University of Ottawa

Winchester

Winchester stream

Located on the traditional land of the St. Lawrence Iroquoians, Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mohawk, Huron-Wendat, Omàmiwininiwak (Algonquin), and Haudenosaunee

Resident Testimonials:

“I am three months into my residency and the novelty of being in this great residency program has not even slightly worn off. After busy days of work, I find myself driving home and reflecting on how fortunate I feel to be a resident at Winchester. The learning environment is very friendly, and the Winchester hospital community takes you in as one of their own as soon as you start. It is clear that the program and the physicians in Winchester are invested in your learning, and I feel very well supported both professionally and personally. One of my personal favorites about the program is that it is not block based, and the scheduling is flexible (e.g. able to move elective time, schedule days with services you feel less confident, etc.). This program provides comprehensive non-service based rural family medicine training only 40 minutes from Ottawa!” - R1 

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.)  

Depends where you choose to live. If you live in Winchester, there is very minimal travel, as you will be working at the Winchester hospital and at a clinic in the surrounding area for the vast majority of the training. A car is fairly essential for this program. There are elective opportunities available in Winchester as well, although residents are encouraged explore other locations for electives. Most residents including those from recent years live in Ottawa and commute to Winchester. 

What do you do for fun in your community? 

There is not much to do for fun in Winchester itself, however it is only 30 minutes from the city of Ottawa. 

Do you have the option to travel for electives? If yes, where have you gone? Can you provide some examples? 

Yes, we get two elective blocks and are encouraged to do them outside of Winchester to gain exposure to services not available in Winchester (e.g. ICU, psychiatry, etc.). I was able to organize a family medicine elective in Nipigon, ON and there are opportunities to do electives in Northern Canada. 

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? 

Family Medicine residents are the only local residents, which means we are first in line during rotations on other specialties (although there are occasionally visiting residents on elective). Our training in these specialties is focused on how it pertains to family medicine. 

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

Tight-knit group with an amazing program coordinator and director. You are well cared for and the physicians in Winchester are clearly invested in your learning. Many alumni from the program have continued to work in Winchester, which is a reflection on the comprehensive training and the great work environment.