Sports Medicine Schools and Programs in Canada

Sports Medicine Studies in Canada

An education in Medicine is not an easy pursuit by any means, but the importance of such an education cannot be denied.  If this is the lofty goal you have set for yourself, you fortunately have a number of options in terms of your schooling, including those which will allow you to study as a study-abroad participant in the beautiful and ultra-modern country of Canada.
 
Occupying the northern part of the North American continent, Canada is a proud country consisting of 10 distinct provinces and three northern territories.  With just under 10 million square kilometers of total geographic area, Canada is the second-largest country in the world, after Russia, and the largest country in North America, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northwards to the Arctic Ocean.  The nation shares a common border to the south with the United States, the world’s largest continuous land border shared by two countries.  Canada is a highly developed country and one of the wealthiest nations on the planet, and its education system, which includes nearly 20 dedicated Medical Schools, is one of the finest in the world in terms of overall quality and number of graduates.
 
Medical Education in Canada
 
Many of Canada’s high-performing universities offer programs in the study of medicine; programs leading to medical degrees in a number of different specialties.  Students who opt to pursue such degrees will need to undergo several phases in the contemporary Canadian system.
 
To qualify for admission into Canadian medical schools students will first need to take and pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), an examination that assesses a student’s aptitude in areas such as problem-solving, critical-thinking, writing and comprehension of scientific concepts.  Students must also possess an undergraduate degree in a science-related field, although some schools, such as the University of Saskatchewan, have been known to admit students who have only a 2-year baccalaureate degree.  Upon acceptance, students attend medical school where they are taught basic knowledge, medical terminology and other skills in a classroom setting, and work on projects and conduct research in laboratories.  Upon completion, students are awarded the degree of medical doctor, or MD.
 
In order to practice medicine in Canada, students must become licensed and complete at least one year of internship practice, during which they will work under the direct supervision of licensed hospital staff, gaining practical experience and increasing their skills in working with real patients.  A good majority of medical school graduates opt to enroll in a two-year training/internship program leading to accreditation by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, while others opt to enter 4-5 year training programs leading to qualifications in over 40 medical specialties, including surgery, internal medicine, orthopedics, pediatrics and psychiatry.
 
Why Study Abroad in Canada
 
The sheer quality of Canada’s education system truly speaks for itself, but that is not the only reason to choose Canada as your study-abroad destination.  Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, home to gorgeous beaches, majestic mountains, and miles of untouched forestland in every direction.  Its major cities, such as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, are rich in culture, extremely cosmopolitan and home to some of the most amazing sights and attractions west of the Atlantic.  Some of the sights students can visit while living and studying in this picturesque nation include:
 
Pacific Rim National Park
 
Located at the tip of Vancouver Island facing the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Rim National Park is one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting the British Columbian province.  The park boasts miles of hiking trails, including the famed West Coast Trail; white-sand beaches, rainforests, aboriginal culture and a laid back atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to unwind after a long week hitting the books.
 
Whistler
 
About a two-hour drive from Vancouver, on the very scenic “Sea to Sky Highway,” you’ll find the renowned resort town of Whistler.  One of the best ski destinations in the world, Whistler is home to two spectacular mountain slopes—Whistler and Blackcomb—that hover above the village, providing ski enthusiasts with over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain.  Guests visiting this Canadian hotspot can treat themselves to fine dining, spa treatments and countless hours of adventure; all while being treated to some of the most spectacular views Canada has to offer.
 
Old Port
 
If history is more your thing, you’ll simply fall in love with the town of Old Port, located in the heart of Montreal in the Province of Quebec.  Old Montreal is a part of downtown Montreal that has been preserved in much of its original state, with the oldest buildings dating back to the 1600's. This historic neighborhood boasts a safe and vibrant community and is home to scores of hotels, restaurants, shops, and stunning architecture dating back to the colonial era.
 
Parliament Buildings
 
For those interested in seeing the Canadian government at work, the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa make for a fun and interesting getaway. Parliament Hill is a stunning group of buildings that house Canada's parliament, and free public tours are offered throughout the year.  The Hill is also the setting for many seasonal national celebrations, including Canada Day—a federal holiday in which the entire city of Ottawa really comes to life.