BHSc Alumni Spotlight

Biomedical Sciences

Zahraa

Dr. Zahra Goodarzi, BHSc'07

Assistant Professor 

  • BHSc Hons. - Biomedical Sciences- University of Calgary
  • MSc - Community Health Sciences - University of Calgary 
  • MD - Doctor of Medicine - University of Calgary
  • Internal Medicine - University of Calgary
  • Geriatric Medicine - University of Calgary 
  • Clinical Investigator Program - University of Calgary

Early exposure to research across the continuum of wet to dry lab research enabled me to understand what I wanted for my career.

Zahra Goodarzi, BHSc'07

What is your favorite BHSc memory? 

All the times we had in the student lounge, working on projects, hanging out, studying, having fun! Also all the summers in the lab, were full of fun!

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself as a student?

Relax! Take everything one step at a time, and nobody is perfect and don't overbook yourself. 

What is the best thing about your current job?

Mentorship with students in undergrad, grad and post grad is very rewarding! Its great to give back to the programs that helped me so much. Also working in teams at work has always been fulfilling an productive

How has your career evolved?

I started at UofC in 2003 in the first class of BHSc students, finished in 2007 and went to medical school in Calgary then Internal Medicine residency and Geriatric Medicine fellowship, after that I did my MSc in Health Services Research here at UofC! Once done I started work for the faculty here at UofC.

How did your BHSc degree help you get to where you are now/current career? 

Early exposure to research across the continuum of wet to dry lab research enabled me to understand what I wanted for my career.

What is the best piece of advice you have received during your career journey?

Hmm so many but here are the top 5: 

  • Listen, listen, listen, everyone has important info 
  • Advocate for yourself, and remember to pull others with you, advocate for your colleagues, students, patients, family etc. 
  • You can't control the outcomes of things, you can only control your response/actions
  • We all have hard times, get anxious, struggle etc, ask for help.
  • Take Evenings, Weekends and Vacations Off!

Dr. Zahra Goodarzi in the news

Zahra

Dr. Goodarzi named Top 40 Under 40 2021 by Avenue Magazine

Dr. Zahra Goodarzi is a rare specialist in an underserved field — a clinician-scientist who’s an expert in combining research and clinical care to help Canada’s elderly. 

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Canada

Government of Canada funds two UCalgary researchers

BHSc'07 alumna and current mentor in the BSHc Mentorship Program, Dr. Zahra Goodarzi has received federal funding for her work to strengthen pandemic preparedness in long-term care facilities.

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