About Us

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Overview

The one-year course-based Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS) provides students with the skills necessary to integrate, collaborate, and disseminate knowledge and practices related to the fields of research at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. You will receive mentorship and training from faculty with diverse expertise in a wide range of medical sciences including anatomy and cell biology, biochemistry, epidemiology and biostatistics, medical biophysics, microbiology and immunology, pathology and laboratory medicine, and physiology and pharmacology.

Vision

The program vision is to promote excellence and innovation in teaching and learning by fostering authentic learning experiences where students are challenged with a new way of thinking that requires connecting concepts and diverse perspectives.

Mission

The program mission is to produce 21st-century leaders who work collaboratively to address complex and dynamic problems in the medical sciences by using interdisciplinary approaches.

Goals

The goal is to strengthen research knowledge translation and implementation to achieve health benefits to individuals and populations through interdisciplinary collaborations. This goal requires an innovative approach to teaching and learning that promotes multi-faceted development of the whole student.

The program will address the following domains:

  1. Academic: Students will be introduced to a breadth of research-relevant topics (e.g., experimental approaches, knowledge translation, ethical implications, diversity, etc.) to develop as scientifically literate individuals. Students will engage with thought-provoking medical science research topics to develop critical thinking, decision-making, and evaluative judgement skills.
  2. Personal: Students will engage in continuous critical reflection of personal goals, strengths, and opportunities for development. Students will be mentored in values-based decision making, strategic thinking, as well as honing leadership character across all stages of career development.
  3. Professional: Students will be immersed in experiential learning rotations (clinical and basic laboratory and community-engaged), which will allow them to disseminate their knowledge within the scientific community and beyond to appreciate the broader context of research.