Undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Program

Undergraduate MD Program Goals

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The Undergraduate MD Program at McMaster University fosters a cooperative, supportive and respectful environment. The curriculum evolves continuously, responsive to the changing needs of Ontario society, nurturing the development of the following competencies at the time of graduation:

1. Medical Expert: Students will be able to apply scientific principles from human biology, behaviour and population health to the solution of health problems; they will have the ability to seek out new information and evaluate this information critically.
2. Communicator/Collaborator: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills, sensitive to the needs of patients and cognizant of the roles of other members of the health care team in delivering patient care.
3. Advocate/Resource Manager: Graduating students will be knowledgeable about the determinants of health and be proactive advocates for their individual patients and for healthy public policy within the context of the health care system.
4. Scholar/Learner: Students will be self-directed lifelong learners, whose exposure at McMaster to role models in research and clinical care will encourage them to apply innovative approaches to solving health care problems.
5. Self-Reflective Practitioner: Graduating students will be expected to have developed an awareness of the influence of their attitudes, values and assumptions, how these affect their practice of medicine and the impact of the practice of medicine on themselves as individuals.

The specific competencies in which students will be trained and that students must demonstrate by completion of the program can be found here: https://ugme.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/education/our-curriculum/#tab-content-curriculum. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.

The Pre-Clerkship Curriculum

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The Pre-Clerkship curriculum focuses on the mastery of fundamental concepts in medicine. It continues the McMaster tradition of Problem-Based Learning and incorporates important research findings from cognitive psychology. The curriculum is structured on the integration of critical concepts and each step of the curriculum is based on the growth of important concepts learned previously. The central focus of the Pre-Clerkship program is the tutorial. Tutorial problems are selected to illustrate concepts in a clinical setting and when students are exploring tutorial problems, they will be directed towards asking questions of “what”, “why” and “how”.

The Pre-Clerkship curriculum is divided into five foundations: four Medical Foundations that provide an introduction to all major organ systems and an Integration Foundation that focuses on the purposeful and structurally-supported consolidation of important concepts to improve readiness for Clerkship. A novel feature of the curriculum is a horizontal Professional Competencies curriculum which runs throughout the three years of the program. There is also elective time.

Learning Methods

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In the Pre-Clerkship Foundations, students are presented with a series of tutorial problems, requiring the understanding of underlying biological, population and behavioural principles, the appropriate collection of data and the critical appraisal of evidence. Learning by a process of inquiry is stressed.

The class is divided into small groups of 6 to 8 students, each with a tutor. In the tutorial session students develop a series of learning objectives from each tutorial case and negotiate how they will approach their learning tasks. They then acquire the knowledge and skills to meet the objectives of the Foundation in which they are working. They also learn to work as a team, helping and learning from peers. The study habits and sense of responsibility to self and others provide a basis for lifelong working and learning habits.

In the Professional Competencies curriculum, students work in groups of 8 to 10, with two facilitators, one an MD, the other a clinician from an allied health care field. Learning formats include large group sessions, small group tutorials, work with standardized patients, role-plays, written projects and reflections which are collected as the student’s Reflective Physician Portfolio.

To achieve the objectives of the Undergraduate Medical Program, students are introduced to patients within the first Foundation of the curriculum. In this way, students understand the relevance of what they are learning, maintain a high degree of motivation and begin to
understand the importance of responsible professional attitudes.

Students admitted to the Undergraduate Medical Program have the responsibility and privilege of taking an active role in the planning and evaluation of the education program. Through representation on most policy-making and implementing committees, students can influence decisions in such areas as education, philosophy, faculty recruitment and curriculum design. It is expected that all students will participate in the continuing reappraisal and improvement of the program. Such participation is a hallmark of the Program.

Student Assessment Methods

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The assessment format has been designed to complement learning in the Undergraduate Medical Program. Assessment methods have been developed to measure how well the student achieves the stated educational objectives in the various components of the program. Continual assessment of students occurs within all small-group learning experiences. Students are expected to conduct self-assessment, as well as participate in the assessment of other students in their small groups. Students will also be assessed by faculty and residents, including tutors in problem-based learning tutorials, longitudinal facilitators in Professional Competencies, and preceptors in clinical skills.

Several short, low-stakes assessment exercises occur during each Foundation and at regular intervals during the Professional Competencies component of the program. Tutors complete a summary of student learning progress at the completion of each Foundation reflecting student self-assessment, peer assessment, clinical skills preceptor assessment, and performance on assessment exercises, incorporating the tutor’s progress assessments throughout the Foundation.At the completion of the Foundation or the Professional Competencies assessment period, the tutor or facilitator is responsible for the final summary statement of student learning progress.

Longitudinal Facilitators complete a summary of student learning progress at the completion of each Medical Foundation based on student self-assessment, peer assessment, performance on written and skills assessments, incorporating the facilitators’ progress assessments throughout the preceding assessment period. The Professional Competencies assessment at the conclusion of the Integration Foundation serves as the final Professional Competencies assessment that will be reflected on students’ transcripts.

Elective supervisors complete a summary of student performance at the completion of each elective, including as assessment of the student’s progress on achieving the proposed learning
objectives.

Core clinical rotation supervisors complete a summary of student performance at the completion of each rotation. These assessment summaries reflect student clinical assessments by faculty and residents, written assessments, and assignments unique to each clinical rotation.

In addition to the component-based assessment, the accumulation of medical knowledge is assessed at regular intervals by means of the Personal Progress Index. This is in a multiple-choice format. Results are available to the students for self-assessment and, in summary form, to the Student Advisor. The Personal Progress Index is in addition to, and does not replace, tutorial and other curricular assessments. The Program monitors longitudinal student progress, and provides support for students showing persistently low progress.

The acquisition of clinical and professional skills is assessed by clinical skills preceptors in each Foundation and in Clerkship through direct observation and feedback. This is transitioning towards an Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) framework in place throughout the Undergraduate Medical Program beginning with the Class of 2026.

In addition to this component-based assessment, accumulation of clinical and professional skills is assessed at key transition points in the program through 3 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) interacting with Standardized Patients. The first occurs in pre-clerkship prior to pre-clerkship electives participating in clinical environments; the second OSCE occurs prior to the transition to clerkship phase of training; and the third OSCE occurs prior to the transition to residency phase of training. These assessments ensure students meet the technical standards to progress in the program as defined by the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM).

All student assessment data described above is available to students and their advisors via the online Medical Student Information System (MedSIS).

The Program Evaluation and Student Assessment Committee (PESA), with oversight of the Curriculum Committee, has the responsibility of working with the Medical Program to assist with the development and implementation of psychometrically sound assessment methods to provide timely and helpful information to assist students and faculty in assessing student progress.

Curriculum Plan - COMPASS Curriculum

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The order, timing, duration, and focus of all components of the curriculum may change in response to changing conditions with respect to the healthcare environment. Changes that occur contemporary with ongoing programming are approved by the relevant curriculum component committee, the program Curriculum Committee, and the program Executive Committee. Students will be notified of changes to the curriculum with as much notice as possible.

Admission Policy for the Doctor of Medicine Program

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The official admission policy and deadlines for the Undergraduate Medical Program shall be as published in the Ontario Medical School Information Booklet. This booklet is available through:

Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS)
170 Research Lane
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 5E2
(519) 823-1063
http://www.ouac.on.ca/omsas
omsas@ouac.on.ca

Please note that the admission policy is reviewed annually, and the admission requirements from the previous year may not apply. Because of the nature of the selection procedures, deadlines are strictly enforced. All relevant documentation must be provided by the specified deadlines. Applicants must follow the instructions precisely. All applicants should be aware that the Admissions Office is committed to the protection of personal information. Use of personal information is strictly limited to the appropriate handling of applications, record-keeping for those admitted to the program, and research intended to further the efficacy of Medical Education Program procedures. The University reserves the right to change the admission requirements at any time without notice.

Admission and Registration

Registration in the Undergraduate Medical Program implies acceptance by the student of the objectives of the program, and the methods which evaluate progress toward the achievement of those objectives. The following describes the regulations governing admission and registration in the Undergraduate Medical Program. The final application deadline is October 1st. The deadline is strictly enforced.

Admission Policy and Procedure

The intention of the McMaster Undergraduate Medical Program is to prepare students to become physicians who have the capacity and flexibility to select any area in the broad field of medicine. The applicant is selected with this goal in mind. Faculty, medical students and members of the community are involved in the admissions process.

Application to the medical program implies acceptance by the applicant of the admission policies and procedures, and the methods by which candidates are chosen for the program. Applicants who will not be ready or able to begin studies as expected may withdraw their applications without prejudice. Application fees cannot be refunded.

Several hundred applicants will be invited for an interview in March or April. From this group a class of 217 is selected.

All applicants are notified in writing, by McMaster University, of the results of their application. These letters will be sent electronically to applicants on the second Tuesday in May.

Falsification of Admission Information

Applicants should understand that where it is discovered that any application information is false or misleading, or has been concealed or withheld, the application will be deemed to be invalid. This will result in its immediate rejection. If the applicant has already been admitted and registered as a student, withdrawal from the University may be required. The MD Admissions Committee will normally not allow the applicant to reapply to the Medical Program for seven (7) years.

Essential Skills and Abilities Required for Entry to a Medical Degree Program

The Ontario Faculties of Medicine are responsible to society to provide a program of study that graduates Doctors of Medicine with the knowledge, skills, professional behaviours and attitudes necessary for postgraduate medical training and independent medical practice in Canada. Graduates must be able to diagnose and manage health problems and provide comprehensive, compassionate care to their patients. For this reason, students in the MD program must possess the cognitive, communication, sensory, motor, and social skills necessary to interview, examine, and counsel patients, and competently complete certain technical procedures in a reasonable time while ensuring patient safety.

In addition to obtaining an MD degree, and completing an accredited residency training program, an individual must pass the licensure examinations of the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) in order to practice medicine in Canada. Therefore, MD programs have embedded expectations of both knowledge- and skills-based competencies. Prospective candidates should be aware that cognitive abilities, physical examination proficiencies, management skills, communication ability, and professional behaviours are all evaluated in timed simulations of patient encounters.

All students must therefore have the required skills and abilities described in the Section on Technical Standards. These are standards that are necessary for success in the MD Program, and to be sufficiently competent to participate in supervised residency training. All individuals are expected to review this document to assess their ability to meet these standards. The document can be found at https://mdprogram.mcmaster.ca/md-program-admissions/who-should-apply.

Academic Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must fulfill the requirements described below:

1. By May of the year of entry, applicants must have completed a minimum of three years of undergraduate work. To satisfy the minimum requirements, academic credentials obtained from a Canadian University must be from an institution with academic standards and performance consistent with those of member institutions of the Council of Ontario Universities (COU). The applicant must be able to demonstrate a high level of academic achievement consistently throughout their undergraduate career.
2. A minimum of 15 full-courses, or 30 half-courses (three years) of Undergraduate university work from a recognized university is required. There is no requirement that applicants carry a full course load. Marks from supplementary and summer courses will be included in the grade point average calculation. If requested, applicants must provide evidence that this requirement has been met by May 30th of the year of entry. Courses graded only by the assignment of Pass or Credit are counted for credit, but will not be included in the GPA calculation. In this case, a minimum of five half-year or five full year courses with letter or numerical grades is required.
3. An applicant who has completed a diploma at a CEGEP must have completed by May of the year of entry, at least two additional full academic years of degree credit work at an accredited university.
4. Applicants who have completed the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in less than three years by the October 1st deadline, are also eligible.
5. By October 1st, applicants must have achieved an overall simple average of at least a 3.0 on the OMSAS 4.0 scale. While an overall simple average of at least 3.0 on the OMSAS 4.0 scale meets the minimal criterion for consideration for admission, prospective applicants should be aware that given the rapidly rising level of competition for a limited number of positions, a significantly higher GPA would provide them with a more reasonable chance of admission. Due to changes from year to year in the level of competitiveness, an exact figure in this regard cannot be provided.
6. Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) - The MCAT is required for application and must be written within five years of the application year. The score from the Critical Analysis and Reasoning section will be used in both formulae (offer of interview and offer of admission). A minimum score of 123 on the Critical Analysis and Reasoning component is required. All other MCAT component scores will not be considered in the selection process. For those applicants who write the MCAT more than once, the score from the most recent MCAT will be used.
7. Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal characteristics (CASPer): All applicants to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University will be required to complete a 90 minute computer-based test, called CASPer, as part of the selection process. CASPer is a web-based assessment of interpersonal skills and decision-making, to be completed at a computer. Applicants must register for CASPer, which is offered in the Fall of each application year, at https://acuityinsights.app/.

No other aspects of the application will be considered if these requirements are not met.

Indigenous Applicants

With an understanding that Indigenous learners can face specific barriers or challenges when pursuing higher education, schools and programs within McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences have facilitated admissions streams for applicants with Indigenous North American (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) ancestry. This process is intended to provide equitable access to Indigenous applicants and aligns with the intent of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. Applicants wishing to apply through McMaster’s FIAP need to complete the self-identification application in addition to the McMaster University and program specific application processes. The FIAP application is submitted to McMaster’s Indigenous Health Task Force (IHTF) through the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge office website.

Information on the policy, application requirements and the online application can be found at: https://ihll.mcmaster.ca/.

One self-identification application is used for all Faculty of Health Sciences programs that have a facilitated Indigenous admissions stream, and should only be completed once even if an applicant is applying to multiple programs. Applicants identify the program(s) they are applying to on the Self-identification Application. The applicant is responsible for ensuring the Self-identification Application is submitted by the application deadline(s) for the program(s) they are applying to in addition to completing any other application required for that program(s). If applicants are applying to multiple Faculty of Health Sciences programs, the Self-identification Application must be completed by the earliest deadline date.

Indigenous applicants are also required to complete the Undergraduate MD Program application package as provided by the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS).

Applicants must meet the same minimum academic criteria for admission as described in the “Academic Eligibility Requirements” section.

* In order to reduce barriers for Indigenous applicants, provision of MCAT critical analysis and reasoning score may be deferred beyond October 1st. Those Indigenous applicants wishing to delay taking the MCAT until after invitations to interview are sent out are free to do so, but should be aware that they MUST forward a minimum MCAT critical analysis and reasoning score of 123 or higher to the Admissions Office by the offer date (the second Tuesday in May), in order to maintain eligibility. Indigenous applicants wishing to explore this option should book their MCAT in the Fall to be certain of a spot. A cancellation fee would be applied by MCAT if the applicant is not successful in obtaining an interview and subsequently cancels their MCAT test.

Black-Equity Stream (BESt)

As a part of McMaster’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine’s commitment to equity in medical school admissions, a Black-Equity Stream was introduced for the 2022/23 application cycle. This process is intended to provide equitable access to Black applicants and aligns with the McMaster MD Program’s commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice in all that we do, and McMaster University’s statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose https://secretariat.mcmaster.ca/university-policies-procedures-guidelines/.

All the applicants applying through BESt are required to complete the Undergraduate MD Program application package as provided by the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) by the specified deadline, where they will self-identify to indicate their interest.

A supplementary application which will accompany their application, consisting of a personal essay from the applicant to describe their interest in applying through the BESt, is also required. Applicants must meet the same minimum academic criteria for admission as set out for the general pool of candidates.

Geographical Consideration

The geographical status of the applicant is determined from the Autobiographic Sketch. Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of geographical status. In selecting applicants for interview, the bona fide place of residence will be based upon: 1) the province of Ontario; or 2) the rest of Canada and other countries. To qualify for Ontario status, an applicant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada by October 1st, and have resided for at least three years in the province of Ontario since the age of 14 by the date of possible entry into the program.

Transcript Requirements and Transcript Request Forms (TRF)

All transcripts must be ordered by OMSAS via the Transcript Request Form (TRF) where that procedure has been established. Applicants must request all other transcript materials prior to September 15th, to allow adequate time for processing requests and for receipt at OMSAS by the prescribed deadline. If an applicant is registered at a post-secondary institution at the time of the application deadline and that registration is not reported on the transcript, the applicant must arrange to have the Registrar of the institution send a Statement of Registration to OMSAS by October 1st. This statement must indicate the in-progress course name(s) and number(s). Evidence to show that applicants requested transcripts and Registrar statements in a timely fashion may be requested by McMaster University. Applicants should retain all receipts and correspondence related to their transcript request.

It is entirely the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all of the above are received at OMSAS by October 1st. Failure by the applicant to meet these requirements will result in the disqualification of the application.

All transcripts must be submitted directly to OMSAS by the post-secondary institutions attended. McMaster requires that applicants provide transcripts of all courses/programs attended at any post-secondary institution. This includes community colleges, CEGEPs, junior colleges, pre-university programs, etc.

Failure by the applicant to comply with the instructions or to meet the deadlines will result in disqualification of the application.

Graduate Students

Those applicants with a completed and conferred Master’s or Ph.D. at the time of application will receive a small amount of extra weighting in the formula used to determine the likelihood of invitation to an interview. Individual grades for course work taken as part of a graduate degree will not be included in the calculation of the grade point average.

Graduate students enrolled in a graduate program at the time of application must arrange for their Supervisor, a member of their Supervisory Committee, or the Chair of the Department to provide a letter indicating they are aware the applicant is intending to apply to medical school. Applicants should arrange for this letter to be received at OMSAS by October 1st. If the applicant’s graduate degree supervisor is acting as one of their references, a second letter is not required.

Credentialing of Non-Canadian Grades

Applicants, Canadian or non-Canadian, who have not met the minimum course number criterion utilizing their Canadian data and require inclusion of their international education data to meet the minimum course number criterion are required to have their foreign transcript assessed by World Education Services (WES). Credentialing assessment means converting foreign academic credentials into their Ontario educational equivalents. A course-by-course evaluation along with the calculation of an overall GPA is required. Applicants must have their transcripts sent directly from their university to WES and OMSAS and be able to prove (with dated letter and dated post office receipt) that an attempt was made to have the transcript issued by their university and sent to OMSAS by October 1st. Those requiring WES assessment must also ensure that transcripts are received by WES in time for their assessment to reach OMSAS by October 1st. A WES Assessment is not required for courses or programs completed on foreign exchanges.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy by October 1st, at least one of the following conditions:

1. Provide evidence of a combined score on the TOEFL iBT test with an overall score of at least 86 with minimum scores of 20 in each of the four components, or the equivalent on other recognized tests has been achieved (McMaster University code for TOEFL test score submissions is #0936); or
2. Have attended an educational institution, where instruction was in English, for at least three years; or
3. Have resided for at least four years in an English-speaking country.

Interviews

Several hundred applicants will be invited to interview. 

The interview process entitled the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), is primarily composed of a series of 8-10 ten-minute encounters over a two-hour period.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the MMI will be held virtually.

Selection

All the information resulting from the process described above, as well as the Confidential Assessments from referees, may be reviewed and used in the final selection. Applicants will be notified in writing, by McMaster University, of the results of their application. These letters are sent electronically to applicants on the second Tuesday in May. Anyone accepting an offer of admission must provide, within two weeks of acceptance, a deposit in the amount of $1,000 (Canadian), non-refundable, which will subsequently be applied towards tuition. The MD Program begins in early-August. Students accepting their offer of admission must be available to begin the program on the schedule start date and must attend all day-time program-related sessions.

Application for Deferred Registration

Deferred registration may be granted only under exceptional circumstances. The request for deferral must normally be submitted within two weeks of the offer of admission and will be considered by the UGME Deferral Board. Deferral for parental/family, illness or other personal/compassionate reasons may be considered if received after this deadline where circumstances did not allow the applicant to meet the deadline.

International Applicants

Interested International applicants may apply through the regular process. International (Visa) students should be aware that admission to the Undergraduate MD Program does not confer eligibility to apply subsequently through the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) for a residency training position in Canada. Applicants should check the CaRMS web site (http://www.carms.ca/) for further information.

Applicants Currently or Previously Registered in a Canadian or US Medical School

Typically, the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, does not admit students registered (currently or previously) in medical school in Canada or the United States. Should an applicant wish to pursue admission in this case, the Admissions Committee will require a letter outlining the extenuating circumstances guiding the application to McMaster. The letter should clearly address why the move to a new and different medical school is necessary, compelling, and unable to be addressed at the current/previous medical school.

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to investigate and confirm the claims made in the letter. This may include contacting the current or previously attended medical school.

Advanced Standing/Transfer

The structure of the McMaster Program requires that all students begin in Medical Foundation 1. There is no provision for advanced standing or transfer into the program.

Unsuccessful Applicants

Application files, including transcripts, from one year are not held over to another year. If an unsuccessful applicant wishes to reapply, a new application package, including supporting documentation must be submitted, using the OMSAS Application and the OMSAS Information Booklet, for the new admission selection cycle.

Retention of Documents

All documentation submitted in support of an application for admission becomes the property of the University and is not returnable. If an applicant is not accepted, or fails to enroll following acceptance, the identifiable documentation will be destroyed at the end of the admissions cycle in keeping with university policy.

Financial Information

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Financial difficulties are among the most frequent problems experienced by students in undergraduate medical schools. At McMaster, these are intensified by the lack of opportunity for summer employment.

In this situation, it is incumbent on students admitted to the MD Program to clarify immediately their personal financial situation and to secure or identify sufficient support to meet their financial obligations over the subsequent three years. The Undergraduate MD Program cannot assume this responsibility.

In 2023/24, the academic fees (tuition and student supplementary fees) for a student in the McMaster Undergraduate Medical Program were:

Canadian Citizens and Landed Immigrants

Year I	$26,253.75 (OOP $29,660.73)
Year II	$26,253.75 (OOP $28,829.54)
Year III	$26,253.75 (OOP $27,510.23)

International (Visa) Students

Each Year

$96,123.79

In addition, the cost of books and diagnostic equipment for a Year I student was approximately $3,000. It is strongly recommended that students purchase the full complement of medical equipment necessary for clinical skills. Equipment lists and special prices will be offered to medical students within the first few months of medical school. Students are also responsible for their transportation costs related to their training.

Financial assistance is available to Ontario residents from the federal and provincial governments through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). To be eligible a student must be a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident of Canada and fulfill certain requirements for residency in Ontario. Students who are legal residents of other provinces need to check with their respective provincial financial aid programs about eligibility for support prior to acceptance. In addition, the following sources of funding are available to undergraduate medical students:

Bursaries

There is a bursary program which has been developed by the Faculty of Health Sciences and the central University campus. Bursaries are awarded to students who are Canadian citizens and demonstrate financial need. All bursaries are distributed during the late fall of each year. Bursaries are intended to offset provincial financial assistance and cannot supplement the full cost of medical education.

The Undergraduate Medical Program has in the past indicated its preparedness to recognize students who distinguish themselves and the University by virtue of their scholarship and their contribution to the university community. At the same time, the School has indicated that the terms of reference for such awards should neither compromise the spirit of cooperative scholarship which characterizes its MD Program nor replace its priority of concern for assisting those students with the greatest financial need..

A growing number of estates and agencies have donated funds to the University and the Undergraduate Medical Program for purposes of recognizing scholastic merit among medical students. In order to meet the requirements of these awards within the spirit of cooperative scholarship, these funds are available to support individual students in their pursuit of specific elective or research projects and activities. MD Program Donor Bursary applications can be accessed through AwardSpring during the annual UGME Bursary Program in September/October.