Layla Razek is a Biology & Political Science student and McGill Global Health Scholar supported by the Dr. Stephen Corber Global Health Travel Award. She is working with Dr. Hiba Zafran on the project From concern to commitment: Learning to center Black perspectives in reconfiguring healthcare education at SPOT.
Layla conducted a literature review that informed a survey on experiences with the Occupational Therapy (OT) admissions process. She also helped create the survey and is currently reviewing the demographics and will eventually start with a qualitative interpretation. At the same time, she is conducting a literature review on innovations related to more inclusive admissions. Her role is to consolidate this research with the survey and interview responses to determine key steps which would make the OT admissions process more inclusive and welcoming for Black applicants.
The most surprising aspect of Layla's internship so far has been hearing other people's stories surrounding anti-Black racism in university settings. She stumbled upon a thesis paper where Black professors were interviewed. Some of their experiences were horrifying but several mentioned how they've remained resilient. This raw resilience is a huge source of drive and motivation for her to do the best she can with this project.
Learn more about the McGill Global Health Scholars Undergraduate Program.
