Kelowna Regional

Kelowna Regional

Site Information

Number of Residents: 4 CMG, 1 IMG
Location: Kelowna, BC
Community: 142,000
Hospital: Kelowna General
Distance from Vancouver: 391 km

Curriculum Type: Block / Integrated
R2 Elective Time: 16 Weeks

Site Director Message

Thanks for your interest in the Kelowna Regional site!

Established in 2020, Kelowna Regional is a “newer site” built on a long tradition (30 years!) of excellence in training family physicians.

With two sites in Kelowna, we still view everyone together in one big program with one key difference being the regional group gets to take advantage of more time in the Okanagan. Although the hospital is a tertiary care center, and the city large enough to provide much variety in training experiences, there is still this small-town collegiality – all in a stunning locale. Both cohorts spend first year sharing academic time and rotating through a block-based curriculum with regional having an extra block of family medicine instead of in the ICU. The block-style is an ever-changing and exciting, although at times demanding, way of consolidating skills in a variety of core specialties.

Second year is divided fairly evenly in 4-month blocks between electives, rural family medicine, and Kelowna family practice offices with time in areas of special interest called “selectives.” It is the best of all worlds! There is much autonomy to seek a clinic and type of practice that best meets ones learning needs. The goal is for residents to wake up happy to go to work!

Kelowna is a “green” site that passionately emphasizes the importance of planetary health and educating residents on how climate change relates to family practice, patient medical conditions, and our personal and professional choices. We are also thrilled to incorporate education and clinical application of evidence-based lifestyle medicine – a practical, and ever necessary area of medicine. Lastly, our goal is to foster a safe, supportive, fun environment where you can work hard, maximize your learning, and reach your potential knowing we have your back.

Please reach out – we at the site, and many alumni, would happily answer questions and talk about this program we are quite proud of!

Dr. Jade Dittaro, MD, CCFP, DipABLM- Site Director

Dr. Robert D Sebastian, MD, CCFP – Associate Rural Site Director

About

Lead Resident Message

The Kelowna Regional residency program offers a unique experience, combining a year in Kelowna with invaluable learning from specialists and family doctors, followed by a year experiencing opportunities within family medicine in rural British Columbia and Kelowna. This blend of urban and rural medicine equips residents for diverse careers in family medicine.

The R1 year gives you an opportunity to connect with the incredible faculty and your co-residents in the rural and regional programs. You will feel well supported by the attendings at Kelowna General Hospital and are often one the few learners on the service. You will connect with your co-residents during weekly academic half day, with sessions that can be tailored to address gaps in the residents’ learning. R1 also gives abundant opportunities to explore the beautiful Okanagan, from wine tasting at one of the many wineries, exploring the numerous green spaces in the area, sipping coffee at a local café, basking in the sun by the lake, or checking out the snow at Big White.

After spending R1 learning from specialists at KGH, R2 takes you into the community within Kelowna and Rural BC to apply that learning. On your 4-block rural rotation, you will integrate into the community, balancing clinic work, emergency department management, and inpatient rounding. Back in Kelowna for your 4-block regional rotation, you will spend time with GPs in town to gain experience within specific areas of interest and tailor this rotation to your career aspirations. This year offers ample opportunities for growth as you begin your transition to staff.

The Kelowna Regional program is ideal for those who want to experience both urban and rural medicine and embody a “work hard, play hard” mindset.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions,

Dr. Jessica Round