Faculty of Health Sciences
Mac-CARE

Frequently Asked Questions

Learners | Preceptors | Landlords | Travel & Accommodations

Learners

What is the minimum number of weeks for a placement?

  • Placements must be a minimum of four consecutive weeks.

Is there a list of available communities?

  • Yes, please view our geographic area for a map and list of available communities.

What specialities are available for rotations through Mac-CARE?

  • It is dependent upon the community. All core specialities including, Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Medicine, Obs/Gyn, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery (including Ortho) are offered at our various regional sites. Please contact the regional Mac-CARE Administrative Assistant for more information.

 

Is there any funding available for learners in the community?

  • Yes, if a learner chooses to live in the community the accommodations will be paid for by the Mac-CARE Program. There may also be additional funding for one round trip, every four weeks to the community rotation site, as well as any mandatory academic travel. For learners that choose to commute, they may be eligible for a maximum of $450.00 per four week block. All mileage is based on "Google Map" distances.

 

What is the first step to initiate a Mac-CARE rotation?

  • The process differs for clerks and residents. Rotations for clerks are identified through the clerkship lottery. Resident rotations are facilitated through each program's Education Coordinator. Any questions about this process can be directed to shibish@mcmaster.ca

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Preceptors

What are the differences between a Mac-CARE and ROMP rotation?

Who do I contact to learn more about becoming a preceptor for the Mac-CARE program?

What are the benefits of becoming a preceptor for Mac-CARE?

Can a preceptor also be a landlord?

  • A preceptor can only be landlord if they are not supervising the learner in their Mac-CARE rotation. It would be deemed a conflict of interest for evaluative purposes.

What are my responsibilities as a preceptor?


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Landlords

What are the benefits of being a Mac-CARE landlord?

  • Landlords are given the opportunity to bolster and support physician recruitment in their community while being compensated at a rate of $800 per four week rotation.

How long before I should expect to receive my cheque?

  • Processing payments can typically take up to 4-6 weeks after the rotation start date.

What types of accommodations does Mac-CARE provide?

  • Mac-CARE utilizes a variety of housing options including hotels, apartments, shared homes and bed & breakfasts.

Who should I contact if I have any questions or concerns?


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Travel/Accommodations

Who do I contact to set up accommodations for my rotation?

Who is responsible for paying for accommodations?

  • The Landlord invoices Mac-CARE directly. Students are not required to pay for accommodations.

What types of accommodations does Mac-CARE provide?

  • Mac-CARE utilizes a variety of housing options including hotels, apartments, shared homes and bed & breakfasts.

What types of travel are typically funded by Mac-CARE?

  • All travel funding is based on set mileage charts which calculate distances from a learner's academic home base to the community rotation site. If a learner chooses to live in the community Mac-CARE provides funding for one trip to and from the rotation per four week block. Learners living in the community are also eligible for travel required for mandatory academic sessions. If a learner chooses to commute they will be reimbursed for a maximum total of $450 per four week block.

How am I reimbursed for travel expenses?

  • A travel expense will be provided by the regional Mac-CARE Administrative Assistant and are required to be submitted within 60 days of the last day of rotation (NO EXCEPTIONS). Learners will be required to sign a travel policy and obtain verification of attendance for their academic sessions from the program's educational coordinator. Cheques are typically received 4-6 weeks upon completion of the rotation.

What are the advantages of living in the community?

  • Living in the community provides learners with an opportunity to develop a better understanding of issues related to community and rural practice. Learners are also exposed to what each community has to offer.

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