MD Degree

Please note [Oct. 22, 2020] - ADDENDA. Temporary change to the MD Program Course Structure. See Addenda and Errata for more information.

General Information

The program leading to the MD degree is conducted over four years. The curriculum committee is responsible for the overall design, management and evaluation of a coherent and coordinated curriculum.

Years 1 and 2 are the pre-clerkship years in which the material is presented in a series of system-based and longitudinal courses. Each course presents the material in a reasoned progression from basic information to clinical application building on foundational knowledge and skills in step-wise fashion, providing progressively increasing clinical exposure.

Years 3 and 4 are the clerkship years, commonly called the clinical clerkship. During the clerkship, each student must maintain a record of the number and variety of the student’s clinical experiences, in order to ensure that the objectives of the clerkship have been met. Year 3 includes clinical rotations or an integrated community based clerkship, a longitudinal Physicianship III/Transitions course, as well as opportunities for elective courses. Year 4 is a senior clinical year, which includes clinical rotations, electives, and a longitudinal Physicianship IV/Transitions course.

Orientation

It is mandatory that each student, after acceptance into the program, attend Orientation. This is scheduled immediately before the beginning of the first term.

Course Requirements

Year 1

MED 551: Principles of Medicine I

★34 (fi 68) (two term)

An introduction to basic and applied medical sciences. This integrated interdisciplinary course constitutes the first year of studies toward the MD degree.

Course components include:

Foundational topics in medicine
Interprofessionalism and Professionalism
Endocrinology and metabolism
Cardiovascular science
Respiration
Renal biology and urology
Clinical Skills (physical exam, communication skills, longitudinal clinical experience, etc.)
Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Electives to be selected by the student

Year 2

MED 552: Principles of Medicine II

★44 (fi 88) (two term)

An introduction to basic and applied medical sciences. This integrated interdisciplinary course constitutes the second year of studies toward the MD degree. Prerequisite: MED 551.

Course components include:

Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Reproductive Medicine
Musculoskeletal System
Psychiatry
Neurosciences & Organs of the Special Senses
Oncology
Health Systems Sciences
Clinical Skills (physical exam, communication skills, longitudinal clinical experience, clinical decision making etc.)
Interprofessionalism and Professionalism
Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Electives to be selected by the student

Year 3

MED 553: Principles of Medicine III

★49 (fi 98) (two term)

An introduction to the practice of medicine. This integrated interdisciplinary course is primarily delivered in a clinical setting. It emphasizes clinical decision-making and safe evidence-based practice. MED 553 normally constitutes the third year of studies toward the MD degree. Prerequisites: MED 551; MED 552.

A portion of the class may complete this course as an Integrated Community Clerkship in a rural setting.

Components Include:

Internal Medicine
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
General Surgery
Family Medicine
Selectives
Clinical Skills (physical exam, communication skills, longitudinal clinical experience, clinical decision making etc.)
Interprofessionalism and Professionalism

Year 4

MED 554: Principles of Medicine IV

★32 (fi 64) (two term)

An introduction to the practice of medicine. This integrated interdisciplinary course is primarily delivered in a clinical setting. It emphasizes clinical decision-making and safe evidence-based practice. Substantial time is provided for student-selected electives, which may be taken at other institutions.

MED 554 normally constitutes the fourth and final year of studies toward the MD degree and the qualifying examinations of the Medical Council of Canada. Prerequisites: MED 551; MED 552; MED 553.

Components Include:

Emergency Medicine
Geriatrics
Electives
Selectives
Clinical Skills (physical exam, communication skills, longitudinal clinical experience, clinical decision making etc.)
Interprofessionalism and Professionalism
Comprehensive Examination