At Princess Margaret and the University Health Network, we are dedicated to training the next generation of health care professionals. For medical students to become doctors, or for doctors to become specialists, they need practical experience. Nurses, researchers, pharmacists, social workers and other health care professionals also get practical experience at teaching hospitals like Princess Margaret. Trainees gain education and experience under the supervision of senior clinicians.
Our clinicians keep up with the most recent developments in medicine so that Princess Margaret excels as a teaching institution. This ensures that we provide our patients with the latest technology and techniques.
Trainees and Your Care
Health care professional trainees may join the other members of your health care team for various parts of your treatment. A larger team means that many people will think about your condition and your options for treatment and supportive care.
The health care professional trainees you will probably see most often are the following:
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Medical students are studying to become doctors. Most medical students will be in their final year of medical school.
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Residents are doctors who are qualified to practise medicine but are training to become specialists, such as pediatricians. Residents can spend between 1 and 5 years training to become specialists after graduating from medical school.
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Fellows are qualified specialists who have completed residency. Fellows undergo further specialized training to become experts in their chosen area – for example, pediatric oncology.
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Nursing students will likely be in their final year of undergraduate nursing studies.
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Radiation therapy students will likely be in their final year of school.
There are many other health care professional trainees at Princess Margaret. Trainees can be at any educational level, and they work in a wide variety of fields. What they all have in common is a dedication to improving health care.
Find out more about Princess Margaret's commitment to teaching »
