SLIC promotes mentorship and medical training across rural Saskatchewan!

The clinical clerkship allows students to apply their basic knowledge and skills acquired in the first 2 years of medical school, in the clinical setting. SLIC students will work closely with one primary preceptor gaining continuity relationships with patients and faculty over time in a continuous learning community. They will also spend time with visiting or in-town specialists and other allied health care professionals.

SLIC students will experience a learning environment that provides comprehensive care of patients over time and meets the clerkship year’s core objectives across multiple disciplines simultaneously in a one-on-one teaching environment.  Students create a personalized learning plan and work in various settings with their primary preceptor to achieve their course objectives.

Sites are located in Estevan, La Ronge, Meadow Lake, and Melfort! The SLIC training sites have been selected by their ability to provide learning experiences across a broad medical scope so that students can meet all their training objectives. If a site cannot provide a specific clinical learning experience, then the student will be provided additional selective time for that. Students will have the opportunity to take graduated responsibility for patient care in a supportive setting where a balance will be established between time for service and learning.

Check out this short video.

Dr. Geoff Zerr: Leading the Way in Rural Medicine through the Saskatchewan Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (SLIC) Program

Dr. Geoff Zerr has been a key part of the Saskatchewan Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (SLIC) program since 2020 and recently assumed the role of Director for the province. As a general practitioner in Melfort, SK, Dr. Zerr is deeply passionate about rural medicine and is dedicated to sharing this passion with all learners at the Melfort site.

Reflecting on the success of the SLIC program, Dr. Zerr is proud of the strong, independent students it produces. These students develop exceptional skills and often function similarly to residents by the time they complete the program. He believes one of the program's strengths is its emphasis on student involvement in patient cases and follow-ups, allowing students to see the outcomes of their treatments.

Dr. Zerr's love for rural medicine and teaching stems from his involvement in sports and coaching during his youth. He learned the importance of getting involved in the things you love to pass them on to the next generation. Through SLIC, Dr. Zerr aims to promote rural medicine to his students and inspire them to explore opportunities in this field.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Zerr enjoys spending time with his daughters, learning to play golf, and listening to Silk Sonic, which he highly recommends.

• Meet Dr. Geoff Zerr

Transition from Theory to Practice

The SLIC program provides an essential bridge between the theoretical knowledge gained during the first two years of medical school and the practical application of that knowledge in real clinical settings. This transition is a critical phase in your medical education, allowing you to transform abstract concepts into tangible skills.

Applying Knowledge

In your first two years, you have built a strong foundation in the basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. The clinical clerkship enables you to:

• Integrate Knowledge: Apply foundational science concepts to diagnose and treat patients. For instance, understanding the physiological mechanisms behind hypertension will guide you in managing a hypertensive patient.
• Clinical Reasoning: Develop clinical reasoning skills by correlating symptoms with possible diagnoses. This involves formulating differential diagnoses and deciding on the most appropriate investigations and treatments.
• Hands-On Skills: Practice essential clinical skills such as taking medical histories, performing physical examinations, and executing basic procedures like venipuncture, suturing, and administering injections.

Real-World Clinical Settings

During the clerkship, you will work in various clinical environments, including community clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices. Each setting provides unique learning opportunities:

• Community Clinics: Engage with patients in a primary care setting, where you will manage common health issues and perform routine check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings.
• Hospitals: Experience the fast-paced environment of hospitals, where you will be involved in the care of patients with acute and complex conditions. Participate in rounds, assist in surgeries, and learn from emergency room cases.
• Specialty Practices: Rotate through different specialties, such as cardiology, endocrinology, and orthopedics, to gain a broader perspective on various fields of medicine and understand the interconnectedness of different specialties. 

Real-World Impact

By applying your theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, you will:

Patient Continuity: Students will be able to follow patients through their medical journeys. You see your own patients for follow up after procedures or changes. Students frequently get to see maternity patients for prenatal care, delivery, and in follow up with their newborns. Sometimes you will diagnose a patient with a surgical issue in the ER and then assist the surgeon in the patient’s surgery.

Enhance Patient Care: Directly contribute to patient care, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Build Confidence: Develop confidence in your clinical abilities and decision-making skills, essential for your future career as a physician.

Prepare for Future Challenges: Equip yourself with the practical skills and experience needed to face the complexities and challenges of medical practice in diverse settings.

Diverse Clinical Environments

As a SLIC student, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of clinical environments, gaining a well-rounded experience in patient care. The program is designed to ensure that you develop a deep understanding of the different healthcare needs and practices within rural communities.

Your work in these diverse settings will allow you to build meaningful relationships with patients and community members. You will gain a deeper appreciation for the trust and rapport required in medical practice, particularly in rural areas where healthcare providers often serve as pillars of the community.

By engaging with patients across these various settings, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of rural healthcare delivery, preparing you for a rewarding career that can make a significant impact on underserved communities.

CARMS

SLIC has helped students match to many specialties. The clinical clerkship is a transformative experience that solidifies your medical education, preparing you for the next stages of your training and ultimately, a successful career in medicine. Students are typically very independent due to the strong mentorship and get great references. Some of the careers SLIC students have chosen include:

• Family Practice
• Internal Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Emergency Medicine
• Dermatology
• Anesthesia
• Pathology

Equivalent to Core Rotations Course

Completion of the SLIC course (306.50) is equivalent to successful completion of the Core Rotations Course (MEDC 307.50) in Year 3 of the MD program. This ensures that students meet the overall undergraduate program objectives and are well-prepared for their future medical careers.

Find out more about the Saskatchewan Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (SLIC) experiences.

• SLIC Experiences

• Rural Medicine Homepage
• SLIC Highlights