The Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is an internationally recognized educational and research institution offering a three-year Doctor of Medicine program. The school trains physicians for a broad range of medical disciplines, from primary care to specialized fields. Learn more about its development below. More on icalgary.net.
Founding
The Cumming School of Medicine was established in 1967 as the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary. The first cohort of students began their studies in 1970. The faculty was created following recommendations by the Royal Commission on Health Services to address a shortage of qualified medical professionals.
It was one of the first faculties in North America to pilot multi-year family medicine programs. From its inception, the focus has been on innovation and excellence in medical education.
In 1970, the school introduced its three-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. In Canada, MD programs generally take three to five years. At the University of Calgary, the program is structured without extended summer breaks, unlike four-year programs, enabling a shorter pre-clinical medical education without sacrificing comprehensive medical knowledge.
The creation of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) in the early 1980s allowed the faculty to expand significantly. Over 100 medical researchers were hired during this period. To accommodate these professionals, the Medical Research Building was constructed in November 1987, funded by the Alberta Medical Research Foundation.
On April 22, 2005, the University of Calgary inaugurated the O’Brien Bachelor of Health Sciences Program, offering innovative educational and research opportunities for undergraduate students. This program has close connections with other faculties on the main campus, Calgary-based institutions, and Alberta Health Services.
Renaming and Unique Learning Features
In 2014, the faculty was renamed the Cumming School of Medicine in honor of businessman and faculty alumnus Geoffrey Cumming, who donated $100 million to the institution. The Government of Alberta matched this donation with an additional $100 million.
These funds enabled the school to advance medical research and attract top-tier medical professionals to the University of Calgary. Over the years, the school has fostered knowledge-sharing between physicians and researchers, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient care.
Only Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply for admission. International students are not permitted to apply. However, permanent residents temporarily outside Canada for vacation, employment, or exchange programs are eligible. Most seats are reserved for Alberta residents, who also do not need to meet specific CARS score requirements.
As with most Canadian medical schools, the first two years of the Doctor of Medicine program focus on foundational knowledge and skill development. Students engage in both lectures and practical training. After two years of intensive study, students delve into clinical topics to build clinical skills and prepare for professional practice. This phase, known as the clerkship, lasts one year at the Cumming School and is referred to as Clinical Clerkship. During this time, students work in hospital wards, outpatient clinics, medical offices, and emergency departments.
The school offers various scholarships and awards. Scholarship amounts range from $400 to $8,000, providing financial support to students throughout their studies.