Ritika Khetarpal will cross the stage at Fall Convocation today as a graduate from the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Master of Science in Global Health program — the fifth valedictorian from the program in the past nine years.
Ahead of the big day, Khetarpal chatted with us about her go-to study spots and snacks, and what inspired her to improve global health disparities.
What’s one lesson from your time at McMaster that you’ll carry into your career?
One lesson I’ll carry from my time at McMaster into my career is that true growth happens in moments of discomfort. As co-founder of the Medical Innovation and Global Health Association, I was inspired watching my colleagues from interdisciplinary backgrounds push beyond their comfort zones to compete in local and international case competitions.
These experiences taught me that embracing challenges, stepping into the unknown, and collaborating across fields builds resilience and gives me the confidence to tackle whatever comes next.
If you could dedicate your degree to someone, who would it be and why?
I would dedicate my degree to my younger self, who never stopped believing in her dreams even when the path ahead felt uncertain.
I also dedicate it to my incredible support system, including my family, friends, mentors, and professors, whose unwavering support has guided me throughout this journey.
This degree is a collective achievement made possible by the amazing community of people I am so grateful to have in my life.
What inspired you to pursue a Master of Science in Global Health?
My inspiration to pursue a Master of Science in Global Health began when I unfortunately lost a close relative to a heart attack in Grade 12.
This experience sparked a deep desire to improve the health-care system and opened my eyes to the inequities that persist globally.
Since then, I have been driven to bridge research, innovation, and policy through transdisciplinary collaboration to create a more preventative and equitable health-care system.
What’s one spot on campus that feels like “your place”?
The McMaster swimming pool in the Ivor Wynne Centre holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of my time at the McMaster Summer Swim Camp in Grade 7, and of the many years I spent swimming there during my undergrad and MSc.
My go-to study spot was the Health Sciences Library, where my friends and I would gather to study, motivate one another, and create some of our best memories on campus.
What was your go-to study snack?
My favorite go-to study snack was making a protein matcha latte and having some fresh fruit on the side. Sometimes my friends and I would go get boba as a treat after long study sessions!
Finish this sentence: “Future Health Sciences alumni should always remember to…”
As future leaders and Faculty of Health Sciences alumni, remember to follow your purpose and stay true to your values, because the impact you have in this world is greater than you realize.
Be authentic, embrace who you are, and let that guide your actions as you lead. I am so proud of all of you, inspired by each of you, and excited to see the difference you will make in this world! Congratulations to my fellow graduates!