Discovering the Versatility of Family Medicine

Discovering the Versatility of Family Medicine

4 hours (1 half day)

Scheduling is flexible. Students can apply for multiple half-days to explore different experiences, or with the same preceptor - ie 3 half-days with the same preceptor, or half-days split amongst different preceptors and experiences.  

University of Alberta Students

To request this elective, please complete this form  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaptdWhaJPbP8c_95Fwc0De-_XgKTLG1Jz9nzqWIMcXnFLaA/viewform?usp=pp_url

Placement Contact Nicole Stubbs fmunder@ualberta.ca

This elective is available to UofA Medical Students only

The student works with the Department of Family Medicine to arrange a shadowing experience which gives them exposure to the variety of work done by family physicians. The student can identify an area of interest in conjunction with the Department of Family Medicine, to spend 4 hours shadowing a preceptor with that area of focus in clinical practice.

The variety of experiences is extensive, but specific placements will vary depending on student and preceptor availability.

Family Medicine Procedures may include biopsies, IUD insertions, vasectomies, hemorrhoids, ingrown toenails, cyst aspirations, etc.

These experiences may include but are certainly not limited to:

• Office-Based, Comprehensive Family Medicine
• Addictions Medicine
• Pelvic/Women’s Health Clinics
• Dermatology
• LGBTQIA2S+ Care
• Palliative Care/Hospice
• Long-Term Care
• Sports Medicine/Athlete Health
• Primary Care Obstetrics (Delivering Babies!)
• Mental Health
• Refugee Health
• Breastfeeding Clinic
• Urgent Care
• Occupational Medicine
• Geriatrics
• Family Medicine Procedures may include biopsies, IUD insertions, vasectomies, hemorrhoids, ingrown toenails, cyst aspirations, etc.
• Wound Care

***This list is not exhaustive; work with our administrative team to identify any possible experience that is not listed above.

This shadowing experience will expose students to the versatile and dynamic role a family physician can play in their clinical practice, and to begin familiarizing students with clinical encounters. Students will gain insight into clinical history taking, physical exam skills, and clinical decision making.

As the experiences are deliberately varied, specific medical knowledge, exposures, and objectives will be dependent on the clinical experience undertaken.

In many instances, students will gain an appreciation for preceptors who practice comprehensive family medicine in addition to a specific area of clinical focus.

This elective is not available to visiting Canadian Medical Students

You may indicate a preference for a specific preceptor/area of expertise (e.g. LGBTQ+ health, mental health, student health, sports medicine etc) or geographical location. All efforts will be made to match preferences with experiences, but until an elective is confirmed, initial preferences cannot be guaranteed. Work with our admin to find a placement that works for you!