Translational Trailblazers: Emili Duni

Each month, we highlight a current student in the Translational Research Program (TRP).  

Meet second-year student, Emili Duni!

Emili graduated from the University of Toronto with an undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology. Following her undergraduate studies, she worked with Canada's largest Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) clinic as a Research and Clinic Coordinator.

Working in both the clinical and research sides allowed her to see two different perspectives in patient care. She worked with a multidisciplinary team to help coordinate outpatient clinic day workflows, assisted on different research trials, specifically leading a phase 2a clinical trial, and led the coordination of two Special Access Programs for new ALS treatments. Through all of this, she learned the value of a multidisciplinary team: understanding how essential each member is and seeing how a high-functioning team can accomplish making a difference in someone's life.

“Translational Research” can mean different things to different people – what does it mean to you?

"Translational research in the TRP is about bridging the current gaps within our healthcare system by clearly understanding the needs of the person you are trying to help. This doesn't always mean introducing new innovations, sometimes it's about leveraging existing resources in creative ways. The focus is on ensuring there is real, measurable impact in the change you are making."

What inspired you to join the TRP? 

"I knew I wanted to do my master's, but when I looked at other programs, I never thought anything suited me. As I progressed in my role within the ALS clinic, I was confronted with an extensive number of systemic healthcare issues affecting both vulnerable patients and the frontline clinicians supporting them through this journey.

While continuing to look for master's programs, I kept coming back to these issues. I remember going through all the major university websites, thinking: how can I do something more action-oriented? What can I do to help? It wasn't until I went to a grad fair and picked up the TRP information sheet that I found a program focusing on addressing the key gaps in healthcare. I was drawn to the TRP because all these questions, concerns, and gaps I had been seeing day in and day out were expressed word for word in this program."

What has been a highlight for you as you start the program?

"A major highlight has been our cohort. Everyone is working on such different projects while bringing in their own passions and perspectives. There's a genuine willingness to help and support each other, and I find that culture of growth really valuable.

A more ongoing highlight has been learning the ways to problem solve within the confines of the resources you have. I’ve been learning how to look at problems from different angles, speak directly to the people you want to help, understand how you can leverage existing resources, and create new networks to help support you through these goals. Through these learnings, I’m realizing that these approaches mirror those of the successful leaders in my life who have inspired me."

What opportunities have you found most valuable in the program so far?

"TRP has a wealth of networking opportunities via conferences, seminars, and Get Talking!, which always provided a platform for essential conversations within the healthcare landscape.

As with any master's program, there’s no shortage of learning opportunities, however, the range of modules offered within TRP is extensive. In my first year, I took almost every single module offered, as my main goal was to learn as much as possible. Even more so if the course was a topic I had no previous background in. I'm probably the least business-minded person you'll meet, and yet one of my favourite modules was Intrapreneurship, Entrepreneurship and Business Model Design.

TRP is great if you keep an open mind. You’ll learn so much about yourself and make great connections you never would have made otherwise."

How do you see this program influencing your career trajectory in healthcare? 

"TRP has opened my eyes to the incredible range of pathways within healthcare, which I didn’t fully realize existed before.

The program is also helping me build the practical skills needed to lead projects, solve complex problems, and create meaningful impact. I see myself continuing in research, especially in spaces that advocate for vulnerable populations.

I joined TRP to strengthen my ability to advocate for those who may not have the capacity to advocate for themselves, and to ensure that the work I do contributes to measurable improvements in their care. TRP has given me both the perspective and the tools to pursue that direction."

What excites you most about the future of healthcare, and how does the TRP fit into your vision?

"I'm excited about the emphasis on involving patients in the process, not just treating them but actually working with them. New technologies are always exciting, and it's interesting to think about where medicine has come and how many advancements we have now that we wouldn't have 10 years ago. What excites me most is that we're finally developing these innovations with the people they're meant to help, not just for them. I think TRP fits into that and brings together my interests in working with patients and care teams, while also getting to work with new innovations. TRP is teaching me how to actually implement these innovations in a way that works for the people using them."

What advice would you give to others considering this master’s program?

"I think that not only healthcare professionals but any student should understand that there is a lot of ambiguity and uncertainty that you will have to navigate in this program. But to remember that it's all a part of the learning process.

I recall prior to entering the program thinking, "I have been in so many uncertain situations, and I was able to problem solve and work through them towards a solution", but this is way different than what I had imagined. Specifically, within the capstone project, know that you make the decisions and you decide where to go. Ask yourself if you are ready to be placed in that discomfort and learn the competencies necessary to work through it.

The best way I would describe it is with a call back to a previous class: we spend so much of our lives thinking about how we can work "outside the box”, how can we be creative “inside the box”? What TRP asks is "what even is the box?"."

How are you balancing taking part in the TRP with your current career stage?

"Having many different priorities is challenging. I have been fortunate to work as a Research Coordinator on a new team at Mount Sinai, where I am learning all about many different sectors of patient care, such as infectious disease, internal medicine, and antimicrobial resistance, to name a few. Balancing employment and studies means staying organized and understanding what I can and cannot take on. Developing that discretion is a valuable skill in itself.

For me, balance looks like blocking off dedicated time for capstone work and communicating clearly with my team about my commitments. Ultimately, how you manage it depends on your goals. Mine are to learn as much as I can and to continuously push myself outside my comfort zone. Within that, I’ve found that during periods of reflection, the challenge has been rewarding, even if it doesn’t feel like it all the time."