Faculty and Program Series Part Six: The Faculty of Health Sciences

By Saurabh Kalra, Macinsiders

Introduction
McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences is unique as Mcmaster is the only Canadian university that combines, in one Faculty, schools of medicine, nursing, rehabilitation sciences, and the programs of midwifery, bachelor of health sciences, physician assistant and postgraduate health sciences education. The Faculty's focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative learning is its hallmark. McMaster has developed evidence-based medicine in Canada, and its Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics is the largest in Canada.

For three years in a row, the Faculty is ranked second in the country for biomedical and health care research funding by the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada.

Some Recent Awards:
- Catherine Krasnik, resident doctor in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine became the third Canadian to win the prestigious fellowship offered by American Psychiatric Association (APA) in August, 2009.
- Valerie Taylor, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences, won the Early Researcher Award
- Mick Bhatia, the scientific director of the McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, received the Young Scientist Award
- Dr. Patangi Rangachari received the MSU Excellence in Teaching Award in 2009

Important Undergraduate Contacts:
Bachelors of Health Sciences: [email protected]
Nursing: http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing/home_contact.htm
Midwifery: Phone: (905)525-9140, Ext. 26653, 26654, Email: [email protected]
Physician Assistant Program: [email protected]

Tips for Success:
- Be prepared to research beyond what is in the textbook and notes
- Attend lectures and the mandatory tutorials and make use of office hours.
- Check Learnlink oftenJ. Learnlink is a great tool not only for academic help from peers, but also there are many ways to get involved in the Mcmaster and Hamilton community posted on Learnlink.
- In group projects, try to be more flexible and accept your group members the way they are. It is best to resolve conflicts that may arise (due to differing opinions etc.) within your group rather than talking to outsiders.
- Prepare for labs in advance
- And finally, keep up with the readings and do not procrastinate

Undergraduate Academic Opportunities/Specializations:
The Bachelors’ of Health Sciences Program offers two specializations for students entering 2nd year:
- Global Health Specialization (about 15-20 students accepted)
- Biomedical Sciences Specialization (accepts max 40 students)
Students may apply to these specializations or can continue in the normal Health Sciences Stream.

Undergraduate Social Events/Student Societies:
- Bachelors of Health Sciences Society- The BHSS organizes a yearly formal, which is a great way for everyone in the program to get together. In addition, other popular events include an annual Health Sci Musical
and a charity Fashion Show. Check out their website for a list of all the events.
- Mcmaster University Nursing Students Society
- Medicine and You
- Mcmaster Medicine and Health Society

Looking Ahead- Value of your Health Science Degree:
As a university graduate, there are many careers that you could consider. Sometimes, the possibilities are so great that you can feel overwhelmed and confused. To get started, you may consider some of the career options listed below that are specifically related to a Health Sciences degree. Keep in mind the list below is a sampling of career options available to you as a Health Sciences graduate, but you should not limit yourself to these options.
- Graduate Programs, Professional Schools (eg. masters, law school, med school, dentistry, physiotherapy etc.)

Health related careers:
Addictions Counsellor, Coroner Medical Assistant, Pharmaceutical Salesperson, Alternative Health Care Practitioner, Dietitian, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Pharmacist, Anaesthesiologist, Emergency Medical Technician, Mental Health Counsellor, Physician, Athletic Trainer, Family and General Practitioner, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Radiation Therapist, Biomedical Engineer, Fitness Trainer, Nurse, Anesthetist, Respiratory Therapist, Cardiovascular Technologist, Health Information Technician, Chiropractor, Health Services Administrator, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, Speech Pathologist and Audiologist, Massage Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Veterinarian, etc…

what's global health specialization? I've seen biomedical specialization on the webpage, but haven't heard of the global health one.

man... I missed out on my chance to get into health sci... but I've heard health sci at MAC isn't that great..

Are you kidding? Haha, Health Sci is one of Mac's more... hrrm, reputable or prestigious programs. As far as I know anyway.

Originally Posted by hyvaa

what's global health specialization? I've seen biomedical specialization on the webpage, but haven't heard of the global health one.

Yea for some reason global health specialization is not listed on the webpage. In this specialization, students spend part of their third and fourth year in another country (I think one semester in both years) and some courses they take are different from the normal Health sciences stream. There will be an information session for 1st year students close to the application date and more info will be available on Learnlink. Also note that there is a whole application process for this specialization (which involves an essay) and enrolment is limited.

Hey. I'm a second year in the Global Health Specialization. It is not listed on the BHSc website because it is still being approved by the government. The first students who are going abroad leave this semester.

Very interesting and useful information!

Thanks Saurabh! <o></o>