Alumnus Spotlight: Anthony Gilding (MSc ’25)
After earning his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences, Anthony Gilding returned to TMU to earn his Master of Science in Occupational and Public Health. The first person in his family to obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees, he went on to achieve $50,000 in scholarships and awards, eventually publishing his research in high-impact academic journals, and researched with TMU’s Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Health Equity and Community Wellness.
Gilding aspires to become a physician-scientist and is currently pursuing admission to a combined Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD) dual degree program. He sees this combination of advanced academic and clinical training as a key to seamlessly translate rigorous scientific investigation with solutions to gaps in clinical care — and use his love for science and passion for patient-centred care in order to improve the health of individuals and populations.
What was your master’s research focus?
I explored novel factors associated with requiring hospital-based care for acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in Canada. I conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked administrative health databases provided by Statistics Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
I got to collaborate with University of Guelph professor Dr. Lauren Grant from the Department of Population Medicine. This experience showed me firsthand the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.
I hope the findings will support Canadian governments and public health agencies to develop policies and programs aimed at protecting those most at risk for experiencing severe outcomes from AGI.
“As a gay man living with a rare, visible autoimmune disease, I have never seen someone like me in my field of study. I eventually realized that I could become the role model I've always wanted to see, for those who come after me.”
What challenges did you overcome in your academic journey?
As a gay man living with a rare, visible autoimmune disease called alopecia areata universalis, I have never seen someone like me in my field of study. As a result, achieving my goals felt like a futile effort at times. It was difficult to envision becoming the scientist I've always wanted to be because I didn't have anyone like me to look up to.
Overcoming this challenge required a great deal of introspection and reflection on the kind of person I want to be in life. I came to realize that I did not necessarily need to see someone like me in my field to achieve my goals and make the system-level changes I wanted to make. Moreover, I realized that I could become the role model I've always wanted to see, for those who come after me.
How did the school support you?
The professors were also incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help us MSc students deepen our knowledge on occupational and public health topics. I very much enjoyed the many chats with my thesis supervisors Drs. Ian Young and Anne Harris. They made it very clear to me that my learning and success was their top priority and did everything in their power to support me to the fullest. I owe the epidemiologist and public health researcher I am today to them. The abundance of scholarships and awards also made it financially feasible to complete my degree.
Best memories?
I had an amazing time at TMU! My best memories were when my classmates and I would spend time together in our student lounge. We laughed there, cried there, and grew into the strong occupational and public health researchers we are today.
"Enjoy the journey! Often, we become hyperfixated on the end goal (i.e., defending our theses and obtaining our degrees). However, graduate school gives you the opportunity to grow as a person and explore all that life has to offer. Take your time, talk to people, go to conferences, explore the world. Really enjoy the process because you only get to do it once!"
