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:

• Diverse Rotations

  • Residents participate in a wide range of specialty rotations, including ICU, Palliative Care, Anaesthesia, and OR assisting, ensuring a well-rounded clinical experience.

• Teaching Opportunities

  • Residents have the chance to teach local Physician Assistant (PA) and nursing students, as well as contribute to the undergraduate MD program in Hamilton, enhancing their teaching and mentorship skills.

• Community Engagement

  • The program emphasizes the importance of community involvement, allowing residents to develop strong relationships with their patients and understand the unique healthcare needs of rural populations.

• International Agricultural Worker Program

  • Simcoe’s program has received national media coverage for its effective pandemic response, providing critical healthcare services to international agricultural workers highlighting the importance of culturally safe and competent care in our region.

• Family Health Team Resources and Allied Health 

  • The FHT offers clinic sites in Simcoe, Delhi, and Port Rowan, providing team-based care with diverse clinical opportunities. Key services include the Chronic Pain Clinic, International Agricultural Worker Clinic, Midwifery Clinic, Clinical Dietitian, Social Work services including the “Talk-In Clinic” Mental Health Walk-In Clinic, and Family Medicine Dermatology. The FHT’s comprehensive approach to rural healthcare  ensures that residents gain a broad and in-depth experience. For more information, visit Norfolk Family Health Team.

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:

On the north shore of Lake Erie; fishing, birding, hiking, camping,

cycling.

Cultural notes:

Fairs and music/arts festivals, botanical gardens, Friday the 13th in Port

Dover.

Cost of living:

Average cost of 1-bedroom apartment between $1400 - $2200

Resident Testimonial

“The Rural Simcoe program is a comprehensive program designed for the

independent resident who desires competence in rural generalism... The

program is connected to the residency program at Grand Erie Six Nations

in that all academic sessions are completed in Brantford with the

community-based residents. ...Additionally, the Brantford General Hospital

has a top-notch group of ER doctors who have built a simulated education

program for the GE6N and Simcoe residents.”

—Simcoe FM Resident