1. Is rural shadowing available in the summer?

RPAP shadowing is available year round.  The same process applies year round, however during the summer months the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine requires that all students doing any shadowing or electives be registered in Med 518 (1st year students) or Med 528 (2nd year students) to be covered by insurance.

2. How many times in a year can you participate in rural shadowing weekends?

There is a limit of four (4) rural shadowing weekends per academic year.

3. If I have contacts of my own, can I set up rural shadowing on my own?

Yes, however you still must complete a UGME Shadowing form which can be found at  www.med.ualberta.ca/education/ugme/clinicaled12/rural_form.cfm?yr=1

After completing the UGME Shadowing form, you need to take it to the Rural and Regional Health Office (located 205 College Plaza) to be approved and signed.  

You must also email the RPAP Shadowing Coordinator at shadowing@rpap.ab.ca  with all of the details so that you are still eligible for financial support.

4. How do I do my 12 hour elective in 1st or 2nd year in rural medicine?

The process is the same as detailed at: www.rpap.ab.ca/edmontonruralinterestgroup/shadowing.html

Just be sure to indicate on the UGME Shadowing form that your time is to count toward your 12 hour elective.

5. I wasn’t able to attend the Clinical Skills day.  Are there other similar opportunities available?

RPAP does host sessions at AMSCAR where they teach basic medical skills, similar to those taught on the Clinical Skills day.  Weekend rural shadowing is also a great way to get exposure to rural medicine.  For more details go to: www.rpap.ab.ca/edmontonruralinterestgroup/shadowing.html

The RPAP Summer Externship Program is also a great opportunity for those students interested in rural medicine.  For more details go to:

www.rpap.ab.ca/medical_students/summer_externship_program.html

6. I didn’t get approved for the RPAP Summer Externship, are there other opportunities I can do during my summer?

Rural shadowing is available year round.  For more information go to:   www.rpap.ab.ca/edmontonruralinterestgroup/shadowing.html

Please note, that in order to participate in any shadowing or electives over the summer the University of Alberta requires you to be registered in Med 518 (1st year students) or Med 528 (2nd year students) to be covered by insurance.

7. Can I use the RPAP Summer Externship Program to count as an elective toward my third year elective credits?

If you are participating in the externship during the summer between your 2nd and 3rd year you may use that time to count toward your elective time in 3rd year.   For more information please contact Rural&RegionalHealth@med.ualberta.ca or ugme@med.ualberta.ca