From Classrooms to Clinics: Celebrating the Diverse Journeys of HCA Alumni

Submitted by Ekta Singh, Program Coordinator, Health Care Administration (HCA)  

At St. Lawrence College, the Health Care Administration (HCA) program has long been a launchpad for internationally educated professionals seeking meaningful careers in Canada’s healthcare system. But with students arriving from a wide range of professional backgrounds—from dentistry and nursing to pharmacy, optometry, and public health—the question often arises: What exactly does an HCA graduate do? 

This fall, the HCA program, in partnership with SLC Alumni, is answering that question in a powerful new way with a new two-part initiative: the interactive HCA Alumni Spotlight poster campaign, featuring the career journeys of more than 60 HCA graduates that will be used in HCA courses and careers curriculum. Additionally, in December the HCA program will host a capstone graduation showcase, where soon-to-be graduates will connect with alumni from the poster campaign through an engaging event that combines celebration, learning, and inspiration.  

Associate Dean Jamie Puddicombe, was thrilled with the project idea and the collaboration with SLC Alumni. "These alumni stories reflect the true spirit of the HCA program—where international expertise, lived experience, and academic growth converge to create meaningful impact in Canada’s healthcare system."  

Liz Gorman, Director, Alumni and Development was excited to collaborate with the HCA program. "The HCA Alumni Profiles campaign highlights the rich diversity in the paths that HCA students follow to get to SLC and their journeys as they build their careers after SLC. These remarkable grads are having a wide-ranging impact in our healthcare industry.”  

This initiative integrates alumni stories and career advice into the HCA curriculum, offering students real-world perspectives on post-graduation possibilities. It also extends online, celebrating alumni achievements through vibrant posts on Instagram and LinkedIn that showcase the impact of HCA graduates nationwide. These stories go beyond career updates, capturing resilience, growth, and purpose. 

“When we first imagined this initiative, we wanted our students to see themselves not just reflected in statistics, but in real-life journeys—of courage, adaptation, and hope. Sharing these stories is vital, because it reminds everyone—our students, alumni, partners, and our whole community—that every step taken here shapes lives far beyond our campus,” said Ekta Singh, HCA Program Coordinator. 
These stories are more than just career updates—they’re journeys of resilience, adaptability, and purpose. 

Take Dr. Newton Duarte (2021), for example. Originally trained as a physician in Brazil, Newton came to SLC with no plans to practice medicine in Canada. But after completing the HCA program, he was offered a role at Queen’s University’s Department of Ophthalmology, which led to a Glaucoma Fellowship and a temporary medical license. Today, he’s back in clinical practice, performing laser treatments and caring for patients in Kingston. 

Or Jurry Gako-Abad (2023), a Registered Nurse from the Philippines who pursued her nursing licensure in Ontario. Today she is a full-time RN caring for Complex Medical Care and Palliative Care patients at Providence Care Hospital. 

And then there’s Abdulrasheed Mohammed (2022), who came to HCA with a Doctor of Pharmacy from North Cyprus. Today he’s a full-time pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart, providing patient care and contributing to safe pharmacy operations.  

Osayi Egbon (2023) came to HCA with a Doctor of Optometry from Nigeria. She's working towards her Canadian licensure while today working as an Optical Specialist at a Kingston eye clinic. 

HCA grads may choose new pathways as well, like Alstin Thomas (2025). Today he's a Care Coordinator at Lifemark Kingston where he works directly with patients, and also provides back office administrative support. He's looking forward to a bright future in healthcare operations and leadership. 

Beyond these examples, dozens of HCA graduates are making their mark at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Providence Care—in roles ranging from Registered Nurses and administrative support to research and patient services—with hundreds more contributing to healthcare across Ontario and Canada. These are the faces of HCA. They are the proof that the program doesn’t just prepare students for one job—it prepares them for a future full of possibilities. 

As Professor Julie White, who designed the HCA Alumni spotlight poster campaign, puts it: “Our students come from all over the world with unique skills and dreams. This project helps them see that their journey is valid, their goals are achievable, and their stories matter.” 

Follow along on Instagram @Stlawrencecollegehca and LinkedIn (The Health Care Administration Program Network) as we continue to spotlight the incredible achievements of our HCA alumni. And to our current students: your path may be unique, but you’re never walking it alone.