Gurveer Bains
HBSc, MA,
PhD Candidate
Gurveer Bains is a current PhD Student in Health/Medical Geography with a specialization in Global Health at the University of Toronto. Her research explores type-2 diabetes management within the Northern Indian population of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); research which builds on previous studies she has conducted on the health of immigrant populations in Canada. Prior to her doctoral work, Gurveer graduated with a Master of Arts degree from Queen’s University whereby her thesis focused on understanding cardiovascular disease risk factors within the Punjabi Sikh population of the Region of Peel. Gurveer also completed her Honours Bachelor of Science with Distinction, at the University of Toronto-Mississauga, where she was selected as the Class of 2013 Valedictorian. She served as an Advanced Medical First Responder and Campus Services Coordinator during her tenure with ECSpeRT.
Why did you decide to join ECSpeRT?
Initially I saw a table for ECSpeRT during Student Orientation my first year of university, however, it was a few years later (after I had taken a First Aid training and CPR certification course) when I joined the team and became an active Advanced Medical First Responder and part of the Executive Team.
What is your fondest memory of ECSpeRT?
I met so many people during your time as part of ECSpeRT, there are so many memories I can think of but what stands out is meeting and hanging out with colleagues, attending Association of Campus Emergency Response Teams (ACERT) events & conferences, and learning so much during my undergraduate years!
What is the most rewarding skill you acquired during your time at ECSpeRT?
I learned so many life-saving skills, skills which could be required in a variety of settings. With balancing school, work and several commitments including ECSpeRT during my undergraduate years, I developed excellent time management, organizational and leadership skills, all of which I continue to develop and harness in grad school and throughout life.
What advice do you have for current ECSpeRT members and those who aspire to join the team?
Enjoy your time as part of the team; ECSpeRT becomes your family over time! A crucial component of any undergraduate experience is developing leadership and team-building skills, both of which you develop as part of this team. Personally, ECSpeRT has provided me with so many fond memories, looking back I cherish these moments and memories, some of my closest friends are those who I’ve met through ECSpeRT!