Undergraduate Education

A supportive, comprehensive and reflective learning experience

Palliative medicine is integrated throughout the Dalhousie MD curriculum, including in the case-based Integration Unit.

As a medical student, your exposure to palliative care will begin with an orientation to help identify individual learning objectives. Students are evaluated on an ongoing basis through observation of clinical care and participation in academic activities.

You will participate in care of patients and their families in settings most suited to building an understanding and appreciation of palliative medicine. Specifically, you will take part in clinical care and academic activities aimed at integrating assessment and treatment skills, communication skills and approaches to ethical decision-making.

Core seminars provide students with opportunities to learn and practise specific content and skills. You will also take part in the palliative care team’s weekly evidence-based sessions that emphasize critical appraisal skills in the everyday practice of medicine. Each student has the opportunity to lead one of these weekly sessions.

Learn more about how to apply to Dalhousie Medical School.