An overview of the Mountain Medicine and High-Altitude Physiology Specialization, within the Department of Medical Sciences Graduate student supervision leading to an M.Sc. in Medical Sciences, with a specialization in Mountain Medicine and High-Altitude Physiology, is offered. The aim is to provide students with a broad foundation in the areas of mountain medicine and high-altitude physiology and to provide uniformity in the educational expectations and procedures of evaluation for each student.
The specialization program is unique in Canada and the first of its kind in the world that aims to better understand the adaptations (acute and chronic) associated with the hypoxia of altitude in humans. This program is a result of an exciting initiative that was spearheaded in 2003-2004 by Dr Taj Jadavji (Associate Dean, International Health, University of Calgary), Dr Buddha Basnyat (Tribhuvan University and Medical Director of the Nepal International Clinic, Kathmandu, Nepal), Dr Marc Poulin (Faculties of Medicine and Kinesiology, University of Calgary), and further developed in collaboration with Dr. Martin MacInnis (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary) and Dr Fabiola Léon-Velarde (Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), Lima Peru) to introduce trainees from mountainous countries (initially, Canada, Nepal and Peru) to study physiological adaptations of, and pathophysiology associated with, the hypoxia of altitude. Many pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diseases associated with the hypoxia of high altitude (i.e., Acute and Chronic Mountain Sickness; High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, High Altitude Cerebral Edema) remain elusive and this program may help to shed more light on these problems and others associated with hypoxia and high altitude. The theoretical components (i.e., course work) are taught at the University of Calgary. The controlled research studies are carried out in laboratories scattered around the Health Sciences Centre, the Heritage Medical Research Building, the Foothill's Hospital and the main campus (i.e., Laboratory of Human Cerebrovascular Physiology, Human Performance Laboratory, Foothills Sleep Laboratory, Seaman Family MR Centre and the Experimental Imaging Centre). These components are complimented, when appropriate, by field studies in the mountains of the Himalayas of Nepal, the Canadian Rockies and the Peruvian Andes. As the program expands, it is expected that other mountainous countries will become involved and that field studies would take place in those locations as well. We hope this research will benefit sojourners and high-altitude natives, and that this initiative between one of the world’s richest and some of its poorest countries will benefit both participating trainees and the fields of Mountain Medicine and High-Altitude Physiology.
This high-quality graduate program fits with the University of Calgary’s Academic Plan and areas of international prominence and promise at the University of Calgary that were identified in that Plan (i.e., Life and Medical Sciences, Health Wellness and Human Performance, Strategic and International Studies, Social Dimensions and Determinants of Health, Bioengineering). Further, it builds on a fruitful link and partnership that has been established between the Cumming School of Medicine and Faculty of Kinesiology over the past years.
Admission to the Mountain Medicine and High Altitude Physiology Graduate Program is granted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies based on the recommendation of the Specialization Coordinator. The minimum qualifications required for admission are:
A four year baccalaureate degree, or equivalent from a recognized institution.
A minimum grade point average of 3.3 (on a 4-point system; approximately equivalent to a B+) on the work of the last two undergraduate years.
Students with a GPA of less than 3.3 may be considered with the approval of the Specialization Coordinator.
An undergraduate course in PHYSIOLOGY (MDSC 404, or equivalent) is required.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required from applicants whose native language or language of instruction in the institution from which they obtained their degree was not English. Minimum acceptable score is 600 (written test) or 250 (computer-based test).
A supervisor is required; adequate supervision of the Mountain Medicine and High-Altitude Physiology program must be available.
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The Graduate Program in Mountain Medicine and High-Altitude Physiology is administered by the Graduate Education Committee (GEC). For additional information contact:
Dr. Marc Poulin
Chair, Graduate Education Committee
Mountain Medicine and High-Altitude Physiology Specialization
Registration dates for the Mountain Medicine and High-Altitude Physiology Graduate Program are as for the Faculty of Graduate Studies and are listed in the Academic Schedule for January, May and September. A continuous standing in the program requires an annual registration; failure to re-register will result in withdrawal of the student. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the registration is completed by the deadlines outlined in the calendar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Students applying to enter in for any given term should refer to the Department of Medical Science website for relevant deadlines.
Early application is encouraged, as this will facilitate decisions regarding the application for scholarship support from external granting agencies; many agencies have application deadlines in early winter.
See Department of Medical Science website for more information.
