get to know us
SENIOR COORDINATORS
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Élissa Colucci
Favourite SEAD memory: Covered head to toe in protective lead, while watching a surgeon snake a wire through a patient’s vessels on real-time imaging; it blew my mind.
Advice for SEAD participants: Even when you’re not sure you like/dislike something, it’s important to give everything you do a good honest try; you may be surprised by the outcome!
Describe SEAD in three words: Genuine, engaging, surprising.
My go-to study break: Naps in the sun.
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Gabriel Berberi
Favourite part about SEAD: The opportunity to explore all the surgical specialties through a dedicated surgical immersion program, something that would otherwise be very challenging to do.
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Favourite SEAD memory: Just working with my fellow coordinators! They make up a lovely team, and it's always a pleasure to work with them!
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Advice for SEAD participants: SEAD will be a tiring and intensive 2 weeks, but this is also a unique program that not many students will get to experience, so enjoy the moment and take all the opportunities you get!
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Fun Fact: I am part of a folkloric dancing group, and we get hired to perform at weddings!​​
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Kevork Atamian
Favourite part about SEAD: The Pediatric Surgery afternoon workshop where we listened to the impact of the whole patient care provided by the Montreal Children’s Hospital surgical team first hand by patient families.
Advice for SEAD participants: Be ready to absorb as much as you can and be open to new learning experiences! The most mundane moment can have a lasting impact on you.
Describe SEAD in three words: Surgery Day Camp
My go-to study break: 3h yap session about how behind I am on studying.
Fun Fact: I ran a half marathon without training last year with my friends. My legs and I were not on good terms for a while after that​​
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Viviane Beaupré
Favourite part about SEAD: It's so exciting to see the expressions of people going into the OR for the first time.
Favourite SEAD memory: Having participated in a skin graft surgery on a patient with burns.
Advice for SEAD participants: Make sure to stay mindful of your surroundings in the OR so you can ask relevant questions at the right moments aka "Read the room".
Describe SEAD in three words: unforgettable and incredible opportunities
My go-to study break: 15-20 walk outside rewarded with chocolate milk.
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JUNIOR COORDINATORS
Aissam Souidi
Favourite part about SEAD: Surgery has always fascinated me, and through SEAD, I get to explore it hands-on—whether it’s testing my coordination with laparoscopy simulators, watching surgeries in the OR, or participating in various surgical workshops.
Why did you join SEAD? I joined SEAD because I love how it creates opportunities for all students to experience surgery, even those who might not have connections or know where to start.
Fun Fact: When I’m not scrubbing into med school life, you’ll probably find me tending to my ever-growing jungle of 20+ plants!
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Délya Valcourt
Favourite part about SEAD: SEAD offers a unique opportunity for students to explore diverse surgical specialties—experiences they might not encounter so early in medical school. It’s an incredible way to gain insight into the breadth of surgical practice.
Why did you join SEAD? I wanted to be part of an inspiring initiative that introduces students to the many facets of surgery. I feel fortunate to have had early exposure to surgical specialties, which helped me discover my passion for the field. By joining SEAD, I hope to share that opportunity with my peers and explore even more alongside them.
My go-to study break: Knitting, playing the piano, and outdoor sports!
Fun Fact: If I hadn’t chosen medicine, I would have pursued a career as an opera singer!
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Jessica Muha
Favourite part about SEAD: Its impact in making surgical specialties more accessible to students while offering a unique chance for early hands-on exposure and providing invaluable mentorship.
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Why did you join SEAD? To explore my passion for surgery while helping other students discover theirs! I wanted to join a meaningful initiative where I could support my peers' learning, expand access to surgical specialties, and contribute to an enriching educational experience.
My go-to study break: Workout classes, coffee runs with friends, and DIY home projects!
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Nassib Jr Hassouna ​
Favourite part about SEAD: Being able to understand the particularities of multiple surgery sub-specialities and sharing two weeks with peers learning together!
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Why did you join SEAD? I decided to join because SEAD offers an opportunity to first learn from an incredible program built by upper-year medical students and also allows us to give back to the future generation of first-year medical students next year.
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My go-to study break: Playing video games, watching football, spending time with family
Fun Fact: If you ever hear someone whistling songs around you, there is a 99% chance it is me.
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