Date: Monday, December 8th

Time: 12:00 - 12:50pm

Location: Katz 1080 (with Zoom link available)

The guest speaker will be Dr. Jay Zhu, the program director of UofA Plastic Surgery. The first part of the talk will give an introduction to the field of Plastic Surgery. The second part will be a general talk about CARMS, which will be beneficial to students of all interests. Food provided. 

Students can sign up here! 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8CPqM058wIXjT42RSTMhlQZaHZDoREdXmnYtyfTiNJWrLnw/viewform?usp=dialog 

Contact: Carson (cmccomb@ualberta.ca), Brady (blmcquai@ualberta.ca)

Date: Monday, December 8th

Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm

Location: Katz 1080 & Zoom (see MSA calendar for link)

This panel will provide current medical students at UofA, UofC, & TMU with information from experts (with personal experiences mixed in!) on how a career in medicine can impact their sexual & reproductive health, and different considerations to navigate these impacts.

Students can sign up here! 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XjK2Oo3uNxseqa3UyfxckfbcLC5p_jcnjUcXokvmQ7k/edit

Contact: Aura Wetherell: awethere@ualberta.ca

Date: Wednesday, December 10th

Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm

Location: Katz 1004

We’re excited to announce that Dr. Benson, Faculty Lead for the Vision Loss Community Support Elective, will be giving a lunch talk on Wednesday, December 10th (12–1 PM in Katz 1080) on common eye conditions.

This will be a great introduction to some of the conditions you’ll encounter when working with patients who require vision support.

A sign-up sheet, which also includes other opportunities hosted through this elective, can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1adDojhgWvB8qXm0ADvBcjTmyzxdRPTKShfNJzXKiADw/edit?gid=891834841#gid=891834841 

We hope to see you there!

Contact: wqiu@ualberta.ca, klorourk@ualberta.ca, dalrimaw@ualberta.ca

Date: December 8th - 19th

Location: MSA Lounge

‘Tis the season of giving! What better way to spread some warmth than by donating clothing to those who need it most?

We’ll be collecting clothing items in support of the Bissell Centre, helping out our neighbours at the Boyle Street Community Centre

Here’s how you can take part:

👕 A donation box will be set out in the MSA Lounge

🧣Place your items inside anytime throughout the upcoming weeks

📦 Donations will be collected Dec 8 through Dec 19

Not sure what you can donate?

👉 Check out the full list of accepted items here: https://www.bissellthriftshop.com/donate 

December is the perfect time to think of those less fortunate than us -- even a small contribution can make a big difference. As the weather gets colder, warm clothes and jackets are hugely appreciated, but many items are accepted! Anything that cannot directly be given to the Boyle Street Community Center will be sold in the Bissel thrift store and $0.89/dollar is donated to programs helping houselessness and poverty in Edmonton. Let’s come together and show what our community is capable of!

Thanks for spreading the love this season! 🎄✨ 

Contact: Kiarra or Dasha (kdurand@ualberta.ca, bosyy@ualberta.ca)

The Health Sciences Students' Association (HSSA) is launching its first college-wide survey to assess the barriers and concerns that students face in their clinical placements. This anonymous 9-12 minute survey aims to collect data from health sciences' students about their clinical placement experiences.

How will the results be used?

- They will be shared in a progress report with the Deans of the faculties of the College of Health Sciences to ensure leadership is aware of the issues and can act on them.

- They will be presented to the Office of Dean of Students to support meaningful action on the courses raised.

- They will be presented to the University of Alberta Students' Union Council to explore advocacy opportunities beyond campus.

- A public report will also be released for students to view. 

Upon completion of the survey, you can choose to enter a giveaway for various gift cards! Your responses to this first survey will remain completely anonymous and separate from the draw.

Fill out the survey here: https://ualbertauw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_abLFwPDv2Z9ugCy 

Contact: hssa@ualberta.ca

Date: December 8 - 19

This variety of group fitness classes is free to UofA students to help promote physical activity and stress relief during the exam break (December 8-19), no registration needed. 

See the schedule using this link: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/campus-community-recreation/special-events/unwind-your-mind.html

Contact: msavpwel@ualberta.ca

The Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) has opened applications for the 2026 summer research funding cycle, including the Alberta Innovates Student Research Studentship (SRS) for undergraduate MD students conducting health- or medical-related research. Priority areas include Applied Health Research, Sustainable Health Systems, Digital Health, and One Health.

Students now submit ONE application through AwardsHub to be considered for all eligible URI-administered awards.

Deadlines:

• Feb 2, 2026 – Student application deadline

• Feb 9, 2026 – Supervisor submission deadline

• Late March – Decision notifications

More details are available on the Alberta Innovates Summer Studentships webpage. Students may also book advising support via campusBRIDGE.

Looking for a fun way to spend your Wednesday evenings? Join the Curling Club!

The Edmonton Doctor's Curling League has graciously welcomed us to join their weekly curling league free of charge.

Curling takes place every Wednesday evening starting at 7:15pm at the Granite Curling Club (8620 107 St NW). Every week a sign-up sheet will be sent out for that weeks' game, so there is absolutely no commitment to come every week!

Whether you've been curling for years or this is your first time curling, players of all levels are more than welcome! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, try out a new skill, and network with doctors in the community.

If you still need more convincing, check out this article featuring one of the EDCL presidents, who is also a UofA medical school alumna: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/medicine/news/2025/09/doctors-curling-league.html

Please sign up for our mailing list here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MoSv7i19oeqvWQZj1cNnQfcdDuWTPUzWuZQBt_X-YOg/edit?gid=0#gid=0

See you on the ice!

Contact: shelaine@ualberta.ca, dalrimaw@ualberta.ca

Date: Monday, December 15th

Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm

Location: Katz Atrium

Join us for a relaxed cookie-decorating break. It’s a low-key chance to unwind, be creative, and enjoy some treats before exams/holidays!!

We’ll have freshly baked cookies (gingerbread, sugar cookies and gluten free options!), toppings, and colorful icing. 

Just bring yourself, your friends, your decorating skills, and maybe a container! Hope to see you there! 🍪🤍

Contact: hmaryam@ualberta.ca, kdurand@ualberta.ca, bosyy@ualberta.ca, msavpwel@ualberta.ca

Date: Tuesday, December 16th

Time: 12:00 - 12:50pm

Location: Katz 1080

Come join us on December 16th as Dr. Bruce Ramsey gives a talk on what anesthesiology is and answer questions students may have on this speciality!

A Zoom link will be provided only to NAMP students.

Contact: csc@ualberta.ca , hyelin1@ualberta.ca, ctchan2@ualberta.ca 

Date: Friday, December 19th

Time: 3:00 - 4:00pm

Location: Achieve Studio 📍 104, 10159 118 St NW (enter through back door)

All fitness levels welcome. This is a free strength and conditioning class led by Shaif Jetha, BKin, BEd.

🚗 Parking: Rear lot (orange Achievement signs) or street meters

👟 Bring: Indoor shoes + a bit of energy! This event will be a food bank fundraiser (any donation welcome - cash is preferred over cans (e.g. $10, $20, etc)) with a festive dress code (bring your santa hats 🎅🏻). 

Happy hour at Earls to follow 🥂

https://forms.gle/VQdhhWULExGXXBS5A 

Contact: awethere@ualberta.ca or msavpwel@ualberta.ca

Date: Wednesday, January 28th, 2026

Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm

Location: Katz 1080

You are invited to attend an hour-long introductory discussion on the Enhanced Skills postgraduate training programs available at the University of Alberta, specifically the Enhanced Surgical Skills and Family Practice Anesthesia Programs. 

Meet with Dr. Mark Prins, Director of the Office of Rural and Regional Health to learn about the structure, and strengths of the Enhanced Surgical Skills Training program (ESS). Learn about and ask questions on how you can gain the foundational surgical skills to practice in rural and remote communities. 

Also meet with Dr. Rauten Coetsee, a General Practitioner Anesthetist in Rocky Mountain House, to discuss his experiences learning within the Family Practice Anesthesia program and practicing in rural.  

Contact: uofa.rmig@gmail.com

Date: Friday, January 30th

Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm

Location: Katz 1-080

Please join us in welcoming Dr. William Stokes for a lunch talk on Infectious Diseases! This talk will include an introduction to the specialty of ID, and provide an opportunity for questions from the audience. Refreshments will be provided.

Contact: mha@ualberta.ca

BFC is a student-led project celebrating creativity & comfort food at med school! Share your favorite recipe to help fill the Brain Food Cookbook with warmth, flavor & community this fall: https://forms.gle/c4EbWnZ7v8zfb9U47 

Contact: Kelsey O'Rourke (klorourk@ualberta.ca)

The University of Calgary is conducting a National survey study (REB25-1075) on Canadian medical students’ usage and perceptions of large language models in medical education, and we need your input! Participation involves completing a brief survey, and participants can enter for a chance to win one of ten $20 Amazon gift cards. Click here to complete it now: https://survey.ucalgary.ca/jfe/form/SV_0I2D9B9VyFvkL6m 

Our team would greatly appreciate your help!

UofA medical students are invited to participate in a study that assesses usage and perceptions on large language models in the context of medical education. The study will explore perceived benefits and challenges, including concerns about accuracy, ethical implications, and disparities in access to artificial intelligence technologies.

The research study is being conducted at the University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine. There are no known risks associated with participating in this study. Participation is completely voluntary. Your responses to the surveys will remain confidential and no identifiable information about you will be kept with the research data. The study has received ethical approval from the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB25-1075).

Complete the short survey for a chance to win one of ten $20 amazon gift cards! The questionnaire should take 5-10 minutes. 

Study details can be found here.

Link: https://survey.ucalgary.ca/jfe/form/SV_0I2D9B9VyFvkL6m 

Contact: Zachary Klarenbach (zachary.klarenbach@ucalgary.ca)

Pre-clinical and first-year clerkship medical students are invited to answer a short questionnaire about the place of genetics in their curriculum and future medical practice.

This study is part of the C-MOnGene: When technological and organizational innovation goes together: A collaborative model to make oncogenetic more agile, accessible and efficient project by Professors Hermann Nabi and Michel Dorval of Laval University. The Research Ethics Committee of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval approved this study (2025-7692).

Link to the questionnaire: https://redcap.chudequebec.ca/surveys/?s=789XWLRCKE 

As compensation for the time spent completing the questionnaire, participants will have the opportunity to enter a giveaway to win one of 20 $50 Pharmaprix/Shoppers Drug Mart gift cards. Once they have completed the questionnaire, participants will have access to a link directing them to a form they can fill out if they wish to enter the giveaway. The form will only ask for their first name and e-mail address.

Contact: Hermann.Nabi@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca 

The Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD) Mentorship Program is designed to connect Canadian medical students with medical trainees (medical students or residents) who have shared experiences of disability, chronic illness (physical or mental), neurodivergence, and/or requiring academic accommodations. If you identify as a trainee with a disability and would like to provide or receive confidential support through this program, sign up using the link below!

Mentor Registration Form (2nd year medical students and above, residents) 

Mentee Registration Form (medical students of all years welcome to apply!) 

Website: https://www.capd.ca/mentorship
Contact: capdmentorship@gmail.com

Cultivate mindful awareness through meditation, movement, and breathwork in this weekly free drop-in yoga class. Students of all skill levels are welcome to join this free activity led by Yoga Instructor Dr. Steve Knish. No sign-up is necessary.

This is completely free for UofA students! 

Mondays (weekly: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.) and Thursdays (weekly: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.) | Interfaith Centre, Room 3-02, Students’ Union Building, North Campus

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/events/dean-of-students/ccs-winter/yoga-monday.html 

Contact: msavpwel@ualberta.ca 

The Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD) is a national organization advocating for and providing support to physicians with disabilities. The mission of CAPD is to:

• To provide a national forum for discussion of issues of mutual interest and concern to physicians with disabilities.

• To open avenues for exchange of ideas and information, particularly as these apply toclinical practice.

• To foster common bonds and lend support to each other.

• To strive together to improve the quality of care and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.

• To take a leadership role in influencing clinical education and research in matters pertaining to both patients and physicians with disabilities.

• To act as a vehicle to inform and educate the public at large regarding the many facets of disabilities.

• To be proactive in effectively influencing policies and laws affecting all people with

• disabilities.

Since December 2020, the CAPD has had a very active Trainee Group that includes medical students and resident physicians from across the country who live with disabilities and are advocating for improvements in medical education. We host events and have a number of ongoing projects related to medical education and disability. We have monthly meetings and new members are always welcome!

Membership is free. Sign up here: https://www.capd.ca/?page_id=106 

The goal of this program is to foster leadership among students, as we recognize that they play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare practices.

Funding Program Details:

• As part of this funding program, CADeN will be supporting student-led activities (e.g. a presentation, an interactive activity or a journal club) that raise awareness and deepen understanding of medication appropriateness and deprescribing among medical students.

• Selected students or student teams will receive up to $500 CAD to support their activity. Activities must take place between October 1st, 2025 and March 31st, 2026.

• Interested students are invited to learn more about the initiative and submit their proposed activity by September 30th, 2025, at our website: https://www.deprescribingnetwork.ca/student-funding. Any questions can also be sent to aylin.mansimova@rimuhc.ca 

I am reaching out to invite you to share and/or participate in a research study on the educational and career pathways of OB/GYN residents, being conducted by a doctoral student in the Health Sciences program at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. The purpose of this study is to better understand the factors that contribute to educational and career pathway decision making of OB/GYN students following the 2022 Dobbs decision.

Your participation in this study will provide important feedback to help OB/GYN residency programs in the United States better understand how to support current and future residents to deliver the best educational opportunities possible.

The voluntary and anonymous survey will take about five minutes and consists of a 25-item multiple choice survey with the optional opportunity to provide additional information in a confidential interview. Participation is limited to individuals who are currently engaged in matching with an OB/GYN residency, enrolled, or completed residency since 2022.

Please share the OB/GYN Resident and Early Career Survey with any colleagues who may also match the participation criteria; the more responses we are able to capture, the more accurate and representative our results will be.

Thank you for your time and consideration, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Contact: BTray@live.esu.edu 

A first year medical student at McMaster recently started an initiative called ‘Doc Days’ which is a collection of ‘day-in-the-life’ physician experiences geared towards helping medical students in their choice of specialty. Attached are direct links to the website: 

• Doc Days 

• Doc Days - Meet the Physicians

Need funding for student held events? Request support from the FoMD Alumni Advisory Council for activities that connect students and alumni.

We will:

• Help student groups find alumni volunteers for their activities!

• Provide up to $500 to support activities that connect alumni and students!

If you are interested, please visit: https://www.ualberta.ca/medicine/alumni/resources.html.

Funding is just one click away!

Contact: fomdalum@ualberta.ca. Or one of our alumni association students reps at: maggie1@ualberta.ca, pineau@ualberta.ca

On behalf of our research team, we are seeking volunteer research assistants to participate in a study evaluating AI Scribe technology. If interested, please contact Dr. Amira Aissiou at amira@aimss.ca with the subject line "AI SCRIBE - volunteer research assistant" and a copy of your resume. 

On behalf of our research team, we are seeking volunteer research assistants to participate in an exciting study evaluating the use of Health Canada approved and PIPEDA-compliant AI Scribe technology. The study, titled "Evaluating the Use of Artificial Intelligence Scribe Tools in Decreasing Physician’s Perception of Administrative Burden and Increasing Patient Satisfaction" (REB study ID: Pro00139738), aims to explore how AI scribe tools can reduce administrative workloads and enhance patient care quality.

As a junior research assistant, your responsibilities will include liaising with physician participants, visiting clinics in person, and coordinating with Medical Office Assistants (MOAs) and clinic managers. This is a great opportunity to contribute to AI in healthcare research that could improve healthcare practices and reduce physician burnout. 

Contact: Amira Aissiou (amira@aimss.ca)