Sep 2025: Memorial University course: Patient Engagement in Health Research and Systems

[Chris Johnston]

Saw this article from NL Support for a patient engagement course with Memorial University this fall, that is open to learners from outside the university.

So I contacted the course instructor, Dr Holly Etchegary, for information. Unfortunately, the fees are beyond my capacity, but thought I'd share the details as the content sounds really interesting.

(Note: Holly mentioned that in some provinces SPOR might be willing to cover the cost.)

The course outline is from Fall 2023 (the last time the course was offered). This will change a little over the summer (e.g. some recent literature/articles will be added), but gives a very good sense of the course content and evaluation.

2023 Outline for Med 6268 Patient Engagement in Health Research and Systems

Holly said she's very flexible with how people can engage: while it's valuable to attend at least a few of the classes in real time (to benefit from the discussion and get to hear from other students), all the materials will be on the course site and lectures will be recorded.

Registration info:

Registration follows the policies for all MUN graduate programs. The difference with this course is that MUN allows those who are not current graduate students to take it. That means a slightly different process for registering.

All the information is outlined below from the research office:

• If a student has not registered at the University within the last 3 semesters, they are required to complete an application for readmission.

• If they have never been a student, they will need to complete the MUN Undergraduate application

• The general application deadlines are available at https://www.mun.ca/undergrad/admissions/admission-deadlines/

• Any questions regarding the undergraduate application may be directed to admissions@mun.ca

• Once officially accepted as a student for fall 2025, they may register via a course change form.

• Fall graduate registration starts August 6th and ends Sep 23rd.

• Students already in a graduate program at Memorial, need only complete a course change form. but should ensure it is noted on their Program of study or added through a Change of program.

A graduate course is billed by credit hours for a student outside of the program. See full breakdown of MUN fees. MED 6268 is a 3-credit course, for quick reference fee per credit hour is:

• $216.00 for NL Residents
• $216.00 for Canadian/Permanent Residents
• $721.00 for International Students

Instructor's details are:

Holly Etchegary, PhD
Associate Professor
Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University
Academic patient engagement lead CIHR-SPOR NL SUPPORT Unit
Email holly.etchegary@mun.ca

[Kim Locke]

@Chris-Johnston I emailed OSSU asking them about covering the cost for the course, and John Riley mentioned that OSSU does not have a program to cover the cost of the course.

It might be that other Support Units DO have programs to cover the cost, I have not asked other Support Units about this myself.

I have also attempted to apply for the course as a Mature Student, but this was not the correct way to apply, and I had my application withdrawn.

I applied again as "Canadian applicants: transfer and transfer re-entry", as I was told by an Admissions Officer, because I have attended other post-secondary institutions outside of MUN. I also had to upload my high school transcript. This didn't cost me $60.00 CDN, but $120.00 CDN.

I'm waiting to see if I will be accepted now as an undergrad, so then I can fill out the "Change of Course" form.

This is a very confusing process to apply for the course, I should just be able to put it in a basket for payment and pay for it.

[Chris Johnston]

@Kim-Locke In terms of funding, check out the new HEC scholarship opportunity that Donna posted: https://www.patientadvisors.ca/topic/1835/new-pp-scholarship-fund/2

Yes, the process for enrolling seemed cumbersome to me as well, but I’d recommend reaching out to Holly directly - her email is included in the details in the original post - as she’s really keen to have patient partners included - so hopefully she can help or connect you with someone who can.