Academics & Research

A common PGY1 Core Curriculum (PGY1CC) has been developed to support all first-year NOSM University residents to develop foundational knowledge and skills. In total, there are seven academic half-day sessions and various self-directed modules that complete the PGY1 CC.

Curriculum Objectives

• Develop Competency in Addressing Emerging Medical Challenges:
  • Equip residents with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address emerging issues in medicine, such as the health impacts of climate change and the provision of gender-affirming care.
• Enhance Patient Safety and Quality of Care:
  • Foster a deep understanding of patient safety principles, root cause analysis, and the importance of effective communication to minimize medical errors and improve patient outcomes.
• Cultivate Cultural Competence and Ethical Practice:
  • Promote cultural awareness and sensitivity, particularly in caring for vulnerable populations such as Indigenous peoples and Francophone communities, to ensure equitable and respectful healthcare delivery.
• Strengthen Teaching and Leadership Skills:
  • Develop residents’ abilities as educators and leaders within clinical settings, focusing on effective teaching strategies, feedback mechanisms, and the management of challenging teaching scenarios.
• Support Resident Wellness and Professional Development:
  • Encourage residents to adopt strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, while providing tools for continuous personal and professional growth.
• Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Communication:
  • Foster effective teamwork and communication skills among healthcare professionals to enhance collaborative practice and improve patient care outcomes.
• Apply Evidence-Based Practices and Continuous Learning:
  • Encourage the use of evidence-based medicine and continuous learning to stay current with medical advancements and incorporate best practices into clinical care.

Breakdown of Mandatory Courses

• 7 academic half-day sessions will take place throughout the academic year; all session take place on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Residents can access MyCurriculum for a breakdown of each session including the schedule, learning objectives, and additional resources.
• These sessions are mandatory for all PGY1s to attend.

Health Sciences Library:

The Health Sciences Library offers resources and services to support our residents.

Details about those services, and access to the resources, is available from the library website.

In order to access any of the licensed resources from off-campus, you will be prompted to enter your NOSM University username & password – for more information see our FAQ.

Research consultations are available to residents seeking library support for their scholarly projects. During a research consultation librarians can:

1. Offer assistance with search strategies
2. Advise on search terminology (e.g. MeSH and other subject headings)
3. Provide guidance to and/or instruction on database selection (e.g. Medline, CINAHL, etc.)
4. Provide support with citation management tools (e.g. Zotero)
5. Provide support on where and how to publish research
6. Orient residents to other library services or resources available in support of research (e.g. interlibrary loans)

To request a research consultation complete the “Book a Librarian” request form.

If you have any questions, please contact askthelibrary@nosm.ca

The Research Services Office can assist residents with administrative guidance when involved with research projects. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the bi-weekly newsletter, Research Matters.  In the newsletter you will find funding opportunities, research news, and related event details.

Residents interested in learning about research at NOSM University can also find more information by visiting the website.

Residents looking for research awards and funding are encouraged to go to Resident Research Funding Opportunities or explore NOSM University Internal Funding Opportunities.

If you have any questions, please contact research@nosm.ca