The program has a supportive and well-functioning Residency Training Committee that has very strong Resident participation. The Department of Medicine at Western University offers a collegial and supportive learning environment for residents.

Strong Clinical Training

The program provides a wide experience in Internal Medicine and all Subspecialties. Rotations in each sub-specialty are organized to provide exposure in both out-patient and in-patient environments. In addition, training at Western allows for rotations in Community Medicine — Stratford, St. Thomas, Woodstock, Chatham, Goderich, Sarnia and Windsor, Ontario. Through core training, every resident is exposed to a wide spectrum of practice milieus, which is very important in career development.

Daily High-Quality, Dedicated Teaching

Each day, residents have protected time for didactic teaching. Morning report and lunch time teaching occurs daily. Weekly academic half day includes relevant clinical case studies, didactic material and literature review. Weekly grand rounds are also part of our mapped academic curriculum. Simulation program and POCUS training is also a strong focus of our program.

Career Development

The ability to have3 out of 4 electives out of town, semi-annual meetings with the Program Director, ample research opportunity, rotations in a variety of community settings, and mentorship allow residents to explore both specialty choices and type of practice.

Responsiveness to Royal College Curriculum Changes

With the input of residents, we have changed the curriculum in order to optimize the preparation of PGY3 cohort for the Royal College Certification exams. Together, with the Department of Medicine and the Postgraduate Medical Education Office, our program has the supports currently in place as we transition to the Competency by Design curriculum. For further information on Competency by Design, please (https://www.western-dom-cbd.com/)refer to this website.

Coaching and Mentorship

The program offers a coaching program where Residents may work with a faculty coach to enhance clinical skills. In addition, we offer a mentorship program with faculty members to assist resident in their professional growth.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Residents are able to take advantage of the many research opportunities available at Western University. Trainees participate in research either ongoing and/or as a dedicated research elective block during second year. The department holds an annual Resident Research Day where Residents have the opportunity to present their work and be recognized by Faculty and peers.

Conference / Educational

Residents in our Program receive an annual allowance to attend a conference of their choosing. This allowance may also be directed to cover membership or tuition fees in other educational courses or events.

Scholarly Resources

The Program provides a membership to the NEJM Knowledge+ Adaptive Online Learning Platform to all residents.

Journal Club

The program runs a Resident-driven Journal Club which is organized for each PGY group to assist Residents in developing critical appraisal skills. Residents are given an annual budget to run these events.

Simulation Program

The Internal Medicine Program at Western offers two ultrasound courses during the PGY1 year. One is a five-hour course offered in the fall focusing on ultrasound guided procedures (Thoracentesis, Paracentesis and Lumbar Puncture). The second course is offered in the spring and it is again a five-hour course focusing on vascular access (internal jugular line, femoral line, superficial veins and arteries) using ultrasound.

Windsor

Residents in the Internal Medicine Program at Western University are mandated to do 1 rotation in in-patient medicine (CTU) during PGY1 and another during PGY3 years in Windsor. There is opportunity to spend additional time in Windsor for Residents who are interested. Travel allowance and housing is provided for Residents. Family accommodations are available but are not guaranteed.