Dr. Christopher Leighton, Year One Undergraduate Course Coordinator

As I begin my fifth year as a Course Coordinator for the Windsor Program, I am very much looking forward to the new experiences offered through the courses that I teach .

Our first year students begin their medical studies with the course "Introduction to Medicine", fondly known as "ITM". It's a challenge to deliver this six week course which introduces the fundamental building blocks for a career in medicine: Biochemistry, Anatomy, Pathology, Physiology, Embryology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Normal Growth & Development, while at the same time teaching the essential ethical and professional values one associates with the practice of medicine, in the course component: "Conversations with a Physician". During the component "Conversations with a Physician" students experience a weekly opportunity to discuss those difficult ethical, moral, and professional issues that physicians face on a regular basis.

The Windsor Program's role in delivering this course has been recognized for its focus on interprofessional health education (IPHE). For example, one morning we may have a palliative care session with a patient or standardized patient (acting a real patient story) who reflects on the daily challenges living with advanced breast cancer. This is followed by an interactive panel discussion by palliative care practitioners - a physician, nurses, a dietitian, and a social worker.

On the "Growing Older" half day, our students learn about seniors health issues then venture out into the Windsor community to experience elder care in action. Student experiences include working with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and at clients at the cardiac rehabilitation program. All students participate in a disability simulation exercise. It's an amazing accomplishment to know our first year students can describe the roles of many allied health professionals after the first month of school.

The Windsor Program staff, especially Christine Mackie, Year One Curriculum Coordinator, and many health care volunteers throughout the city have helped to make this course a terrific introduction to medicine for our students. A public thank you is warranted!

The first year Clinical Methods course teaches students to take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. Doing this requires the dedication of many physician educators, including our fabulous Gloria Bortolin, RN, who leads our Standardized Patient Program, and many local individuals from all walks of life who contribute their time as Standardized Patient actors. It's one course that the majority of the time, I find fun to teach. I strive to make students comfortable through humour. Once their anxiety is diffused, learning occurs with ease.

Students from our Windsor Program have performed exceptionally well, as illustrated in our June newsletter's lengthy list of graduating award recipients from the Class of 2012. From the perspective of a course coordinator, a teacher, or an undergraduate medical program, there is no greater reward than knowing that your efforts are contributing to success.