Kevin Olegario

Kevin Olegario (London, Ontario)

Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging Technology (NMMIT), Class of 2019

Biography 

My name is Kevin and I am in my final year of Nuclear Medicine. Upon completion of this program, I intend to work as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. As a student at both Michener and U of T, I had several opportunities of being involved with the student community. I worked at Michener as a receptionist/CSR and at Hart House Athletic Centre as a Strength and Fitness Supervisor. I participated in many volunteer events that were held at Michener during my time here such as Open Doors in 2018 and many of the parties that were held in Schatz Hall. I also enjoy staying active, and one of my favourite activities is to run long distance. I also participated in a lot of intramural sports at both Michener and U of T.

What and where did you study before joining MRS?

I completed my undergraduate at University of Western Ontario in Biology and Medical Sciences, and subsequently completed my graduate studies at Lakehead University in Kinesiology before joining MRS.

What attracted you to the MRS program?

I've always known that I wanted to work in health care, and I stumbled onto the MRS program as I was exploring professional programs upon completion of my graduate studies. When I read the description for Nuclear Medicine on the Michener and U of T website, it caught my interest and sounded like something I would really enjoy.

How is MRS different from your previous university experience?

The MRS program was really different from my undergraduate experience at Western. First, the MRS program was a really small program in comparison to my program in university. In total, there were probably about 80-100 people in all the combined MRS programs, and only 20 in Nuclear Medicine. The small class sizes allowed for better learning and provided opportunity to build closer relationships with not only my fellow peers, but also our professors. This made coming to class much more enjoyable and motivated me to perform even better.

Once you decided to pursue this field, why did you choose to study with us?

I chose to study at MRS at Michener/UofT because of the location. Both campuses are in the heart of downtown which was a big determining factor. Additionally, the UofT and Michener reputation is unmatched and this was my chance to attain the best possible education.

What do you like best about the program?

What I liked best about the program is the clinical experience that you gain. For the first two years, we are learning theory, and for our final year, we are in the hospital applying what we learned. By the end of the clinical placement, we graduate with a year of experience under our belt in our field, which is really beneficial when we actually start working. Also, the perks of using both the Michener and U of T facilities is a big bonus.

What is your favourite MRS memory/accomplishment so far?

My favourite memory in MRS is the close friends that I made in the program. The MRS programs can be very small, with my class being 20 people, to the point where we became our own small, weird Nuc Med family. Not only have I made great friends with my classmates, I also made long lasting friends with the staff and faculty at Michener which has made being a student in this program even more fun and rewarding.

What is your favourite spot/activity on or near campus?

My favourite spot on campus is probably the Michener gym. It may not be the best gym in comparison to the U of T fitness facilities, but it’s cozy and has almost all the equipment that I need. I also like that it’s not super crowded but the best part is that it’s 24/7!

How is the workload? Do you have time to get involved in campus life, sports, clubs or to work part-time?

I would say the workload ranges from light to medium, however it changes when you go into third year when you are working full time at your clinical placement. Because of the relatively easy workload, I was able to hold two part-time jobs (in order to pay for the expensive rent here in Downtown Toronto :) ). I was able to join some clubs at the University of Toronto, play in some intramural sports at Michener, and maintain a great social life outside of school

Where is your clinical placement? What is it like?

I did my clinical placement in Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. My experience at Sunnybrook was great! It was a friendly and nurturing environment to learn in and has overall shaped me into a competent Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation I intend to start working as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist (to pay off all the student debt I have haha!) I recently got hired at a hospital in Ottawa so I will be moving there once I finish writing my licensing exam!

What advice do you have for prospective students who are considering the program/profession? 

One piece of advice I have for prospective students is don’t be a stranger! When I originally applied to this program, I was never really a person to get involved in the student community since I didn’t really do it at my previous university. I would have never thought to be very involved in the Michener student community the way I am now. Try to enjoy what Michener and U of T has to offer, whether it be going to the random Schatz Hall parties, or playing pool at the lounge with a bunch of random people, it makes the long commute to Michener a worthwhile one!

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For more information about the MRS Program visit www.medicalradiationsciences.ca