CanMEDS Resources

In 1996, the RCPSC adopted a new framework of core competencies for all specialists, called the "CanMEDS Roles". CanMEDS is an abbreviation of "Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists". This framework of core competencies includes the different roles that physicians fulfill in their daily practice, namely the roles of Medical Expert, Communicator, Collaborator, Health Advocate, Manager, Scholar and Professional. A revised version of the CanMEDS framework was adopted in 2005.  This framework is now the basis for accreditation, evaluation and examinations, as well as objectives of training and standards for continuing professional development.

Medical Expert
This is the central role that integrates all of the CanMEDS roles: applying medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attitudes in the provision of patient-centred care.

Communicator
Effectively facilitating the doctor-patient relationship and the dynamic exchanges that occur before, during, and after the medical encounter.

Collaborator
Working effectively as a member of a health care team to achieve optimal patient care.

Manager
Being integral participants in health care organizations, organizing sustainable practices, making decisions about allocating resources, and contributing to the effectiveness of the health care system.

Health Advocate
Responsibly using expertise and influence to advance the health and well-being of individual patients, communities, and populations.

Scholar
Demonstrating lifelong commitment to reflective learning, as well as the creation, dissemination, application, and translation of medical knowledge.

Professional
Being committed to the health and well-being of individuals and society through ethical practice, profession-led regulation, and high personal standards of behaviour.

Resource: http://ephysicianhealth.com/

General CanMEDS Resources

The CanMEDS 2005 Physician Competency Framework - Better standards. Better physicians. Better care. (Frank JR, Ed.). Ottawa: the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
See also: http://http//www.royalcollege.ca/portal/page/portal/rc/canmeds/framework

CanMEDS Project Overview (last revised May 2005).

Collaboration, Communication, Management and Advocacy: Teaching Surgeons New Skills Through the CanMEDS Project (Frank JR, Langer B). World J. Surg. 27:972-978, 2003.

Skills for the New Millennium: Report of the Societal Needs Working Group - CanMEDS 2000 project. Annals Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada 29:206-216, 1996).

CanMEDS Tools and Resources: http://www.royalcollege.ca/portal/page/portal/rc/canmeds/resources

The RCPSC Train the Trainer Workshop Series:
http://www.royalcollege.ca/portal/page/portal/rc/canmeds/resources/workshops