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 interest in anatomy and provide teaching beyond the framework of our medical school’s standard anatomy curriculum. AIG is responsible for organizing dissection electives and clinical skills workshops, such as suturing and surface anatomy, and helping students prepare for their anatomy exams while promoting their interest in anatomy. AIG collaborates closely with the Faculty and is an integral part of many medical students’ education.
-
Anesthesia is a dynamic field of medicine that encompasses pre-, peri-, and postoperative medicine, as well as pain management, to which we have limited exposure as medical students. The Anesthesia Interest Group provides opportunities to explore the scope of this medical field through various talks and workshops.
-
The Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Interest Group (AIMIG) at the University of Ottawa aims to equip medical students with foundational and practical competencies in artificial intelligence (AI). Through a medical AI speaker series, hands-on coding workshops, and innovation-driven initiatives such as hackathons, we aim to cultivate future physicians who are informed and safe consumers of AI and capable leaders in the development and integration of medical AI into clinical practice.
Click here to join their Facebook group.
-
Arts in Medicine (AIM) provides a creative outlet for medical students to express themselves and manage stress. You will share new creative experiences with colleagues while complementing your work-life balance with the theme of self-expression and exploration this year! We strongly believe that anyone, regardless of their background, can find their own artistic voice with AIM!
-
The Dermatology Interest Group (DIG) strives to help uOttawa medical students gain exposure to dermatology-related content, further improving their competency and confidence in providing care to patients with dermatologic conditions. Through unique lunchtime talks, interactive seminars, and hands-on workshops, DIG will cover topics ranging from acne and skin of colour dermatology to skin cancers. Come join us!
-
Join the Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG) to gain exposure to the exciting and diverse world of emergency medicine and connect with residents and staff in the field. EMIG hosts a variety of events and activities, from talks and workshops to Career Night and other unique opportunities!
-
Discover what Ear, Nose, and Throat medicine has to offer! Join us for hands-on workshops, informative sessions, and outreach opportunities that explore everything from clinical skills to surgical techniques while making a real impact in the community.
Click here to join their Facebook group.
-
Are you interested in a career in family medicine or curious about what it could entail? Come out to Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) events, where we explore the many facets of family medicine through exciting talks, workshops, and shadowing opportunities. This is a wonderful way to discover whether family medicine might be the career path for you!
-
Le Groupe d’intérêt en médecine francophone mettra en vedette des médecins francophones issus de divers milieux et spécialités sous forme de présentations, de débats et de témoignages personnels afin de vous donner un aperçu complet de la pratique de la médecine en français au Canada. Les étudiants du volet anglophone souhaitant participer sont également les bienvenus, et ce, peu importe leur niveau de maîtrise du français.
-
The Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) provides students with opportunities to explore internal medicine and its various subspecialties through educational workshops and seminars led by professionals in their respective fields. IMIG also aims to help students network within the field and learn about the lifestyles and career paths of internal medicine professionals.
-
Enhance your knowledge of the infamous “Hidden Curriculum” of medical school. The Medical Diversity Awareness Group (MDAG) aims to educate the doctors of tomorrow on how to be more aware, accepting, compassionate, tolerant, and culturally competent when caring for underrepresented populations (e.g., 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations) to help combat discrimination within the medical community. Our goal is to help you feel confident that you are providing the most mindful, respectful, and safe care to all patients while also empowering you to understand your own rights as a doctor, patient, and student when it comes to accommodation and discrimination.
-
The Medical Trivia Interest Group (MTIG) hosts engaging and interactive academic review sessions for pre-clerkship students at the Faculty of Medicine, using trivia as a fun and effective study tool. Exam periods can be particularly stressful, so our goal is to provide students with a low-pressure, enjoyable way to review key concepts.
-
MedReal invites medical students who are interested in having thoughtful discussions with patients and learning from their medical experiences. We believe patients are our greatest teachers and aim to centre their voices in medical education.
-
The Oncology Interest Group (OncIG) provides students with exposure to medical, radiation, and surgical oncology. We aim to broaden students’ experiences through a variety of opportunities, including oncology-related talks and access to research in the field.
-
Learn about ophthalmology, the field focused on ocular care, with the Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG). OIG serves as a resource for students to learn about the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) process, ophthalmology subspecialties, research and service projects, and opportunities to connect with experts in the field.
-
Pathology involves the examination of tissue specimens to establish a diagnosis and guide patient management. The Pathology Interest Group (PIG) hosts informative and interactive sessions where students can reinforce their understanding of unit-specific objectives while developing a greater appreciation for what a career in pathology has to offer.
-
The Pediatrics Special Interest Group (PedSIG) strives to introduce medical students to the field of pediatrics and its subspecialties, the residency program and matching requirements, pre-clerkship elective opportunities, and much more! We hope to share our enthusiasm for this fascinating specialty with you!
-
The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Interest Group introduces medical students to this rewarding specialty. We offer hands-on workshops, physician and patient panels, and community engagement opportunities. Through these activities, we explore how physiatrists help patients regain function and improve their quality of life. Join us to learn, connect, and discover a field grounded in holistic, interdisciplinary care.
-
The Physician Skills Enrichment Group (PSEG) is a student-run initiative that allows medical students to practise their clinical skills, including physical examinations, history-taking, and motivational interviewing, while applying their medical knowledge and receiving valuable feedback from experienced clerkship students. The group also offers mock Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) sessions and opportunities for bedside teaching in hospital settings.
-
The Psychiatry and Mental Health Interest Group (PMHIG) aims to increase student awareness of mental illness across various patient populations and works to educate students and reduce negative perceptions of psychiatric illness through seminars and community outreach initiatives. With the support of mental health practitioners and community resources, members also have opportunities to learn about the specialty of psychiatry and its associated subspecialties.
-
The technology of the future is here! Learn how to “look inside” your patients at the bedside. The Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Interest Group teaches medical students how to perform bedside ultrasound examinations and use their findings to support clinical decision-making.
Click here to join their Facebook group.
-
The Public Health Interest Group (PHIG) aims to raise awareness of community health issues, provide students with opportunities to network with professionals in the field, and offer practical ways to incorporate the principles of public health, systems leadership, and advocacy into their daily practice. Join us for a variety of public health seminars, workshops, documentaries, and field trips.
-
The Radiology Interest Group (RIG) is a student-run organization that aims to promote interest in radiology and its subspecialties. RIG also aims to teach students the basics of medical imaging through talks, workshops, and other radiology-related activities.
-
The Rural Medicine Interest Group provides students with opportunities to learn about rural medicine from physicians practising various specialties across diverse rural communities. Gaining an understanding of the benefits and unique aspects of rural medicine may encourage students to pursue rural electives during their core rotations.
-
Our goal is to educate University of Ottawa medical students about the interdisciplinary field of sports medicine, highlighting the intersection between lifestyle and functional medicine. Through talks and hands-on workshops led by sports medicine physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, and allied health professionals, we aim to provide students with opportunities to better understand this specialty in a fun and engaging environment.
-
The Surgery Interest Group (SIG) provides students with exposure to surgical specialties through mentoring and networking opportunities, skills workshops, talks led by experts in their respective fields, and the SEADS summer program. SIG offers insight into the nuances of the field, including lifestyle, operating room (OR) observership tips, and the career paths of established surgeons.
-
Future physicians will need to adopt technological innovations with unprecedented efficiency and effectiveness. From the advent of X-rays to the emergence of minimally invasive surgical tools, technology has revolutionized patient care and treatment. Are you interested in being at the forefront of medical advancements, learning about groundbreaking innovations being researched and implemented every day, and engaging with like-minded students to brainstorm ways of integrating technology into your future practice? The Technology in Medicine Interest Group (TMIG) provides opportunities to learn about and explore cutting-edge technologies used by leading physicians here in the nation’s capital.
-
The Women's Health Interest Group provides medical students with opportunities to explore a wide range of topics in women's health through educational events, workshops, and discussions. The group aims to broaden students' understanding of the unique health needs and experiences of women across the lifespan while providing opportunities to learn from physicians and other healthcare professionals working in the field.
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 make hospital visits more enjoyable for children and provide support to their parents while gaining insight into a family’s experience with 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, such as prosthetic limbs and hearing aids. Our team is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children navigating disabilities, including limb differences, hearing impairments, and other health conditions.
-
Join the Social Accountability Student Advisory Committee (SASAC) and become 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 medical students in serving the diverse needs of our most vulnerable communities. The possibilities are endless!
-
The Student-Senior Isolation Prevention Partnership (SSIPP) is an initiative that aims to combat social isolation among older adults in the Ottawa community. Join us to be paired with a senior buddy, make weekly phone calls, and foster meaningful connections!
-
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) aims to reduce smoking rates among youth in the Ottawa area while providing medical students with opportunities to become involved in public health. While physicians can counsel patients on smoking cessation, medical students can help educate children about the risks of smoking and encourage prevention before the habit begins.
Multicultural/ Multi-faith Interest Groups
-
Join the Asian Medical Students Organization (AMSO) to celebrate and learn about Asian cultures! We organize a variety of social events and talks aimed at promoting understanding and appreciation of Asian heritage within the Faculty of Medicine. 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 careers in medicine. BMSA also aims to educate and encourage all students to engage in discussions about racial inequities in health and how to better implement equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as medical students.
-
The South Asian Medical Student Association provides South Asian students with a sense of community while sharing South Asian cultures with students across the medical program. Our group hosts activities such as Bollywood movie nights, Diwali events, and educational speaker events, while fostering connections among multicultural groups.
-
The Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) Ottawa is a chapter of the Canada-wide CMDA, a national organization of Christian physicians, dentists, and students who seek to honour God by integrating Christian faith into their professional practice. CMDA aims to minister to the spiritual needs of medical students by providing a space for faith- and medicine-related discussions, studying scripture, prayer, food, and fellowship.
-
The University of Ottawa Jewish Medical Students Association (JMSA) aims to provide students with social and networking opportunities while organizing educational events to increase awareness of the intersection between 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 address their unique needs while also providing opportunities for learning and community growth for non-Muslim colleagues. We offer events on topics such as Islamic perspectives in healthcare and bioethics, as well as friendly socials and halaqas.
-
The uOttawa Hindu Medical Students’ Association (uOHMSA) aims to serve as a collective voice for Hindu medical students at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where students can engage in religious and cultural celebrations rooted in Hindu values.
-
The uOttawa Sikh Medical Student Association aims to represent and foster a community for members of the Sikh faith. We aspire to create a space where students can connect with one another, share common experiences, and overcome adversity together. Through our shared religious beliefs, we hope to provide one another with a sense of home away from home and build a community not only within the medical school, but also at the undergraduate level and throughout the broader Ottawa community.