Rural Stream

Distributed Sites (GrandE Prairie, Red Deer, CAMROSE & Yellowknife)

We are a rural family medicine training stream within the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta. We strongly believe that future rural physicians should train in the setting in which they will practice. The training program is rigorous and comprehensive with acute care rotations to challenge and build competent family medicine practitioners. Residents graduating from the Grande Prairie, Red Deer, Camrose and Yellowknife sites universally report that they have gained the knowledge and skills required to confidently practice in any community in Canada. 

Family Medicine centred and rural focused

  • Minimum 4 months rural family medicine block time in PGY1 for all sites; 6 months rural family medicine in PGY2 for all sites.
  • Speciality rotations are tailored to be relevant for resident goals in future family practice
  • Former grads make up a large number of preceptors, and are key in sharing their passion for rural medicine. 

Rigorous and comprehensive: our residents graduate feeling ready for practice

  • Mandatory acute care rotations to challenge and build confidence
  • Immersion in full scope family medicine while on rural blocks, including emergency medicine, obstetrics, in-patient care, palliative care and more.
  • Strong academics: academic days, evidence based curriculum, research opportunities, exam prep and more!

Flexible and adaptive: tailor your training to best prepare you for your community

  • Amazing clinical teaching experiences in a variety of rural communities
  • Wide array of off-service rotations and elective opportunities
  • Interprovincial and international elective opportunities

Resident Wellness: a priority

  • Dedicated Assistant Program Director (APD) for Resident Support to help our residents succeed
  • Monthly Finding Meaning in Medicine sessions- where residents get a private space to connect with peers, share personal challenges and find support.
  • Regular social and wellness activities organized by the rural residents for the rural residents. 

Fun and educational activities: we go beyond the basics

  • Yearly week long resident retreat in Hinton for all rural residents together
  • Practice management workshops
  • Procedural Skills workshops

Residency and Practicing in Alberta: well supported

  • Electronic medical records, Netcare, Connect Care- all make patient care across services super easy!
  • Primary Care networks- family medicine in Alberta is a true team endeavour
  • Up-to-date two year subscription