DMCRT has five teams of people who work to make Dalhousie a safer and healthier community.
The Executive
The Executive is responsible for the operation of all aspects of the society, from training members to organizing first aid sessions open to the Dalhousie community. The Executive is elected by all DMCRT members at the Annual General Meeting in March.
Executive Director
Ryan Topple
Ryan is in his fourth year of Medical Sciences with research interest in cardiovascular physiology. This is his second year on the team, previously volunteering as a VMR and DS. As the Executive Director, he is excited to work closely with the volunteers, executive team, and Dalhousie/Community partners to ensure we provide effective services as a cohesive organization. Ryan has three years of experience working in the ER and on ambulances as a licensed medic (NREMT, NRAEMT), helping run the primary 911 service in Bermuda, where he is from. As an EMS preceptor, Ryan looks forward to utilizing relevant materials from EMS organizations, and training members to a high standard of applied emergency medical care.
Pronouns: He/Him Email: director@dmcrt.ca
Director of operations
Kaitlyn Blakney
Hi there! My name is Kaitlyn Blakney and I am so excited to be the DMCRT’s Director of Operations for the 2023-2024 year! I am entering my third year of a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology. I grew up in Kingston, Ontario and moved to Halifax for university. Outside of school and the DMCRT, you’ll find me at the gym, hiking, swimming, travelling, baking, or reading. I’m looking forward to increasing the DMCRT’s services on campus and interacting with more community members this year. If you see me around campus, please say hi! :)
Pronouns: She/Her Email: operations@dmcrt.ca
director of internal affairs
Kathleen Donald
Hi everyone! I am very excited to be your Director of Internal Affairs for the 2023-2024 academic year. This will be my third year on the team, I was a VMR my first year, and spent the beginning of last year as a DS before transitioning into the role of VP Finance. A bit about me: I am in my last year of the Advanced Standing BScN after completing a previous BSc in 2022. I love to bake, watch the Toronto Maple Leafs, and work with all my residents in LTC. Please don't hesitate to reach out by email at any point if you have any questions about our work with the DMCRT!
Pronouns: She/Her Email: internal@dmcrt.ca
Director of Training and Resources
Bryan Diaz-Piedra
Bryan is from the Halifax area and is going into his fourth year of Medical Sciences. This is his second year on the team. Last year, Bryan really enjoyed being a VMR and loved attending the overnight shifts. Some of his hobbies include travelling, volunteering, and spending time with his friends and family. His goal as the Director of Training and Resources is to plan and present training sessions that will be engaging and insightful. Additionally, Bryan is responsible for the procurement of all equipment on the team and the restocking of the trauma kits.
Pronouns: He/Him Email: training@dmcrt.ca
Our Duty Supervisors
Duty supervisors are responsible for leading and managing a small team of Volunteer Medical Responders at DMCRT-attended events. They are responsible for coordinating equipment before the duty, and maintaining communication with event organizers.
Head Duty Supervisor (Medical)
Jin Ge (He/Him)
Head Duty Supervisor (Mental Health)
Carol Toma (She/Her)
Sara Greenough (She/Her)
Joyce Li (She/Her)
Diana Milburn (She/Her)
Hannah Budau (She/Her)
Sam Case (He/Him)
Sarah Rondeaux (She/Her)
Our Volunteer Medical Responders
Volunteer medical responders are equipped with advanced first aid certification and mental health first aid. They provide coverage at athletic events, recreational activities, orientation week, DSU society gatherings, and special events.
Rafael Antônio Fecury Braga
Mirele Barsoum
Abbygael Columbus
Terin Corkum
Achim Duerr-Farrell
Anna Dugandzic
Callia Fieldhouse
Ayman Ghanai
Jaimie Gregor
Mack Hancock
Kyrollos Hanna
Maria Keough
Marie Legere
Alexa MacIsaac
Ava Maleki
Rachel Murphy
Ali Naqvi
Julia Nelson
Grace Pimentel
Harshitha Pratap Bhuvanaeswari
Neszra Stapledon
Amie Thibodeau
Ella Uren
Anneka VanFeggelen
Emma Welshman
Brianna Zakem
Rookie VMRs
Emma Abray
Trinity Adams
Robyn Arseneault
Abbey Bard
Hannah Davis
Samuel Farrell
Ewan Galloway
Olivia Godson
Laura Harrison
Ronan Jensen
Bhreagh MacIntyre
Andrew Malcolm
Kate McKee
Felix Moye
Grace O’Connor
Grace Sullivan
The Advisory Committee
The advisory committee allows for the continuous handover of information and provides guidance in DMCRT decision making for future years. It is made up of three not-returning members. The advisory committee members attend at least one meeting monthly.
Dan Lafreniere
Diana Adamo
Jastina Mahendrarajah
The Patient Volunteer Program
Patient volunteers are a critical component of our ongoing training sessions. Patient volunteers receive mock patient scenarios from the training department, which they learn and bring to our first aid training sessions. While volunteers will not practice first aid, they gain valuable experience as our responders take a patient history or non-invasive vitals during scenarios. This program allows insight into the roles and responsibilities of a Volunteer Medical Responder and the operations of the DMCRT. If you are interested in joining, please email patientvolunteers@dmcrt.ca