University Health Network (UHN) is one of Canada’s leading healthcare networks, dedicated to advancing patient care, research and innovation. Through its hospitals, research institutes and educational opportunities, UHN provides students with the chance to explore careers in healthcare while learning from professionals in the field.
Students had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a variety of departments and fields. Our 10 FOY students participated in placements including Toronto Rehab Institute, Ontario Power Generation, Toronto Western Krembil Research Institute, Princess Margaret Research Tower and Toronto General Hospital. Through these roles, students explored healthcare research, laboratory procedures, patient care, administration and digital health while developing skills that will support their future careers.
The FOY students had the opportunity to experience UHN and contribute to meaningful work across the organization. Throughout their placements, they learned from healthcare professionals, developed new skills and gained a deeper understanding of the many roles that work together to support patient care. Get to know their experiences based on our interviews with them!
Q: Why did you choose UHN as your placement?
Students chose UHN because it allowed them to gain hands-on experience, explore their interests and learn more about potential careers in healthcare and research.
“FOY and UHN were looking for new interns for a specialized paid co-op placement at the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Centre machine shop. My co-op teacher chose students in trade-related placements like auto mechanics, which included me. I decided to take the opportunity because it would help me gain practical experience as a future millwright.” – Tyler D.
“I chose UHN because it gave me the opportunity to contribute to innovative cardiac research while gaining hands-on experience in digital health and improving the transition from pediatric to adult cardiac care.” – Yeabsra G.
Q: What do you do on a typical day of work?
Each student’s responsibilities varied depending on their placement. Some students supported research projects, conducted laboratory procedures and analyzed scientific literature, while others assisted healthcare teams through administrative, communications and digital health work.
“In a typical day of work, I shadow and perform various lab procedures and experiments, such as cell culture, immunostaining and data analysis, that are aligned with my research project. I also read research papers and network with lab and summer student staff.” – Hannah L.
“A typical day of work includes supporting the administrative team, interacting with patients and visitors, organizing documents, taking patient voicemails, confirming appointments, checking patients into the clinic and shadowing healthcare professionals to learn how different roles work together to provide excellent patient care.” – Elizabeth A.
Q: What is the most interesting part about your placement?
Students discovered the many different roles and processes that contribute to healthcare. From innovative research to patient care and administration, their placements showed them how teamwork plays an important role in supporting patients.
“Before this position, I had rarely thought about the management behind licensed physicians. My placement made me realize how administrative positions serve as the backbone of organizations by handling scheduling, communication and documentation to ensure everything runs smoothly.” – Lara G.
“One thing I find interesting about my placement is learning more about swallowing issues. It’s something most people don’t really think about until they or someone they know experiences it. It’s rewarding to learn how healthcare professionals help improve patients’ safety and quality of life.” – Selena M.
Q: What is your favourite memory at your placement?
Throughout their placements, students created meaningful memories by connecting with mentors, collaborating with their teams and experiencing healthcare environments firsthand.
“My favourite memory was shadowing the doctor during procedures. It was exciting to learn more about colonoscopies and gastroscopies, and I also really enjoyed the Mondays when we visited different hospital sites through UHN STEM Pathways.” – Abigail N.
“My favourite memory would be when my team and I watched the World Cup together on a big screen in the cafeteria. On my first day, I was surprised to see spaces across the office decorated with different country flags. Watching the games together became one of my favourite memories.” – Hannah Allison A.
Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?
Students shared that adapting to a professional environment, learning new technology and understanding complex healthcare concepts were some of their biggest challenges. However, these experiences helped them grow and become more confident in their abilities.
“The most difficult part of my job wasn’t the work itself, but getting used to the work environment and the long days sitting at a desk.” – Clara G.
“The most difficult part of my job was having to sit at a screen for long hours with minimal interactions.” — Rosie N.
FOY STAFF
Not pictured: Elizabeth Adegboyega, Hannah Alison Almario, Clara Mae Garcia, Yeabsra Gedion, Lara Gutay, Hannah Lien, Selena Medrano, Abigail Nakyanzi, Rosie Namungo
SUMMARY
Organization:
University Health Network (UHN)
Locations:
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
550 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2
Ontario Power Generation
700 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X6
Toronto Western Krembil Research Institute
60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8
Princess Margaret Research Tower
610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Toronto General Hospital
200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Dates and Times:
June 29th – August 7th
8:30am – 4:30pm
Website: