Victoria
Site Information
Number of Residents: 17 CMG, 6 IMG
Location: Victoria, BC
Community: 330,000
Hospitals: Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Cowichan District Hospital, etc.
Distance from Vancouver: 117 km
Curriculum Type: Partial Horizontal in R2, partial Integrated in R1
R2 Elective Time: 2+ blocks and horizontal electives
Phone: 250-370-8564
Contact: Co-Director Dr. Tina Webber / Co-Director – Dr. Michael Putland / Coordinator – Josie Terlesky jterlesky@uvic.ca
Lead Residents: Dr. Danielle Starevic & Dr. Gil Yerushalmi & Dr. Chandni Desai (IMG)
Site Director Message
Welcome to the Victoria Site!
We loved the site so much; we stayed here to run it!!!!
Our Site is based in Victoria, a city of pop 330,000, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, which enjoys a sub -Mediterranean climate.
Our graduating Residents develop skills which enable them to practice in urban, rural and remote communities. Past graduating residents with special interests have had a successful record of being accepted into third year enhanced skill training programs.
All our Residents are associated with a community Family Practice clinic throughout their residency, based in the greater Victoria region, from Sooke to Sidney, which provides them with opportunity for patient care continuity. Our R1 program introduces you to the specialty of Family Medicine with an early “Introduction to FM” block and a “Concentrated FM block”, generally call-free.
In-hospital experiences occur through the Hospitalist services at the Royal Jubilee and Victoria General Hospitals, Internal Medicine and Pediatric CTU. Both hospitals are up to date facilities, and there is excellent bicycle routing between them. Similarly, Emergency experiences are scheduled at both hospitals, as well as at the community hospitals of nearby Duncan or Saanich Peninsula.
Several highlighted experiences throughout R1 and R2 include concentrated LDR, Women’s Health, MSK rotation, Procedural Fortnight, FP Selective, ICU and Trauma rotations.
Victoria is a lifestyle-oriented community which naturally encourages a variety of outdoor activities; sailing, climbing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, golf, surfing, fishing and running year-round. Arts and entertainment are also an important part of our life here.
We believe your quality of life as a resident is important. Our site is family-oriented and welcoming. Our Residents traditionally come from many different universities from across Canada and abroad and they form close and collegial relationships within the group.
We provide a Training Program with excellent clinical volume and great teachers that will give you the skills that you need for the future, but be forewarned that if you come, you may never want to leave!
Tina Webber, Michael Putland
Co-Site Directors
About
Contact:
tina.webber@ubc.ca
michaelputland@uvic.ca
Click here to view the site presentation.
Learn more about the City of Victoria here. Further details on recreation activities are here.
Lead Resident Message
Victoria is an excellent and exciting place to complete your Family Medicine residency. Here, you’ll find numerous opportunities to take initiative and shape your experience. While the R1 year is demanding, it will prepare you well for your future as a physician, thanks to the independence we foster.
Our supportive staff and R2 residents are always available to answer questions and offer guidance. We have an integrated program for both CMGs and IMGs, ensuring everyone meets the same requirements and has equal opportunities. We value diverse backgrounds and encourage all residents to proactively create positive learning experiences, reinforcing our sense of community.
For housing, many residents prefer living near Royal Jubilee Hospital, in Fernwood, or downtown, all easily accessible by bike or a short drive. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your R2 Buddy for housing tips!
Our resident community is welcoming and supportive, with formal team-building activities and informal outings like hikes and sports that strengthen our connections. Consider moving to Victoria a bit early to familiarize yourself with the area—perhaps kick off your time here with a weekend surfing trip to Tofino?
Lastly, connect with your family preceptors in advance and make the most of your R2 buddy. We hope to have you join us and look forward to supporting you throughout your residency!
Lead Residents
Mitchell Segal & Matthew Burke