international medical graduates’ resource handbook
TRANSCRIPT
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INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES’
RESOURCE HANDBOOK
www.mcgill.ca/thewelloffice
514.398.5836
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Table of Contents
WELLNESS SUPPORT RESOURCES
The WELL Office
Personal Wellness Support and Counselling .................................................................................. 4
McGill Resident Wellness Ambassadors ……………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Doc-to-Doc Peer Support Network ................................................................................................ 5
THRIVE………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
The WELL Office Podcast ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Yoga On The Go ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Ice Cream Rounds .......................................................................................................................... 6
Wellness Curriculum ...................................................................................................................... 6
Committee on Resident Wellness (CReW) ...................................................................... 6
McGill University Resources
International Student Services ........................................................................................................ 7
McGill Student Wellness Hub ........................................................................................................ 8
Crisis Resources ............................................................................................................................. 8
Resources for Parents .................................................................................................................... 8
Community Resources
Info-Santé – 811 ............................................................................................................................ 9
Health Services ............................................................................................................................... 9
Mental Health Resources ................................................................................................................ 9
Crisis Resources ............................................................................................................................ 10
ACADEMIC SUPPORT RESOURCES
The WELL Office
Mistreatment in the Learning Environment ................................................................................ 11
Academic Difficulty and Accommodations .................................................................................. 11
Library Resource ............................................................................................................ 11
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FRENCH LANGUAGE RESOURCES
McGill University
French for Medical Purposes Program ………………………………………………………………………………… 12 French for the Health Sector ………………………………………………………………………………………………..12
Community Resources ...................................................................................................... 13
Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles ................................................... 13 Dawson College – Centre for Training & Development ...………………..……………………………………13 Office Québécois de la Langue Française (OQLF) ..................................................................... 13
GENERAL RESOURCES
Spiritual Resources ..................................................................................................... 14 Legal Services ............................................................................................................. 14 Financial Aid & Discounts ........................................................................................... 14 Housing ..................................................................................................................... 15 Schools ...................................................................................................................... 15 Childcare Services ...................................................................................................... 16 Cleaning Services ....................................................................................................... 16
LIVING IN MONTREAL
Official Website of the City of Montreal ..................................................................... 17 Preparing for the Montreal Winter ............................................................................ 17 Transportation .......................................................................................................... 17 Movies ...................................................................................................................... 17 Dining ........................................................................................................................ 17
PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST ............................................................................................ 18
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WELLNESS SUPPORT RESOURCES
The WELL Office
Ø Wellness Support and Counselling
The PGME Wellness Consultants, Dr. Martha Chamodraka and Ms. Camila Velez, offer one-on-one confidential counselling sessions to all residents and fellows in the McGill Faculty of Medicine for personal, academic, and professional matters.
Martha Chamodraka, Ph.D., OPQ Camila Velez, M.A., CCC
PGME Wellness Consultant PGME/Schools Wellness Consultant
www.calendly.com/martha-chamodraka www.calendly.com/camilavelez
Ø McGill Resident Wellness Ambassadors
Resident Wellness Ambassadors (RWAs) are advocates for wellness within their residency program/site and one of their roles is to serve as front line wellness contacts for their peers. The RWA role does not involve counselling or advising others. RWAs are guided by the WELL Office on how to comfortably discuss wellness-related concerns with peers and refer to resources as appropriate.
If your program has an RWA, they would be happy to address your questions or concerns.
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To find out which programs have one or more RWAs and to access their contact information, please visit:
https://www.mcgill.ca/thewelloffice/our-services/pgme/wellness-support/mcgill-resident-wellness-ambassadors/meet-your-wellness-ambassadors
Ø Doc-to-Doc Peer Support Network
Doc-to-Doc is an informal, fully confidential peer support service, through which a resident/fellow is matched upon request with another resident/mentor, according to the former’s specifications, in order to receive advice, mentorship, and support.
Ø THRIVE
THRIVE is a wellness e-communication for residents and faculty that is sent out 3 times/year. We use this publication to provide evidence-based literature on the significance of investing in personal wellness during medical training; self-assessment tools; wellness strategies; and ideas to help residents maintain their personal journey of improving their overall well-being. Each communication has a dedicated theme.
Please visit this page to access our past issues.
Ø The WELL Office Podcast
Join the WELL Office Wellness Consultants as they discuss wellness-related topics and address common learner questions with a variety of experts. Special appearances will be made by Career Advisor, Elizabeth Lefebvre to talk all things career with learners and professionals in the healthcare field.
https://www.mcgill.ca/thewelloffice/wellness-resources/well-office-podcast
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Ø Yoga on the Go
The WELL Office has teamed up with International yoga pioneer and Physical Therapist, Lara Heimann to design efficient, time-friendly yoga classes specifically for McGill Health Professional Learners. LYT™ (Lara’s Yoga Technique) is a sophisticated method of practice that is based on the three principles of Physiology, Kinesiology and Neurology. With a core understanding of movement from a cellular level while highlighting the mechanics of how movement happens, LYT™ is an intense movement experience that systematically overrides the patterns of compensation and poor habits through an exploration of brain mapping and purposeful movement.
https://www.mcgill.ca/thewelloffice/wellness-resources/yoga-go
Ø Ice Cream Rounds
Requested by program directors and/or chief residents, Ice-Cream Rounds are site-specific confidential support groups, where residents are given the opportunity to address program-related issues and challenges. Ice Cream Rounds are offered during protected teaching time (academic half-days). Ice cream is served!
Ø Wellness Curriculum
Requested by program directors/chief residents, wellness workshops are offered during protected teaching time and are tailored to residents’ needs.
Committee on Resident Wellness (CReW) This committee is part of the Association of Residents of McGill (ARM), and is formed by McGill residents who advocate for resident wellness and strive to promote it through:
o Organizing social or sport events o Organizing workshops to improve life skills o Providing practical, affordable resources for residents o Promoting awareness regarding potential mistreatment or conflictual experiences
and the associated reporting procedures o Offering support from CReW members
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McGill University Resources
Ø International Student Services
The ISS supports international students at McGill, and aims to ease their transition to a new school, a new home, and a new country. Services include:
o Orientation activities & Pre-Arrival Orientation webinars o Study & student-related immigration information o Health insurance guidance o Social and cultural events o The International Buddy Program o Workshops and webinars o Information sessions on permanent residency
*All international learners who pay student services fees are eligible to use ISS services and attend any ISS event or workshops. Learners who do not pay student services fees may opt-in to student services (SS) fees by contacting the Dean of Students office. For cost, when, and how to opt-in, please contact: [email protected]
A useful link that can be found on the ISS website:
https://www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/once-here/istep
Ø McGill Student Wellness Hub
The McGill Student Wellness Hub, in the Brown Student Services Building, is McGill students' place to go for access to basic physical and mental health services. Their team includes doctors (general practitioners), nurses, psychiatrists, counsellors, social workers, and dietitians, as well health promotion and outreach staff.
The Hub is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Their kiosk begins providing tickets to access appointments as of 7am, so it's best to go early to access drop-in spots. For more information on the type of care they provide, visit the Access Care page.
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Ø Crisis Resources
o Student Wellness Hub – Urgent Care
o The Office for Sexual Violence, Response, Support and Education (McGill) A service for students, faculty and staff of all genders impacted by sexual and gender-based violence. It offers crisis assistance; help with reporting; and referrals and accompaniment to internal and external resources. Services are confidential, non-judgmental, and non-directional.
If you are in immediate danger (about to hurt yourself or someone else), please call 911.
Ø Resources for Parents o McGill Family Care Program
This program offers a number of support services, workshops, and regular social events for fun and fellowship. Also: https://www.facebook.com/pg/McGillFamilyCare/
o McGill Student and Staff Parents Facebook
o The McGill Family Map
Google Map listing some family-friendly areas on and around campus.
o Physician Moms Group Resources, platform to network, and information sharing.
o Physician Family Media Physician Family is a quarterly publication created by and for medical families.
o Montreal families Website with general helpful resources for parents.
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Community Resources
Ø Info-Santé - 811 This phone line is staffed by nurses 24/7 who can be consulted for non-urgent health issues, both for children and adults. The nurse on-call offers an impression and refers the caller, if deemed necessary, to healthcare resources.
Ø Health Services
A comprehensive list of health services available in Montreal, including clinics and community health centres (CLSCs).
For a complete list of clinics in Montréal: santemontreal.qc.ca
Ø Mental Health Resources
o QUEBEC PHYSICIANS’ HEALTH PROGRAM (QPHP) The Quebec Physicians’ Health Program (QPHP) provides confidential assistance to physicians, residents, and medical students who are experiencing personal difficulties. All QPHP counsellors are physicians themselves.
o E-CURRICULUM ON PHYSICIAN HEALTH A comprehensive, online health and wellness resource for physicians and physicians in training.
o THE HAPPY MD An online coaching, training, and consulting organization that focuses on the treatment and prevention of physician burnout.
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Ø Crisis Resources
o Quebec Suicide Crisis Centre (24/7) Tel.: (1-866-APPELLE) 1-866-277-3553
o Suicide Action Montreal (24/7) Tel.: 514-723-4000
o TRACOM Centre for Crisis Intervention (24/7) Tel.: 514-483-3033
o Drug and Alcohol Help Line (24/7) Tel.: 514-527-2626
o Montréal Sexual Assault Centre (24/7) Tel.: 514-934-4504
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ACADEMIC SUPPORT RESOURCES
The WELL Office
Ø Mistreatment in the Learning Environment
Learners who have encountered mistreatment in the learning environment and wish to report it anonymously are kindly requested to complete the WELL Office mistreatment form.
Alternatively, learners can make a confidential appointment with the Assistant Dean for Resident Professional Affairs, Dr. Paola Fata, who will assess their case, provide guidance, and, if requested, advocate for the learner.
For more information on what constitutes mistreatment and on the learner mistreatment process followed by the WELL Office and PGME, please visit: http://www.mcgill.ca/thewelloffice/learning-environment/report-mistreatment Ø Academic Difficulty and Accommodations
If you need accommodations during your postgraduate medical training due to a documented disability (medical, learning, neurodevelopmental, or psychological), we encourage you to first consult the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) Accommodation Policy.
The OSD works closely with Dr. Paola Fata, Assistant Dean - Resident Affairs, to develop External Individual Accommodation Plans (ExIAP) for postgraduate medical learners.
Please consult the Procedure for PGME External Individual Accommodation Plans (ExIAP) document for more details.
Dr. Paola Fata also offers appointments to learners who experience academic difficulties. Learners can book an appointment directly with Dr. Fata.
Library Resource
Andrea Quaiattini, Liaison Librarian, Postgraduate Medicine, Medical Specialties, Centre for Medical Education
514-398-8087 | [email protected]
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FRENCH LANGUAGE RESOURCES
McGill University
Ø French for Medical Purposes Program
The McGill School of Continuing Studies offers the French for Medical Purposes program, which is designed for future healthcare professionals wishing to acquire competency in speaking and listening. The workshops are aimed at helping participants acquire the communicative skills required to function effectively in work-related settings. Course content develops vocabulary, strategies, and grammatical structures through oral exercises and communicative activities embedded in professional situations in the health care milieu.
Until further notice, all classes are being held remotely.
For more information and to register:
Website: https://www.mcgill.ca/continuingstudies/french-medical-purposes-program-0
Phone: 514-398-1212
E-mail: [email protected]
Ø French for the Health Sector
The McGill School of Continuing Studies offers the French for the Health Sector program for learners studying or working in health, medicine, nursing, biochemistry, health care management, and international development. The program is designed to help participants develop the oral and listening skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively as a healthcare professional working among patients, hospitals, or in medical NGOs.
This program features: a) French language instruction specifically for medical environments; b) workshops with subject-matter experts; and c) site visits to healthcare institutions shadowing medical professionals.
Until further notice, all classes are being held remotely.
For more information and to register:
Website: https://www.mcgill.ca/continuingstudies/program/french-health-sector
Phone: 514-398-1201
E-mail: [email protected]
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Community Resources
Ø Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles
Ø Dawson College – Centre for Training & Development
Ø Office Québécois de la Langue Française (OQLF) This site (in French only) offers detailed information on the French exam required to become a member of a professional order in Quebec (i.e. Collège des Médecins du Québec).
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GENERAL RESOURCES
Ø SPIRITUAL RESOURCES
o McGill Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (MORSL)
o HOSPITAL PRAYER SPACES o GLEN HOSPITAL:
MCH: A2 (in front of the elevator) RVC: C2 (beside the clinic – preferred by Muslim women)
o MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL: Multi-faith Chapel: 6th floor (after the cafeteria on the left)
Ø LEGAL SERVICES
o McGill Legal Information Clinic
This clinic provides high quality legal information free of charge. Tel.: (514) 398-6792
o Community Legal Centre of Montreal o Offers free legal aid or legal aid with a financial contribution, depending on income. o
Ø FINANCIAL AID & DISCOUNTS
o The Scholarships and Student Aid Office https://www.mcgill.ca/studentaid/
o PGSS Discounts Exclusive discounts offered by the Post-Graduate Students’ Society for different activities around Montreal. https://pgss.mcgill.ca/en/deals-_-discounts
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Ø HOUSING
o RENTING
http://www.mcgill.ca/students/housing/offcampus http://www.kijiji.ca http://www.realtor.ca
https://montreal.craigslist.ca/d/apts-housing-for-rent/search/apa?lang=en&cc=us
https://www.padmapper.com/apartments/montreal-qc
https://www.louer.com/
o BUYING https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/housing/buying.html https://www.getwhatyouwant.ca/faq-buying-property-canada-non-resident-buyers
Ø SCHOOLS
o Commission Scolaire de Montreal (CSDM)
http://csdm.ca/
o The Montreal English School Board (EMSB)
http://www.emsb.qc.ca/
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Ø CHILDCARE SERVICES
o https://www.mcgill.ca/daycare/
o https://www.mfa.gouv.qc.ca/fr/services-de-garde/parents/localisateur/Pages/index_en.aspx
o http://www.montrealfamilies.ca/Montreal-Families/Directories/Childcare/
o http://www.godaycare.com/quebec/montreal/1
o http://www.ymcaquebec.org/en/Children-Youth/Programs-for-Children-0-12-/Early-Learning-and-Care-/Daycare
BABYSITTERS
o Volunteer Babysitter Directory (SSMU): [email protected]
o https://www.care.com/en-ca/profiles/child-care/babysitters/montreal
Ø CLEANING SERVICES
o Montreal Home Cleaners http://www.themontrealcleaners.ca/ 514-582-5802
o Maid Here™ (Maid in Montreal) http://www.maidinmontreal.ca/ 514-993-6243
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LIVING IN MONTREAL
Ø OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE CITY OF MONTREAL http://www.ville.montreal.qc.ca
Ø PREPARING FOR THE MONTREAL WINTER!
https://www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/files/internationalstudents/winter_101_2017.pdf
Ø TRANSPORTATION
o STM metro/bus ( www.stm.info/English/) o Montreal Maps (www.mtlmap.com)
Ø MOVIES
o Movies (www.cinemamontreal.com) o Ticketmaster Montreal (www.admission.com)
Transportation
Ø DINING
o Directory of restaurants and reviews ( www.restomontreal.ca) o Jeremy & Vinita's Montreal Restaurant Guide (www.cim.mcgill.ca)
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PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST
Ø CanMEDS Physician Health Guide
http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/canmeds/resources/canmeds-publications-e#canmeds-physician-health *This book can also be borrowed from the Wellness Library at the WELL Office
Ø International medical graduates get acculturation advice from a veteran
https://acphospitalist.org/archives/2010/07/img.htm
Ø International medical graduates face daunting challenges; getting help is key to success https://www.cmpa-acpm.ca/en/advice-publications/browse-articles/2017/international-medical-graduates-face-daunting-challenges-getting-help-is-key-to-success
Ø Reflecting on the experiences of international medical graduates https://gmcuk.wordpress.com/2016/09/30/journey-of-an-international-medical-graduate/
Ø Cultural transition of international medical graduate residents into family practice in Canada https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4860287/