McMaster University

Program Highlights

Type of curriculum: Block + Integration (half days back to primary family clinic when off-service)

PGY1: 4 blocks of FM, 2 blocks of care of the hospitalized adult, 2 blocks

of EM, 2 blocks of women's health and OB, 2 blocks of peds, 1 block of

FM/academic programming,

PGY2: 4 blocks of FM, 2 blocks of rural FM, 2 blocks of core

medicine/surgery, 1 block of Care of the Elderly, 3 blocks of electives, 1

block of FM/academic programming

Unique features:

• Generalist Practices

  • Family physicians in Fergus provide hospitalist inpatient care, and many also practice emergency medicine and obstetrics.

• Family Practice Obstetrics Group

  • Weekly obstetrics rounds, prenatal clinics, and numerous delivery opportunities provide residents with robust training in family practice obstetrics.

• Emergency Medicine Care 

  • The program allows residents to tailor their learning experiences by picking up extra ER shifts, enhance their POCUS skills, and hone in on their clinical skills in this rural emergency department 

• Blended Urban and Rural Training Opportunities

  • Internal medicine and emergency medicine can be done in a blended format to allow for exposure to the “rural” way of comprehensive care and yet also access the acuity and specialty service approach in surrounding urban hubs including Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge 

• Mennonite Community Connection 

  • Fergus and the surrounding areas have a significant Mennonite population, offering unique opportunities for medical training. Residents will gain valuable experience in understanding and addressing the specific healthcare needs and cultural considerations of the Mennonite community, enhancing their ability to provide culturally sensitive care

Scholarly activities:

All residents gain core competencies in research via the InQuiry Curriculum

Additional research opportunities beyond the core curriculum

PGY3 enhanced skills opportunities in research and scholarship 

Course funding:

Salary and benefits determined by PARO - 4 weeks of paid vacation, 17-35 of pregnancy/parental leave top-up, dental/extended health coverage

Community Highlights

Recreation: 

Watersports on Grand River/Elora Gorge, rock climbing, provincial parks.

Cultural notes:

Home to Highland Games, lively arts community, annual Elmira Maple Syrup Festival nearby.

Cost of living:

Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment between $1700 - $2100

Resident Testimonial

“Fergus is an excellent residency location to obtain a full-scope family

medicine experience. If you are looking for a mixture of clinic, emergency

medicine, in-patient medicine, obstetrics, anaesthesia, and/or surgical

assist, this is the program for you!”

—Fergus Family Medicine Resident