Fearless FHS alumnus strives to improve the lives of cancer patients and survivors

By Geron Malbas

A cancer survivor, Madeline Lauener, who graduates with a BSc degree from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), came to SFU with the goal of helping others who are sick.

“I was treated for stage four Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 13 years old, and as a result been very involved with the health care system, long-term follow-up processes, and cancer survivor services,” says Lauener, who will continue her education in an MSc degree in pathology and laboratory medicine with the University of B.C.’s Faculty of Medicine.

“I was the first child in North America, and the first person in Canada to receive Brentuximab chemotherapy in preparation for my stem cell transplant, which is currently a frontline drug for lymphoma relapsed patients.”

The BSc program’s life sciences stream was the perfect fit for Lauener, where she learned concepts crucial for medical studies, such as molecular biology and organic chemistry. The social science and public health perspective gave her a comprehensive understanding of health on a local, national and global scale.

A highlight of Lauener’s FHS experience was creating relationships among her classmates and professors who she is still close with four years later. The foundations of health sciences sparked her passion for public health, and they highlighted the importance of working across disciplines to improve the health of others.

“The integration of multiple fields, and expertise from others in degree programs or streams in different areas from my own, was extremely effective for solving problems and developing the most efficient outcome,” she explains.

As the COVID-19 pandemic moved students to online learning, Lauener found it challenging to keep motivated working from home. Having no experience with online courses, not physically interacting with classmates and professors made her feel like she was no longer in school. She used organizational methods to keep on top of her online learning, utilizing daily checklists and screen-free time to stay motivated.

During the last two terms learning from home, she discovered the unique differences that the online experience offered to her. While the quality of education was the same for her, she found that asking questions to professors or interacting with students contrasted from the usual in-person experience.

“If I miss a note during an in-person class I would usually ask a student beside me for it, or ask the professor after class,” she explains. “Now, students must ask to extend the video call to discuss their questions, or use the Zoom chat function to connect with each other. Student interactions, discussions, and opportunities to make friends have been quite different compared to in-person courses.”

Lauener is excited to start her MSc. Throughout her master’s degree, she will be completing research at BC Children’s Hospital in pursuit of joining the doctor of medicine program at UBC.

As for advice, Lauener wants current and future students to take advantage of the resources SFU offers. She emphasizes the opportunities to get involved and make of use of resources, such as financial and academic assistance, writing workshops, volunteer opportunities, co-op and awards.

“Take the time to reach out to classmates, attend welcome events, and make friends, as the people you complete your degree with define your experience while providing a strong social support system.”

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