Medical Education

Canadian medical students are embracing advocacy

The face of advocacy is changing as medical students realize they have both the power and responsibility to advocate for change within their institutions and communities.

She was jilted at the neurosurgery altar but found true love in pediatrics

A doctor reflects on her passionate romance with neurosurgery, her devastating break up on Match Day, and how she then found a soulmate in pediatric intensive care.

Communication must become an essential component of the science education curriculum

Misinformation and the politicization of science have been huge barriers to vanquishing COVID-19. It's time universities reconsidered how science is taught and communicated.

Western’s Centre for Palliative Care is an idea whose time has come

Western University may open an institute meant to foster cross-disciplinary innovation in the field of palliative care. If fully realized, it could transform health care in southwestern Ontario. Now, let's go even farther.

Improving the health-care experience for autistic patients: The Autistic Health Access Project

Autistic people are leading seminars in medical schools about what it's like to experience the health-care system as an autistic patient. They hope that future doctors will work with these patients more collaboratively.

Pandemic highlights need for more public health education

Some consider teaching public health in medical school a “waste of time," but better understanding the social determinants of health can help physicians better care for their patients.

Clinician-teachers undervalued and absent from key university and hospital leadership roles

Clinician-teachers are under-represented in leadership positions in hospitals and universities. It's time that changed.

Virtual simulation in nursing education: Balancing care for the ‘failing heart’ and the ‘breaking heart’

COVID-19 has increased the use of virtual simulations in nursing schools across Canada. But how big of a role should they play in nursing education after the pandemic?

YouTuber ViolinMD explains why she’s demystifying health care online

Siobhan Deshauer is a fourth-year rheumatology resident who makes videos about health care. We interviewed her about training to be a doctor, her channel, and more.

Celebrating the richness of plural identities

A South Asian woman reflects on how "a coalition of young Brown women" and Black neighbours helped her grow into herself while studying for her master's of public health in Harlem.

Teaching and learning to trust: the essence of medicine

The practice of medicine is predicated on trust. Our patients trust that we will do what is in their best interest. But how should we trust those we are teaching to be doctors?

‘Painful and difficult’: A BIPOC woman’s journey in medicine

Navigating the medical profession has been a painful and difficult journey. How far have we come in ensuring that women can thrive within the system?

Residents warn of burnout as COVID-19, medical exams clash

Many internist residents are frustrated that the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has refused their requests to modify the timing of their exams to accommodate for the pandemic.

Danica – Internal Medicine Resident

Writing the Royal College exam is a challenging time for residents in any circumstance, but having to do it during a pandemic is uniquely difficult.

Resident doctors are humans, not heroes: It’s time to abolish 26-hour shifts

Amid the discussion and recognition of the vital role residents play in our healthcare system, little has been said about the 26-hour shifts they are required to work.

Proposed B.C. med school will crowd out learning opportunities, students say

University of British Columbia medical students are voicing concerns about how a second medical school in BC might negatively affect their education and careers.

Travel restrictions limit opportunities for personal and professional growth for medical trainees

Due to health and travel restrictions related to COVID-19 and policies by Canadian medical training programs to suspend or discourage international opportunities at this time, a cohort of medical trainees is at risk of missing out on valuable experiences.

Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable: A Canadian’s perspective on studying medicine abroad during the pandemic

We are coming up on a year of COVID-19, and we have overcome more challenges than we ever could have expected. This year has prepared us for the unexpected challenges of the medical profession.

‘A leaking pipeline.’ Addressing gender inequities in medical leadership

Despite more women than men enrolling in medical schools, fewer women advance in their careers to hold leadership positions. Why? And what can be done to change that?

Rethinking race in health care