Books with stethoscope on a table

Electives

Our program offers a wide range of electives to help further your academic and professional goals.

Message from the Director of Electives

Are you seeking a great learning opportunity to consolidate some of your clinical skills? Exploring postgraduate programs in preparation for residency? Looking to expand your professional network? Or simply wanting to broaden your knowledge by exploring a different area of medicine? Whatever your goal, UOttawa likely has an outstanding elective opportunity for you. Our electives office staff would be pleased to assist you in organizing your next elective in Ottawa.

Margaret Wilson
Director of Electives, UGME
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa

Guidelines

This section is meant to provide you with guidance in regards to the planning of your electives. You will find the guidelines and policies specific to Pre-clerkship and Clerkship that you are expected to follow throughout the MD program.

The general information below pertains to all years.

If you experience difficulties such as personal wellbeing or stress-related issues during an elective, please do not hesitate to contact the following resources:

Electives Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 613-562-5800 ext. 8552
Toll-free: 1-877-868-8292 ext. x8552

Liaison Officer, Year 4
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 613-562-5800 ext. 3808
Toll free: 1-877-868-8292 ext. 3808

Electives Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 613-562-5800 ext. 8552
Toll free: 1-877-868-8292 ext. 8552

The Office of Student Affairs also offers a confidential counselling and referral service to undergraduate medical students. Students who are experiencing difficulty with stress related to personal and academic demands are encouraged to consult with a professional counselor in Student Affairs. See their website for more information on all their services.

Plan my elective

Ethics and Etiquette for Electives

The following recommendations are suggested to assist you with electives. Please read them carefully.

  • When planning an elective, you must follow application guidelines in place for the type of elective that is requested. 
  • Have the dates and times and any questions pertaining to your elective on hand when you call, i.e. avoid making multiple calls.
  • Clarify your expectations and objectives pertaining to the elective with your supervisor on the first day. Write them down.
  • Show up on time, and call well in advance if you must miss a session or arrive late. Keep in mind that your supervisor may have made special arrangements to bring in patients with specific findings as well as scheduling time for you.
  • Always introduce yourself to patients as a medical student and ask the patient’s permission to observe or participate in the examination, and thank them once you are through.
  • Never enter an examining room once the consultation is underway unless specifically asked to do so.
  • Knock before entering any closed room.
  • Dress according to the norms of the clinic or service in which you are working, and always show your name tag. You are there to serve as well as to learn.
  • Be friendly to the office staff—keeping in mind that it is they who are most likely coordinating the elective for you.
  • At the end of your rotation write a short note to your supervisor and their staff thanking them for their time and cooperation.
  • Ensure that your evaluation has been completed by both of you and your supervisor, and review each of your comments together. Always keep a photocopy of your evaluations before handing them in to the office.
  • Please voice any problems or concerns pertaining to your elective to the Elective Subcommittee in care of the Electives Coordinator.