Fergus (Rural Stream) 0verview
The town of Fergus, with a population over 20,000, is a lovely community in which to live and learn rural medicine. Rural family physicians provide the bulk of the care to this community with support from local internists, general surgeons and obstetricians. The academic hub for this program is the Waterloo Regional Campus. Fergus is about 20-30 minutes north of Guelph.
Community website: Township of Centre Wellington
Key info
CMG CaRMS Positions: 2
Preceptors: 21
55 bed hospital (Groves Memorial Hospital)
600 births per year and 25,000 ER visits per year
Regional population of over 34,500
Resident Perspective
Community Notes:
- Lots of small town charm, many community events
- Hiking, kayaking, swimming and tubing at the Elora Gorge
Strengths of the site:
- Large scope of practice – all family physicians provide hospitalist inpatient care, many do emergency medicine and obstetrics. Will prepare you well for different contexts you may work in as a rural family physician
- Strong family practice obstetrics group – weekly OB rounds, prenatal clinics and many deliveries
- Flexible – can pick up extra ER shifts, OB call, surgical assist etc. to tailor to your learning interests
- Very engaged preceptors – all family physicians are happy to work with learners and teach, even if they are not primary preceptors for residents
- Academic days with the Waterloo Regional Campus – strong home base for academic teaching days, all in-person with excellent presenters and small groups discussions.
- Connected with a larger groups of supportive residents and administrative staff
Potential drawbacks:
- Can be very busy (but lots of learning!)
- Commuting
Contacts
Filomena Incitti
Assistant Clinical Professor
Rural Stream Site Lead - Fergus