Progressive Learning Environment
The MD Program provides students and faculty with opportunities to learn in world-class teaching facilities.
The curriculum emphasizes classroom and community based learning opportunities in an experiential learning model.
Innovative Teaching and Learning - The U of A MD Program uses problem-based, interactive, small-group learning modalities such as discovery learning, and team-based learning, which allows students to apply theoretical concepts to real life cases starting in the first two years of their medical education, with further application in the clinical learning experience in third and fourth year. Students participate in cadaveric dissection to gain hands-on experience with the three dimensional relationships of structures within the human body. Throughout the program, a generalist approach is prioritized, with students partnering with a community family physician beginning in the first year as a longitudinal clinical experience..
Skills Lab - The Skills Lab is a valuable learning resource in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. It is the goal of the staff and faculty to provide access to high-quality resources in a positive environment that supports learning. The lab is divided into six cubicles that medical students can book and practice the skills of history-taking and physical exam. Two of these cubicles are outfitted with otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes and blood pressure cuffs.
Caring doctors - Longitudinal Clincial Experience (LCE), as well as as the other clinical skills components of our program pairs students with preceptors to learn proper communication and conduct with patients. This is complemented by awards from the Gold Humanism Honor Society, which recognize students and preceptors who have demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service.
Rural initiatives - Students have many opportunities to learn in rural environments throughout their four years in medical school. Shadowing, rural based electives, and rural skill days are some of the opportunities available to students in years 1 and 2. Third year students can choose to spend their 3rd year entirely in a rural community through the Integrated Community Clerkship (ICC). Students in their 4th year can apply to spend their final year completing their core rotations in Grande Prairie.
Learn more about Rural and Regional Health
Indigenous Health Program (IHP) - The Indigenous Health Program (IHP) supports the growth in the number of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people in medicine and dentistry programs in order to address the gap in the under representation of Indigenous peoples in health professions in Alberta and across Canada. This is accomplished through our collaborative and holistic program that provides wrap-around support to qualified Indigenous applicants as they enter into, and graduate successfully from, the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.
Learn more about the Indigenous Health Program (IHP)
Learning Management System - An online learning management system developed in the faculty provides students seamless access to courses, libraries, assessments and evaluation from anywhere at any time. These innovations also include lecture vodcasting, personalized online schedules, discovery-learning workspaces, clinical simulations, case-based instruction, portfolios and community boards.
Curriculum Management and Curriculum Map - The MD program has a curriculum management team that monitors the overall structure of the curriculum. The MD Program Curriculum is transparent, easy to understand, feedback-driven and evidence-based.
Communities of Learning - The MD program has several communities of learning for students to participate in research, volunteer with the community and integrate arts into their learning.