Are you curious about the life of a surgeon or what happens in anesthesia? Interested in promoting wellness within the student body?
Interest groups at Dal Med are a fantastic way to explore various areas of medicine throughout your pre-clerkship and clerkship years. We offer a range of medical and humanities interest groups, ensuring there's something for everyone to engage in. Plus, these events often come with food!
Each year the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association (DMAA) generously sponsors numerous student interest groups, including some of those described here. Our students are very appreciative for the support of the DMAA in these endeavours!
Interest groups at Dal Med are a fantastic way to explore various areas of medicine throughout your pre-clerkship and clerkship years. We offer a range of medical and humanities interest groups, ensuring there's something for everyone to engage in. Plus, these events often come with food!
Each year the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association (DMAA) generously sponsors numerous student interest groups, including some of those described here. Our students are very appreciative for the support of the DMAA in these endeavours!
Current Interest Groups
A list of current interest groups at our Nova Scotia and our New Brunswick campuses.
If your desired interest group hasn't been updated, email [email protected] for more info
*Please note that though we do our best to keep contact information accurate, some of the people associated with the group may no longer be a good contact person. Using the social media links is the most accurate place to find information.
If your desired interest group hasn't been updated, email [email protected] for more info
*Please note that though we do our best to keep contact information accurate, some of the people associated with the group may no longer be a good contact person. Using the social media links is the most accurate place to find information.
Medical Interest Groups
DMNSAddiction Medicine
The Addictions Medicine Interest Group is a student-run interest group dedicated to providing Dalhousie medical students with opportunities to learn about, develop competencies in, and gain exposure to addictions medicine throughout their pre-clerkship and clerkship years. This Interest Group aims to improve Dalhousie medical students awareness of the unique challenges facing people who use substances, understanding the stigma surrounding substance use and people who use substances, and the unique nature of supporting individuals with Substance Use Disorder.
Anastehesia
The Anesthesia Interest group organizes events throughout the year to promote anesthesiology as a potential career choice. Early exposure to anesthesia is especially important at Dalhousie, as it is not directly covered in the current med 3 clerkship. Last year, the interest group hosted several lifestyle nights which hosted various sub-specialists in anesthesia which highlighted the diversity of the profession. Additionally, with COVID restrictions lifting, the group also aims to give students the opportunity to practice procedural skills like IV access and airway management. Moreover, the group also acts as a liaison between the Department of Anesthesiology and Dalhousie medicine undergraduate students.
Critical Care
Links Dermatology Interest Group
The Dermatology Interest Group is focused on the principles of education, inclusivity, connection, and providing students with exposure to the field of dermatology. These principles are set out to be fulfilled through the hosting of events and the sharing of resources that may be of interest to members of the interest group. Events will be held with the purpose of educating, inspiring, and connecting students with the greater dermatology community. These events aim to provide opportunities for students to learn and practice relevant skills, learn about emerging topics and research in the field, and more. Furthermore, the Dermatology Interest Group aims to create a safe environment for all individuals to feel welcome and comfortable sharing their ideas, thoughts, and concerns. By achieving these goals, the Dermatology Interest Group hopes to aid students in feeling more equipped to make decisions regarding their future practice. Facebook Group Emergency Medicine Interest Group
The emergency medicine interest group is a student-run forum for Dalhousie medical students interested in the specialty of emergency medicine, both as a Royal College designation and through the +1 year of family medicine. The group holds events ranging from simulations and skills nights to resident panels, with the hopes of allowing students a chance to practice hands-on skills and ask questions about a career in emergency medicine. The goal of the interest group is therefore to give Dalhousie students the opportunity to explore the field and learn both diagnostic and surgical techniques that may serve them as they transition into electives and clerkship rotations. Facebook Group Family Medicine Interest Group
The objectives of the society shall be: To promote and educate medical students on family medicine. To foster an interest in family medicine as a career. To provide exposure to different aspects of family medicine including clinical, academic, research, and lifestyle. To serve as a liaison between medical students and the Dalhousie Department of Family Medicine, the Nova Scotia Health Authority Department of Medical Affairs and Integrated Health - Physician Recruitment, the Nova Scotia College of Family Physicians (NSCFP), and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). Facebook Group Geriatrics
Description pending Links pending Haematology interest group
Description pending Links pending Internal Medicine Interest Group
The Internal Medicine Interest Group offers opportunities to network, practice basic procedural skills and learn more about internal medicine and its subspecialties. We partner with practicing physicians, internal medicine residents and fourth-year medical students to provide information and support, as well as CaRMS information. Through the IMIG, students gain an understanding of the scope of practice, lifestyle and important issues and skills related to internal medicine through Lifestyles in Medicine evenings, procedural skills nights and seminars. Students also gain information regarding research opportunities and residency training programs. Facebook Group Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest Group
The Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest Group is a student led organization that allows students with an interest in this specialty to learn more about residency training, subspecialty training, career opportunities, and what life is like as an OB/GYN. There will be opportunity to gain mentorship, to learn about various topics related to the speciality, to get to know your peers who share your interest in the specialty, and even to get hands on experience in the Birth Unit at the IWK! Facebook Group Ophthalmology Interest Group
The Ophthalmology Interest Group aims to give students more exposure to ophthalmology by enhancing their understanding of the specialty. We will provide students with opportunities to learn about ongoing research in the area, the various subspecialties within the field, as well as the chance to ask ophthalmology residents questions about their experiences. We hope for students to gain more knowledge of ophthalmology and determine whether a career in the specialty is something they’d like to explore further. Facebook Group Pathology
Description pending Links pending Pediatric Interest Group
The Pediatric Interest Group of Dalhousie Medical School works to engage medical students in activities related to pediatric medicine, facilitate an interest in the medical specialty amongst students and contribute to the pediatric medical community through volunteer work. It is the group’s mandate to provide opportunities for Dalhousie medical students to explore pediatrics and the various pediatric subspecialties beyond the medical school curriculum via organized question and answer periods, teaching sessions and other events to enable interaction with Dalhousie University pediatric faculty, staff and residents. The Pediatric Interest Group will also work to collaborate with other Dalhousie Medical School Interest Groups (ex. Family Medicine Interest Group, Obstetrics & Gynecology Interest Group, Psychiatry Interest Group) to provide events that highlight the intersection of Pediatrics amongst related specialties. The group and its members will volunteer their time to furthering awareness of various pediatric diseases and promoting healthy lifestyle choices amongst children and adolescents within the community. Facebook Group Psychiatry
Description pending Links pending Radiology Interest Group
We aim to promote radiology education, appreciation, and outreach among Dalhousie medical students. We seek to link undergraduate medical students to residents, staff and factuality in the spirit of collaboration, fun, and community building. Facebook Group Surgery Interest Group
The Surgery Interest Group strives to provide medical students with early exposure to surgical fields. This exposure will occur through surgery lifestyle nights, suture skills sessions, panels, and networking events. Through this group, students are able to better understand what it is like to be a surgeon, gain practical, hands-on skills that are directly transferable to elective and clerkship rotations, and gain insight and guidance into their future career choices. Facebook Group Toxicology & Clinical Pharmacology
Description pending Links pending |
DMNBAnatomy Interest Group
The Anatomy Interest Group at DMNB is dedicated to supporting and preparing medical students in their first and second years for their anatomy laboratory exams. Our primary focus is to provide a platform for students to enhance their understanding of anatomical concepts and excel in their examinations. Through the organization of mock exams, we aim to create a realistic and supportive environment where students can practice their practical skills, consolidate their knowledge, and gain confidence in their anatomical studies. The mock exams will be organized by the anatomy interest group executive members and volunteers from each class. Anesthesia Interest Group
The Anesthesia Interest group organizes events throughout the year to promote anesthesiology as a potential career choice. Early exposure to anesthesia is especially important at Dalhousie, as it is not directly covered in the current med 3 clerkship. The group also aims to give students the opportunity to practice procedural skills like IV access and airway management. Moreover, the group also acts as a liaison between the Department of Anesthesiology and DMNB students. Facebook Group Emergency Medicine Interest Group
The Emergency Medicine Interest Group exists to provide current Dalhousie Medicine students with an understanding and passion for Emergency Medicine practice. Students will be provided with opportunities to connect with local Emergency Medicine Physicians and be taught skills pertaining to EM practice. Facebook Group Family Medicine Interest Group
The Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) aims to provide a platform for students to explore family medicine's multifaceted aspects, thereby aiding informed career decisions. The FMIG aims to foster an understanding and appreciation of family medicine among students through the following targeted objectives: 1. Educate: Offer comprehensive insights into the role and significance of family medicine in the healthcare system and provide access to relevant resources, research, and advancements within the field. 2. Expose: Facilitate direct exposure to the daily life, challenges, and rewards of family physicians through Q&A sessions, shadowing opportunities, and connections to practitioners in the field. 3. Engage: Host events which give students opportunities for open discussions and dialogues on topics related to family medicine. 4. Connect: Foster connections among students, faculty, and practicing family physicians, creating a supportive network for mentorship, guidance, and professional growth. 5. Advocate: Raise awareness about the pivotal role of family medicine in promoting comprehensive and continuous patient care. Promote the importance of primary care within the broader medical community. 6. Inspire: Inspire medical students to consider family medicine as a viable and fulfilling career path by showcasing the diverse opportunities for clinical practice, research, education, and community involvement. By engaging with the FMIG, students will gain a holistic perspective of family medicine, preparing them to make informed decisions about their future careers. As such, the FMIG is committed to nurturing the next generation of compassionate, patient-centered family physicians who will contribute to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Internal Medicine Interest Group
The goals of the Internal Medicine Interest Group are to allow students opportunities to network, practice skills and learn more about internal medicine and its subspecialties. This will help students to better understand the lifestyle of physicians, scope of practice, and what an internal medicine residency looks like, as well as issues and challenges associated with this specialty. This will be done through a Lifestyle in Medicine evening, as well as procedural skills nights. medical students for choice
Description pending Links pending neurology/neurosurgery
Description pending Links pending Obstetrics and Gynaecology
The Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest group is aimed at allowing students the opportunity to gain exposure in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Students will have the chance to explore their interest in this specialty including discussions surrounding residency training, career opportunities, and what life is like as an OB/GYN. There will be opportunities to meet mentors, learn technical skills, and meet fellow students with similar interests. Students will also be given the chance to participate in an observership at the SJRH! Facebook Group Oncology Interest Group
Regardless of the field of medicine students choose to pursue, oncology will impact their patients. The oncology interest group aims to give Dalhousie students early exposure to the sensitive topics of oncology with diverse lectures and small group communication skills sessions. Students will have the opportunity to explore oncology as a profession through shadowing opportunities with local physicians and lifestyle nights regarding the different oncology specialties. Facebook Group ophthalmology
Description pending Links pending Pediatrics Interest Group
An interest group that provides the opportunity to learn about and experience the field of pediatrics through networking events and facilitating mentorship relationships between faculty and students. PoCUS
The Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) Interest Group at DMNB is committed to equipping medical students in their first and second years with a comprehensive understanding of ultrasound-related skills. Our primary focus is to provide students with a solid foundation in the basic physics of ultrasound and the diverse applications of ultrasound techniques across various medical specialties, including emergency medicine, neuroscience, gastroenterology, endocrinology, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, and more. Facebook Group Email: [email protected] Psychiatry Interest Group
The Psychiatry IG aims:
Surgery Interest Group
The Surgery Interest Group is dedicated to offering medical students an early introduction to the world of surgical disciplines. This introduction to surgery will be facilitated through a variety of activities such as surgery lifestyle nights, skills workshops, and panel discussions. Our goal is for students to develop a better understanding of what it means to be a surgeon, acquire valuable hands-on skills applicable to elective and clerkship rotations, and access valuable mentorship for their future career decisions. Facebook Group |
Social Interest Groups
DMNSAssociation of Women surgeons (AWS) Dalhousie chapter
Description pending Links pending bioethics
Description pending Links pending canadian global surgery trainees alliance
Description pending Links pending Choosing Wisely Interest Group
Choosing Wisely Canada is a campaign to help clinicians and patients engage in conversations about unnecessary tests and treatments. As medical students, we have a role to play in resource stewardship as outlined in the “six things medical students and trainees should question” published by Choosing Wisely Canada. The Choosing Wisely interest group at Dal will host various events throughout the year to increase awareness about Choosing Wisely and how to deliver the best possible patient care when it comes to ordering tests and prescribing medications. The interest group will help establish a collegial atmosphere regarding Choosing Wisely and help establish future physicians who recognize the importance of resource stewardship in delivering appropriate patient care. Various talks by physicians/healthcare providers will shed light on some of these issues in today’s healthcare.
The Choosing Wisely Campaign will better prepare medical students at Dalhousie for clerkship, residency, and beyond. It will help medical students become better clinicians by applying evidence and engaging with patients when prescribing treatments and ordering tests. It will also allow for more in-depth talks with our mentors and preceptors about these issues as we face them in clerkship. Facebook Group IG: ChoosingWiselyNovaScotia Dara Liu ([email protected]) and Marissa MacInnis ([email protected]) Dal med parents and caregivers
Description pending Links pending dal federation of medical women of canada (FMWC) x women in medicine (wim)
Description pending Links pending Exercise is Medicine & nutrition in medicine
Exercise is Medicine Canada (EIMC) is a movement to encourage a healthy lifestyle among Canadians. EIMC at Dal strives to promote the importance of regular physical activity across Dalhousie's campus and within Halifax Facebook Group Facebook Page Email List French Medicine Interest Group
The French in Medicine Interest Group's mandate is to promote awareness of, and interest in, the French language and Francophone cultures to medical students. We also collaborate with Réseau Santé Nouvelle-Écosse, the Dalhousie Global Health office, and other partners, to connect medical students with resources and opportunities for improving their French skills. In doing so, we hope to contribute to better care for French-speaking patients in Nova Scotia, as well as their families and loved ones. Facebook Group Health Technology and Design Interest Group
Health technology is constantly moving forward and revolutionizing what physicians can do for their patients. Our goal is to further our education in this area, meet the professionals pushing the field and to explore how we could participate in this medical revolution. Facebook Group Mindfulness in Medicine Interest Group
The Mindfulness in Medicine (MIM) interest group meets monthly during the school year to engage in a group guided meditation facilitated by expert practitioners who are Dalhousie physicians. The goal of the group is to promote mindfulness practices. We discuss what mindfulness is, its benefits and ways to overcome obstacles to daily practise. The group promotes mental and spiritual wellness in healthcare professionals. Facebook Group Operation smile halifax
Description pending Links pending Sexual Health Outreach (SHOUT)
Sexual Health Outreach (SHOUT) is an interest group of medical students from Dalhousie University who are concerned about the sexual health of young Nova Scotians. We believe that sexual health is a vital component of personal health and everyone has the right to complete, freely-accessible, non-judgmental information about sexual and reproductive health. As future health providers, our goal is to equip Nova Scotia youth with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that will empower them to make informed choices about their social and sexual relationships and personal well-being. To do this, we provide sexual health education to middle-school students (Grade 8 & 9) across the HRM through in-person presentations, and schools across Nova Scotia through virtual talks and pre-recorded videos. Facebook Group Swimming with a Mission (SWAM)
SWAM's mission is to provide affordable and accessible one-on-one swimming instruction to children with intellectual and physical disabilities. While this may look different in COVID times, we will be developing resources and promoting online content for families in place of in-person programming when necessary. SWAM builds on the institutional strengths and successes of existing swimming lesson organizations. We are able to be more effective in injury prevention by providing lessons specifically targeted and adapted to those children at highest risk of drowning in our society. We recruit our volunteers from the abundance of university-aged, qualified swimming instructors and work with our community partners to properly train, educate and prepare them to work with special-needs children. When in person lessons are not able to be offered, our volunteers will work with us to develop resources for families to be delivered online or through other communication means. Facebook Page |
DMNBChoosing Wisely Interest Group
Suf Faridi ([email protected]) & Harold Oh ([email protected]) The skills developed through this group will instill the culture of “more is not always better” at DMNB. Choosing Wisely Canada is a campaign to help clinicians and patients engage in conversations about unnecessary tests and treatments. As medical students, we have a role to play in resource stewardship as outlined in the “Six Tests and Treatments to Question” published by Choosing Wisely Canada. We will host events throughout the year to increase awareness about Choosing Wisely. Dungeons and Dragons
The Board Game Interest Group aims to give students a space to unwind and destress from the academic curriculum while playing fun games with their fellow classmates. Exercise in medicine
Exercise plays a crucial role in the minds of medical students. By offering weekly events, the exercise in medicine group allows students the opportunity for regular organized physical activity, social interaction, skill development and more. Links pending Film Society
Picture this: a space where young minds come together to unravel the magic of storytelling, visual aesthetics, and cultural nuances through the lens of cinema. Imagine the impact of a film interest group where students foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, all while engaging with the world of movies. The DMNB film society aims to provide a creative outlet for students through workshops and our annual film festival. French
Description pending Links Pending Golf
Description pending Links Pending outdoor
Description pending Links Pending Reading Between the Spines
RBTS is a book club focused on topics in medicine just beyond the reach of our curriculum: for in-depth discussions on topics like death and dying, what is a good life, humanizing medical training, exploring current events in medicine and its history. It aims to focus on diverse perspectives and unique experiences. The goal of the book club is to build practical skills such as reflection and navigating moral uncertainty and to develop our understanding of the various contexts in which we practice medicine. We plan to meet at least twice per semester a month to discuss the content and themes of the readings and to hear from various experts in related fields. Facebook Group Running Interest Group
The Running Interest Group provides a community for runners at DMNB. We have weekly group runs for all skills and abilities on local routes and trails. Our goal is to help build our running community and to promote the importance of fitness in a supportive group. Facebook Group Swimming with a Mission (SWAM)
SWAM's mission is to provide affordable and accessible one-on-one swimming instruction to children with intellectual and physical disabilities. While this may look different in COVID times, we will be developing resources and promoting online content for families in place of in-person programming when necessary. SWAM builds on the institutional strengths and successes of existing swimming lesson organizations. We are able to be more effective in injury prevention by providing lessons specifically targeted and adapted to those children at highest risk of drowning in our society. We recruit our volunteers from the abundance of university-aged, qualified swimming instructors and work with our community partners to properly train, educate and prepare them to work with special-needs children. When in person lessons are not able to be offered, our volunteers will work with us to develop resources for families to be delivered online or through other communication means. Facebook Page Women in Surgery Interest Group
The Women in Surgery Interest Group is committed to supporting women pursuing a career in surgery. Our goal as a chapter is to foster a strong community of medical students and surgical residents/staff at Dalhousie, highlight women surgeon role models, and facilitate discussion related to professional development and challenges that women surgeons face. This is facilitated through a variety of panel discussions throughout the year. Although the AWS is primarily a support group for women in surgery, we welcome all genders to join us in our events and skills development sessions. Facebook Group Yoga Interest Group
The purpose of this interest group is to provide yoga sessions to DMNB students who are not only experienced yogis, but for those who have yet to try it, by providing a supportive environment to do so. Facebook Group |
Community Interest Groups
DMNS2SLGBTQIA+ and Allies in Medicine Interest Group
The goal of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Allies in Medicine Interest Group is to help foster the development of future physicians who have increased awareness of queer health issues.
To achieve this equality and recognition we will educate ourselves and our colleagues in 2SLGBTQIA+ issues as they relate to everyday life and the practice of medicine using expertise from the queer community. Our goal is to assist in the development of competent physicians willing to serve and treat all people to the best of their ability. We hope to promote engagement and discussion around the medical and social needs of this community. We will acknowledge the uniqueness of each community within the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community, such as providing education on Transgender Affirming Healthcare training opportunities. Additionally, this group is dedicated to keeping the student body informed about important issues surrounding the queer community by hosting guest speakers, patient panels, and connecting students with related events. Operation smile halifax
Description pending Links pending dalhousie asian medical student association
Description pending Instagram - www.instagram.com/amsa_dalhousie?igsh=MW0wbGsyc2Eyd2xhMA== Disability in Medicine Interest Group
Description Pending Links pending Muslim Medical Association of Canada - Dal Chapter
The mandate of the Muslim Medical Association of Canada (MMAC) – Dal Chapter is to educate future physicians to about religious considerations when caring for Muslim patients. In doing so, we aim to address the gap in medical education with respect to care for Muslim patients. The MMAC is also a safe space for anyone who is interested in exploring and learning more about Islam and the intersection between this faith and healthcare. This year, we will host cultural sensitivity nights, networking events for Muslim students and residents, and celebrations of Islamic holidays. We will also investigate Islamic views on medical and ethical dilemmas in the care of Muslim patients. Facebook Group Neuroknowledge dal med
Description pending Links pending newcomer health hub - dal chapter
Description pending Links pending |
DMNB2SLGBTQIA+ & Allies in Medicine Interest Group
The goal of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Allies in Medicine Interest Group is to help foster the development of future physicians who have increased awareness of health issues in our community. To achieve this equality and recognition we aspire to develop positions on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues as they relate to the practice of medicine. We prioritize the lived experiences of members of our community. Our goal is to develop competent physicians who serve our community to the best of their ability. We acknowledge the uniqueness of each community within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and we acknowledge that the intersectionality of queer and gender diverse identities has often resulted in further marginalization of many people over time. This group’s core programming includes guest speakers, panels, film screenings, advocacy, and organizing students ready participate in parades and other actions in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Facebook Group Black Medical Students' Association
The Dalhousie Black Medical Students’ Association is a Black student group working to support medical students in their training, and participate in community outreach and political advocacy.
Mission: The Black Medical Students’ Association aims to support the growth and vitality of the black medical student cohort at Dalhousie Medical School. This includes supporting pre-medical students, providing access to opportunities and to community for current Black medical students, and collaborating with the broader medical student body to reinforce culturally safe social and learning environments. Strategy: The Black Medical Students’ Association has three pillars under which our initiatives and collaborations are prioritised: (1) Medical Student Support, (2) Community Outreach, (3) Political Advocacy. Vision: To generate a robust community of Black physicians and allies empowered and informed to improve the health outcomes of the broader Black community. christian medical and dental association
Description pending Links pending community connections
Description pending Links pending Disability in Medicine Interest Group
Description Pending Links pending dmnb gives blood
We want students to lead by example through making regular blood donations and continuing DMNB's reign as Phlebotomy Bowl champions. Making blood donations is an easy and practical way to contribute to care of some of our sickest patients and our group will encourage donation of blood products among classmates, staff, allied healthcare professionals, and other students on campus at UNBSJ. Facebook Group global health
Description pending Links pending Muslim Medical Association
The mandate of the Muslim Medical Association of Canada (MMAC) – Dal Chapter is to educate future physicians to about religious considerations when caring for Muslim patients. In doing so, we aim to address the gap in medical education with respect to care for Muslim patients. The MMAC is also a safe space for anyone who is interested in exploring and learning more about Islam and the intersection between this faith and healthcare. This year, we will host cultural sensitivity nights, networking events for Muslim students and residents, and celebrations of Islamic holidays. We will also investigate Islamic views on medical and ethical dilemmas in the care of Muslim patients. Facebook Group newcomer health Hub
Description pending Links pending |
To add your facebook page/group/e-mail list to the list below, please email [email protected]
Reimbursement
Interest groups are required to submit all receipts and complete the Reimbursement Form after each event to claim reimbursement from the funding set aside for the group. Your request will be reviewed by our VP Financial.