A Future Physician Committed to Giving Back: Meet Cassidy MacCormack

Cape Breton University Alumna Cassidy MacCormack grew up in the rural community of Baddeck, an experience that shaped not only her character but also her commitment to returning to Cape Breton as a physician in the future. Today, she is a medical student at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine in Halifax, a proud graduate of Cape Breton University and an active mentor for the next generation of aspiring doctors.

Cassidy chose CBU for her undergraduate studies because of its small class sizes, close proximity to home and strong reputation for preparing students for professional programs like medicine. “CBU offered many classes and opportunities that I felt would prepare me well for a future career in medicine,” she recalls.

Cassidy completed her Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology, during which she gained valuable hands-on research experience through course-based projects. Specialized courses like genetics and parasitology, along with her time spent in the lab, were highlights of her academic experience.

“The lab courses at CBU really stood out for me,” says Cassidy. “And the strong foundation in anatomy, genetics, organic chemistry and microbiology helped prepare me well for the intense content in medical school.” When preparing for medical school applications, Cassidy was drawn to Dalhousie again because it was close to home, known to be an excellent medical school and gave lots of opportunity for small group work, similar to her time at CBU. She took some time between her graduation at CBU and being accepted at Dalhousie, where she was able to work as a patient attendant, verifying her choice of working in healthcare, specifically in medicine.

When Cassidy was a pre-med student at CBU, there was no formal Pre-Med Society, and at times she felt she was navigating the path to medical school alone. Fortunately, she received mentorship from a physician, who helped her edit personal essays and practice for interviews. This support has since inspired Cassidy to do the same for others.

As a mentor with the newly formed CBU Pre-Med Society, Cassidy plays a key role in helping current students prepare competitive medical school applications. Alongside other medical student alumni, she meets monthly with CBU’s Pre-Med Society to lead sessions on MCAT preparation, review application strategies and conduct Q&A forums on interviews and essay writing. Cassidy is deeply committed to ensuring CBU students feel supported, connected and confident in their pursuit of a career in medicine.

“It’s so important to have someone who’s been through the process,” she says. “I want CBU students to know they’re not doing this alone; we’re here to help.”

For students considering a future in medicine, Cassidy says getting involved, whether through research, volunteering or other extracurricular activities, is a great place to start.

Now in her fourth year of study in Dalhousie’s MD Program, Cassidy says the program has required commitment and hard work, but has been incredibly rewarding. While still exploring her options for the future, Cassidy says she would love to practice in Cape Breton.

“There are so many amazing branches of medicine to explore, but I’d love to come home,” she says. “Giving back to the community that raised me is really important.”

As the first class of students at the Cape Breton Medical Campus settle in, CBU’s Pre-Med Faculty Advisor, Kellie White, says it’s an exciting time to be a pre-med student at CBU. “The launch of the Cape Breton Medical Campus will create even more opportunities for students like Cassidy who want to train and ultimately practice medicine here at home,” she says.

Interested in learning more about the pre-med pathways at CBU? Visit cbu.ca/pre-med.