Queens University

Program Highlights

Type of curriculum: Horizontal

Curricular outline[1]: PGY1: First 6 weeks is a bootcamp (key skills and training). Average of 2 days/wk FM. Horizontal experiences include pediatric clinics, OB/GYN clinics and on-call, minor procedures clinics, EM, cardiology, GI, behavioural medicine, hospitalist, palliative care, MAID, 4 wks slectives, 4 wks IM. PGY2: Average of 2 days/wk FM. 8 wks rural FM, 4 wks electives. 8 selective days.

Unique features:

• Nightmares FM course (critical care simulation) and ALARM course (obstetrical emergency simulation); neonatal resuscitation training.

• “Intro to Residency” boot camp block.

• Annual wilderness retreat.

• International electives.

• Global health experiences include opportunities to work with vulnerable or underserviced populations locally and globally.

• Links with rural and remote community hospitals including Moose Factory and the Falkland Islands.

Scholarly activities: Two projects over two years (scholarly project & PGY1 team QI project).

Community Highlights

Recreation: Expansive waterfront for sailing and fishing; great hiking & biking trails; 19 golf courses; close to Prince Edward County (wineries and galleries) and Sandbanks Provincial Park (20 min away - sandy beaches & campgrounds). 

Cultural notes: Historic downtown is home to an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, boutiques, theatre, and a popular farmers market; home to Quinte symphony; Belleville Waterfront & Multicultural Festival in July; daily VIA rail service to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. 

Cost of living: Average rent is 6% greater than national average.[2]

Resident Testimonial

“I enjoy the outdoors, so I'm really happy about Belleville’s proximity to Prince Edward County. It's great to feel like you're getting away even though it's only a 15 min drive from your house. Really supportive faculty so far, program director is great. So far good work life balance. I wanted a suburban family medicine program and this is great. It's also close to both Ottawa and Kingston and Toronto, so you can drive there on the weekends.” – Dr. Christine Liu, R2

“I was immediately drawn to the Belleville site Family Medicine Program at Queen's after my interview. The residents and staff were so friendly and outgoing and had plenty of positive things to share. Some of my favourite things about our site include: the Horizontal curriculum, the small, tight knit group of residents, minimal travel requirements, encouraging and supportive staff, proximity to beautiful Prince Edward County with lots of wineries, breweries, beaches, outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, cycling), conservation areas, etc., and the opportunity to train with a variety of staff in areas tailored to your interests.” – Dr. Patricia Howse, R2

1.      On average, how much travel is required in this stream? (i.e. are you based on one community, or do you travel based on rotations, teaching, etc.)

Within the city of Belleville I been biking. There is minimal travel (may be more to Kingston pre-Covid). Only required for rural block and potentially for Electives depending on what you select.

2.      What is the breadth/scope of family medicine in this program? Does your program's teaching emphasize particular rural skills (e.g. obstetrics, emergency medicine, mental health, etc.)?

Broad! Lots of Hospitalist, Emergency med, palliative care, GPO, OR assist, procedures in clinic, etc. Little OB but still opportunities to learn.

3.      What do you do for fun in your community?

Run, water sports are big here, there's a new bouldering gym!

4.  What is the scope of practice of other specialties or rotations in this program? Do these specialties have their own residents or only family residents that rotate through?

Only family medicine residents are in the city. There is apparently the odd royal college resident but I've not seen one yet. 

5.  What makes this program unique? What drew you to it?

The variety of practices to learn from and the awesome co-residents. The beautiful county and the proximity to major cities (Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, US border, Montreal) are also nice!