Rural Preceptor Round Table 2021: Summary

Are restrictions different for learners travelling to Northern Alberta or the Territories?

For Northern Alberta the restrictions are the same as for the rest of the province. 

There are however difference for learners heading to the Yukon or the Northwest Territories. For resident learners they do need to be tested for covid-19 on their arrival, however their test results are expedited  and they only need to quarantine until they receive a negative test, usually just a couple of days.

For medical students it has been more challenging. Medical students are required to test on arrival, but they are not considered essential workers, so they must quarantine for the full time period on arrival to the territories, regardless of test results. This has made it especially unfeasible for medical students who are completing shorter rotations. We have been able to work around this for those doing clerkships, such as UCLIC learners.

Have any issues come up regarding learner shared housing during covid-19?

In November 2020, DLRI created a new housing policy which was mirrored by the University of Alberta and shared with RhPAP and all 3 groups have agreed to work together on any future changes to this policy during covid. 

All of our current housing strictly follows current public health restrictions and we will not be returning to the traditional shared housing model until these restrictions have been eased. To view our policy in full, you will find it at the bottom of our Learner Resources Page. 

Can I become a rural preceptor as an IMG Physician?

Yes of course! If you have any interest in becoming a rural preceptor, please contact us at dlri@ucalgary.ca and we will be in touch with you to answer any question you may have about becoming a preceptor. 

Do you have any better understanding of what is happening with Bill21?

Things have been fairly quietly since it was voted down by the AMA. We are also currently working to decipher what will be done with government programs and grants that have already been promised, but nothing has been acted on to this stage and we have been given no guiding principles on how these programs and finding are to be utilized.

What about the switch to virtual would you like to keep and what has been a real challenge?

Many preceptors expressed that they felt more included and less marginalized during important meeting, conferences and events during covid-19 because everyone was attending on the same footing that they were. During virtual meetings in particular, preceptors felt that they were able to attend more often and that because everyone was attending virtually they were not forgotten about. 

However, many preceptors expressed concern in that it has been very difficult for their rural residents to be completely virtual as it has been an extreme form of isolation for them. Many made suggestions on how to make residents feel more like a part of a team. This included checking in with residents via surveys or hosting virtual socialization events. 

What can I do if I am interested in taking on more of a leadership role in rural medical education?

To begin with, you may like to reach out to Faculty Development. They have developed a set of courses that can be easily taken with your busy work schedules. 

Another suggestion would be to reach out to those currently in leadership positions within rural medical education to advise of them of your interest in moving forward with this. They are often looking for people to fill roles and are often uncertain of who is able to fit these responsibilities into their schedules.