Direct Entry Residency Training Programs (PGY1)
- Home
- PGY1
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING
Direct Entry Residency Programs (PGY1):
1. Internal Medicine
Our team
Dr. Loree Boyle
Director, Core Internal Medicine Program
Nadine Gauthier
Associate Director
Rakesh Patel
Associate Director
Dr. Babak Rashidi
MD, Medical AI Officer
Rachel Glennie
Program Administrator
Jeanne Lemaire
Program Administrator
Justine Fortier
Administrative Assistant
Applying & selection criteria
Our Internal Medicine Residency Training Program is a fully integrated program in cooperation with the three campuses of the University’s teaching hospital: The Ottawa Hospital: General Campus (including the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre and The Rehabilitation Centre), the Civic Campus (including the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre) and the Riverside Campus.
We also are fortunate to have affiliation with the Montfort Hospital (community site in Ottawa) to offer a Francophone stream.
The patient resources, available to support residents in their learning, are excellent in terms of volume, variety, and complexity. The University of Ottawa offers three years of Internal Medicine leading to entry into a medicine subspecialty program.
Selection Criteria
For application details and program description visit https://www.carms.ca.
To reduce unnecessary travel and expense, we review and select applicants based on the submitted package (personal letter, curriculum vitae, transcript, Dean’s letter and 3 letters of reference). Only candidates who submit complete applications will be considered for file review.
We select candidates based on a solid academic record, excellent reference letters, strong interpersonal skills and extracurricular success. A strong interest in Internal Medicine and the University of Ottawa must be evident. Research experience is considered an asset. All applications, that meet application criteria, will be reviewed and interviews offered based on a file review score.
FAQs
How do I prepare for CaRMs application? Interview?
The key to preparation is to know yourself as a person, your values, your priorities. What do you want from a program? Do they provide what you need to help you achieve success as a physician? Be sure to consider the city, proximity to family, supports and long-term goals. Practice the interview out loud with mentors, supervisors, and colleagues. Prepare to be concise with broad questions, try to structure your answer, have examples of common situations the interviewer may ask, research the program and have questions for the program ready for the end of the interview and/or at the meet and greet.
Electives in Internal Medicine
Elective opportunities are available and further details may be found on the UGME and PGME links below. Should you have any further inquiries about the elective opportunities you may contact the respective electives coordinator via the links below. We look forward to meeting and working with you on your elective!
Please note that we do not require applicants to have done onsite electives. We do, however, strongly encourage applicants to have completed at least one Internal Medicine based elective.
Note, too, that resident observer-ships are not available in the Internal Medicine Specialty
Why Ottawa’s Internal Medicine Residency Training Program?
We have strong, supportive, caring, invested top notch staff and residents who are all truly happy and the friendliest ever. The program is resident-focused to ensure engagement across all areas. Our incredibly strong General Internal Medicine (GIM) group provides oversight with early and graded responsibility. You will form a stellar kinship with other trainees and with other programs here at Ottawa.
We also offer:
- excellent patient volume, variety, and complexity which prepares trainees very well for entry into the subspecialty programs
- direct access to world class innovation and research (OHRI, DIME, Heart Institute)
- a large, state-of-the-art Skills and Simulation Centre accessible to all programs/learners
- formal mentorship at all levels (Medical Students, Residents, Staff)
- numerous opportunities for teaching at all levels (PSD, PBL, CTU….).
Our Core Internal Medicine Residency Training Program
Our residents gain practical experience at inpatient clinical teaching units (CTUs) alongside general internists. Subspecialty rotations and dedicated ambulatory care rotations provide valuable ambulatory care experience. Selective and elective rotations allow for flexibility for various career paths in both community and academic environments. The program is designed to provide increasing responsibility to the trainee through all years.
What does the core Internal Medicine Program clinical training entail?
PGY-1
As a PGY1, the trainee is assigned to inpatient units under the supervision of a senior resident and an attending GIM physician. It is composed of 20 weeks of general internal medicine, 4 weeks of cardiology, 4 weeks of ICU and 4 weeks of emergency medicine are mandatory. The remainder of the rotations (20 weeks), in blocks of 4 weeks increments, of any of the following subspecialty rotations: endocrinology, geriatrics, hematology, nephrology, neurology, medical oncology, palliative medicine and rheumatology.
PGY-2 to 3
The senior medicine resident (SMR) role is provided by a PGY 2 or PGY 3 resident. SMRs supervise medical students and PGY1s from IM and those rotating from other services for their IM experience.
PGY-2 residents complete 16 weeks of General Internal Medicine as senior resident on one of the CTUs and/or as a senior on the General Medicine Consult service, 8 weeks of electives (community, external, research), 4 weeks of geriatrics, palliative and critical care, and 12 weeks of subspecialty rotations.
The PGY-3 year, the resident also gains experience and responsibility by participating in 16 weeks of GIM (consultation/triage service and/or CTU) ambulatory care rotation, and a community based General Internal Medicine rotation. This year also consists of 4 weeks of elective (community, external, research), critical care, and 20 weeks in subspecialty rotations.
One 4-week rotation in Community GIM and one 4-week Ambulatory GIM rotation are completed during the PGY2/3 year.
What are the research opportunities, structure, and support?
Residents in IM at U of O are required to complete at least one research project during their training. The Faculty in the Department of Medicine are very supportive of resident research. Faculty research activities are collated and provided to residents as a resource. The Department of Medicine is proud to have a Director of resident research to assist in developing the curriculum to promote and mentor residents to achieve excellence in research.
In July and August, protected academic time is available to PGY2 and PGY3 residents, with approved projects, so that they may work on their scholarly activities. Residents are expected to present at least one research project at the Department of Medicine’s Annual Research Day during their training. There is also an opportunity for a dedicated research block during training to promote scholarly endeavors.
Formal Academic Teaching?
A structured, protected, formal teaching schedule exists for all IM trainees. This includes CTU noon hour rounds, Medical Grand Rounds, M&M rounds, Resident Journal Club and Landmark Trials, several simulation curricula (POCUS, ACLS, ACES, OSCE), dedicated half day learning targeted uniquely for each level of trainee among other sessions such as Royal College preparation for the R3. These sessions are taught by our clinical staff who have been identified as leaders in education/clinical teaching. Access to NEJM Knowledge Plus® and other NEJM perks for all IM trainees. Access to our state-of-the-art Skills and Simulation Centre. There are numerous opportunities to develop and hone skills in teaching and mentorship at the PGME and UGME levels.
Do I have access to financial support?
Program trainees who attend conference(s) and/or present their scholarly work may apply for financial support annually. Formal educational seminars are also provided through the postgraduate medical education office including sessions on conflict resolution skills, Residents as Leaders, andResidents as Teachers skills. In addition, there are funds for electives, upon application.
That trainees may access.
How am I evaluated?
Each trainee is evaluated by end of rotation evaluations (ITERs), 360-degree evaluations, an annual Comprehensive OSCE Examination, a Procedural Skills OSCE, EPAs via the Competency Based Education, observed clinical assessment tools (such as the OCAT for the ambulatory rotation) and clinical portions of subspecialty rotations will be utilized for review with Academic Coaches and the Competence Committee. Training for the new CBD will occur for all new trainees entering the program as well as ongoing support.
How does the program recognize trainees and staff?
This is a big deal for us! We have an annual Department of Medicine (DoM) Recognition Ceremony where learners and staff alike are recognized for their contributions, innovation, etc. It is one of our biggest events for DoM. The University also has a Faculty of Medicine Awards Ceremony that awards staff, trainees, students for all the great things they do. Our DoM has a weekly newsletter to feature key events, news, announcements and successes. We regularly highlight trainee achievements on Twitter and Instagram .. In addition, the IM program celebrates our graduating R3s in a recognition event just for them and serves as a great venue to award our trainees from all levels awards in the CanMeds roles and other important awards such as “going the extra mile”, “mentor”, “innovation”, etc.
How is balance and wellbeing achieved and maintained?
Ottawa is a great city that is not only bilingual but wonderfully multicultural, offering endless opportunities for foodies, night life, outdoor enthusiasts, cultural festivals and fairs, performing arts, museums and so much more. Our program has an annual retreat to Tremblant for all IM trainees. The DoM puts on the Winter Party each January that is attended by staff, trainees, administrative personal and their guests. PARO also has several events to promote wellness and balance that is fully supported by the program. Many opportunities to trainees to become involved are also available. The program also funds the weekly sports night where trainees can go and join others in activities such as soccer, volleyball, etc. TOH also has a GoodLife gym area at the General with staff rates to promote physical activity and wellness. We also hold “Christmas Grand Rounds” that is led by the IM resident body and is lighthearted “roast” of the GIM personnel. Other events such as the R3 Farewell Dinner/Party, R3 Match Party, R1 welcome Night, R1 match socials, R2 Career Night, etc.
How does the program help my career development?
We have mandatory mentorship with staff, as well as mentorship with more senior residents to help answer questions and provide guidance. Access to all the major medicine subspecialties and staff who have an open-door policy to discuss your career, (sub) specialty, and training. Financial support for each resident to attend or present at conferences if available. Formal preparation series for CaRMS medicine subspecialty match, yearly career night to allow for networking with subspecialty program directors in a more informal, relaxed setting, and more as part of our Career Development Program.
2. Neurology
What we offer
Under the leadership of Dr. Danny Lelli, our Residency Program has continued to thrive.
Established in 1969 and fully accredited in 1971, our program boasts a 100% pass rate on the Royal College examinations for over 20 years.
Numerous initiatives (expansion of longitudinal clinics, hierarchical resident integration on-call and on CTU, OSCE, etc) have enriched the neurology residency program resulting in residents expressing high levels of satisfaction with their education. This has lead to recruitment of excellent Canadian Medical Graduates and International Medical Graduates over the past number of years.
In addition to traditional weekly neuroscience rounds, the Division of Neurology has gradually integrated a wide spectrum of subspecialty rounds: neurovascular, stroke research, neuromuscular, journal club, basic neuroscience.
The philosophy of our residency program has always been to offer a wide exposure to all aspects of clinical neurology as well as the basic sciences, which are so vital to understanding neurological disease. Our resident graduates are prepared to undertake further training through Fellowships and to ultimately pursue any career path they may choose- from pure clinical to pure research. We are proud of our resident graduates who have assumed both community Neurology and geographical full-time academic positions at prestigious hospitals and institutions throughout Canada and the US.
Twelve of our former residents are presently staff members in the Division including five GFT staff.
Program overview
Our five-year program includes one year of core Internal Medicine and subspecialties, as well as rotations in Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, Neuroradiology and Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation.
Approximately 2 ½ of the 3 ½ core Neurology years are clinical, including Neurology CTU, an inpatient consultation service, various subspecialty clinics, and the Pediatric Neurology service. Residents also attend their own monthly General Neurology Clinic longitudinally throughout the last three and a half years of the program.
The Neurological Sciences rotations include neuropathology, EMG, EEG and neuroscience research blocks. Six months of elective/selective time are also available, allowing residents to cater their education experiences according to their career goals. In the PGY 4 year, residents act as PBL tutors for the neuroscience undergraduate block.
As well, our Postgraduate Program takes pride in its dynamic didactic program, arranged in the form of academic half-days, case rounds and journal clubs.
Tuesday afternoons are protected time for residents to attend their academic half-day, where a rich 2-year interactive curriculum covering clinical neurology, neuroscience and core CanMeds competencies is presented by the University of Ottawa teaching staff and invited speakers from across Canada.
Over the summer months, the half-days are run by residents and focus on basic sciences and neuroanatomy.
On Wednesday morning case rounds, a patient from the ward is examined and the selected condition is discussed.
Friday morning grand rounds are comprised of one hour of neuroradiology case discussions, followed by a roster of highly academic presentations by local and invited speakers (neurology, neurosurgery, neuropathology, basic sciences, pediatric neurology).
Monthly clinical epidemiology journal clubs teach residents to critique the neurological literature, and less formal monthly subspecialty dinner journal clubs allow residents to keep abreast of current developments in neurology. Bi-weekly stroke journal club review latest publications and trials in vascular neurology.
Our residents are frequently evaluated: bi-annual Royal College-style written exam and OSCEs (including standardized patients), annual RITE exams and a monthly Preston session, where a senior resident undergoes a long-case exam, allowing assessment of examination techniques (STACER) and diagnostic formulation. Resident progress is closely monitored and the passing rate at fellowship exams for the past 20 years has been 100%.
3. Dermatology
About us
The Division of Dermatology, University of Ottawa, provides a well-balanced educational experience for residents in a small cohesive program. Residents are exposed to a wealth of clinical material at both The Ottawa Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. In addition, residents develop excellent dermatological surgical skills including Mohs Surgery.
Residents are taught Dermatopathology in weekly seminars and electives with our experienced fellowship-trained Dermatopathologist. Our division is recognized as a Centre of Excellence in Contact Dermatitis, Mohs Surgery, Pigmented Lesions, Vulvar Dermatology and Laser Therapy.
Our staff are experienced, friendly and treat residents with respect. Residents have a good teaching to service ratio. The program has 14-16 residents (PGY1-5) sharing on-call. Our weekly Academic Half Day includes Dermatology Rounds with interesting cases, Basic Science, Therapeutics, Genetics and Morphology. There is a yearly surgical curriculum.
Residents present both nationally and internationally. They also partake in clinical research projects which are published.
Residents have clinics and in-patient services at The Ottawa Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. The Division of Dermatology is based at the Civic site of The Ottawa Hospital where there is a residents’ room with computer access. Our residents can spend one week in Nunavut during their program under the guidance of Dr. Shukle.
Sample schedule
PGY1
13 block rotations distributed across Paediatrics – Wards, General Medicine (CTU), Rheumatology, Vascular Surgery, Infectious Disease, Adult and Paediatrics Emergency, Plastic Surgery and Dermatology.
PGY2
13 block rotations including Ambulatory Medicine and Pediatrics, Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Mohs Surgery, Pathology, Elective
PGY3
11 blocks distributed evenly across Civic Campus, General Campus, CHEO, Mohs Surgery Rotations
1 block Elective
1 block Pathology
PGY4
2 blocks of elective (local, national or international may be clinical or research-based or combined)
1 block of Laser Cosmetic Dermatology
1 block of Pathology
9 blocks of Dermatology distributed evenly across Civic, Campus, General, CHEO, Mohs Surgery rotations
PGY5
2 blocks (approved by Program Director) of elective (local, national or international, may be clinical or research-based or combined), may focus on deficient areas in preparation for the Royal College Exam or do electives in preparation for Fellowship.
1 block of Laser/Cosmetic Dermatology
1 block of Transition to Practice clinics
3 blocks of Modified schedule prior to Royal College Examinations
1 block of Pathology
5 blocks of Dermatology distributed evenly across Civic Campus, General Campus, CHEO, Mohs Surgery rotations.
Contact
Anne Grose
Program Administrator
E-mail:
Tel: 613-798-5555 ext. 19355
4. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
About us
University of Ottawa Physiatry Mission Statement
“We strive to provide comprehensive training of the highest quality, tailored to meet the educational needs of individual residents. We prepare our graduates to be competent and respected physiatrists in the practice they choose – be it general, sub-specialty, academic or community-based.”
The University of Ottawa Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency training program is a direct entry 5-year program fully accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). The U of O PM&R program has been hailed as a “model for the country” by the RCPSC accreditors.
There are 2 PGY-1 positions available per year. With the CBME curriculum, the first 17 months of residency include 3 introductory PM&R rotations followed by 14 months of off-service rotations. These rotations include CTU, medicine subspecialties, neurology, orthopedics, sub-specialty surgeries, rheumatology, geriatric medicine and an elective. The remaining training consists of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation inpatient and outpatient services. Our program contains all the core Physiatry rotations as well as other sub-specialty rotations not commonly seen in other programs – Pediatric and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation.
The PM&R Division has an independent education infrastructure with its own Education Committee encompassing undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) and continuing professional development (CPD) components, each chaired by a faculty member. The Division conducts an annual needs assessment to create its own PM&R weekly grand rounds, monthly journal clubs and annual research day.
There are 18 dedicated academic physiatrists and 3 community physiatrists who contribute actively to the training program. Our faculty members have diverse clinical and scholarship interests so that our curriculum easily integrates the seven CanMEDS core competencies within the curriculum. The competencies are explicitly taught in our formal curriculum and reinforced in our informal curriculum with 1:1 teaching.
The strength of the program lies in its comprehensive yet flexible structure with an open and transparent feedback process. Trainees are provided with regular, well-timed feedback. Similarly, residents provide faculty regular feedback on their teaching abilities and on the rotation.
Watch this video to learn more about the PM&R Residency Program at uOttawa.
Contact
To learn more about our program, please visit: http://www.med.uottawa.ca/physiatry/eng/index.html.