Double dose of med school

Not everyone enters medical school with a built-in study buddy, but sisters Maya and Dana Jalal decided to embark on their journey together. At 22 and 21 years old, respectively, the sisters joined 135 of their classmates to receive their white coats and mark the beginning of their medical education at the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine.

The Jalal sisters, who grew up in Winnipeg as visible minorities in a Muslim family, highlighted the barriers they have witnessed in the healthcare system. They hope to address these inequalities as medical professionals. Maya explained that they have both worked in clinics as translators for their community, but emphasized that their goal extends beyond their own community.

Sisters Maya and Dana Jalal's decision to enter medical school together was motivated by their desire to bring different perspectives and experiences to their studies. They acknowledged that being siblings with unique lived experiences would enrich their learning journey. As future healthcare providers, they aim to break down barriers in the healthcare system, ensuring that patients receive care based on understanding and respect.