Clinical Staff

Clinical Faculty

Clinical Academic Colleagues (CACs) in the Department of Medicine (DoM) play a vital role in advancing patient care, education, research, and leadership across Alberta’s largest academic clinical department.

Why Join the Department of Medicine as a CAC?

Being a CAC in the DoM means joining a large, collaborative academic community with the infrastructure, support, and culture needed to thrive in a clinical–academic career, while contributing meaningfully to education, research, leadership, and patient care.

In addition to faculty-level perks, CACs in the DoM benefit from department-embedded supports, strong divisional communities, and operational infrastructure designed to support hybrid clinical–academic careers.

Teaching, Research and Academic Contributions

Involvement in Teaching

CACs are required to contribute to the educational mission of the DoM. Teaching activities, goals, and expectations are typically discussed with the DD and may include one or more of the following:

  • Clinical bedside teaching for students and/or residents in inpatient and/or ambulatory settings
  • Lectures and/or seminars delivered to students and/or residents
  • Participation in the evaluation of learners (e.g., OSCEs, interviews, assessment activities)
  • Other teaching or educational contributions aligned with divisional needs

Teaching involvement is flexible and recognizes the varied clinical and academic contexts of CACs across the Department.

Research Involvement

CAC’s may be eligible to participate in research activities, depending on the nature of their appointment and divisional needs.

Research involvement may include:

  • Participation in clinical research or clinical trials
  • Collaboration on research projects
  • Supervision of learners engaged in research (where applicable)

Eligibility to conduct research and apply for or hold grants is determined in accordance with University of Alberta policies and procedures (UAPPOL). University eligibility is not required for clinical trials grants held through NACTRC.

Recognition and Academic Standing

CAC’s are formally recognized by the FoMD through academic appointments and promotions. While each clinical department maintains its own promotions committee, criteria for appointments and promotions are uniform across departments and are merit-based on achievements in the four academic pillars of education.

Details about the promotions process, including criteria, application guidelines, templates and resources, are available on our Clinical Faculty Promotions page. 

With each promotion, CACs receive:

  • A formal letter from the Dean of the FoMD
  • An official certificate recognizing academic achievement

Faculty-level Resources

As a Clinical Academic Colleague, you have access to a broad range of University and Faculty resources, including:

University Access & Technology

  • Campus Computing ID (CCID) – Required to access University systems and services. A CCID is created by the Clinical Academic Staff Compliance Specialist once your appointment has been initiated.
  • ONEcard – University identification card providing access to libraries and selected facilities.
  • Eduroam – Secure wireless access across campus, teaching hospitals, LRT stations, and participating institutions worldwide.
  • U of A Email & Google Workspace – Email, calendar, cloud storage, etc.
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) – Secure off-campus access to University resources.

Academic and Professional Resources

  • Library Access – Extensive online journals and physical collections across disciplines
  • Professional Webpage – Self-managed faculty profile through the University of Alberta Directory
  • Faculty Development Resources – Teaching, leadership, and lifelong learning opportunities
  • Teaching Stipends – May be available through individual departments or MD Program / PGME offices (eligibility varies)

Campus Life and Discounts

  • Athletic Facilities – Discounted access to the Van Vliet Complex
  • Discounted Software – Academic pricing through On The Hub
  • Convocation Participation – Eligibility to participate in the University Procession
  • Hotel Discounts – CAUBO-negotiated rates; see the Travel Management site
  • Apple Education Pricing – Academic pricing on select Apple products
  • University Club Membership – Eligibility for membership (fees and dues apply)

What’s Unique About Being a CAC in the DoM

In addition to faculty-level benefits, CACs in the DoM have access to department-embedded supports designed to reduce administrative burden, strengthen academic engagement, and foster a strong professional community.

Department and Divisional Support

Professional Community & Culture

Appointment Terms & Expectations

Clinical academic appointments in the DoM are offered for one, three, or five-year terms and are renewable upon favourable review initiated by the Division Director (DD). Appointments are non-remunerated; however, a teaching stipend may be available and requires completion of an annual report. Appointments may be terminated during the term by mutual consent or at the discretion of the DD or Department Chair.

The goals and expectations of a clinical academic appointment are intended to provide significant mutual benefit to the physician, the division, and the DoM. Expectations are established at the divisional level and may evolve over the course of the appointment.

Staying Connected

Once appointed, CAC’s are encouraged to:

Contact Us:

Apply to become a CAC