Director of Radiology UGME Programs: Dr. Eduardo Portela De Oliveira, MD
Program Administrator: Lauren Levett
Diagnostic Radiology recognizes two distinct levels of training in the undergraduate student group: Pre-clerkship & Clerkship.
Clinical Electives in Anglophone Settings
Pre-clerkship students
Observership opportunities (total of 8 hours) are offered to Y1 students based on availability and capacity of our department. For more information or to request an observership opportunity, please contact our program administrator at [email protected]
Y2 students are offered one-on-one (8 hour or 20 hour) elective observerships students based on availability and capacity of our department. For more information or to request an observership opportunity, please contact our program administrator at [email protected]
Objectives for 3rd Year Students
The Department of Radiology is pleased to offer two elective streams for third-year medical students: Diagnostic Radiology and Interventional Radiology. At this time, students may select one elective opportunity, choosing between the two streams.
For additional details, please refer to the Third-Year Clerkship website through the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) program uOttawa Faculty of Medicine’s UGME program
Objectives for Fourth-Year Students
The objectives of the fourth-year Medical Imaging elective are to provide students with:A basic understanding of image interpretation
- Insight into the cost-effective use of imaging resources in patient diagnosis and treatment
- An understanding of the patient experience during radiological procedures
- Exposure to radiology as a potential career option
Our elective program is highly regarded both locally and nationally. A typical elective is two weeks in duration, with students selecting either Diagnostic Radiology or Interventional Radiology. During the elective, students rotate through a variety of radiology modalities.
Students are supported by knowledgeable and approachable preceptors who are committed to high-quality teaching. Participants are encouraged to attend the Residents’ Academic Half Day, as well as Noon Hour teaching sessions and Radiology Grand Rounds scheduled during their elective.
Electives are conducted at The Ottawa Hospital General or Civic campuses. The program emphasizes small-group learning and includes seminars, didactic teaching, participation in departmental and interdepartmental rounds, attendance at special examinations and procedures, and case-based discussions. Students are exposed to all major imaging modalities, including Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and Nuclear Medicine. Audiovisual resources and departmental teaching collections are available to support learning.
Interventional Radiology Elective
The Interventional Radiology (IR) elective offers an immersive, hands-on experience in a rapidly evolving and innovative field. The elective introduces students to the diagnostic, therapeutic, and multidisciplinary aspects of minimally invasive image-guided procedures. Students will gain exposure to core IR principles and participate in rotations within subspecialty areas, including Spine IR, Interventional Neuroradiology (INR), chest biopsies, and breast biopsies.
This elective aligns with international medical education guidelines in Interventional Radiology and provides a structured framework that balances procedural observation, clinical decision-making, and patient-centered care. Upon completion, students will have a strong foundation in IR, its role in modern healthcare, and pathways for further training.
Electives Application Process
Electives Overview - UGME | Faculty of Medicine
Please note that University of Ottawa students are prioritized. However, a limited number of positions are reserved for out-of-province applicants and Canadian students studying abroad. Only completed applications submitted through the appropriate channels will be considered.[LL1][LL2]
Undergraduate Students, Electives, & MD Graduates - AFMC
Please note that out-of-province and international applications are reviewed and sorted by UGME, after which a selected list is forwarded to the department for scheduling. Applicants must refer to the Elective Catalogue for detailed instructions. Applications are processed in the order received, and undergraduate students must not contact preceptors directly at any time.
