University of Calgary

The doctors are in

UToday HomeJuly 26, 2012
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Dr. David Keegan demonstrates casting techniques on a student volunteer during the Faculty of Medicine’s Med.Zero workshop introducing students to family medicine. Dr. David Keegan demonstrates casting techniques on a student volunteer during the Faculty of Medicine’s Med.Zero workshop introducing students to family medicine. While school may be ‘out’ for the summer for most students, it’s now very much ‘in’ for first-year medical students.

As one of only two three-year medical schools in Canada, the Faculty of Medicine doesn’t break for the summer, and this week the faculty welcomed 170 new and eager faces – the future Class of 2015.

“I find the arrival of the new class to be invigorating because they are so thrilled to be here,” says Adele Meyers, admissions officer for MD admissions.

While orientation began July 25 and classes don’t officially start until July 30, students had the option of participating in Med.Zero – a one-and-a-half day workshop that introduces students to family medicine – earlier in the week. Organized by Dr. David Keegan and the Department of Family Medicine, the workshop is designed to generate enthusiasm for family medicine as a career option, and gives students the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities such as suturing and casting.

Acting education manager for the Department of Family Medicine Marianna Hofmeister, PhD, says the event is a great opportunity for students to get to know each other and that the hands-on training is extremely popular.

“They get to get their hands wet and dirty before they crack open their books,” she says. “They work with rural and urban preceptors, starting their formal education in a very positive, encouraging environment.”

Elbert Manalo, a first-year medical student originally from Ontario, found Med.Zero to be particularly enjoyable and says the workshops made him realize how much practice he will need before he can use those particular skills on patients.

As for medical school in general, Manalo is looking forward to diving into clinical situations and interacting with patients to play a role in improving their health.

“I am intrigued by the idea of using science and medical literature to critically think of solutions for patient care,” he says. “I want to help maximize their quality of life as best I can.”