General Information
- Location: Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, Quebec
- Affiliated Hospital(s) or Clinics: Jewish General Hospital
- Affiliated CIUSSS/CISSS: CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal
- Languages:
- Spoken: English/French
- Teaching: English
- Charting: English/French
Site Overview
Video: Herzl Family Practice Centre Overview
Video: Dockside to Bedside: 100 Years of Herzl
The Herzl Dispensary opened on June 2, 1912, originally providing medical care to underserved populations. As its role within the community evolved, the dispensary became the Herzl Health Centre, later merging with the Jewish General Hospital's family practice clinic to form the Herzl Family Practice Centre (HFPC). In 1974, Herzl began its family medicine residency training program, which has since expanded to accommodate 46 residents and over 30 rotating students each year.
In 2008, Herzl became a CRIU (Clinique Réseau Intégrée Universitaire), one of only two in Quebec. This designation allowed Herzl to incorporate a broader range of allied health professionals, including pharmacists, dietitians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and psychologists. As a leader in primary care reform, Herzl emphasizes an interprofessional approach to patient care, blending teaching, clinical practice, and research.
Today, the Herzl Family Practice Centre offers a comprehensive range of medical and social services to a diverse clientele that cuts across all socio-economic levels and ethnic groups. The clinic is part of the Jewish General Hospital and serves as a key training facility for McGill University's Faculty of Medicine. The clinic is fully accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada . The faculty comprises both full-time and part-time family physicians who supervise undergraduate and postgraduate medical trainees.
Highlights
- Primary Care Ultrasound Training for all residents
- Addictions Disorder Clinic
- Large Maternal and Child Care team
- Procedural skills training
- Adolescent Medicine Program, including outreach to local schools
- Homecare Program
Facilities and Resources
- Facilities: U-FMG Herzl is located on the 2nd floor of Pavilion H at the Jewish General Hospital, and on the 5th floor of 5858 Côte-des-Neiges (urgent care). The clinic houses over 50 examination rooms, a procedure room, a resident lounge, and two conference rooms. The clinic is directly connected to the main hospital, providing easy access to the emergency room, radiology, and delivery rooms.
- Technology and Resources: The clinic is equipped with 10 Butterfly IQ ultrasound probes, spirometry, Holter monitors, procedure models, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitors to enhance the learning experience.
Teaching
- Training Programs:
- Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME)
- Clerkship and Electives
- Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME)
- Fellowship in Maternal Child Care and Clinician-Scholar Program
- Learning Experiences: Residents are exposed to the full spectrum of family medicine through clinical practice, didactic learning sessions, simulations of ultrasound and procedure skills, as well Quality Improvement projects and presentations during rounds.
- Postgraduate Teaching
- Capacity: 46 residents (23 R1s and 23 R2s)
- Curriculum: While the curriculum is mostly block-based, residents hold weekly continuity of care clinics throughout the two-year program. Learn more here.
Training Highlights:
- Family Medicine: Herzl offers comprehensive training in family medicine, with a focus on maternal and child care.
- Adolescent Health: Through the adolescent medicine program, residents are involved in outreach in local schools.
- Drug Rehabilitation: Residents are exposed to addiction medicine through the Alternative Drug Rehabilitation and Methadone programs.
- Breastfeeding Clinic: Residents work alongside lactation consultants to manage complex breastfeeding cases.
- In-Patient Care: Residents manage patients on the hospital’s general medical ward.
Undergraduate Teaching
- Clerkship Goals: Focus on patient-centered care, ambulatory care, and continuous comprehensive care. Develop skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and family/community-oriented practice.
- Student Activities: Students work in various clinics, including acute care, follow-up, breastfeeding, and adolescent health. They also participate in teaching sessions and journal clubs.
Learner Testimonial
“As a family medicine resident at the Herzl GMF-U, I had the privilege of caring for a diverse community while refining my clinical expertise. The fast-paced, patient-centered environment enhanced my understanding of the holistic nature of family medicine, strengthening my connection with patients and my appreciation for continuity of care. The diverse clinical exposure and excellent clinical teaching created a stimulating and supportive learning atmosphere and were strengths of the program. Each day brought new challenges and growth opportunities, fostering my growth and development as a physician.” – Dr. Julia Leonard
Community and Engagement
- Community Description: Located in one of Canada’s most densely populated and ethnically diverse neighborhoods, Côte-des-Neiges is home to over 100 ethnic communities, including Québécois, Filipino, South Asian, Jewish, and many more. The community predominantly speaks French or English, with many multilingual allophones.
- Engagement Activities:
- The adolescent program regularly visits local schools to address common health issues facing teens.
- Residents organize annual Pap test clinics for women without access to screening services.
Contact Information
GMF-U Herzl
Pavilion H – 2nd Floor
5790 Côte-des-Neiges
Montreal, QC H3S 1Y9
