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Curriculum

Core and Elective Rotations

The clinical rotations in Family Medicine and in the specialty rotations provide experiences in active, community-based teaching practices. In-hospital patient management is incorporated into all of the preceptorship rotations.

Elective rotations are used to meet objectives not met in core rotations. 16 weeks are set aside for approved elective experiences through the two years of the programme. The utilization of block electives may be supplemented by horizontal electives (one hour to one half day per week) arranged to occur during any appropriate rotation with preceptor approval. Up to eight weeks elective time may be taken outside of the province in the two years.

The core and elective rotations include:

PGY 2
Emergency and Anaesthesia	8 weeks
Obs/Gyne	8 weeks
Electives	8 weeks
Family Medicine	16 and 8 week rotations
Intensive Care Unit (Calgary-based)	4 weeks
Integrated Vacation	4 weeks

Rural Alberta South attempts to match resident rotation sites to balance specific resident requests with the availability of individual preceptors, accommodations and learning needs.

Rotation schedule changes are disruptive and will impact on other residents and preceptors; the unit director must receive written requests for changes 10 weeks in advance of the scheduled rotation. Only proposed changes based on educational reasons or an unforeseen emergency will be considered.

The objectives of the academic day and the core rotations are to enable the residents to explore and discuss important issues relevant to their future practice of family medicine. Central to the presentations are the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of a family physician in a rural or remote setting. Resident involvement in planning sessions ensures that programme and individual learning needs are met.

Rural Alberta South blocks residents' time from clinical training for monthly academic sessions. These sessions are held in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. A two-year curriculum, developed with both RAS and Calgary-based residents, ensures academic excellence. In order to minimize travel and disruption of family time per rotation, these are held the first Thursday and Friday of each month.

Journal clubs and regional centre rounds ensure academics are delivered consistent with the established University of Calgary requirements. There is a requirement for research activity. This could include a critical appraisal project, a practice quality improvement or original research project approved by the research director.