"RPAP Shadowing is a great way to learn about the life and clinical practice of a rural physician. It also allows us to gain experience in real clinical scenarios and practice our clinical skills early in our training."Chris Naylor, Shadowing Participant

The link to the process for students interested in a Shadowing Weekend is:
Process for RPAP Shadowing Experience UofA Student Mar2009.pdf

Interested UofA medical students must also complete the procedure described on UGME's Rural Shadowing & Skills Appliication web page.

Please note:

Students interested in shadowing in ICC Communities should contact Morgan Zoeller (mailto:MZOELLER@MED.UALBERTA.CA).  Due to increased demand on these communities with the ICC Program, shadowing experiences can NOT be guaranteed.

Students must fill out both an RPAP Waiver AND a Faculty approval form prior to the shadowing experience.  The RPAP Waiver can be mailed or faxed to RPAP (the Office of Rural and Regional Health can send it for you) and the Faculty approval form must be taken to the Office of Rural and Regional Health to be signed. The Office will forward it to the UGME for approval.  You must receive confirmation emails from both the Office of Rural and Regional Health and UGME.

Shadowing expense claims to a maximum of $100/day must be sent directly to RPAP at the address below for approval and within 90 days from the shadowing experience.

Original receipts must be attached (credit card receipts are not adequate).  Incomplete or unreadable expense forms will be returned and late claims will not be processed.

First and second year medical students (i.e. those in their pre-clinical years) are permitted to shadow the preceptor; hands-on contact is only permitted when the student is under the direct guidance of the preceptor. Students in their clinical years generally have more freedom in being able to meet with patients on their own and are able to be more 'hands on". However, these students are also under the supervision of their preceptor. Students should confirm the specific functional limitations of this summer experience/elective with their UGME office.

Please contact the RPAP Office at shadowing@rpap.ab.ca to schedule your shadowing experience. We will try to meet your specific needs with regards to date and location.

Shadowing Program
The Alberta Rural Physician Action Plan
2801 Telus House, 10020-100 Street NW
Edmonton, AB   T5J 0N3
Phone: 1-866-423-9911 ext. 108 or 107 Fax: (780) 423-9917
E-mail: shadowing@rpap.ab.ca

Please complete an evaluation form for the Shadowing Program and submit with your expense form. The evaluation form is available in the forms section of this site.