This blog post is based on the feature story originally published in the September 2026 issue of doctorsNS magazine. Photography by Scott McIntyre.

Helping to keep spirits high during the long, demanding days of medical school is something Jastina Mahendrarajah takes pride in.

Known for her epic baking sprees, she likes bringing in homemade treats to share with her classmates at Cape Breton Medical Campus (CBMC) in Sydney. “I love to bake – it’s one of my biggest stress relievers,” she said. “Cakes, cookies, brownies – I bring them in for my friends or the staff in the offices.”

New pathway for rural family physicians
Ms. Mahendrarajah was one of 30 medical students enrolled in the inaugural class at the new medical school, a partnership between Dalhousie Medical School and Cape Breton University that launched in September 2025 to train learners for rural family practice.

The creation of a rural pathway came after consultations with physicians, Indigenous leaders and people living in underserved communities, as a way to address the shortage of family physicians in rural areas. Hailing from rural areas across Nova Scotia, CBMC students have agreed to practise family medicine in a rural community for five years after graduation.

The rural advantage
Returning to Guysborough, the small community where she grew up, will fulfil a long-held goal for Ms. Mahendrarajah. Born in Scarborough, Ont., she moved with her family to Guysborough when she was five years old. Her mother, Dr. Ranjini Mahendrarajah, has practised family medicine in the area for more than 20 years.

“When my family moved to Guysborough, it felt like we were adopted. It’s about building lifelong relationships and becoming part of the community. You’re the doctor but you’re also there for families during their most important times.”

Striving for excellence, representation
She understands the pressure that rural family physicians can face. “You are the point of care that people trust; some drive over 45 minutes to see you. When you’re making a diagnosis, you want to be sure. Knowing I will be able to give patients solutions is something I’m very passionate about.”

She is also inspired to help Nova Scotia’s physician workforce reflect the province’s diverse population. “As a person of colour, I have a huge appreciation of the importance of diversity and representation in healthcare.”

Background in healthcare, volunteering
Before medical school, Ms. Mahendrarajah studied medical sciences and then completed the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Dalhousie University. During her studies, she volunteered with community groups and organizations inside and outside of the university, including BEAM (Because Everyone’s Ability Matters), the Dalhousie Medical Campus Response Team and as president of the Dalhousie Student Pharmacy Society.

Pursuing family medicine was a logical next step. “Pharmacy gave me an incredible foundation in healthcare. Working closely with patients and their families made me realize that I wanted something broader. I knew medicine would give me those long-term relationships and the chance to work with other physicians and healthcare providers as well.”

Working for her peers
Being part of the first class of a new medical school has been challenging, but the experience hasn’t been without its rewards. “There are only 30 of us, so we’ve become close and everyone helps each other succeed,” said Ms. Mahendrarajah.

Serving as class president and Student Affairs and Wellness liaisons has helped her deepen those connections, and she has enjoyed advocating for a supportive learning environment. “Leadership has taught me the importance of collaborating with others to make sure that everyone feels heard.”

Physicians mentoring learners
With no older medical students on campus for students to turn to for advice, Ms. Mahendrarajah says local physicians have stepped up to fill the gap.

“Our tutors have been incredibly generous with their time, mentoring us throughout our electives and skilled clinician sessions while teaching us not only the academic aspects of medicine but also the true spirit of Cape Breton hospitality.”

Dr. Stephanie Langley, senior associate dean at CBMC, said the support from physicians has been crucial to the success of the new program. “Nova Scotia physicians have embraced opportunities to not only inform the creation of a rural pathway, but to serve as physician leaders, tutors and preceptors.”

“Besides serving in leadership and teaching roles, doctors across Nova Scotia support Shadow a Doctor Day and Rural Week, helping us create the community of practice that spans all corners of our province, allowing our program and our students to thrive.”

Paying it forward
With the next group of 30 medical students starting their training this month, Ms. Mahendrarajah says she can’t wait to pay it forward. “Our class is excited to have other students in the building with us, to help them out and really be there for them.”

Her advice to the new learners is to enjoy all the moments, inside and outside of class, on the journey to becoming a physician. “Medicine is very academically challenging, but having curiosity and making sure that you have the compassion and the willingness to learn is so important. You can still have fun and live your life as well. Medicine is what you make it to be.”

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