Several members of the UGME team attended the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM), held April 3–6, 2025, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, sharing innovations that are shaping undergraduate medical education at McMaster.

Dr. Amanda Bell, NRC Regional Assistant Dean, presented her poster, Quality Improvement in Teaching Evidence-Based Medicine to Undergraduate Medical Students, highlighting a novel approach developed at the Niagara Regional Campus. The initiative integrates evaluation data and strategies to embed evidence-based medicine more effectively across all three campuses.

Jen Bowen, Curriculum Manager, and Dr. Sharon Bal, Chair of Electives, also presented their work, Changing Elective Booking to a Capacity Model. Their presentation described McMaster’s transition to a more structured and predictable system using Clinical Placement Manager (CPM) software. The shift—supported by collaboration between senior leadership and clinical departments—aims to reduce booking conflicts and administrative strain while improving the student experience.

McMaster medical students made a strong showing at the 2025 International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM), held April 3–6 in Halifax. Learners from across campuses shared innovative, equity-focused research shaping the future of medical education. Here is some information about some of the projects presented:

Asil El-Galad (C2026) delivered an oral presentation titled Scholarly Activity in CaRMS Criteria: Do Canadian Programs Really Care? They reviewed program descriptions across six specialties, highlighting the need for clearer expectations to support all applicants—especially those navigating the process without insider knowledge.

Srishti Sharma (MSc. student in Global Health) presented Integrating Indigenous Health in Canadian Medical Education, a scoping review co-authored with Kaden Hill, Sawayra Owais (C2025), and Dr. Patricia Farrugia, Chair, Indigenous Health. The project identified promising practices and gaps in how schools implement Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #24.

Adelia Padoan and Alysha Church (C2026) shared work on immersive, community-led Indigenous health education experiences. Their review, supervised by Dr. Farrugia, focused on global programs that enhance cultural safety and inform curriculum development.

Sahra Siyad, Desiree Tugwell, and Ashley Assam (C2026) co-presented Exploring Decolonization in Anatomical Education, a scoping review with Anood Ali and Massoma Kisob. Their project examined colonial influences in anatomy and proposed inclusive, critically reflective teaching approaches.

Congratulations to all presenters for representing McMaster with thoughtfulness and purpose at this year’s national gathering of academic medicine leaders.

The UGME program is pleased to announce several leadership appointments.

Dr. Arden Azim (left) has been appointed the Effective Communication and Self-Awareness Skills Professional Competencies Domain Planner, effective April 1, 2025. Dr. Hassanali Kapasi (center) has been appointed the Pre-Clerkship Coordinator at the WRC, effective the week of April 14, 2025. And Dr. Rae Brager (right) has been appointed the Integration Foundation Director, starting May 1, 2025.

These leadership changes reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening and enhancing the UGME program, and we look forward to the contributions of these new appointees in their respective roles.

Claire P. Rivlin, Academic Skills & Career Counsellor with UGME Student Affairs, was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal on March 29 for her volunteer work with Canadian Parents for French (CPF). She joined CPF Hamilton when her son began school and has served on the chapter board for 12 years, most recently as Chapter President.

Claire is passionate about supporting French learning for students, caregivers, and teachers. Though she struggled with French in high school, she later earned a Master’s in Language Learning and now encourages medical students to include the languages they speak—helping them connect with patients and build trust through shared language.

The UGME program is seeking medical doctors to serve as Pre-Clerkship Tutors for the upcoming academic year, running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This phase of the curriculum spans the first 15 months of medical school and is divided into five Medical Foundations (MFs).

Curriculum Dates – Class of 2027 and Class of 2028:

• C2028 MF1 | August 11-October 24, 2025
• Intro to Medicine, Respiratory & Cardiology
• C2028 MF2 | October 27-December 19, 2025
• Renal & Hematology
• C2028 MF3 | January 05-March 27, 2026
• GI and Nutrition, Endocrinology, & Reproduction
• C2028 MF4 | April 6-June 26, 2026
• Musculoskeletal Medicine, Neuroscience, & Brain and Behavior
• C2027 IF | August 25-November 14, 2025
• Host Defense and Neoplasia, Complexity and Chronicity & Maternal and Child Health Risks with Aging-Related Care

Tutoring offers an excellent opportunity to engage with students while accommodating busy schedules—session dates and times are confirmed well in advance.

To sign up:

• Hamilton Campus: Register here and contact preclerk@mcmaster.ca for details on dates, session times, or other inquiries.
• Niagara Regional Campus: Sign up here and contact nrprec@mcmaster.ca for more information.

Tutors play an essential role in shaping the next generation of medical professionals. We look forward to working with you!

Join the Professional Competencies curriculum in the MD Program and help shape future physicians through weekly small-group sessions (Tuesdays, 9 am–12 pm) from August 2025 to December 2026 (15 months).

Work in a dynamic co-facilitation model (MD + allied health professional), guiding students in key areas like communication, ethics, and professionalism.

What’s Involved:

• Weekly 3-hour in-person sessions on Tuesday mornings in Hamilton
• Training and guidance throughout the year
• $16,500 stipend + 320 educational credits
• Option to split the role with another MD if the full-time commitment isn’t feasible

Interested? Click here for more information or contact Dagmar Todd, Curriculum Coordinator to apply!

The AFMC Student Portal will officially transition to a capacity-based model with support from Undergraduate Deans across the country. The portal will open on May 11, 2025, for elective rotations beginning August 4, 2025. 

This change marks a significant step toward streamlining the visiting elective process and better aligning opportunities with available capacity at medical schools nationwide.

This transition will impact the Class of 2026 directly, and will be the system in place for the Class of 2027 starting in January 2026.

More information about the transition to the capacity-based model will be shared at the large group session on April 24, 2025 and the recording will be available on MedPortal. 

Since 2022, the Office of Learning Environment and Mistreatment (OLEM) has served UGME learners who have experienced mistreatment. In 2024, OLEM became part of the Office of Respectful Conduct in Clinical and Academic Environments (ORCCA) -- formally the FHS Professionalism office – under the direction of Louis Winston. This new partnership means that UGME learners can access an expanded range of services related to respectful expression and conduct in their learning environment.  

If you have a concern about your learning environment or would like to learn more about the policies that ORCCA administers, visit orcca.healthsci.mcmaster.ca or email the office at orcca@mcmaster.ca. 

Have you explored Foundations of Anatomy yet? This open-access resource, developed by McMaster’s OER team, complements the Medical Foundations (MF) manual and reinforces key concepts that may not be covered in detail in MF materials.

New: Chapter 3 (Reproductive Anatomy) is now available!

If you’ve used the resource, the team would greatly appreciate 10–15 minutes of your time to complete a short survey. Your feedback will help improve future chapters.

Browse the resource at Foundations of Anatomy. Questions? Contact anatoer@mcmaster.ca. 

If you're free at 2:30 p.m. today, stop by the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge (MDCL 3510) to help assemble care packages in recognition of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Day. These packages will be distributed to Indigenous women in the surrounding communities as part of a collaborative initiative with our Indigenous partners.

We also welcome you to join us on Monday, May 5, as we mark MMIWG Day with a memorial and continued distribution of care packages. Together, we honour the lives and stories of Indigenous women and girls, and support ongoing learning within our medical education community. See the flyer (below) for more information.

Congratulations to UGME learners Ethan Michalenko (left), Gabby Yakemow (center), and Mackenzie Deleary (right), who will represent McMaster at the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada’s Annual Mentorship Gathering (IPAC AMG) this June in Saskatoon.

Supported by the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, these learners will join Indigenous physicians, medical students, and allies from across the country for Two-Eyed Seeing in Land, Culture and Health—a gathering focused on connection, inspiration, and collaboration.

We’re proud to see McMaster learners taking part in this important event!

Last summer and fall, McMaster medical students piloted the first season of Wellness Explorers—a community initiative promoting equitable access to the outdoors for school-aged children in Hamilton. From August to October 2024, learners led 13 guided hikes at Iroquoia Heights, Bayfront Park, and Cootes Paradise, with interactive stations on topics like bug bite safety, sun protection, and nutrition.

Some hikes also featured special guests from Bruce Trails and Nature  McMaster.

Thanks to the enthusiastic response, Wellness Explorers will return in summer 2025!

For more info: WellnessExplorersWalk@gmail.com. 

Career development at large (CDL) resources are extracurricular learning opportunities available to undergraduate MD students. They are vetted and aligned with MD professional development, and suitable for inclusion within a MD student’s professional portfolio. These are a great way for a student to further their professional development in an area of interest and enhance their CV!  

Offerings including resources related to Trauma and Violence Informed Care, Palliative Care, and Managing the Opioid Crisis. If students have suggestions for resources they think could be included in the CDL page, they should reach out to Dr. Morais and she can help facilitate a review.  

NRC is proud to celebrate the achievements of its learners, faculty, and residents through a series of recent awards and recognitions. These honours reflect the dedication, compassion, and excellence that define the Niagara medical community.

Niagara Health Medical Staff Association Medical Student Scholarship

The Niagara Health Medical Staff Association has recognized two outstanding learners for their dedication and connection to the Niagara community:

Swati Anant shared:

“Niagara has been my home for as long as I can remember. What’s not to love about the gorgeous scenery and delicious summer peaches. Importantly, Niagara is where I’ve grown to be a future health care provider. Since I was 14, I’ve had the privilege of wearing the navy blue hospital volunteer vests, the pink “Be Kind” shirts while COVID screening, and finally, hospital scrubs as a medical learner.”

“I’ve been so lucky to have had many amazing mentors within the General Surgery department at Niagara Health, who ultimately inspired me to pursue my surgical training. After 5 quick years of my General Surgery residency in Hamilton, I’m already excited about the prospect of setting up my practice in Niagara, close to my family, the lake and all the incredible staff at Niagara Health.”

Spender Fansolato shared:

“Niagara will always mean ‘family’ to me—the patients, the doctors, and all the wonderful allied health professionals. As I aspire to return to serve Niagara as an Internist specializing in Critical Care, I recognize how much I owe to this ‘family’ that has supported me since the beginning: from my first ever birthday at Greater Niagara General, to growing up in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and finally to the wards of the Marotta Family Hospital. Although I will miss mentors like Dr. Levesque, Dr. Yelamanchili, Dr. D’Sa, and Dr. Jensen, I’m just a quick swim across Lake Ontario away, completing my training in Kingston.”

We are grateful to the Niagara Health Medical Staff Association for their generous support of this scholarship.

In addition to the Medical Student Scholarship, the NRC is pleased to acknowledge this year’s recipients of the following awards:

Dr. George Beiko Award Winners

Congratulations to the following recipients of the Dr. George Beiko Award:

• Andy Deprato, pursuing Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery in Ottawa.
• Jolie Leung, pursuing Orthopedic Trauma in Vancouver, BC.
• Ebonee Lennord, pursuing Obstetrics and Gynecology in Surrey, BC.

This award, generously provided by Dr. George Beiko, supports second-year students who are undergoing Clerkship Electives requiring travel or accommodation outside the Niagara region.

Ron Chan Memorial Award

Congratulations to Rebekah Sibbald, recipient of the 2025 Dr. Ron Chan Memorial Award.

This award, established in memory of Dr. Ron Chan, an internal medicine physician and beloved member of the Niagara medical community, is granted to a graduating student pursuing a career in mental health care or who has demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of their colleagues.

2024 Mac-CARE Excellence in Teaching Award

Congratulations to Dr. Ryan Fielding, recipient of this year’s Mac-CARE Excellence in Teaching Award, presented annually to a preceptor who demonstrates excellence in teaching and enthusiasm for motivating medical learners.

Outstanding Contribution by a Student Award

Congratulations to Nicole Asamoah, recipient of this year’s Outstanding Contribution by a Student Award, recognizing her dedication to prospective medical students, fellow classmates, and medical education at the Niagara Regional Campus.

Excellence in Teaching Clerkship Award

Congratulations to Dr. Samuel Thrall, recipient of this year's Excellence in Teaching Clerkship Award, recognizing his outstanding contribution to medical student education during clerkship.

Excellence in Teaching by a Resident Award

Congratulations to Dr. Lukas Shum-Tim, recipient of the Excellence in Teaching by a Resident Award for the second consecutive year, demonstrating his continued excellence as a medical educator.

Excellence in Student Support Award

Congratulations to Sarah Litke, recipient of the Excellence in Student Support Award, recognizing her commitment to the academic success and personal growth of students.

As well, earlier this month, there was an awards night for the Internal Medicine Clerks:

• The Paul O’Byrne Academic Achievement Award: John Koussiouris
• The Dr. Akbar Panju Award for Professionalism: Isabelle Lei
• The Internal Medicine Clerkship Teaching Award: Dr. Carley Campbell

We are grateful for the continued support from our generous donors and commend all awardees for their outstanding contributions.

Starting April 1, 2025, St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital will merge to form the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). This merger builds on over 90 years of partnership, aiming to enhance patient care and streamline services.

Since announcing their intent to merge in April 2024, the hospitals have worked to integrate services and engage with diverse communities. This merger will improve patient experiences and access to care, while all programs will continue at existing locations under the new WRHN name. We appreciate the support of all involved in this process.

We will be updating the names of these hospitals on MedSIS and MedPortal. We appreciate your patience as these changes are implemented.

Congratulations to Dr. Chryssa McAlister on being awarded the 2024 Mac-CARE Excellence in Teaching Award for the Waterloo Regional Campus!

This prestigious award recognizes a preceptor who demonstrates outstanding excellence in teaching, along with enthusiasm and dedication to inspiring and motivating medical learners. Dr. McAlister's commitment to educating and mentoring students has left a lasting impact, and we are thrilled to honor her with this well-deserved recognition.

We are delighted to introduce you to our new Wellness Counsellor, Andrew Holmes, who has recently joined the Student Affairs team. Andrew brings a wealth of experience in mental health and wellness and is dedicated to supporting our students' well-being.

Andrew will be available for individual counselling sessions, wellness workshops, and various mental health initiatives. Their approach is student-centered, focusing on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

We believe that Andrew’s expertise and compassionate approach will be a valuable addition to our team and will greatly benefit our student community.

Please join us in welcoming Andrew to our team. If you have any questions or would like to meet with Andrew feel free to reach out to macmdsupport@mcmaster.ca or through our booking site: Book Online.

“Hi, I am Andrew. Thank you for the warm and supportive welcome. I am delighted to be a part of the Student Affairs Team and a Wellness Counsellor. I believe that our own wellness is a crucial part of our professional journey. Recently I came across the following quote: “If you want to take care of others then start taking care of yourself first.” (Quoteslifetime.com). I am here to help support you as you care for yourself so you can continue to care for others. I am looking forward to connecting with you."

Class of 2025

A few weeks after Match Day, the Career Counselling team would like to congratulate C2025 students who matched successfully on first iteration and wish you a smooth Transition to Residency! For those students who have gone unmatched through the second iteration and will be applying to Extension to Clerkship Program, as well as those who matched but still​ want to have career-related conversations, please know we are here for you. Feel free to book a 30-min Career Counselling appointment anytime. Best wishes to you all!

Class of 2026

1st Round Appointments just started and will continue until mid-July! Class of 2026 students will now have the chance to book 1-hour meetings to C2026 students to start thinking about their residency applications. During these meetings, we will be discussing your narrative around your disciplines of interest, possible application strategy and key values. It is also a great opportunity to review your CV Draft, so students are encouraged to work on their CV before meeting with us. As a friendly reminder, make sure you mark the key CaRMS deadlines on your calendar! Also, remember that digital resources are available at your fingertips on the Career Counselling and Resources section on Medportal. 

Class of 2027

Career Counselling 30-min appointments continue to be available for Class of 2027 students as they navigate MF4 and plan pre-clerkship electives. We acknowledge that these are thought-provoking events that may have an impact on your decision-making process. Rest assured that your Career team is here to support you while you explore your options, reframe your experiences and continue to narrow down your medical interest. You can book a 30-min Career Counselling appointment to meet virtually or in person at your convenience.

Students are encouraged to check out the career resources available on Medportal, which you can find on Your Career Journey, our landing page. Students from different cohorts consistently report how helpful these supports have been to address career exploration, selection or residency application questions and tasks. Also, they are just a click away!

The UGME program is seeking applicants for several leadership positions as current leaders complete their terms. Faculty members interested in contributing to medical education are encouraged to apply.

Open Positions:

• Planner, Integration Foundation - Undergraduate Medical Education
• Interested persons should email their curriculum vitae and expression of interest to the attention of the Pre-Clerkship Chair, Undergraduate Medical Education. The email should be sent to Jen Bowen, Curriculum Manager, by May 5, 2025.
• Niagara Family Medicine Professorship (NRC)
• If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please reach out to Dr. Amanda Bell, Regional Assistant Dean, Niagara Regional Campus.
• Regional Education Lead – UG Pediatrics (WRC)
• Interested individuals are invited to submit their curriculum vitae and a letter of interest to Dr. Margo Mountjoy, WRC Regional Assistant Dean, by noon on May 7, 2025.

For more details, visit the UGME website.