International Academic Elective Program
The International Academic Elective is a clinically based medical program for medical students, nurses and residents. (Physicians please register for your respective program on the Physician Enhancement Program webpage). There are 3 streams: research, clinical or a mix of research and clinical work. This elective offered by the Office of International Programs, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta is directed to international residents, nurses and senior medical students.
The program involves observation, shadowing, participation in professional meetings, and leadership training related to the management of departments and divisions, as well as physician-patient relationship models within the context of Alberta Health Services.
Program participants may attend this program from 1 to 3 months at any time of the year, in any specialty, as capacity permits. Full payment is due one month prior to commencement of the program. If participants depart prior to completing their program, the full fees for that period apply and no refunds are offered.
Programming is individualized according to each participant and their hosting institution. Program participants will visit the University of Alberta and our partners at the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH), the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH), Grey Nuns Hospital (GNH), Misericordia Hospital (MH) and Alberta Hospital Edmonton (AHE).
We require a signed letter written on the candidate’s home institution's letterhead stating the candidate's credentials i.e. current program, type of program, years completed, and degrees awarded if applicable.
The International Academic Elective Program (IAEP) is now open and receiving applications. Questions? Contact iaep@ualberta.ca
Program Content
- Clinical observation
- Access to training program resources
- Exposure to basic and clinical research training methods
- Familiarity with the Canadian healthcare system
- Understanding of physician-patient relationship models in Canada
- Experience Canadian society and culture
- Observe medical practice in Canada in different settings
- Enhance English communication skills with patients and colleagues
Program Curriculum
- Clinical
- Academic
- Research
- Administrative & Leadership
Program Requirements
- Must be a medical student, nurse or resident.
- Adequate English comprehension and speaking skills
- Canadian entry visa
- Cell phone
Program Fees
The program fee per trainee are as follows:
- Research track: $2,000 CAD/month
- Clinical track: $4,000 CAD/month
- Combined research & clinical track: $3,000/month
The program fees include:
- Clinical observership
- Customized administrative, educational, and academic leadership development
- 1-2 months of structured clinical/basic research lab experience
- Medical malpractice insurance (if required)
- Personal health insurance
The cost of accommodations for all lengths of stay are in addition to the above fees. Candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodations.
For more information about the research stream contact Dr. Dawei Zhang at dzhang@ualberta.ca. For more information about the clinical stream, contact Dr. Pierre Chue at pchue@ualberta.ca.