Rafael D’Giovanni-Rotband hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a dentist. His father, Leonardo Stoliar Rotband, a former general dentist and endodontist in Brazil, is now a fourth-year student in the International Dentist Degree Program at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, where he also provides patient care.
“It’s a lot because of my dad,” said D’Giovanni-Rotband. “If you’re a perfectionist, it’s easy to like dentistry because you want to be really good at it.”
D’Giovanni-Rotband, a Grade 9 student at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, was among 50 students who participated in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ Take Our Kids to Work Day on Nov. 5, 2025. The event offered students hands-on experiences in various health professions and biomedical sciences.
“I got a taste of what it could be … I really got to experience what I could be doing in the future,” he said.
The day began at the Clinical Learning and Simulation Program’s (CLSP) simulation labs. Students practiced CPR, ultrasound techniques, and medication administration on manikins. At the College of Pharmacy, they learned about pharmacists’ work and created lip balm and sunscreen to take home.
At the Max Rady College of Medicine, students explored microbiology by examining bacteria samples from everyday surfaces under microscopes. At the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, they learned about occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and physiotherapy.
Dentistry proved to be a highlight. Students filled cavities, drilled on tooth models, and made finger molds.
“It was really fun! I think it can help people find a career if they’re unsure,” said D’Giovanni-Rotband. “You meet a lot of fun people, and the day goes by really fast.”
Adriel Gelle, a Murdoch Mackay student, called the experience “extremely exciting” and praised the interactive activities. Ololade Bankole from Linden Christian School said the sessions helped her think about future university choices.
“It just makes me think, ‘Oh, what place do I want to go to when I get into university?’ I do want to come to University of Manitoba since my mom works here,” Bankole said. “It’s been a nice experience seeing different sections — I really enjoyed it!”
