NOSM University

Program Highlights

Type of curriculum:

Block-based curriculum. Each resident will spend significant time in the community practice of preceptors. Residents participate in all aspects of the practice, including continuous care to their own patients within the practice and participation in the care of all in-­hospital patients within the practice whenever possible.  Participation in the care of the practice’s patients in multiple environments including the hospital, patients' homes and other scenarios is encouraged.[1]

Sample curriculum schedule:

PGY1 Duration PGY2 Duration
FM 16 weeks FM 16 weeks
FM Rural 8 weeks FM Rural 8 weeks
Internal Med 4 weeks Internal Med 4 weeks
EM 4 weeks EM 4 weeks
OB/GYN 4 weeks OB/GYN 4 weeks
Mental Health 4 weeks Surgical Selective 4 weeks
Pediatrics 4 weeks Electives 12 weeks
Electives 8 weeks

Note:  Family physicians (preceptors) who do not do hospital rounds – residents are required to do up to four (4) additional weeks of Internal Medicine/Hospitalist medicine.[1]

Unique features:

Often 1-on-1 with preceptor who is selected based on resident's interests and career goals. Opportunities for exposure to various styles of family medicine practice such as focused practices in women’s health, palliative care, mental health counselling, sexual health, care of the elderly, hospitalist, and undergraduate medical school teaching. Sudbury is the site of NOSM U's main campus, allowing for increased interprofessional learning with dietetic interns, physician assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc.[1]

Scholarly activities:

A number of scholarly activities are planned within the program[1]:

• Research and/or quality improvement (QI), supported by a tutor

• Ongoing didactic and small group sessions focused on Evidence-Based Medicine, Research and Quality Improvement

• Resident Research Day

Course funding:

Provides financial support for ACLS and NRP.  Also provided with some financial support through the Resident Reimbursement Fund (RRF) to attend other courses or conferences such as Family Medicine Forum (FMF) and Society of Rural Physicians Rural and Remote Medicine Conference (SRPC).[1]

Financial support for resident travel to and from core clinical placements away from the home base and all mandatory educational activities at non home base locations. Housing support for core rotations away from home base and primary residence for up to 6 months per academic year.[1]

Community Highlights

Recreation:

Lots of clean lakes and beaches to swim, sail, or kayak on. Many recreational sports leagues, hockey, curling, golf, lit ice-skating paths, cross country skiing, running trails. Downhill ski hill nearby.[4]

Cultural notes:

Multicultural Northern city with a strong Francophone population (27%) and First Nation communities. Many eclectic restaurants, live music, theatre of preforming arts, and an indie cinema. Large natural science centres and mining science centre[4].

Cost of living:

Average monthly cost of living including rent in Greater Sudbury is $2663.[5]