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PGY1 Core Curriculum

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.