Background
With an aging population in Canada, an associated increase in patients with musculoskeletal complaints is expected. The elderly especially, but indeed nearly all people, will encounter orthopaedic problems at some point in their lives. It is therefore important for medical students to have exposure and familiarity to orthopaedic surgery, regardless of what specialty they pursue. Similarly, resident trainees in specialties such as Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Emergency Medicine, among others, very frequently encounter patients that require orthopaedic referral or consultation. With limited exposure to orthopaedic surgery in their core educational curricula, we proposed that medical and health professions trainees would benefit from broad, foundational orthopaedics teaching that is tailored towards their professional responsibilities.
COSMEC was conceived and developed by a committee of faculty and trainees within the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Toronto, with input and contributions from many medical students, residents and faculty.
Objectives
COSMEC aims to:
- Enhance the education of medical students interested in Orthopaedic Surgery
- Improve medical students’ understanding of common orthopaedic issues encountered in primary care, as outlined by the objectives of the MCCQE-I
- Provide broad exposure to Orthopaedic Surgery including sub-specialties
- Offer hands-on Orthopaedic skill development workshops to local medical students
- Increase interest in Orthopaedic Surgery for medical students in Canada and beyond
FAQ
Who should participate in COSMEC?
The primary target audience for COSMEC are Canadian medical students from all levels of training (pre-clerkship, clerkship, elective). COSMEC will be most beneficial for medical students who are hoping to review musculoskeletal knowledge for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE-I) and those who will be rotating through an Orthopaedic Surgery placement. Furthermore, junior residents and students from disciplines which frequently encounter patients that require orthopaedic referral or consultation may find benefit in attending COSMEC.
Is COSMEC open to international medical students?
COSMEC is open for registration for international trainees and other professionals at present. However, if we approach capacity limitations, priority will be given to Canadian medical students.
How can I participate in the in-person skills day session?
The Skills Day is only open to medical students at the University of Toronto at present. We hope to welcome medical students from other institutions in the future.
Do I have to attend all COSMEC sessions?
While we encourage medical students to attend all teaching sessions, you are welcome to attend selected sessions that interest you most. Residents and other trainees are welcome to attend their desired relevant session(s). Registration process is the same.
Is there a registration deadline?
No. You may register even after the course has started.
Will seminars be recorded?
We hope to record seminars and make them available on our website for participants at a later date. However, please plan to attend the live, interactive sessions for maximum benefit and opportunity to learn from and interact with our talented faculty.
