Welcome to the MD Program

Medical students walking away

Welcome to the MD Program at the University of Alberta. We are thrilled that you are interested in learning more about a career in medicine. Use the links in each section to explore the MD Program website and learn more about being a medical student.

If you have any questions, please email future.md@ualberta.ca.

Admissions

Interested in learning more about how to apply to medicine? Visit Before You Apply and learn more about our application requirements and timelines, as well as our admissions processes for Black, Indigenous, and rural applicants.

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards

Medical students have access to a number of scholarships, awards, and bursaries, including those listed here.

MD Program Mission, Vision, Values

The MD Program at the University develops diverse competent and compassionate physician leaders to serve the health needs of Alberta, northern communities, and Canada through adaptive innovation and social accountability. Learn more about our vision, values, and strategic plan »

Social Accountability

The MD Program and the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD) are focused on social accountability and committed to social justice, anti-racism, and serving communities that continue to experience health inequities.

Here are just a few programs and roles that support us in honouring this commitment:

This program builds partnerships with Indigenous communities to promote increased recruitment of Indigenous learners into health education and a future career in the health-care professions.
The office helps provide educational opportunities in rural and remote regions to encourage medical students to consider careers in these traditionally underserved areas.
Social Accountability Lead, MD Program
Works alongside communities with priority health concerns and develops the relationships and processes necessary to guide the MD Program in its social accountability mandate.
Works to increase Black physician representation in several areas, including preceptors for lectures, as well as longitudinal clinical experiences, physical exam sessions and clerkship experiences.
Launched and offered by student volunteers, this program offers free MCAT and interview preparation to students facing financial barriers and students from underrepresented backgrounds.
FoMD and MD student associations
In addition to what is offered by the FoMD and MD program, medical students take an active leadership role within the Medical Students Association, the Indigenous Medical and Dental Students' Association, and the Black Medical Students Association.
Medical student working on a machine

Curriculum

Our curriculum is based on principles of experiential learning. Students develop a strong theoretical background in the foundational scientific and clinical principles of medicine. The curriculum provides students with opportunities to learn in a variety of settings including large and small groups, labs, and hospitals and clinics in both rural and urban locations. Learn more about all aspects of the MD Program’s curriculum »

Smiling medical student

Combined Degrees

Two combined degree opportunities give medical students opportunities to extend their learning:

The MD/PhD program allows students to obtain the MD degree and a PhD degree with the goal of preparing them for a career as a Physician-Scientist.

The combined MD/MBA allows students to complete both degrees within 5 years.

Medical research

Research Opportunities

Medical students have opportunities to participate in research throughout their training. For example, the Undergraduate Summer Students’ Research Program provides students with opportunities to participate in summer research under the supervision of a faculty member. The Special Training in Research Program (MD/STIR) is designed for medical students who wish to participate in research above what is offered within the curriculum.