Our Teaching Role

What is a Family Medicine Resident?

A family medicine resident is a graduate doctor who is completing two extra years at McMaster University to become a family physician. Our medical residents work directly with one of our Family Doctors and each resident is supervised while they look after patients and families. If you have any questions about our medical residents or other students, please discuss them with your doctor during a visit.

How is the Medical Resident Supervised?

Each family medicine resident is supervised by a family doctor while they care for you. Most of our exam rooms have a video camera. A family doctor may watch as the resident provides your care and also teaches the resident new knowledge and skills. This helps them develop better interviewing, examination, and diagnostic skills. From time to time, residents may ask you for permission to videotape a visit for teaching purposes. They are required to review some of their work with their supervisor. They may not videotape without your permission, and you should feel comfortable to decline their requests if you wish. Videotapes are as confidential as all your other health information and are erased after being reviewed by supervisors. If you have any concerns about receiving care from a resident, please discuss them with your family doctor.

Do I have to be looked after by a Family Practice Resident or other Student?

All of our family doctors work with residents. If you would like further information about the function of residents on your team, please feel free to speak with one of the staff or your family doctor.

What other students will provide my care?

This changes, but we may have other health science students from Nursing, Social Work, Medical or Nutrition programs. The caregiver will tell you if they are a student and every student will be supervised when they provide care.