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Smaller TextBasic Clinical Training (BCT) Program
Program Director
Dr. Susan Waserman, MSc, MD, FRCPC
1200 Main Street West, MDCL 3113
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5
Phone: 905-521-2100 x26660
Fax: 905-527-2707
Program Assistant
Colleen Willson
1200 Main Street East, MDCL 3101a
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5
Tel: 905-525-9140 x26660
Fax: 905-527-2707
willsoc@mcmaster.ca
About the Basic Clinical Training (BCT) Program
The BCT program is a unique first year of training that is common to 10 different McMaster specialty programs (Medical Microbiology, Anatomical Pathology, Anaesthesiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Emergency Medicine, General Pathology, Medical Biochemistry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry and Neurology). It conforms to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada requirements that these programs have a general experience in their first year of training to maximize their exposure to many different disciplines. The TPD from the above core programs have designed the BCT year to consist of specific mandatory and elective rotations relevant to the particular program. The BCT year provides trainees with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and gain expertise in many different areas before advancing to specialty training. This broad knowledge base supports the resident’s participation in Part II of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (LMCC Part II). The BCT year has been widely regarded by trainees as invaluable for their future training.
The administrative assistant for the BCT program is Colleen Willson, who is based in the Postgraduate Medical Education Office. The BCT Committee meets on a regular basis and is chaired by Dr Susan Waserman, BCT training program director (TPD). The Committee is composed of the TPD of the 10 specialties, as well as 2 elected BCT resident representatives. While the BCT program is in some respects freestanding from the specialties, there are close lines of communication between the trainees and their core program during their first year. Residents are scheduled to attend their home program’s academic half days on a monthly basis, as well as other relevant academic and social events. The BCT program organizes its own academic half days -topics include LMCC training sessions, as well as general topics relevant to the different specialties. The trainees themselves play a pivotal role in the organization and content of these sessions.
In the course of the year, BCTs not only learn a lot, but become very close and collegial in their professional collaborations! They not only learn about their own specialty but gain insights into other specialties with whom they will work and have professional associations throughout their careers in medicine.