SPARC teaching newsroom
Revolutionizing Public Trust and Health Literacy in Canada
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Our mission
Our main program is a four‑week elective, in partnership with Healthy Debate, for residents who want to write about health care for the public. Residents in the University of Toronto’s Department of Medicine get priority; any resident at a Canadian medical school can apply. The elective is available virtually.
Who can apply
Residents at any Canadian medical school can apply.
Residents in the University of Toronto's Department of Medicine get priority.
How it works
Four weeks, with flexible start and end dates, so it can fit around clinical commitments.
Available virtually, so you can take part from anywhere in Canada.
Learn by doing: write about health care for a public audience, in partnership with Healthy Debate.
What you'll gain
Experience turning complex medical information into clear, accurate writing for the public
Skills that help build public trust and health literacy in Canada
Want to go further?
A longitudinal placement (a minimum of 8 hours a week over 1–3 semesters) offers a longer-term version of the elective.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. Start and end dates are flexible, and clinical commitments can be accommodated.
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Yes, the elective is available virtually.
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Residents in the University of Toronto's Department of Medicine get priority, but any resident at a Canadian medical school can apply.