Come walk in our moccasinsClick here to view a larger version.Experience a day in the life of a student at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) Faculty of Medicine! “Come and Walk in our Moccasins” was initiated in 2010 as a recruiting strategy to encourage First Nations, Métis and Inuit people to apply to the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine.

The Mini-Med school includes participation by a local Elder and explores the importance of integrating Aboriginal culture into health care. Our Aboriginal medical students will share their personal journeys to being accepted into medical school and their experiences in the MD program. Dr. Darlene Kitty, our Aboriginal Program Director, will talk about what it is like to be an Indigenous physician practicing in the Cree community of Chisasibi, as well as the many other opportunities in the profession.

Focusing on one aspect of human health, Mini-Med participants will learn how doctors:

  • do a medical history and physical exam;
  • put on a cast; and
  • suture or do stitches.

Participants will also visit the anatomy lab (optional) and will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the day.

There are two Mini-Med School sessions scheduled for winter 2015. The first session, on Saturday January 17, 2015, is intended for post-secondary students and adults. The second session, on Saturday, February 21, 2015, is geared to high school students and youth.

Both sessions will be held at University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Guindon Building, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa. There is no registration fee to attend this one-day mini-medical school. A continental breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided.

Please note that participants from outside the region are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.

The deadlines to register are as follows:

For the January 17 session (Post-Secondary/Adults), please register by Friday, January 9, 2015.

For the February 21 session (High School/Youth), please register by Friday, February 13, 2015.

For more information and to register, please contact: Lisa Abel, Aboriginal Program Coordinator at 613-562-5800 ext. 8687 or mdaborig@uottawa.ca. Spaces are limited!