Last Issue of the Year – Happy Holidays!

As the year comes to a close, this marks the final issue of the UGME News for 2024. The UGME program wishes everyone a joyful holiday season, no matter how it is celebrated. We are excited to reconnect in January with fresh updates, news, and stories. Until then, enjoy the holidays and take care of yourselves and those around you.

McMaster Community Mourns the Loss of Justice Murray Sinclair

The UGME program and McMaster’s Indigenous community are deeply saddened by the passing of Justice Murray Sinclair on November 4.

As Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Justice Sinclair used his remarkable advocacy and leadership to address how the ongoing issues of colonialism in Canada continue to impact Indigenous peoples. A staunch believer in education as a pathway to healing, he championed acknowledging the events of the past and translating this knowledge into meaningful change for future generations.



Justice Sinclair's legacy is one of courage, hope, and a steadfast commitment to reconciliation.

You can read his obituary here.

MACcred Update: Full Accreditation Granted

In August 2024, the UGME program’s Accreditation Team submitted to the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) an updated status report on 11 accreditation elements that had been flagged by the 2023 CACMS reviewers. Following the accreditation body’s review of this status report, CACMS has granted the full eight-year accreditation to the UGME program, meaning the next review will take place in the Spring of 2031. Additionally, eight out of the 11 elements have been converted to satisfactory status. The remaining three elements will require an updated report by August 2025. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the team and is a major step forward for the program’s continued success.

Congratulations to UGME accreditation team members and contributors for achieving this significant milestone!

2024 UGME Alumni Review: Medicine & Beyond

The 2024 UGME Alumni Review: Medicine & Beyond has been published! This annual publication celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni, highlights program updates, and reflects on a year of growth and innovation within the UGME community.

This edition features inspiring stories of alumni transforming healthcare and serving their communities. It also shares updates on curriculum advancements and new initiatives enhancing the student experience.

📖 Read the 2024 Alumni Review

Thank you to the UGME alumni for their continued engagement and support!

Congratulations to Dr. Amir Abrishami – 2024 Dr. George Bibawi Award Winner

Dr. Amir Abrishami (right) has been named the recipient of the 2024 Dr. George Bibawi Award for Excellence and Enthusiasm in Teaching. A dedicated educator at Niagara Health, Dr. Abrishami has contributed to clinical teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate trainees while supervising impactful research projects.

In addition to mentoring in the Department of Anesthesia, he coordinates a departmental CME program and supports Anesthesia Assistants in their training. His strong teaching scores and years of service illustrate his commitment to shaping the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Amir Abrishami received the award at the annual Department of Anesthesia dinner on November 20. The award was presented by Dr. James Paul, Chair of the Department of Anesthesia (center), with Dr. George Bibawi (left) also in attendance to celebrate the occasion. Congratulations, Dr. Abrishami!

Save the Date: 2025 MMI Volunteer Opportunities

The 2025 UGME Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) are fast approaching, and volunteers are needed to help make this important part of the admissions process a success. Faculty, staff, residents, and community members are all invited to participate. Mark your calendars for the following MMI dates:

• Saturday, March 1, 2025 (all day)
• Sunday, March 2, 2025 (all day)
• Wednesday, March 5, 2025 (evening)

A formal recruitment email with a registration link will be sent out in early January 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with prospective students and play a key role in shaping the future of medical education.

Become a Tutor for the MD Program with MacEssentials!

MacEssentials Tutor Training is back, and physicians interested in tutoring for the MD Program are encouraged to take part. This training offers the opportunity to enhance tutoring skills while earning academic credit. To get started, complete the e-modules and join the 1.5-hour synchronous virtual workshop.

• Next Workshop: December 11 at 6 PM

For more details and to register, visit: MacEssentials Tutor Training. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the MD Program while developing valuable teaching skills. Don’t miss out!

Call for Tutors and Substitute Tutors for MF3 & MF4

Special Call for Tutors for MF3 & MF4

The UGME is seeking tutors for MF3 & MF4 and is offering both solo and co-tutor opportunities. Tutors can schedule tutorials in a 3-hour block between 1-9 PM, with locations including McMaster Campus or off-site at SJH Charlton, HGH, and JHCC, based on room availability.

• Solo Tutors: $7,200 total, less deductions for appointed faculty.
• Co-Tutors: $3,600 total, less deductions for appointed faculty.

Returning tutors interested in applying should fill out the application form.

Substitute Tutors Needed for MF3 & MF4

The UGME is also recruiting substitute tutors who can step in for one tutorial as needed. The stipend is $100 per hour, with two faculty contribution hours for each teaching hour. If you’re unable to commit to a full role but would like to be on the substitute list, please fill out the substitute tutor form.

For more information, contact preclerk@mcmaster.ca.

NRC Tutor Recruitment for PreClerk MF4

Niagara Regional Campus is recruiting tutors for the upcoming PreClerkship MF4 roles. Dedicated physicians are invited to apply for the following positions:

C2027 MF4 Tutor Recruitment

• Duration: 12 Weeks (Apr 7 – Jun 27, 2025)
• Subunits: MSK, Neuro, and Brain & Behaviour
• Sign up here

Tutors play an essential role in shaping the next generation of medical professionals. If interested, please contact nrprec@mcmaster.ca for more information. We look forward to working with you!

Introducing TREC and the Trans Health Bootcamp

McMaster UGME medical learner Avery Hart has been appointed as the inaugural Student Chair of Trans Health and is developing the Trans Resource & Education Committee (TREC). This new initiative aims to address critical gaps in medical education regarding transgender health and gender-affirming care.

TREC’s mission focuses on cultivating foundational knowledge, promoting cultural competence, and developing practical skills for providing affirming care to transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Collaborating with healthcare professionals across the Greater Hamilton and Toronto Area, TREC is advancing trans-inclusive medical education.

As part of this effort, TREC is launching the Trans Health Bootcamp, an interactive, multi-station session designed to enhance the confidence and competence of physicians and trainees. Facilitated by physicians, nurses, social workers, and trans-identifying individuals, the bootcamp includes hands-on activities such as hormone injection practice, safe chest binding techniques, navigating Ontario’s healthcare system, and exploring lived experiences. It is open to all c2026 and c2027 medical learners.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Dec 6, 2024

⏰ Time: 1–4 PM

📍 Location: Hamilton CSBL 1G

🎟️ RSVP here

This initiative is also tied to research efforts aimed at validating such events and integrating them into the medical curriculum at McMaster and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to build skills for inclusive and affirming care. 

New Med School Students Bring Unique Experiences and Passions to Studies

C2027 learners Keira Parr (left) and Amr Almasri (right) are featured in the News & Updates from Niagara Health. Both students share their diverse backgrounds and personal motivations for pursuing a medical career. Keira’s interest in community health and Amr’s passion for patient care highlight the unique perspectives and experiences that each brings to their medical studies. The article showcases how these students are already contributing to the field, enriching the learning environment, and inspiring others along the way.

For more details, read the full article here.

Congratulations to Kelsey Allen – Recipient of the Niagara Regional Campus Founder's Award

Congratulations to Kelsey Allen for receiving this year’s Niagara Regional Campus Founder's Award! This prestigious award honors a learner who has made outstanding contributions to community, scholarship, innovation, and collegiality at the campus. Kelsey has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a member of the MMSC, multiple committees, the Indigenous medical community, and in organizing campus and program-wide events.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to the founders of this award, Dr. Robert Josefchak, Dr. Maynard Luterman, and Dr. Bruce Rosenberg, for their continued support of the Founder's Award.

McMaster UGME Class of 2027 Kidney Day

Kidney Day for the Class of 2027 was a resounding success. Students had the unique opportunity to interact with patients and healthcare professionals, including dieticians, nurses, and transplant coordinators. The event featured 10 interactive stations, where small groups rotated through to engage with experts, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into kidney care. It was a day filled with hands-on learning and meaningful conversations, offering an inspiring experience for future medical professionals.

Resilience in Healthcare Explored at 15th Annual DIHLC

The 15th annual DeGroote Interprofessional Health Leadership Conference (DIHLC), McMaster’s largest student-led health conference, welcomed over 80 participants from graduate programs including MD, MBA, OT, PT, eHealth, and more.

Co-chaired by McMaster UGME Class of 2026 learner Arthur Thébaud, with executive team members Sarah Levy and Miranda Branyiczky, this year’s theme, Resilience in Healthcare: Conquering Challenges & Embracing Innovation, delved into pressing topics such as racism in healthcare, the family medicine crisis, and fostering innovation.

Special thanks to keynote leaders Dr. Abubaker Khalifa, Blair Hains, Fady Hanna, and Natalie Mercuri for their insights and inspiration!

Annual Peds Day: A Day of Learning and Inspiration

The McMaster UGME Pediatric Medicine Interest Group (PMIG) hosted a successful Peds Day, with over 35 attendees engaging in valuable learning opportunities. The event featured five interactive stations led by Class of 2025 clerks, covering key pediatric topics such as respiratory conditions, fluid management, pediatric infections, non-accidental injury, and newborn clinical skills. A Clerk Q&A provided insights into pursuing pediatrics, with tips for preclerkship and clerkship. After lunch, a powerful Child and Caregiver Panel shared personal stories of navigating the healthcare system. The day concluded with a Q&A session on pediatric residency with Dr. Zaynab Malik (PGY1) and Dr. Kevan Mehta (staff Pediatric Respirologist).

CinePsych Hosts Successful Mental Health Screening

CinePsych, a collaboration between McMaster’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, recently hosted a successful mental health film screening at The Westdale Theatre.

With over 60 attendees, the event featured powerful short films addressing mental health topics through a creative lens. The evening provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with and reflect on important mental health issues. A big thank you to everyone who joined, and stay tuned for more upcoming events! To learn more about CinePsych, visit their website.

McMaster Learners Shine at CSIM Conference

Last month, McMaster UGME students participated in the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine (CSIM) conference, hosted in Hamilton. This event offered an exceptional platform to present posters, engage in dynamic lecture series, and network with internal medicine physicians and residents from across Canada.

Our learners highlighted their work in clinical research, quality improvement initiatives, and unique internal medicine case studies through both poster and oral presentations. Conference highlights included workshops on the latest evidence in internal medicine, sessions on Planetary Health, and forward-thinking discussions on medical education.

Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding contributions!

Call for Cover Art: Disability Inclusion in Medical Education Supplement

An open call for original artwork is being made for the cover of a special supplement on Disability Inclusion in Medical Education, set for publication in October 2025. Submissions are welcome in various visual media, including photography, sculpture, painting, and textile work. The artwork should represent the dynamic intersectionality of a disability-inclusive learning and training community, going beyond simplistic or one-dimensional portrayals.

Submission Details:

• Up to 3 high-resolution JPEG submissions per artist/group (9” x 8” or 1260 x 1084 pixels, 300 dpi)
• A 100-250 word artist’s statement explaining the connection between the work and disability inclusion in academic medicine
• Deadline: January 15, 2024
• Notifications will be sent in February 2025

This is a unique opportunity to showcase your art in a respected medical journal and contribute to the conversation on disability inclusion.

Learn more and submit here.

NRC Pumpkin Contest Winners

Niagara Regional Campus called all NRC medical learners, residents, faculty, and staff to get their competition spirit on for the NRC Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest! Thank you to everyone who participated and voted—your creativity was truly inspiring.

The contest winners are:

Scariest: Fetal MRI by Nick Hanson

Creative: So Real, it's Scary by Sophia Pei

Best Attempt: Carved with Love by Dr. Nagham el-Houssein's children

Funniest: CaRMs Interview by Rochelle Howarth

Surgical: Pumpkin Surgeon by Mindy Baroody

To see the amazing entries, visit the Instagram post.

Help Create a Career Exploration Resource for Medical Students!

Your SA Career Team is reaching out to you for volunteers to help with a new initiative!  

What: We are looking to create a resource for YOU that will give you insights into all the PGY1 entry disciplines as a Career Exploration and Career Selection tool. We plan to pair students volunteers with a mix of faculty members and residents from each discipline to hold short interviews (max 30 minutes). Interviews will include a mix of pre-set questions that our team creates and those made by you tailored to the specific discipline. Interviews will be filmed and then edited by SA such that final videos will be posted to Medportal.  

Why: In lieu of a virtual Career Fair, we wanted to create a repository of resources that you can access ANY time.  Volunteers will get face time in a small group setting with representatives from disciplines you are interested in and have an opportunity to ask questions that are important to you when it comes to choosing your future career! Plus you can add it to your CV as a professional activity you participated in.  

Who: We are looking for 1-2 medical students to pair with each PGY1 entry discipline for the interviews

When: Throughout the year you will coordinate with program representatives to find a time that suits everyone best. As videos are completed, we will post them to Medportal on a rolling basis.  

If you would like to participate, please indicate which discipline(s) you would be interested in doing interviews for.  We will review the final volunteer list and look to give as many people an opportunity to participate as possible. If multiple people indicate an interest for a discipline, we will use a random draw to select participants.  

Please click here to submit your responses.