law school. Kate runs us through her current course-load and shares her typical day-in-the-life full of readings and studying! We end off this episode with the admissions process (including the LSAT) and what matters most in your application. Prospective law students, this episode is for you! Tune in to hear what it’s really like and see if it’s the right fit for you.Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

Full circle moment! For this episode, we chatted with two former DUHC hosts, Basmah and Mustansir, to catch-up and learn more about Medical School at University of British Columbia (UBC)! They walk us through how the UBC Medicine program is set-up, pre-clerkship vs. clerkship, a typical day, and how Med School compares to undergrad (especially in terms of studying). We learn about the main components of the UBC application, pre-requirements, and how Basmah and Mustansir tackled it all. Before we signed off, they spoke on how they deal with burnout, how matching into residency works, and some hidden curriculum/misconceptions about Med School!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

For this week’s episode, we sat down with Celia Briand, a second-year student in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at Dalhousie! Celia walks us through everything about the PA journey, from applying to understanding how PAs differ from physicians, all the way to a typical day in the program. We discuss how to stand out as an applicant, how to prepare for interviews, what rotations look like, and the work-life balance in the program. Make sure to tune in if you’re a prospective PA student, exploring healthcare careers, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the PA journey!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

This week, we broke down everything you need to know about summer jobs: from resumés and cover letters to acing your interviews! Summer is an essential time, especially for those interested in professional programs, to gain work experience.We start off by sharing how we’ve spent our past couple of summers working and how we actually landed those positions. We then dive into the nitty-gritty of finding and applying to jobs, including where to look, cold emailing, how to use your connections effectively, and why starting in volunteer roles can make applying easier when you’re lacking experience. We also talk about rejection, ghosting, and why not hearing back is part of the process. Then, we walk through how to efficiently tailor your resume and cover letter for different roles and how tools like AI can help you throughout the application and interview-prep process.We want to emphasize that there’s no such thing as a wasted summer. Even jobs that aren’t directly related to your field of interest can build transferable skills, confidence, and connections that will open doors later on! If you’re a first-year wondering how you’re going to spend this summer, this episode is for you!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

It’s our first non-guest episode, and we’re so excited to walk you through our favourite study techniques for different classes, tips for staying motivated during finals, and our favourite spots to stay focused! Exams change a lot from first to second year, and your study methods should change with them. In this episode, we tackle flashcards (and highlight our favourite app Anki), brain maps, how to use AI properly when you study, and how to absorb information better during lectures. We emphasize how time-management is crucial during this time, and how to stay on top of deadlines so that you finish high-priority tasks efficiently! We end the episode with our favourite spots to study on- and off-campus and provide our final tips for any first-years (and beyond) entering exam season!This is the perfect episode to listen to before the exams begin. We’re wishing everyone the best and remember: first year is the time to experiment and figure out what study methods work for you so don’t be too hard on yourself!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Ramaya and Wateen, two students currently in the Dalhousie Science Scholars & Leaders Program (DSSLP). Wateen is a 4th year Neuroscience student and is minoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Ramaya is a 2nd year Medical Sciences student who started the program in first year through the First-Year Interest Group.Together, they take us through what the DSSLP is really like: from the courses and first-year interest group to the mentorship, unique opportunities, and how to get involved or apply. They share how the program has shaped their confidence, helped them explore their passions, and supported them in reaching their academic and professional goals. Make sure to tune into this episode if you’re curious about the program, thinking about applying, or just want to hear what real students have to say about their experience. You won’t want to miss it!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Shirin Mehrpooya, a second-year MSc student in the Epidemiology and Applied Health Research program at Dal! Shirin shares her journey from an undergrad in MedSci to grad school, why she chose to take a year off to work, and the challenges of figuring out what you want to pursue.We dive into the application timeline of her program, applying for funding, her conference experience, and advice for students considering a master’s program. She takes us inside her research project, which explores the needs and experiences of violence against women survivors and emergency care readiness in Nova Scotia. This episode is extra special because Shirin is Yasmin’s sister, which made for a deep dive full of insights and personal reflections!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

This week, we sat down with Liam Murray, a fourth-year Respiratory Therapy (RT) student, to get the inside scoop on what the program is really like! Liam walks us through the application process and admission requirements, shares why he chose RT over other programs at Dal (like radiology, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine), and gives a glimpse into a typical day in RT. He also talks about the hands-on clinical work during summer terms and third year, highlights some of the exciting technology students get to use, and wraps up with valuable advice for students considering the program. Whether you’re curious about RT or just learning what it is for the first time, this episode is a must-listen!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode, we sat down with Dalhousie nursing student Zehra Khan! She shares why she switched from a MICI degree into nursing, what the application (especially the CASPER) and advanced standing option look like, and what a typical day in nursing school really involves. We also dive into clinical placements, how to balance school with life outside academics, common myths about nursing, and Zehra’s advice for anyone considering the program!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

Season 7 is here! The Hidden Curriculum Podcast returns with a brand-new team of hosts ready to bring fresh perspectives and authentic conversations to Dalhousie’s student community. This season, we’ll continue uncovering the “hidden curriculum” of university life sharing stories, tips, and insights to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of being a student. 

In this week’s episode we have the FINAL episode of the year AND the final episode with this set of hosts. Since they are graduating, to end Eshia and Basmah’s time on the podcast, we reminisce on undergrad, share MCAT tips, offer some final advice, and just drop random facts about us in general! Be sure to catch this final episode and stay tuned for what’s coming in the new year!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode we’re joined by another familiar face…another one of DUHC's co-founders, Soheil Ghaffari! We discuss why Soheil chose dentistry over medicine, his undergrad experience vs his 1st year of dentistry, his DAT prep, things that have surprised him about 1st year, and much more!DATCrusher code: dalhousiepredental for 15% off of a 90 or 180-day premium DATCrusher membership!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode we sat down with Sarah Rondeaux to talk all things DMCRT. We talked about applications, training, the services they provide, and much more! We also discuss the McCall McBain scholarship for students applying to McGill graduate programs so be sure to listen!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode, we cover all you need to know about course registration. We talk about program requirements, registration times, the academic timetable, and much more. If you’ve been feeling anxious about the whole process or just wanted to get some course recommendations, we cover it all. Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode we sat down to talk about the worst friend in the world to students, Imposter Syndrome. Feeling like you’ll never measure up? Like you don’t deserve your accomplishments or like you’ll never accomplish anything at all? If this sounds familiar, have a listen as we share our experiences with imposter syndrome and our best tips for fighting these feelings.Just always remember that your worth is not tied to your grades and that you’re amazing no matter what!Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode, we sat down with engineering extraordinaire and Dal volleyball player, Charlotte Arsenault where we talked all things engineering and being a student-athlete! Charlotte also shared with us what she does in her free time while being the president of society and more! Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode, we take a hop across the pond with special guest Wateen Sadek as she delves into all the details of her experience studying abroad in Glasgow, Scotland! If you’ve ever been curious about the experience, stay and listen as Wateen lays everything out from the application process to credit transfers to travelling around Europe! Want to know more about your options? Check out the Dal study abroad page here: https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/ile/international-opportunities/exchange-opportunities.html Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode we’re joined by a familiar voice… One of DUHC's co-founders, Katie Clark! We discuss all the things we’ve been dying to know such as how to tackle the transition from student to post-grad, how Katie’s spending her gap year, what it’s like working as a research assistant, and her biggest realizations she’s had post-grad. If you’re graduating soon, or just feeling unsure about life after graduation, we hope you find some comfort in Katie’s words. Just remember it’ll all work itself out and you have time! Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode we held a little major picking workshop and talked all about how to make this major—pun intended—decision! We share all our best advice on what we think you need to know, as well as how we chose our majors and what we like about them! If you’re feeling nervous about it, it’s okay. Take our hand and we’ll guide you through it. Just remember, at the end of the day, it’s not that serious! Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In this week’s episode, we put our very own president in the hot seat and asked her all about the 3M National Student Fellowship! You’ll learn what this fellowship is, how to apply, Basmah’s application experience, meeting her fellow winners, and much more! And yes, it’s 3M like the tape brand ;) Want to reach out to Basmah about the fellowship? Do so here: [email protected] Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In today’s episode we’re joined by student representative for the Board of Governors, and 1st year medical student, Eshan Arora while we discuss everything about the DSU! Learn about Eshan, how he discovered the DSU, and more! In this episode we cover DSU positions and how to run, starting a society and the benefits of joining one, and just general tips! We hope you enjoy and happy listening🫶🏼🎧 Follow DUHC on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

In today’s episode we’re joined by clinical psychology student Alzena Ilie while we discuss anything and everything about the program! Learn about Alzena, why she chose clinical psych, and a bit about her background. In this episode we cover application requirements, training, the difference between a PsyD and clinical psychology PhD, grants, and so much more! Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/daluhiddencurriculum?igsh=djA4NXh2dnJvbGE1

Hey everyone! Join the four DUHC OG founders for one final episode as they graduate from their Dalhousie undergraduate programs and start the next chapter in their lives. In this episode we commemorate DUHC's success over its first two years of existence and provide a preview of what the society will look like for next year. Additionally, we each talk about our involvements in and out of university across our four-year degree, how we got to where we are today, and what our plans for the future are. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all our listeners - whether you listened to part of just one episode or all 27 of them - for making this journey possible and memorable for us. We couldn't have done it without you and we hope DUHC continues to prosper and help aspiring students for many, many years to come. Cheers! :) <3

Join us for a very special 6th and final episode of DUHC's 4th season, where we will be joined by a truly inspirational individual: Matt LeRoux! He will share his journey through his undergraduate life at MUN, how he ended up on his current medical school path at Dalhousie, and the difficult obstacles he overcame between these two time points. He discusses his very own website, which is aimed at exposing aspects of the hidden curriculum surrounding medical school applications, his role as an "ask a med student" representative, and the meaningful involvements he took part in throughout his life that lead him to this moment.

Join us for a very special 5th episode of DUHC's 4th season, where we will be joined by an amazing individual: RJ Roggeveen! He will share his journey through university, focusing on the hardships he faced and how they changed his life, ultimately leading him to Dalhousie medical school as an Indigenous applicant and a disability advocate for his local community.

Hey everyone! Join us for our fourth episode of season 4 where we discuss the Casper Test. We go over what the test is and what it is designed to assess, how it is formatted and graded, the types of questions/prompts you may get, and some strategies/resources you can use to prepare for it.

Hi everyone! Join us for our third episode of season 4 where we discuss bouncing back after times of difficulty during your academic journey. The first part of the episode focuses on the different resources available to you as students at Dalhousie that you can use during a time of need. The second part looks at aspects of our own lives in which we used these resources and/or other strategies to remain on track in achieving our academic and personal goals.

Join us for our second episode of season 4 - a continuation of our last episode - where we cover everything you need to know about academic courses from years 3 and 4 of your (Med) Science degree. We talk about our schedules, ideas for electives/selectives based on our personal experiences with them, how to organize classes, warnings & recommendations, and how to deal with stress.

Happy New Year everyone! We hope the winter term has been off to a great start for all of you :) Join us for a brand new season of DUHC (season 4!!) where for our first episode, we cover everything you need to know about academic courses from years 1 and 2 of your (Med) Science degree. We talk about our schedules, ideas for electives based on our personal experiences with them, how to organize classes, warnings & recommendations, and how to deal with stress, especially in your second year.

Join us for DUHC's 6th and final podcast of season 3 where we are joined by a very special friend and guest, Diana Adamo! She will share her journey from her life before university and in Dal Med Sci to becoming Dalhousie's 94th Rhodes Scholarship winner. She will talk about the application and interview process, why she decided to apply, and what she hopes to do with this amazing opportunity.

Join us for DUHC's fifth podcast episode of season 3 where we discuss the yays and nays of resumes, CVs, cover letters, and personal statements! We talk about the difference between a resume and a CV, how you should structure your resume, what to include in these documents, and general writing tips for longer statements/essays that will make your application stand out from your competition.

Join us for DUHC's fourth podcast episode of season 3 where we are joined by a very special guest, Hafsa Abbasi! She will share her journey to Dal Pharmacy from Med Sci, why she decided to go into this program and her experience in it so far, the application process, and her current and future plans as a pharmacist.

Join us for DUHC's third podcast episode of season 3 where we are joined by a very special guest, Christine Barnes! She will share her journey to Dal Physiotherapy, how she fulfilled the requirements for her program, her experience in the program so far, and the potential job opportunities she has in both the public and private sectors.

Join us for DUHC's second podcast episode of season 3 where we discuss everything you need to know about the DAT! We talk about what this exam is, what the different sections are, how its scored, how to study and prepare for it, and how important it is for Dental School applications.

Hey everyone! Join us for a brand new season of DUHC (season 3!) where for our first episode, we dive into the hidden curriculum surrounding dental school admissions. We talk about Dal's academic requirements (higher sciences, GPA, academic offenses, extracurriculars), the admissions cycle, and briefly outline the interview process.

Join us for DUHC's 14th podcast where we do an introspective analysis of how the winter term has been, what we each learned, and our plans for the summer. We also discuss all things related to the upcoming final exam season including how to manage your time for effective studying, what to do if you feel stressed, how to avoid cramming and setting yourself up for success, and what to do if you need to get some last-minute studying done.

Join us for DUHC's 13th podcast where we talk about different jobs that are available to you as students, what jobs we have done and the skills we've gained from them, how to find jobs during the year and over the summer, and provide resources that you can use to explore and find meaningful opportunities.

Join us for DUHC's 12th podcast where we are joined by a very special guest, Alex Oprea! She will share her journey from Dal Neurosci in her undergrad to her current studies at Dal Med School. She will discuss what inspired her to pursue a career in medicine, how she fortified her application with activities she enjoyed such as research and community involvement, how she prepared for the MCAT and MMIs, and ultimately, provide some fantastic advice on studying and life in general. 

Join us for DUHC's 11th podcast where we are joined by a very special guest, Matt Kelvey! He will share his journey and experience from Dal Med Sci, into a temporary career in policing, and now into Dental School. He will discuss what he did/needed to apply for dentistry at Dal, how he fortified his application, why he chose certain jobs and courses over others, and ultimately, what inspired him to choose his current path and career.

Join us for DUHC's 10th podcast where we are joined by a very special guest, Andrea Tomko! She will share her journey and experience from Dal Med Sci into Grad School and into Law School, what she did/needed to apply for a Master's and for a Law degree, and what inspired her to choose her current path and career. 

Join us for DUHC's ninth podcast which is the second part of talking about the MCAT exam; we will discuss when to register and start preparing for the upcoming exam dates this summer, the advantages and disadvantages of prep courses and various paid/free resources, how to balance other work while studying for the MCAT, and how to deal with stress while you study. Be sure to watch out for the email we send you all as it will contain 2 free MCAT resources (that we talk about on the podcast) for you to download and use!

Happy New Year everyone and welcome back to DUHC Season 2!!! Join us for our first podcast of the term where we evaluate our study strategies from the fall, discuss what went well and what went wrong, provide strategies to help you start the semester strong, and talk about how to organize/pick courses for your schedule.

Join us for DUHC's seventh podcast which is our first part of talking about the MCAT exam; we will discuss what the exam is about, how it's scored, how to register for it, and when it would be the best time to take it. 

Join us for DUHC's sixth podcast where we discuss the different aspects of volunteerism, how we each got involved with our own volunteering activities, and the benefits/disadvantages of certain types of volunteering.

Join us for DUHC's fifth podcast where we discuss how we deal with our biggest struggles, why it's hard to maintain balance as a university student, what our individual priorities are and how we manage them, and if balancing different aspects of our life gets easier as we get older.