By Michelle Read
Writer
Medical learners are among those suffering the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, an added challenge to the tremendous burden of their studies.
In April, the Canadian Medical Association Foundation (CMAF) announced the CMAF COVID-19 Support for Medical Learners Bursary, a $5-million fund intended to assist medical students and residents studying at Canadian medical schools who are in financial need as a result of the pandemic.
The uOttawa Faculty of Medicine has received a significant portion of that donation for its own learners in the Undergraduate (UGME) and Postgraduate (PGME) Medical Education Programs.
Medical students and residents who could benefit from this bursary are encouraged to apply today. The bursary is now accepting applications and will close October 15*, 2020.
In addition to the usual costs of housing, food, transportation and tuition, many students are now incurring extra costs ranging from travelling back home, to mental health services, to purchasing electronic equipment to continue their learning virtually. Some have lost their jobs, compounding the stress.
“COVID-19 has fundamentally impacted changed our health care system. But we need to make sure that it doesn’t disrupt medical careers that will serve generations to come,” says Allison Seymour, CMAF president. “Our hope is that these funds can provide relief for students as they prepare for the upcoming school year in our new normal.”
The CMAF will also be making donations is aid of other urgent needs within the health care system, for a total of $20 million in support of hospitals, health care workers, Doctors without Borders, a grant program in family medicine and a fund benefiting community hospitals.
To submit an application, please visit the CMAF COVID-19 Support for Medical Learners Bursary page.
*Applications will be reviewed/analyzed after the October 15 deadline to allow as much funding as possible to be attributed to eligible candidates.
University of Ottawa Online Scholarship system
To view the complete list of scholarships and bursaries you’re eligible for, please use the Online Scholarships and Bursaries search engine, accessible through uoZone.
1. Log into uoZone.
2. Select the Applications tab.
3. In Applications, click on Online Scholarships and Bursaries.
4. Create your Student Profile.
5. Accept the Notice of Collection of Personal Information.
6. Click on View and apply for scholarships.
7. In the list of scholarships and bursaries, check the box located to the left for every scholarships you would like to apply for.
8. Click on Add to my list, at the bottom of the page.
9. Complete the required tasks for each award.
Please feel free to send an email to [email protected] if you have any questions.
