Changes to the Faculty of Medicine

On Sept. 26, David Eidelman, vice-principal (health affairs) and dean of the Faculty of Medicine, announced changes to the faculty at the first Board of Governors meeting this academic year. The curriculum for the four-year undergraduate medical program offered by McGill’s Faculty of Medicine has undergone a major revision for the first time in 15 years, according to Eidelman. Changes include an increased focus on primary care and working in inter-professional teams.

The Faculty of Medicine currently faces challenges due to reduced funding. Additionally, the MUHC’s move to Glen Campus represents great opportunities, but also a shift in the practice of medicine that must be planned for and adapted to, according to Eidelman.

“[We’re in a] tough political environment, one in which the value of research and training individuals to build social capital is being challenged,” Eidelman said.

Eidelman also mentioned the proposed Charter of Values, which would limit the ability of public sector employees to wear conspicuous religious symbols or clothing in the workplace.

“This would have a devastating effect for our faculty,” Eidelman said.

Eidelman also announced that the Faculty of Medicine’s admission process will undergo its periodic external review on Oct. 8. The review will be led by Harold Reiter, the head of admissions services for DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University. Armand Aalamian, a general practitioner in McGill’s Department of Family Medicine, will act as an internal reviewer.

“We regularly review all of our programs, typically every five years or so or when required in the context of a change or renewal of leadership,” Eidelman said. “As at least five years have passed since the last time we did this for admissions, we are doing it now.”

New Mental Health Program

Provost Anthony Masi announced that Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) Ollivier Dyens is designing a new program to deal with mental health issues on campus, in response to an increase in the number of people seeking help for mental health problems across the country.

“The program is oriented towards stressors for students,” Masi said. “[Mental health is] one of the main stressors at the university.”

The program will be officially announced at the joint Board of Governors-Senate meeting on Nov. 12.