Rural Electives

Rural Electives

Diversification = Rural electives will be classified based on the predominant role or primary training of the preceptor

2-4 weeks

University of Alberta Students:  Placement contact:  Kurfy Kangave dalsou@ualberta.ca

**U of A students are required to confirm a preceptor and forward to Kurfy Kangave a confirmation email from the preceptor and then request the elective through MedSIS.
Visiting Medical Students: visitingelectives@ualberta.ca

A detailed list of the hospitals and doctors in the province approved for providing medical students with opportunities to participate in medical practice outside of Edmonton is available. Other sites will be given full consideration as well.

To allow students to understand and demonstrate their knowledge of how medical practice is carried out in a rural setting, including the following aspects:

• the types of patients and conditions seen,
• the importance of continuity of care,
• the importance of knowing one's patients, their families and ways of life in the rendering of care,
• how hospitals and community resources such as laboratory and
• x-ray facilities, rehabilitation facilities, public health resources, counsellors, social agencies, etc., are utilized in the care of patients,
• how a family physician handles a volume practice and the strategies used in the process, 
• the use of referral to distant tertiary care centers in acute emergency situations, using all air or ambulance transport, after consultation,
• state the principles of diagnosis and management of conditions seen in family practice,
• describe the significance of comprehensive continuing medical care as opposed to episodic care, and the role of the physicians as a resource,
• outline the strategy, which the rural physician uses to balance the competing demands of family life, personal life and medicine.

Information for University of Alberta Students:

All electives must be requested through MedSIS.

**Important Information Regarding Rural & Regional Rotations**

Medical learners wishing to undertake a rural or regional rotation and who have not received approval from the Office of Rural & Regional Health are asked to contact the office directly for assistance. It is important to note that any electives that have not been approved by Rural & Regional Health may not receive financial support! Rural sites are considered anything 80km outside of Edmonton.

Undergraduate Family Practice experience is strongly recommended as preparation for approved Family Medicine Residency Programs.