uOttawa Medical Interest Groups
Interest Groups provide medical students with opportunities to explore their interests beyond the classroom, whether through medical specialties, community involvement, or cultural and religious communities. Groups offer a variety of activities, events, speakers, service opportunities, and ways to connect with fellow students. Explore the groups below to learn more and find one that interests you!
Clinical Interest Groups
-
The focus of the Anatomy Interest Group (AIG) is to stimulate an interest in anatomy and teaching beyond the framework of our medical school’s standard anatomy curriculum. AIG is responsible for organizing dissection electives, mock exams/bellringers, and helping students prepare for their anatomy exams while promoting their interest in anatomy. AIG collaborates uniquely with the Faculty and is an integral part of many medical students' education.
-
Curious what happens at the head of the OR table? The Anesthesia Interest Group offers hands-on workshops in IV access and intubation, plus talks from anesthesiologists across different subspecialties. Whether you're set on anesthesia or just want to build core procedural skills every physician needs, come practice, learn, and connect with mentors in the field!
-
Arts in Medicine (AIM) provides a creative outlet for medical students to express themselves and manage stress. You will share new experiences with colleagues while complimenting your work-life balance by exploring visual arts, music, writing, and other forms of creative expression! We strongly believe that anyone, regardless of their background, will be able to find their own artistic voice with AIM!
-
The Dermatology Interest Group (DIG) aims to go beyond the surface and expose students to all aspects of dermatology including clinical practice, research, and advocacy. We focus on helping pre‑clerkship students build a strong foundation in dermatology through our seminar series, while also encouraging early exploration of the specialty via project opportunities, hands-on workshops, and guest speakers.
-
Interested in Emergency Medicine - or just want to feel more confident when things go sideways? 🚑 Join the Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG) for hands-on simulations, practical skills workshops, first-aid opportunities, research and mentorship, conferences, and unique experiences in prehospital, wilderness, and austere medicine. Come explore the breadth of EM, meet like-minded students, and build skills you can take into the ED and beyond!
-
Are you interested in a career in family medicine, or curious about what it could entail? Come out to the Family Medicine Interest Group events, where we will explore the many facets of family medicine and specifically the enhanced skills subspecialties (PG+1) through exciting talks, workshops, and shadowing opportunities. This is a wonderful way to discover if family medicine might be the career path for you!
-
Le Groupe d'intérêt en médecine francophone (GIF) s'engage à offrir des chances égales aux étudiants francophones du programme MD de l'Université d'Ottawa. Notre objectif est de créer des liens entre les étudiants francophones et les médecins qui pratiquent dans des milieux francophones, ainsi que d'exposer les étudiants à la réalité de la pratique dans les communautés francophones minoritaires. Le GIF travaille en étroite collaboration avec les Affaires francophones et le Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) pour offrir aux étudiants de précieuses occasions de réseautage et d'apprentissage.
_____________
The Médecine Francophone Interest Group (MFIG) is committed to providing equal opportunities to Francophone medical students at the University of Ottawa. Our objective is to connect French-speaking medical students with French-speaking physicians, as well as to expose medical students to the reality of practicing medicine in Francophone minority communities. The MFIG works collaboratively with the Francophone Affairs and the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) to provide students with valuable networking and learning opportunities.
-
The Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) provides students with the opportunity to explore Internal Medicine and its variety of subspecialties through educational workshops and seminars given by professionals in their respective fields. The IMIG also aims to help students network within the field of Internal Medicine and learn about the lifestyle and career paths of Internal Medicine professionals.
-
Do you want to better care for your future patients from all kinds of backgrounds? We offer many workshops, activities and talks that aim to educate you further so you can do just that!
-
Do you enjoy trivia? Come relax and have some snacks at pre-midterm and pre-exam trivias!
-
MedReal is an interest group that creates opportunities for students to learn directly from lived healthcare experiences. Through patient perspectives, we aim to foster empathy, strengthen understanding of the patient journey, and encourage a more patient-centred approach to medicine.
-
The Oncology Interest Group (OncIG) helps provide students with exposure to the disciplines of medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. We hope to inspire students to have a passion for oncology, see what makes oncology such a fascinating specialty, and allow them to make connections with oncologists and their peers.
-
Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG) connects students with opportunities to explore the diverse field of ophthalmology through hands-on workshops, physician talks, resident panels, and networking events. Whether you're curious about the specialty or considering a career in ophthalmology, OIG provides valuable clinical exposure, mentorship, and opportunities to learn more about vision care and eye surgery.
-
The Pediatrics Special Interest Group strives to introduce medical students to the field of pediatrics and its subspecialties, the residency program matching requirements, pre-clerkship elective opportunities, and much more! We hope to share our enthusiasm for this fascinating specialty with you! Please contact us at uottawapedsig@gmail.com.
-
The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Interest Group introduces students to a specialty focused on restoring function and improving quality of life for patients of all ages. Through hands-on workshops, and physician and patient panels, members explore the collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that makes PM&R unique. Join us to learn more about this dynamic and rewarding field!
-
The Psychiatry and Mental Health Interest Group (PMHIG) aims to increase student awareness regarding mental illness among various patient populations and works to educate and eliminate negative perceptions of psychiatric illness through both seminars and community outreach initiatives. Further, with the support of various mental health practitioners and community resources, members of this group will have the opportunity to learn about the specialty of psychiatry and its associated subspecialties.
-
Wanna impress your preceptors on placement? Learn how to “look inside” your patients at the bedside. The Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) Interest Group is here to teach medical students how to carry out bedside ultrasounds and make on-the-spot diagnoses!
-
The Radiology Interest Group (RIG) is a student-run organization that aims to promote interest in radiology and other sub-disciplines of radiology. The RIG also aims to teach medical imaging basics to students through the organization of talks, workshops and various radiology-related activities.
-
The Rural Medicine Interest Group provides students with the opportunity to learn about rural medicine from physicians that practice various specialties and come from a diverse set of rural communities. Gaining an understanding of the benefits and unique aspects of rural medicine may encourage students to engage in rural electives during their core rotations!
-
Sports Medicine is an exciting and fast-paced field dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries, as well as optimizing athletic performance. The Sports Medicine Interest Group dives into this specialized field through engaging talks, hands-on workshops, and unique opportunities to interact with professionals in family practice, orthopedic surgery, physiatry, and more!
Join us on Interest Group Day to discover how you can become a part of the dynamic world of sports medicine!
-
The Surgery Interest Group (SIG) provides students exposure to surgical specialties through mentoring and networking opportunities, skills workshops, talks given by experts in their respective fields, and the Surgical Exploration and Discovery (SEAD) summer program. SIG offers insight into the nuances of the field, including lifestyle, OR observership tips, and career paths of established surgeons.
-
Passionate about women’s health? Thinking about a future in OB/Gyn? Join the Women’s Health Interest Group (WHIG). From sexual and reproductive health, to maternal-fetal medicine, LGBTQ+ health equity, mental wellness, and career pathways in OB/Gyn, WHIG offers workshops, speaker events, and opportunities to connect with experts and peers, allowing you to explore the diverse world of obstetrics and gynecology.
Community Health Interest Groups
-
CHEO Buddies is a unique and inspiring program that matches medical students with children undergoing cancer treatment at CHEO. As a buddy, you will have the opportunity to brighten a child's hospital stay, offer solace to parents, and gain insight into a family's journey through childhood cancer.
-
Are you passionate about teaching and first aid? Volunteer with Jr. Medics to teach essential first-aid skills to school-aged children in Ottawa!
-
Medical Monkeys is an initiative that aims to bring joy and support to children facing physical challenges by providing them with handmade crochet monkeys and customized 3D-printed accessories (e.g., prosthetic legs, hearing aids, etc.). Our team is dedicated to creating a positive impact in the lives of children who are navigating disabilities such as limb differences, hearing impairments, and other health conditions.
-
Become a Health Ambassador! Navigate Health is an initiative focused on improving healthcare system navigation through community education. Gain experience in leadership and outreach as a Health Ambassador by delivering health navigation presentations and leading new community and physician partnerships.
-
Want to make a difference in the community? Interested in learning about, and taking action on, the issues in medicine that you’re passionate about? Come join SASAC and be part of a passionate network of students, faculty, and community partners who champion health equity and social responsibility in medicine! As part of SASAC, you’ll have opportunities to mentor high school and undergraduate students, collaborate on impactful community programs, and develop resources to support med students in serving the diverse needs of our most vulnerable communities. The possibilities are endless!
-
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) aims to reduce rates of smoking in the youth of the Ottawa area. While physicians talk to patients about smoking cessation, as medical students we can talk to children about the risks of smoking to stop the problem before it starts!
-
uOttawa Companions in Palliative Care connects medical students with hands-on volunteering in palliative care, starting with our partnership at Bruyère. It's a chance to spend time with palliative patients in a role that's about presence, not performance, and to build skills that carry into any specialty. We also run orientation, reflection sessions, and events to introduce you to a part of medicine that's often overlooked. No experience needed, just an interest in being there for people when it matters most.
Personal and Career Development Interest Groups
-
The Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group (NLMIG) aims to promote the importance of lifestyle and proper nutrition in both preventive and curative medicine. It aims to engage and increase the knowledge of medical students in the area of lifestyle medicine.
-
The Physician Skills Enrichment Group is a student-run initiative that creates opportunities for medical students to practice their clinical skills (e.g., history taking, physical exams, motivational interviewing) and apply their medical knowledge while receiving feedback from upper year medical student tutors. PSEG also hosts expert-led lectures, posts weekly clinical reasoning scenarios on social media, and organizes a mock OSCE to help students prepare for their final physician skills examination. Clerkship students are also welcome to participate.
-
The Technology in Medicine Interest Group will give you the opportunity to learn and explore cutting-edge technology being used by world-class physicians here in the nation’s capital! TMIG will also bring to you physician entrepreneurs who use technology for the betterment of the public and to push the limits of modern healthcare.
Multicultural/ Multi-faith Interest Groups
-
Join the Asian Medical Students Organization (AMSO) to celebrate Asian cultures, connect with fellow medical students, and explore Asian perspectives in medicine! From cultural celebrations, cooking and boba-making nights to social events and physician panels, AMSO creates opportunities to build community while promoting greater understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures and experiences in healthcare. Everyone is welcome!
-
Through community building, outreach, and professional opportunities, the Black Medical Students Association (BMSA) strives to support and encourage Black and other minority students pursuing a career in medicine. In addition, BMSA aims to educate and encourage all students to engage in discussions about racial inequalities in health and how to better implement equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as medical students.
-
Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) Ottawa is a chapter of Canada-wide CMDA, a national organization of Christian physicians, dentists, and students, who seek to honour God by integrating Christian fatih within their professional practice. The purpose of CMDA is to minister to the spiritual needs of medical students by allowing a space of faith and medicine related discussions, studying scripture, prayer, food and fellowship.
-
The Jewish Medical Student Association (JMSA) aims to provide students with social and networking opportunities as well as organize educational events to increase awareness of the intersection of Jewish ethics and medicine.
-
The Muslim Medical Association of Ottawa (MMAO) is a group dedicated to helping Muslim medical students connect with one another in a safe space designed to cater to their unique needs, and to provide a source of learning and community growth to our non-Muslim colleagues. We offer events on topics such as Islamic perspectives in healthcare and bioethics, as well as friendly socials and halaqas.
-
The South Asian Medical Student Association (SAMSA) is dedicated to fostering a supportive and vibrant community for South Asian students within the medical program. We aim to celebrate and share our rich cultural heritage with the broader student body, enhancing the multicultural fabric of our institution. Our activities include Bollywood movie nights, festive Diwali celebrations, and educational speaker events featuring prominent South Asian medical professionals, mentors, and scholars. Additionally, SAMSA actively collaborates with other multicultural groups to promote interconnectivity, understanding, and unity across diverse backgrounds. Whether you're looking to connect with fellow South Asian students or simply want to experience and learn more about our culture, SAMSA is here to welcome you. Join us in celebrating diversity and building a stronger, more inclusive community for all!
-
The Sikh Medical Student Association is a community for Sikh medical students and anyone interested in learning more about Sikhism, Sikh culture, and its role in healthcare. We aim to create a welcoming space to connect with fellow students, celebrate our shared heritage, and explore the intersection of Sikh values and medicine. Throughout the year, we will organize social and cultural events, educational opportunities, and initiatives that promote community, service, and inclusivity. Whether you’re Sikh, interested in learning more about the faith, or simply looking to meet new people, we’d love to have you join us!
-
The Iranian Medical Students Interest Group is an inclusive community for Iranian medical students and anyone interested in learning about Iranian culture. The group aims to foster connection, belonging, cultural engagement, and mutual support through social gatherings, cultural celebrations, mentorship opportunities, educational events, and collaborations with other student organizations. By creating a welcoming and non-partisan space centred on community, peace, and cultural appreciation, the group hopes to strengthen relationships among students while contributing to the cultural diversity of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine.
Reimbursement Submission
Please submit all reimbursement requests to the Junior Vice-President of Finance using the form below. All expenses must be submitted within 30 days of purchase. All reimbursements will be sent via e-transfer. Please address any questions to the Junior Vice-President of Finance vpfinance.jr.aesc@uottawa.ca.