Q1: Approximately, how many people are accepted into the program?
The number of people offered admission to the program varies from year to year depending on the number of positions available at the participating hospitals. The quality of the applicant pool is also a factor. This year the committee is hoping to accept at least 9 students.
Q2: What if I don't have any experience by the time I apply?
Preference is given to applicants with prior experience. Because of the short duration of the internship, coordinators and directors feel more comfortable having students who have had some experience in a health-care related environment. The situations that students may find themselves in will, at times, be enhanced by previous health-care related knowledge/training.
Q3: Do I need to take a medical terminology class?
Medical terminology is not a required class in order to be considered for this program. If you have taken a course or are familiar with medical terminology it will make interactions with physicians and healthcare staff much easier.
Q4: Do I really shadow physicians for 8 hours or more a day?
It is suggested that an student spend an entire working day with their assigned physician. This is a learning experience and interns are encouraged take as much out of this experience as possible. If you can't handle an 8 hour day, imagine being in class for 9 hours a day while in medical school and working 12 hours shifts as well as being on 24 hour call once you finish medical school. Tough it out!
Q5: Is the coordinator role important? How can I become the coordinator of the program?
The coordinator role makes this program dynamic and catalytic by fostering leadership skills developed as an intern. A student interns for one semester and can apply for the coordinator position for the following semester. The selection committee from the previous year will ultimately make the final decision on which student gets the position.
Q6: Do I need to be a university student taking classes in order to become an intern?
You could have already graduated from university and still be selected. High school students are not eligible.
Q7: Where do I get verification of my volunteer hours?
The coordinator along with hospital directors will verify all volunteer hours.
Q8: Will being a part of this program help me get into medical school?
Admissions into medical school has increasingly become more competitive. Admissions committee don't only look at your grades, they place a heavy emphasis on your personality and extra-curricular activities (PAS is 40% for U of M). The clinical experience gained through this experience will allow you to better understand what it entails to be a doctor and will be a great topic of conversion for your interview. This is no means a guarantee that you will get accepted into medical school nor will it give you an edge over other applicants. It is also important to note that this program should not be used as only a "resume builder". The selection committee will take due diligence to ensure those who are only participating to "resume build" will not be accepted.
Q9: What exactly will I be doing during my rotations?
Activities will vary depending on which hospital you are at. Some common aspects include shadowing ER physicians and observing surgeries in the OR. Other aspects could include spending time in the imaging department (ie. X-rays, ultrasound), the local clinic, or visiting an aboriginal reserve.
Q10: Do you have any suggestions of when I should start working on my application and how are applicants selected?
The initial selection process depends on the size of the applicant pool. If the numbers of positions available are greater then the number of applicants, all applicants that meet the minimum requirements will be accepted (Most likely not going to happen). Applicants who submit their application earliest will be given the opportunity to choose which hospital they would like to go to. However, if the applicant pool is significantly larger than the number of positions available additional considerations will be in place. The selection committee will review all submitted documents and select/interview the top 15 applicants that they feel will best represent the program using a pre-determined weighted formula. Out of these 15 applicants, 9 will be selected for this years program.
Q11: How is the AGPA calculated?
The AGPA is calculated using the same method as the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine Admissions. Please see their website (http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/admissions/agpa.html ) for further details
Q12: What is the format for the reference letters and how may they be submitted?
The referees should simply address the coordinators of the Rural Manitoba Health Mentorship Program.
We will accept reference letters in either of two ways:
1) Sent separately directly from your referee
2) Included in your application package as long as the letter is signed and sealed
