Medical Student Orientation FAQ
What should I bring on my first day?
Bring your stethoscope, reflex hammer, and tuning fork if you have one. If you want to use the day lockers to store your stuff, also bring a combination lock.
Do I need an ID badge?
VGH does not give out ID badges to visiting medical students, so you will need to wear your home hospital ID badge. For access to secure areas (e.g. ICU, psych wards) you will need to be buzzed in by someone from that unit.
You will receive a guest badge at SPH, which can be picked up on the first day of your elective. This is not crucial but useful to have to access secure areas like the resident lounge. Your welcome email should include the info on where to pick up your ID badge.
Do I need to carry a pager?
No! All team communication will happen over a WhatsApp group or the ListRunner app.
Do I need to wear a white coat?
No, white coats are not necessary for your rotation, but you are welcome to wear one if you would like.
Where can I keep my stuff?
At VGH, there are lockers located behind the 5B nursing station where you can store your stuff for the day. These are day-use lockers only (and are shared amongst all staff), so please remove your stuff when you leave for the day. You'll need to bring your own lock.
At SPH, there are lockers on the 6th floor of the Burrard Building in the Resident Lounge area. You'll need to bring your own lock.
Where can I store my lunch?
At VGH, there is a shared fridge and microwave between the 5A and 5B wards in the patient kitchen. Make sure you put your name on your lunch or it may get thrown out!
At SPH, there are fridges and microwaves in the Resident Lounge.
Will I be on call during my elective?
There are no scheduled call shifts for medical students and no expectation to stay for call. If you wish to stay for our own learning, know that there is ABSOLUTELY no obligation to do so, but we're happy to have you with us for an evening or two! Typically you'll only stay for the evening so that you'll be around to help the team during the next day.
For students at St. Paul's, there are also no scheduled call shifts. SPH Neurology call is home call, so there is no one in-house overnight anyways.
Weekend call at both hospitals is covered by residents. Use your weekend(s) here to explore the city or beautiful outdoors!
What are some good learning resources for the rotation?
During the course of your elective, you will get experience performing a lot of neurologic examinations. If you would like a refresher, you can go to https://neurology.med.ubc.ca/education/training-videos/
For practice with stroke assessments (the NIH Stroke Scale), you can get certified at http://nihss-english.trainingcampus.net/UAS/Modules/TREES/windex.aspx
For more resources, visit the Resources section of this website
Is there Wifi in the hospital?
Yes! Most areas of VGH now have free wifi. Access the "healthguest" network. The password changes on the first of the month, but can be found on the hospital intranet website by searching "healthguest" or at http://vch-connect.vch.ca/programs/cpt/standards/wirelessguest
Alternatively, some areas also have access to the "eduroam" network which you can connect to with your home university login.
Where can I store my bike?
At VGH, there are 3 free secure bike cages available on site. For more info and to get a temporary access card, please contact the VGH cycling coordinator: http://www.vch.ca/for-health-professionals/education/student-practice-education/parking-cycling-at-vch-sites
At St Paul’s, there is a secure bike cage on the first level of the the covered parking lot underneath the hospital. For more info and to get a temporary access card, contact studentplacements@providencehealth.bc.ca