Career FAQs
Shadowing & Early Exposures
- What is the difference between "shadowing" and an "early exposure"?
Both are clinical experiences during the pre-clerkship years (Med I and II) that are designed to expose students to a particular field in Medicine. These experiences are arranged by the student and it is the student's responsible to ensure that such experiences must not conflict with class timetables. A "shadowing" experience (aka "observership") can be done througout the year and its duration varies based how the student has arranged it. No credit is given for shadowing experiences.
"Early exposures" refer to the Summer Early Exposure Program and require that the student arrange exposures lasting a minimum of a 10-day period that is not necessarily consecutive. The student must designate one supervisor who will be evaluating the student at the end of the early exposure. Credit is given for an early exposure. This must be arranged through Student Affairs.
- How do I set up a shadowing experience?
Contact a willing preceptor. Depending on the department, this may be done by communicating directly with the preceptor or through the department who will find you a suitable preceptor. Then, inform UGME that you will be participating in such a shadowing experience. - How do I set up an early exposure?
This done only during the summer months. Contact a willing supervisor then fill out a form from Student Affairs that must be completed by you and your supervisor/preceptor. An evaluation form must also be filled out by the supervisor at the end of your early exposure. All these forms & information can be accessed through Student Affairs. - Can I do a shadowing experience or early exposure outside the province?
Yes. This is done either through shadowing or thru the Summer Early Exposure Program. This typically involves further documentation, e.g., registration in the other province's College, proof of registration, etc., in order to set one up. FOr more information, contact Student Affairs.
- How do I find out what types of research is out there in surgery?
The best way is to contact researchers themselves or the departments in the specialty that you're interested in. They are more than happy to refer you to the appropriate researchers. - What is a Masters in Surgery?
It's a post-graduate program offered at the Univ of Manitoba to those who hold an MD. During residency, those in the program have protected time to be devoted to research in surgical topics. - How do I learn more about the MD/PhD Program? This is an individualized program offered to interested students in the MD program. It is tailored in such a way that one can graduate with a PhD along with an MD by inserting a 2-3 year research period between pre- and clerkship years. For more information, contact Dr Eisenstat.
- How do I learn more about the residency programs in each specialty?
Apart from talking to surgeons in the field, approaching the program directors is typically a good way to learn about the residency application process for each specialty. - What is CaRMS? It's the residency matching system for Canada. After graduating with your MD, in order to clinically practice, you must go through the CaRMS in order to match into a residency program in Canada.
- Where can I get more information about career planning? A good place to start would be Student Affairs. They have a few resources on helping you out with everything from med school to residency & beyond. They also host a series of events throughout the year that help you better understand your career options. The best way to really figure out what you want to do later on, however, is to seek out doctors in the field you are interested on & shadow them!
Disclaimer: Please note that information shared above is for general purposes only. Information and opinions presented above are presented by members of the University of Manitoba Surgery Club and does not reflect that of the University of Manitoba or the Department of Surgery. To view the website disclaimer, click here.