Course Descriptions

This course introduces learners to the principles of evidence-based medicine for clinical decision-making – including formulating focused research questions, searching for and evaluating evidence, and integrating evidence with patient values and preferences. The course will focus on applying ethical research practices in quality improvement/quality assurance in clinical medicine as well as on action research as a means of reflective practice for professional growth. We will critically appraise various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, literature review approaches, and knowledge mobilization strategies. This course runs longitudinally over the entire MPAS program and will culminate in a capstone project that leverages a research question to guide literature review, research method, data collection and analysis, and communication of findings. Learners will also present their capstone projects to fellow scholars and colleagues.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.

This course introduces learners to the principles of evidence-based medicine for clinical decision-making – including formulating focused research questions, searching for and evaluating evidence, and integrating evidence with patient values and preferences. The course will focus on applying ethical research practices in quality improvement/quality assurance in clinical medicine as well as on action research as a means of reflective practice for professional growth. We will critically appraise various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, literature review approaches, and knowledge mobilization strategies. This course runs longitudinally over the entire MPAS program and will culminate in a capstone project that leverages a research question to guide literature review, research method, data collection and analysis, and communication of findings. Learners will also present their capstone projects to fellow scholars and colleagues.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 801.

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to integrate applied basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology) with clinical sciences to completely diagnose and treat numerous conditions and pathologies.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to integrate applied basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology) with clinical sciences to completely diagnose and treat numerous conditions and pathologies.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.

This course will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be a healthcare professional and a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Through guest lectures, flipped lectures, in-class debates, current topics in medicine and interprofessional education opportunities, students will learn: the tenants of the Canadian healthcare system, the legal and ethical frameworks that guide clinical care, and the role of the physician assistant in the Canadian healthcare system. Leadership training, conflict resolution and systems thinking will be integrated into the course.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to integrate applied basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology) with clinical sciences to completely diagnose and treat numerous conditions and pathologies.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 810.

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills to deliver clinical care in simulated and real clinical environments. History taking and physical examination skills, communication skills and clinical assessments will be emphasized. Students will learn the procedural skills that are required of physician assistants working in a variety of clinical environments through hands on simulators and models.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 811.

This course will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be a healthcare professional and a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Through guest lectures, flipped lectures, in-class debates, current topics in medicine and inter-professional education opportunities, students will learn: the tenants of the Canadian healthcare system, the legal and ethical frameworks that guide clinical care, and the role of the physician assistant in the Canadian healthcare system. Leadership training, conflict resolution and systems thinking will be integrated into the course.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 812.

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to integrate applied basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology) with clinical sciences to completely diagnose and treat numerous conditions and pathologies.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 810 and MPAS 820.

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills to deliver clinical care in simulated and real clinical environments. History taking and physical examination skills, communication skills and clinical assessments will be emphasized. Students will learn the procedural skills that are required of physician assistants working in a variety of clinical environments through hands on simulators and models.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 811 and MPAS 821.

This course will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be a healthcare professional and a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Through guest lectures, flipped lectures, in-class debates, current topics in medicine and inter-professional education opportunities, students will learn: the tenants of the Canadian healthcare system, the legal and ethical frameworks that guide clinical care, and role of the physician assistant in the Canadian healthcare system. Leadership training, conflict resolution and systems thinking will be integrated into the course.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 812 and MPAS 822.

During this full year, students will participate in the care of patients in the office, clinic, or hospitals under the direct supervision of faculty and residents within 8 placements in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Mental Health & Substance Use Health, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Emergency Medicine, and an Elective rotation (which includes 2 weeks of Social Accountability / Indigenous Health, 2 weeks Open elective (Potential areas: anesthesia, critical care, palliative care, men’s health, medical/surgical sub-specialties) and a senior elective: 4 weeks – workplace liaison/practice opportunity/career exploration. Students will experience a broad range of clinical exposure, including a mandatory minimum of four weeks of clinical training in a rural community.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program.
Prerequisite(s): MPAS 810.15, MPAS 811.11, MPAS 812.3, MPAS 820.15, MPAS 821.11, MPAS 822.3, MPAS 830.15, MPAS 831.11, and MPAS 832.3.