It’s a first in Saskatchewan’s medical history. Medical residents may now do cancer care training in the province.
The USask College of Medicine is launching a new residency program in Medical Oncology, in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA), and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health.
The two-year medical oncologist residency program will begin next July. The Government of Saskatchewan provided the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency with $219.8 million this year, to improve treatments, services and resources for cancer patients.
“This program means more of our undergraduate medical students can stay in Saskatchewan for post-graduate training, increasing the likelihood that they remain in Saskatchewan as licensed, practicing specialists,” says Health Minister Paul Merriman.
Residents will have the opportunity to work and train with medical oncologists and other specialists involved in cancer and palliative care.
“Medical oncologists play an integral role in cancer care,” says Deb Bulych, Interim President and CEO, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. “Extensive collaborative work has created this program in Saskatchewan. We are excited about the prospects and potential this program will offer qualified residents for the SCA and cancer patients across the province.”
Internal medicine residents who successfully have completed three years of residency will be eligible for the program training, according to authorities.