Physician Enhancement Program (PEP)

The Physician Enhancement Program (PEP) (previously known as The Young Physician Program) is an academic medical program for clinical medicine graduates offered by the Office of International Programs, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta.

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 for 3, 6 & 12 month periods of time, 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 (GNH), Misericordia (MH) and Alberta Hospital Edmonton (AHE). 

Note that this program is for participants who are financially sponsored by their home institution. We require a signed letter of support written on the home institution's letterhead stating that they will support the candidate financially.  We do not accept self-sponsored candidates. Those coming as a group and for multiple years will require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the home institution and the U of A's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in addition to this letter from the home institution. 

The Physician Enhancement Program (PEP) is now open and receiving applications.  Questions?  Contact ypp@ualberta.ca

                                  Apply Here                                   

 

Program Objectives

• Clinical observation
• Opportunity for clinical observership
• 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
• Learn about the Canadian health care system, hospital culture and society

Program Curriculum

• Clinical
• Academic
• Research
• Administrative & Leadership

Program Requirements

• Must be a clinical medicine graduate within a minimum of 3 years
• Adequate English comprehension and speaking skills
• Canadian entry visa
• An unlocked cell phone

Program Fees

The program fee of CAD $25,000 per trainee for three (3) months includes:

• Clinical observership
• Customized administrative, educational, and academic leadership development
• Could include a brief research exposure. Does not include structured research lab experience.
• Medical malpractice insurance
• Personal health insurance
• Education licenses
• Ground transportation

The program fee of CAD $35,000 per trainee for six (6) months includes:

• Clinical observership
• Customized administrative, educational, and academic leadership development
• 1-2 months of structured clinical/basic research lab experience
• Medical malpractice insurance
• Personal health insurance
• Education licenses
• Ground transportation

 The program fee of CAD $60,000 per trainee for twelve (12) months includes:

• Clinical observership
• Customized administrative, educational, and academic leadership development
• Structured clinical/basic research lab experience
• Medical malpractice insurance
• Personal health insurance
• Education licenses
• Ground transportation

The cost of accommodations for all lengths of stay are in addition to the above fees.  Candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. 

Last updated: December 19, 2023