Meds House

What is Medical House?

Medical House is a co-ed residence for medical students at Queens. Founded in 1933, it is one of the oldest institutions associated with the Queen's School of Medicine. Now in its 73rd year, Medical House has played an integral role in the education of young physicians. Meds House alumni can be found in all fields of medicine worldwide. Alumni remain proud of their tradition and often return to participate in social events. Even the current Dean of Medicine is a proud House alumnus!

Medical House is not a fraternity. Rather, it is something unique. Membership is available to all Queen's medical students who want to meet interesting people and relax and have fun with good friends. While all residents of the house are automatically members, there are also around 40 active members from all four years of medical school who do not live in the house, and many, many more alumni.

Medical House is also not a co-op. Our food is prepared by our house cook, Martha, who prepares nutritious lunches and dinners for us, Monday to Friday. That said, Meds House members join for more than the food. Every meal is a chance to unwind from class and laugh and converse with friends.

Who lives at Medical House?

Sixteen students from all four medical years live at Meds House. Half of the spots are available to first years on a first come, first served basis. The balance of the house is made up of students from the second, third, and fourth medical years. These people, along with the out-of-house members, form the heart and soul of Medical House.

Do the different years interact?

When you step through the doors of Medical House, you don't see first years and fourth years, you see your fellow House members. One of the best things about Meds House is interacting with and gaining advice from upper years something that is otherwise hard to come by. Which texts should I buy? How do I use this stethoscope? How the heck do I survive neuro? They've been through it! They might even loan you that histology text that you'll look at once and never use again. Of course it is also a great place to make friends, and many of us have met our best friends in medical school via the house.

I'm still reading... What else?

The House is a stately Victorian mansion located a stone's throw away from Lake Ontario. It takes about two minutes to walk from the front door to class. (Translation: wake up at 8:20, be in class at 8:30.)

Our living room is complete with chairs, couches, and everyone's favourite: a 32" Sony TV with cable. We have full laundry facilities for use by all house members as well as a large kitchen for use on those awful days when Martha is not cooking.

As Meds House is run by its members, everyone has certain responsibilities. Dishes, garbage, and clean-up are assigned on a rotating basis, while repairs are done over two work weekends annually.

How much does all this cost?

Included in the fees for in-house members are 10 meals per week as well as room, utilities, social fees, and basic phone services. For a single room, the cost is $610 per month. For a spot in a double room, the cost is $495 per month.

Out-of-house members (those who make the mistake of living elsewhere) are of two types. Full meal plan members enjoy the benefits of a daily lunch minutes away from class, and pay only the cost of eating meals and the social fee. Introduced just last year with wide success was the 'social membership' plan, such members enjoying the wide array of social activities in the house (good for those with picky appetites). All members have equal access to the house facilities and participate in the social events!

So what kinds of social events?

Parties -- Large bashes that bring people from all faculties! Meds, Law, Nursing, and others get crazy at these shakers! We host 3 parties in the first semester of school, and two more in the second semester during the interview weekends. Not to be missed is our annual Hallowe'en bash, widely reputed to be the best of all of Queen's!

Tyro Week -- Our welcome week for first years. One of the most fun and memorable times you'll have in medical school!

Christmas Party -- We get together with alumni and sing carols and have a great dinner as a pre-exam stress reliever. You don't have to be Christian to enjoy this all-inclusive event.

Formal -- A gala affair where the house is thematically decorated and everyone puts on their best attire for one of the best functions of the year!

Who joins Medical House?

There's no one type of person that joins Meds House. We like to have fun, work hard, and be part of a unique tradition. We recognize that there are times to hit the books and times to hit the patio for a beer. Finally we are also the type willing to help a friend deal with neuroanatomy or deal with being far from home. In short -- anyone is welcome!

How do I learn more?

We'd love to have you visit! Give us a call at (613) 546-6504 so someone can be here to show you around. See what members have to say about Medical House.

What Members Say

"Many of my best memories of Queen's are from the House. Sharing great food and good times with friends, as well as helping each other through stressful times has been outstanding! Medical House is a great place to live, relax, and take a break from the pressures of medical school. I can't wait to come back and meet the future Tyros in years to come!"
-Dr. Geoff Wignall, Meds 2001

"The best thing about the House is the people. Our current membership is great -- there's a spectrum of personality types, talents and interests. Some of my closest friends are among them. Living in-house, it's nice to come home and have people to eat dinner with, watch TV with, or complain and vent with. It's comforting to talk with other people who are going through the same things as you, or who've already been through them and can offer advice."
-Dr. Maya Sardesai, Meds 2002

"Living in Medical House has been a very positive experience for me. In addition to the convenience of home-cooked meals and living close to school, you also have a chance to interact and make friends with medical students from all other years. The seniors in the house are an invaluable resource and are always willing to share their knowledge, experience and anecdotes."
-Dr. Damian Micomonaco, Meds 2004