Queen's offers a two year training program in general internal medicine, accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The program has transitioned to a competency-based medical education (CBME) model - this means that rather than measuring success by the completion of mandatory rotations, as in a traditional time-based model, success is measured by a resident's achievement of the competencies of GIM. This requires a novel approach to assessment and evaluation, which has been implemented with innovative scheduling and assessment strategies here at Queen's.
More information can be found on CBME on the PGME website: Queen's CBME
And on the Royal College's website: Competency by Design
Unsurprisingly, many of the rotations you would expect in a traditional time-based program are still part of a competency-based program. Residents will be expected to complete the following rotations - however, may have educational experiences adjusted based on career goals and personal learning needs.
2 Blocks Junior Attending on CTU (one as PGY-4, one as PGY-5)
2 Blocks Junior Attending on CTU-E (ER/short-stay unit) (one as PGY-4, one as PGY-5)
2 Blocks Junior Attending on GIM Consults (one as PGY-4, one as PGY-5)
1 Block ICU (PGY-4)
1 Block Community GIM
2 Block rotation which includes concurrent experience in peri-operative medicine and obstetrical medicine
1 Block of additional Obstetric Medicine at another site
1 Block Cardiac Diagnostics (ECG/Holter/Stress Testing)
1 Block Chronic Disease Rotation (clinics)
This leaves 13 blocks of elective time to pursue your interests. In particular, the PGY-5 year can be very flexible. Options include dedicated research time or academic time, or pursuing opportunities to develop strong clinical training in procedures, echocardiography, or other areas of special interest such as obstetric or peri-operative medicine. You may also choose not to have a focus of interest, but to pursue rotations and opportunities to further develop as a well-rounded general internist. Consider your career goals and speak with the program director about what opportunities may be available – we can craft a unique program of electives to help you develop into the type of general internist you want to be.
Weekly educational conference attendance includes GIM Rounds – Journal Club, Guidelines Review and Case Studies, Sign-In Rounds (morning report), which is excellent royal college exam prep, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds and Medical Mortality Rounds, and your GIM Academic Halfday.
Our academic halfday is geared towards preparation for the Royal College exam in the PGY-4 year, and is focused on GIM topics and practice management in the PGY-5 year. As a PGY-4 you will have the opportunity to participate in two RCPSC-style OSCEs.
Bi-weekly Urgent GIM Clinic is run by the fellows, and receives urgent consults from the ER and community. You will participate in this clinic, and will follow your own patients, developing your skills as a consultant and MRP.