Dr. Alexandra McDonald, a fourth-year paediatrics resident at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, initially pursued a career in mathematics but discovered her passion for medicine during a co-op placement at SickKids in Toronto, Ontario. This experience inspired her to engage directly with patients rather than work behind a computer. Growing up in Mississauga, Ontario, she has always enjoyed working with children, from being a camp counsellor to coaching figure skating. McDonald’s journey in medicine combines her analytical skills with her dedication to patient care, leading her to focus on paediatrics. Throughout her training, she has encountered both joyful and challenging moments in pediatric care, emphasizing the resilience of children. As co-chief resident, she advocated for her peers and contributed to program decisions, enhancing her leadership abilities. Her research aims to improve patient transitions from pediatric to adult health systems and develop clinical pathways for neonatal venous thrombosis. This July, she will begin a fellowship in neonatology, where she aims to make significant contributions to the care of vulnerable newborns.