The "Longitudinal Family Medicine Experience (LFME)" at McGill University offers first-year medical students a unique opportunity to engage in the practice of family medicine early in their medical education. This innovative program was launched in 2013 to introduce students to the fundamentals of family medicine, and designed to provide continuous, hands-on clinical exposure throughout the academic year, allowing students to develop a deep and meaningful understanding of family medicine, along with exposure to family medicine in a clinical setting, including shadowing family physicians at work, observing patient consultations, and learning more about family medicine physicians' day-to-day duties. Students also have an opportunity to interact with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, social workers, and pharmacists as interdisciplinary teamwork is a key component of delivering comprehensive healthcare services. Students gain an understanding of this by participating in this valued program. 

Students are matched one-to-one with dedicated family physicians across various clinical settings in Montreal to discover family medicine. The goals of the course are for students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of what family medicine can provide to our patients, to understand the clinical relevance of what the students learn in the classroom and to have an opportunity to practice basic clinical skills.

Program Overview:

• Early Clinical Exposure: Students are paired with experienced family physicians from the beginning of their medical education providing them with consistent, real-world clinical experiences.
• Patient-Centered Learning: Students have the chance to follow patients over time, learn about continuity of care and the development of patient-physician relationships.
• Skill Development: The LFME program focuses on building essential clinical skills such as patient interviewing, physical examination, and clinical decision-making in a supportive environment.
• Reflective Practice: Students learn to think critically about their clinical experiences through guided reflection and feedback from preceptors and grow as future family medicine healthcare professionals.

Key Objectives:

• Introduce students to the core principles of family medicine.
• Foster an understanding of the importance of continuity of care.
• Develop foundational clinical skills and professional behaviors early in medical training.

The LFME program is an essential part of McGill University’s commitment to preparing well-rounded, compassionate physicians that are prepared to meet the diverse needs of the communities they will serve. This longitudinal experience provides students with a solid foundation for future clinical practice in family medicine.

The "Transition to Clinical Practice - Family Medicine" program at McGill University for second-year medical students is an integral part of the medical education journey, designed specifically for second-year medical students. In this three-week course, students will build upon their knowledge of Family Medicine through a series of structured learning activities, coupled with organized clinical sessions highlighting the varied clinical opportunities offered in family medicine. The various elements of this course will prepare students for clerkship by furthering their understanding of primary care, patient centered care, and the organization of the Quebec health care system. This program bridges the gap between the first-year foundational knowledge and the third-year clinical rotations, pre-clinical studies, and hands-on patient care, preparing students for their future roles as competent and compassionate physicians. 

Second-year medical students are introduced to Family Medicine clinical settings, involving placements in academic and community-based teaching sites. Under the supervision of experienced family physicians, students also build on their knowledge and gain confidence for clerkship through participation in small groups, lectures, and simulations. 

Key Highlights:

• Comprehensive Exposure: Students are introduced to the fundamental aspects of family medicine, including patient communication, clinical reasoning, and management of common health conditions.
• Hands-On Experience: Through supervised clinical encounters, students gain practical experience in history-taking, physical examinations, and developing patient-centered care plans.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: The program emphasizes collaboration with various healthcare professionals, providing a well-rounded understanding of the roles and responsibilities within a clinical team.
• Mentorship and Support: Experienced family physicians and faculty members offer guidance, helping students to refine their clinical skills and build confidence in their abilities.

Program Objectives:

• Equip students with the essential skills required for effective patient care.
• Foster an understanding of the holistic approach to family medicine. 
• Encourage reflective practice and continuous learning in a clinical setting. 

The "Transition to Clinical Practice - Family Medicine" program at McGill University for second-year medical students is a pivotal step in shaping well-rounded, competent, and compassionate future physicians, committed to excellence in patient care. 

Overview

Family Medicine : The overall purpose of this eight-week course is to acquaint students with the principles of family medicine. During the course, students work as part of a team, whose members may include a staff physician, a family medicine nurse and several residents. Specific clinical experiences in the disciplines of otolaryngology (OTL) and dermatology, relevant to the practice of family medicine, are included. The role of the family physician in the care of patients with mental illness is highlighted.

Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Summer 2025

Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

• Restriction: Open only to students enrolled in the M.D., C.M. program.

Each elective provides hands-on experience, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world settings. Whether you’re interested in general practice, specialized care, or hospital-based medicine, the electives offer the training you need to prepare for your medical career.

Learn more about our Family Medicine electives and apply today to join a program that enhances your clinical capabilities and professional development. For visiting students, please submit your application through the AFMC Student Portal

More information about electives can be found here.