2010 Canadian Medical Residency Guide

Canadian Medical Residency GuideTaking control of your future medical career and financial life

Editors > Dante Morra > Cory Torgerson > Andrew LoblawProject Coordinators > Sarah Blissett and Christine Law

Sponsored by

Canadian Medical Residency Guide

Taking control of your future medical career and financial life

Editors: Morra, Torgerson, Loblaw

7th EditionMedical Career Services

http://www.medicalcareer.ca

Taking control of your future medical career4th Edition

Produced and distributed by RBC®

and Medical Career Services

Editors: Dante Morra, Cory Torgerson, Andrew LoblawRBC Royal Bank®

http://www.medicalcareer.ca

6th Edition, © 2008Canadian Medical Residency GuideTaking control of your future medical career and financial life

Project Coordinators: Sarah Blissett and Christine Law; Samantha Duncan, RBC Royal Bank

Page composition by PageWave Graphics Inc. /Marilyn Loveless and Joseph Gisini

French Translation by BBDO and Ariad CustomCommunications

5th Edition, © 2007Canadian Medical Residency GuideTaking control of your future medical careerand financial life

Project Coordinators: Bheeshma Ravi; Diane Evans, RBC Financial Group®

4th Edition, © 2006Canadian Medical Residency GuideTaking control of your future medical careerand financial lifeProject Coordinators: Bheeshma Ravi; Julija Ezergailis,RBC Financial Group

3rd Edition, © 2005Canadian Medical Residency GuideTaking control of your future medical careerProject Coordinator: Ravi M. Mohan

2nd Edition, © 2000Project Coordinator: Cory TorgersonEditors: Kathy Barnard-Thompson, Philip Dopp,Tyler Rouse, Cory Torgerson

1st EditionEditor: Dante Morra

All Rights Reserved

®RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. The content of this publication is provided for informational purposes only and is notintended to provide specific financial, investment, tax, legal, accounting or other advice for you, and should not be relied upon in that regard. All charts,illustrations, examples, case studies and other demonstrative content are general and have been provided in this publication for illustrative purposes only. Thecase studies included do not represent actual events or real individuals. While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information at thetime of publication, errors and omissions may occur. Readers should consult their own professional advisors when planning to implement a strategy. This willensure that individual circumstances have been considered properly and that action is taken on the latest available information. Interest rates, market conditions,tax and legal rules and other investment factors are subject to change. Mutual funds are sold by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (“RMFI”). Commissions, trailingcommissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds arenot guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. RMFI is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec.Royal Bank of Canada and its subsidiaries are not responsible for the information on medical schools and medical career information provided in this guide, andthis information does not necessarily reflect the views of Royal Bank of Canada or any of its subsidiaries. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice,opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its subsidiaries.

Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data

Main entry under title

Canadian Medical Residency Guide–7th Edition

7th ed.ISBN 0-7727-8732-8

1. Medicine – Specialties and specialists. 2. Medicine – Vocational Guidance. I. Loblaw, Andrew; Morra, Dante;Torgerson, Cory II. University of Toronto. Medical Career Services.

R729.5.S6T34 2000 610.69 C00-932750-9

NOTICECanadian Medical Residency Guide: Taking control of your future medical career and financial life is provided for thesole use of the recipient. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without theprior written permission of the publisher.

Canadian Medical Residency GuideTaking control of your future medical career and financial life7th Edition

List of Contributors 4

Preface/Acknowledgements 5

From the Editors at Medical Career Services(MCS) 6

Section A: Introduction 7

A-1 Purpose of This Book 8

A-2 How to Use This Book 8

A-3 Case Studies 9

A-4 Key Factors in Making Your Decision 11

A-5 The Decision Algorithm 12

A-6 2009 Match Summary 14

Section B: Your Financial Life 15

B-1 Why Money ManagementMatters to Medical Students 16

B-2 The Keys to SuccessfulMoney Management 16

B-3 Saving for Your Future 20

B-4 Protecting Your Future 23

B-5 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals 26

Section C: Residency Program Profiles 29

C-1 Nationwide Program Profiles 30

Section D: Career Profiles 150

D-1 Survey of Physicians in Practice 151

Section E: Location Profiles 176

E-1 Features of the University Community 177

E-2 Provincial Residency Salaries 186

Section F: Program Directors Survey 189

F-1 Program Directors Survey 190

F-2 Electives Statistics 191

F-3 Reference Letters Statistics 191

F-4 Research Statistics 192

F-5 Applicant Information Statistics 192

F-6 Personal Attributes Statistics 193

F-7 Interview Statistics 193

F-8 Academics Statistics 194

Section G: Other Considerations 195

G-1 Choosing the Right Environment 196

G-2 Balancing Family and Medicine 197

G-3 Pursuing International Health 198

Section H: The Application Process 202

H-1 Making the Choice andthe CaRMS Match 203

H-2 Electives 204

H-3 The Master Application 205

H-4 Preparing for the Interview 219

H-5 Matching Information and Strategy 223

H-6 The Couples’ Match 225

H-7 Other Considerations 226

Section I: Case Studies with Answers 228

I-1 Case 1 – Having a baby during residency 229

I-2 Case 2 – Overwhelmed with debt 231

I-3 Case 3 – Who has more debt? A comparison of two-year, five-year and seven-year residency programs 232

I-4 Case 4 – Training beyond residency 233

I-5 Case 5 – The reality of disability insurance 235

I-6 Case 6 – Tailoring lifestyle and pursuing a subspecialized internal medicine career 236

I-7 Case 7 – Alternative career choices 237

I-8 Case 8 – Starting your own practice 238

I-9 Case 9 – Pursuing a competitive residency program 239

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Diana AlliUniversity of Toronto

Sarah BlissettUniversity of Toronto

Mayur BrahmaniaUniversity of Saskatchewan

Christopher ChinUniversity of Western Ontario

Jonathan DellaVedovaNorthern Ontario School of Medicine

Sagar DesaiUniversity of Toronto

Michael W. DeutschmannUniversity of Calgary

Vinay FernandesUniversity of Toronto

Aaron GrantMemorial University

Patrick GudgeonUniversity of Toronto

Nicole HawkinsQueen’s University

Mary JamiesonDalhousie University

Carly KirshenMcMaster University

Kevin KooUniversity of Toronto

Christine LawUniversity of Toronto

Martha LeBlancUniversity of Toronto

Andrew LoblawUniversity of Toronto

Dante MorraUniversity of Toronto

Navya MysoreMcGill University

Nawaaz NathooUniversity of Alberta

Amy NgUniversity of Toronto

RBC Royal Bank

Mouhanned SadekUniversity of Toronto

Ève-Magali Sauriol-La PalmeUniversity of Montreal

Cory TorgersonUniversity of Toronto

Michael TsoUniversity of British Columbia

Andrew VellathottamUniversity of Western Ontario

Jason YuUniversity of Western Ontario

Yangmin ZengUniversity of Ottawa

Canadian Medical Residency Guide 4

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

Chapter/Section Editors

The Canadian Medical Residency Guide: Taking control of your future medical career and financial life – 7th edition wasdesigned as a practical guide to successfully direct medical students to the residency program of their choice. This bookprovides the most objective and current information available that addresses students’ uncertainty about whichspecialty to pursue, obtaining a position in a competitive specialty, and matching to a preferred location.

With the launch of the first edition, this book became a valuable resource for University of Toronto medical studentsthroughout their training. The second edition built on the strengths of its predecessor and made some critical advances.Most important, it provided new information about every residency program across the nation, including the CaRMSProgram Directors’ Survey. More recent editions have expanded to address the specialties as a whole to include lifestyleprofiles and how to balance family, medicine, and a variety of interests. The guide is now distributed to medicalstudents all across Canada and is available in both English and French. Also, in efforts to be environmentally friendly,the guide is now only distributed in a USB manner.

The sixth edition took the handbook to the next level. Specifically, we added more case studies that represent typicalcareer and lifestyle choices that many medical students face. Hopefully these examples will help medical studentsaddress the questions that perplex them during their medical student career. In addition, the residency program profileresponses and contact information was updated to provide more comprehensive surveys. Additional specialty careerprofiles were added, all in an extremely user-friendly format.

Our aim is to help you maximize your efforts toward getting into the specialty program of your choice by helping youselect programs that meet your personal needs, get interviews at these programs, and shine during your interviews.

The most important thing to realize is that successfully taking control of your future medical career means a concertedeffort on your part to explore your options, prepare yourself with the most up-to-date information, and take thenecessary steps to get what you desire. The earlier you start, the better prepared you will be. We hope that the data inthis book will give you information that will help you to achieve your career goals.

This book is dedicated to the outstanding group of medical students from the University of Toronto and every universityacross the country who contributed to this resource, creating the most balanced and comprehensive resource possible.Their suggestions, ideas and input have shaped the guide into what it is today.

We would like to thank all of the Program Directors, faculty reviewers and physicians from around the country for all theirguidance, input, time and support.

RBC Royal Bank also played an invaluable role in creating this book, and we would like to thank everyone involved fortheir assistance.

Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Dante Morra, Dr. Andrew Loblaw and Dr. Cory Torgerson for havingthe insight to create this resource.

Sarah Blissett, and Christine Law, Hon BSc

Project Coordinators

5Canadian Medical Residency Guide

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PREFACE

Studies have shown that residency selection is the most stressful aspect of medical training. Our goal is to provide high-quality information and services to help address this stressful process.

Medical students and physicians are often not equipped with the tools and the necessary information to make informedand functional decisions about their future. We hope this book provides part of the puzzle in helping you achieve asuccessful and happy career.

This book expands on the fifth edition and provides valuable case studies to consolidate career information andfinancial advice. The Canadian Medical Residency Guide: Taking control of your future medical career and financial lifeassists you to not only select the right specialty but to also take control of your financial well-being. We would like tothank RBC Royal Bank for its sponsorship and for providing expert content on financial management. RBC Royal Bank isproviding national leadership in trying to meet the special needs of health care professionals.

A great deal of effort has been taken to try and ensure that the information supplied is as current as possible. The bookhas been reviewed by several national stakeholders. Primarily we would like to thank the Vice President of ExternalAffairs at each medical school and the CFMS for providing feedback on the book’s content and for helping in thenational distribution. We would like to thank Sandra Banner and CaRMS for providing permission to reproduce severaltables and graphs.

This book would not be possible without the tremendous leadership of Christine Law and Sarah Blissett. They workedwith the contributors to put together a fantastic resource for students across the country.

Sincerely,

Dante Morra, MD, FRCP(C), MBA

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCP(C)

Andrew Loblaw, BSc, MD, MSc, FRCP(C), CIP

Canadian Medical Residency Guide 6

FROM THE EDITORS AT MEDICAL CAREERSERVICES (MCS)

A-1 Purpose of This Book 8

A-2 How to Use This Book 8

A-3 Case Studies 9

A-4 Key Factors in Making Your Decision 11

A-5 The Decision Algorithm 12

A-6 2009 Match Summary 14

Section A: Introduction 7Canadian Medical Residency Guide

INTRODUCTIONSection A

This chapter identifies the underlying reasons why we have created thismedical student resource, and explores key concepts in the residencydecision-making process.

Acceptance to medical school represents the beginning of ajourney toward lifelong service to the community. Along thisjourney there will be many choices to be made, but none will beas important as the one pertaining to what type of doctor youwish to be. In making this life-altering decision, there are amultitude of factors that require consideration, including jobsecurity, satisfaction, and quality of life. These are not trivialissues and require considerable time to fully evaluate; however,it may seem like there is never enough time. From as early as theend of first year, students begin to feel the brewing pressure ofthe decision that looms regarding what residency to choose. Inthis book, we try to relieve this pressure by providing studentswith an adjunct resource to their own experiences to help themmake the most informed residency selection decision.

The 2009 Canadian Medical Residency Guide has been compiledby medical students from all medical schools across Canada andin conjunction with the Office of Student Affairs at the Universityof Toronto. We have done our best to create continuitythroughout the book and hope it will be a useful guide andresource for your questions. Each chapter addresses an issue weidentified as important for residency selection. Also, CaseStudies have been added to this edition to showcase and addresscommon questions regarding lifestyle, financial issues, andspecialty-specific concerns that medical students may face.

This book highlights the areas that medical students, residents,and Program Directors feel are important in choosing andsecuring a specialty. Furthermore, it helps guide you through allaspects of your application. An outline of a suggested way to usethis book through your three or four years of medical school canbe found in the next section.

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section A: Introduction 8

PURPOSE OF THIS BOOKA-1

HOW TO USE THIS BOOKA-2

We have tried to arrange the book in a logical order to best assistyou as you navigate your way through the decision-makingprocess. It highlights the areas that medical students, residents,and Program Directors feel are most important in choosing andsecuring a specialty. Furthermore, it helps guide you through all

aspects of your application. Read it straight through for acomprehensive review of the process, then keep it handy to useas a reference guide as you go through your three or four years ofmedical school. This guide is an important part of the information-gathering process and can serve as the basis of your action plan.

The Decision-Making Process

The decision:What residency program(s) do I want to apply to?What should I consider in this decision? Key Factors in Making Your Decision How should I go about making this decision? The Decision Algorithm

Making the decision:What are the program features? Residency Program Profile SectionWhat about lifestyle? Career Profile SectionWhere do I want to do my residency? Location Profile SectionWhat are the Program Directors looking for? Program Director Survey Section

Securing the residency position:What is CaRMS? The Application Process SectionHow do I strengthen my application? The Application Process SectionHow do I maximize my performance at the interview? The Application Process Section

Information gatheringand research

ACTION


CASE STUDIESA-3Do you wonder what it would be like to have a baby inresidency? Or if specialty training allows you to pay off yourdebts faster than if you pursued Family Medicine? Or do youwonder what a student should do to make himself or herself acompetitive applicant for a competitive residency program?

These questions regarding lifestyle, financial, and specialty-specific concerns are examples of the issues showcased andaddressed in the nine cases studies added to this edition.

Residents, physicians, and career counselors were consulted tocompile answers pertaining to career decisions. A financialplanner and lawyer compiled the financial and legal responses.Brief answers to the questions posed in the cases are highlightedor summarized throughout the text of the guide. For ease infinding the answers, the location of the answer within the bookis written beside each question. For completeness, fullyexplained answers to the questions posed by the cases are foundat the back of the guide in Section I.

Case StudiesCase 1 – Having a baby during residencyLindsey and Rob are fourth year medical students who plan toget married before starting residency. Their concerns withapplying to residency mainly pertain to their desire to attendprograms in the same location. Being 26 years old, both arethinking about children too. They’ve both been to informationsessions with residents who have children and heard theirclassmates talking about having children during residency.Lindsey and Rob both have some questions.

> Are there any strategies for a couple to match to residencyprograms offered at the same location? Answer: Section H-6,p. 225.

> How will she manage to do call in her first and thirdtrimesters? Answer: Section G-2, p. 197.

> How much time can she take off work if she has a baby? CanRob take paternity time when their child is born? Answer:Section I-1, p. 229.

> Will having a baby during residency mean that it will take herlonger to finish her residency program? Answer: Section I-1, p. 229.

> What are some advantages to having a child in residencyversus when she has her own practice? Answer: Section B-5, p. 27.

> What are some options to make return to work easier? Answer:Section G-2, p. 197.

> Should Lindsey factor pregnancy into the decision of whatresidency program she chooses? Answer: Section A-4, p. 11.

> How can Rob and Lindsey prepare financially so that they cantake as much leave as possible? Answer: Section B-2, p. 19.

Case 2 – Overwhelmed with debtRuth, a third-year medical student, sits down one night to openher mail. She opens her bank statement. She can’t believe thatafter three years she’s already accumulated $120,000 of debt andhas heard rumours of unforeseen costs in fourth year. The realityof having $150,000 in debt sinks in. She is feeling completelyoverwhelmed by debt.

> Are the rumours that Ruth has heard true? What are theunexpected costs that she may need to cover in fourth year?Answer: Section I-2, p. 231.

> What steps/plans/budgeting should she carry out now to ensureminimal addition to her debt load? Answer: Section I-2, p. 230.

> How will she afford to repay her loans during residency?Answer: Section I-2, p. 231.

> She overheard some classmates mentioning something aboutsaving receipts for income taxes. Why would they do this?Answer: Section B-2, p. 20.

Case 3 – Who has more debt? A comparison of two-year, five-year and seven-year residency programsTyler, a fourth year medical student, is still undecided about hisfuture career choice. He’s thinking about Family Medicine,Endocrinology specializing in Pituitary and Thyroid Disorders orGeneral Obstetrics. He accumulated $160, 000 of debt over thecourse of his medical training. Coincidentally, this is the averageamount of debt acquired by Canadian medical school graduates.He heard that some of his classmates were considering FamilyMedicine because of the shorter training time to pay off theirdebt more quickly.

> What would his financial situation look like if he did a five-year residency plus a fellowship, a five-year residency or a two-year residency program? Answer: Section I-3, p. 232.

Case 4 – Training beyond residencyAlex has just started his residency in Ophthalmology and is

considering subspecializing in treating Glaucoma. Alex is excitedabout starting his residency but wonders what is required tosubspecialize within a given specialty.

> What are the steps he needs to take to specialize in Glaucoma?Answer: Section C-1, p. 30.

> Will Alex be in a different city for his fellowship? Answer:Section I-4, p. 233.

Case 5 – The reality of disability insuranceAndy is a third year medical student. His wife is a third year lawstudent who will be entering the workforce next year. They havetalked about having a family but have decided to wait until theyare more established in their careers. Andy has gone to manyinformation sessions about various types of insurance he shouldlook into, but didn’t really think he needed any of it. Andy decideshe’d rather not obtain any disability insurance. He’s young andhealthy, right? Andy does an Internal Medicine rotation andunfortunately sticks himself with a needle that he had used toinject an HIV-positive patient.


> What should he do about the needlestick injury? Answer:Section I-5, p. 234.

> Will he be able to work if he is HIV or Hepatitis B or C positive?Answer: Section I-5, p. 234.

> Is he still eligible for disability insurance? Answer: Section B-4, p. 23.

> What happens if he is diagnosed with a serious illness during hisresidency or career? Is there a type of insurance that would allowhim to pay off his student debt? Answer: Section B-4, p. 24.

> What if Andy dies unexpectedly after his first child is born? Is there any insurance to ensure his child and wife are lookedafter financially? Answer: Section I-5, p. 234.

Case 6 – Tailoring lifestyle and pursuing asubspecialized Internal Medicine careerSunny, a second year medical student, obtained a Master’s degreeand worked in a lab before he started medical school. One day inclass he looks around at his classmates and realizes that he is a bitdifferent than them. At 28, he’s a few years older than the averagestudent, he’s married to a woman with an established career, he has atwo year old daughter at home and, on top of his $18,000 tuition, hasa mortgage to pay. Sunny starts to think about his future and wonders.

> What is the best way for him to manage the debt he willacquire? Answer: Section I-6, p. 235.

> He’d love to be a cardiologist, but wonders how new physiciansarrange their workload. Is it possible for him to arrange a 50-hourworkweek as a Cardiologist? Answer: Section D-1, p. 157.

> He’s quite aware of how expensive school is and wants to savefor his daughter’s education. What should he invest in? Whatabout for his retirement? Answer: Section I-6, p. 235.

> What residency program should he enter in to get into a Cardiologyprogram? What is the application like? Answer: Section C-1, p. 69.

Case 7 – Alternative career choicesJaime, a fourth year student, comes home from a long day ofdealing with patients and realizes he doesn’t enjoy patientcontact. He didn’t enjoy the past year of clerkship and doesn’twant to spend the rest of his life tending to patients in a hospitalor clinical setting. However, he doesn’t want to throw the pastfour years of education down the drain (not to mention the drainon his bank account) and plans to graduate. He knows vaguelythat there are opportunities for MDs that don’t revolve aroundthe traditional physician role, but doesn’t know what they are orwhere to start looking. However, he thinks there must be optionsavailable for medical students in his position.

> What are some career options available to Jaime that make useof his medical degree but do not require him to practicemedicine? Answer: Section I-7, p. 237.

> Do the alternative careers require additional training orschooling? Answer: Section I-7, p. 237.

> What is the starting salary for these careers? Answer: Section I-7, p. 237.

> Should he apply to CaRMS? Answer: Section I-7, p. 237.

> If he does not apply to residency, how will this affect hisgovernment loan and line of credit payments? If he goes forfurther schooling, will his government loan payment bedeferred? Answer: Section I-7, p. 237.

Case 8 – Starting your own practiceSanjay is a second year medical student and isn’t sure what careeroption he’d like to pursue, but knows he doesn’t want to work in ahospital or academic setting. Opening up a private practice in hishometown is looking very attractive but he has heard that start up costsand overhead can be very steep. He plans to stay in the same locationuntil he retires but worries that with his financial debt after medicalschool, he will not be able to pursue his ideal practice for many years.

> What specialties would be feasible in a private practicesetting? Answer: Section A-4, p. 11.

> Sanjay had questions about whether he’d be able to finance a practice and wondered if this career path was even worthpursuing. What are financial options available to physiciansopening practices? Answer: Section B-5, p. 26.

> What are some costs associated with opening a clinic besidesthe obvious costs of an office space and equipment? Answer:Section I-8, p. 238.

> How would he obtain equipment or hire staff? Answer: Section I-8, p. 238.

Case 9 – Pursuing a competitive residency programMambo and Adil are third year medical students who just finishedtheir second clerkship rotation in Surgery. Mambo was not particularlyinterested in surgery before his clerkship rotation but is now keen onPlastic Surgery. He has heard that it’s difficult to get into a PlasticSurgery residency program from Adil. Adil has shown interest in ENTsince first year. Adil shadowed ENT surgeons regularly throughoutfirst and second year and also pursued ENT research in both summers.

Mambo is very worried that it is too late for him to pursue PlasticSurgery especially when other students, like Adil, have demonstratedinterest in competitive surgical programs through committingtheir summers to research and shadowing surgeons.

Mambo seeks advice from Adil about how to best pursue PlasticSurgery. During this conversation, Adil starts to wonder whatwould happen if he changed his mind about ENT.

Mambo and Adil both have some questions about pursuingcompetitive surgical residency programs.

> Is research necessary? Does it matter if research is in thatparticular field? For a student like Mambo, are there anyopportunities to complete research in the field duringclerkship? Answer: Section A-5, p. 13.

> Is it looked down on to show interest in other specialties, e.g.,doing summer research in ENT in first year like Adil, but thenrealizing you want to do Ophthalmology in third year? Answer:Section A-5, p. 13.

> Should all fourth year electives be in that field? If not, howmany should? What’s the best way to set up electives? Answer:Section A-5, p. 13.

> Should students like Adil who are interested in surgery fromfirst year pursue surgical shadowing and research in first andsecond year? Answer: Section A-5, p. 13.

> Is it too late for Mambo to realistically pursue Plastic Surgery?What should he do to be a competitive applicant? Answer:Section A-5, p. 13.

> Is there anything else that someone interested in a competitiveresidency program should do in order to be a competitiveapplicant? Answer: Section A-5, p. 13.


KEY FACTORS IN MAKING YOURDECISION

A-4

Choosing your future career is a very complex process and manyfactors are taken into account before a final decision is made.This book objectively examines many of these factors andhopefully it will provide you with a solid decision-makingframework.

The key factors in this book can be broken into:

> program features> career goals> location> additional factors (e.g., family and friends)

These factors have been succinctly examined by Dr. J. Gonzalezat the American Medical Association. A summary of his paper“Selecting Your Residency Program” is outlined below:

Program FeaturesStabilityLook at the stability of the program, especially the finances andoutlook of the institution at which you are considering training.

SupportAs an applicant, you want to know that the program will be thereto support you. You can judge this by looking at the quality offellowships attained, turnover rate in the program (how manyresidents leave/transfer after the first year), availability ofmentors, number of residents who stay at the institution tocomplete fellowships, and departmental responses to residentcomplaints, as examples.

FlexibilityDoes this exist in the program? How amenable is the program inallowing residents to change schedules to attend a conference?For residents who become pregnant during their residency, howhard is it for them to get time off?

Institutional ClimateWhat is the political/social/work climate at an institution? Veryconservative institutions are less responsive to change. Thiscould be manifested by very poor relations with the surroundingcommunity or a lack of community outreach programs.

Career GoalsAcademicsDecide whether you want to pursue research, work in thecommunity or do a little bit of both. You will begin to get an ideaof this toward the end of medical school as you get moreexperience. In this regard, remember that when applying for acompetitive fellowship at a tertiary care hospital, you will likelyhave an advantage if your residency was completed at a tertiarylocation. A well-known and well-regarded program will give youa better opportunity to attain a higher-ranked fellowship.

The End GameAlways consider where you want to end up living. If you want tosettle down in Ottawa as a pediatric nephrologist, it does notmatter much where you do your residency; you can complete itanywhere. But it is in your best interest to complete yourfellowship in Ottawa. The main reason? More contacts andnetworking. It is easier to look for a job after fellowship if youknow those working in your specialty in that area. Many joboffers are not posted nationwide but disseminated within aclosed circle in a community.

LocationCostIn this regard, you have to reconcile your needs with the amountthat you will be making. Consider that residents in the sameprovince get paid the same, but that cost of living variesconsiderably between cities (e.g., Toronto versus London).

Outside ActivitiesWhat is there to do in the city? Do you have access to trails if youare into trail running? Is there live theatre if you like the arts? Lifeoutside the hospital is critical, so these considerations cannot beoverlooked.

Patient PopulationSometimes the patient population that we like dealing with(perhaps underserviced areas) is not represented at allinstitutions. Sometimes this can be a powerful variable whendeciding where to train.

For example, Sanjay from Case 8 has decided he’d like to workin a private office, rather than a hospital or academic setting.Factoring this preference into his decision would leave a careerin the following specialties possible:

AnesthesiaCommunity MedicineDermatologyDiagnostic RadiologyFamily MedicineOphthalmologyPediatricsPsychiatry

Lindsey from Case 1 is questioning if she should factorpregnancy into a career decision. Some residents felt that non-surgical specialties are more accommodating of havingchildren during residency. However, other residents felt that any residency program is manageable with pregnancy and thisshould not be factored into career planning decisions.

In particular, provincial agreements differ in terms of maternityleave, so it may be helpful to review which provinces are moresupportive of pregnant residents in choosing the location of aresidency program. A summary of provincial agreements can befound in section E-2.

Studies have shown that choosing a residency program is themost stressful aspect of medical training. The algorithm belowmay provide some structure to making the decision.Additionally, this algorithm highlights the importance ofgathering information so that you can make an educateddecision rather than on impulse or word of mouth. Furthermore,through usage of this algorithm, you may realize truths aboutcareer decision making. For instance, you may see that there is a crossover of responsibilities in a set of specialties (e.g.,Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine plus Emergency and aninternist who consults to the Emergency Room), each specialtyhas diversity in responsibilities, and there is variability in manycareer options; variability in day-to-day duties need not dependon your field of choice.

Self-Assessment> You must be completely honest with yourself about your

potential abilities, strengths, weaknesses, goals, and what youwant and need in life. Also remember the variables mentionedin A-3 for determining what factors are most important to you.

Tentative Specialty Choices> By identifying your strengths and weaknesses you will be able

to make some tentative specialty choices.> Read about these specialties, including the information

included in the Program Profiles and Career Profiles. Talk tospecialists. By matching your strengths, weaknesses, andinterests, you will likely find that you can eliminate somespecialties easily and put a few on the top of your list forfurther consideration. Begin by shadowing or observingphysicians in fields that you think you may be interested in.This will allow you to gain a realistic appreciation of what thespecialty offers. Many medical students find that theirperception of a field actually differs from the real duties androutine of physician in that field. It is important to fullyunderstand the fields you may be interested in.

Information Gathering> Now that you have tentatively narrowed down your search,

you must get further information on the programs.> Talk to residents, clerks, friends, mentors. Attend career nights.

Do mini-electives/observerships in these areas. Get a feel forall aspects of the life this specialty has to offer. At this pointyou are not trying to secure a position, but simply trying tomake up your mind.

> Gather as much information and experience as possible.

The following questions to ask your preceptor may serve asleading points of discussion to further your understanding of thespecialty:

1. Why did you choose your specialty?

2. What are the top three things about your job?

3. What are three things you dislike about your job?

4. What else where you considering and why did you chooseyour specialty?

5. Do you have any regrets? What would you choose now?

6. How does your job affect your lifestyle?

7. Can you tell me about the job market?

8. How is the residency?

Commitment> Now that you have decided on your top specialty(ies), it is your

job to do what is necessary to secure your desired position.> Find out what these programs require. Build yourself and your

resume so that you are competitive. You might need to doresearch, take on a sport, do extracurricular activities, becomemore social, or work on your clinical and/or research skills.

> Consider doing electives in the specialty, particularly in thelocation you want to match to. Also, if you have an idea ofwhich program and/or school you would like to attend forresidency, try to “fit” your electives and extracurriculars toyour choices. You want your activities to demonstrate yourinterest in that city and the specialty. Also consider the relativeimportance of the factors listed in section A-3 in regards towhich school and city are your best “fit.” For example, ifsomeone was interested in community-based practice theymay want to consider a less research-focused school.


Additional Factors (e.g., Family and Friends)

Significant OtherAlways look at the demands of the residency in terms of normalwork hours, call hours, and time required for studying as it willaffect the amount of time you see your loved ones.

Your family has to live in the city where you end up, too. Willthey have job opportunities in their chosen professions? Willthey like the city? Keep in mind that an unhappy family willequal an unhappy residency.

ChildrenIf you have children, you may consider whether your chosen cityis a reasonable place for children to grow up. You may also haveto consider child care and the nature of the public school system.

CamaraderieThe residency journey is often long and you will likely spend alot of time within the hospital. Talk with residents to determinethe climate in the program and whether it is friendly orunwelcoming.

THE DECISION ALGORITHMA-5

As you read through each of the sections of this book, keep the features of each of the above variables at the forefront of your mind andthey will help you refine your decision. Also keep in mind some variables may hold more importance than others in your career decision.The relative importance of these variables may play a role in your future career path. For example, if a medical student valued family lifeand interests unrelated to medicine to a greater degree, the student may be more interested in specialties that allow a flexible schedule.

Relief and Stability> By now you have made a quality decision, have chosen a

specialty and one or more backups that suit you, and havebegun to act in a way to secure it. You have chosen thesespecialties because they match most closely to what will makeyou (not your parents, friends, etc.) most happy.

Keep up the hard work. Stay the course.

Anxiety> The time comes to submit your application.

You have made a big decision and it is understandable at thisstage to feel stress and anxiety due to the uncertainty of yourfuture.

Decision Point > Try to stay confident knowing that you have done your best. At

the end of the day, it’s likely that you will get one of your topthree choices.

(Refer to Section G: The Application Process for a more detailed explanation of this step ofthe process.)

In Case 9, Mambo and Adil had questions regardingcommitment to a competitive residency programs such asOtolaryngology or Plastic Surgery. Like Mambo and Adil, manymedical students try to demonstrate they “fit” within a specialtyby pursuing a research project or shadowing physicians in thatfield. In Mambo’s situation, research in the form of case reportsor a small clinical research project can be undertaken todemonstrate an interest in Plastic Surgery. In applying toprograms at centres that focus on academic training, research ishighly recommended.

Adil, in particular, had questions about changing his mind afterinvesting time in one specialty. Such an experience can be putin a positive light to demonstrate that another specialty wasconsidered and explored, and an informed decision not topursue that specialty was made. Adil also wondered if he shouldhave invested his spare time in pre-clerkship in committing to acareer path. Surely the time spent can help him make a careerdecision and demonstrate an interest in the specialty, but thetime can also be spent ensuring he is a well-balancedcandidate.

They both had questions regarding electives. As mentioned inthe text, electives should be completed in areas of interest.Asking residents for recommendations can facilitate arrangingelectives.

Mambo’s late decision to pursue Plastic Surgery concerned him;however, it may not be too late for Mambo. Successful applicantsto competitive programs include students who decided bothearly and late. Mambo may take comfort in hearing that anearlier decision to pursue a competitive program is not aguarantee for entry.



2009 MATCH SUMMARYA-6

The following table is reproduced with permission from CaRMS. The editors assume responsibility for the accuracy of the reproduceddata. You are encouraged to go to the CaRMS website (http://www.carms.ca) and look at additional statistics.

Discipline Choices of Canadian Applicants 2009 Match First Iteration

Total First Total Quota

Choice % Total Quota % Total After Quota QuotaDiscipline Discipline Choices Offered Quota Reversion Filled Vacant

Anatomical Pathology 22 1.00% 25 1.00% 25 21 4

Anesthesiology 135 5.80% 111 4.30% 111 109 2

Cardiac Surgery 6 0.30% 11 0.40% 11 5 6

Community Medicine 17 0.70% 23 0.90% 22 14 8

Dermatology 37 1.60% 17 0.70% 17 17 0

Diagnostic Radiology 86 3.70% 81 3.10% 82 80 2

Emergency Medicine 73 3.20% 56 2.20% 56 56 0

Family Medicine 732 31.60% 1009 38.90% 1009 856 153

Family Medicine MOTP 20 0.90% 20 0.80% 20 20 0

General Pathology 0 0.00% 1 0.00% 1 0 1

General Surgery 91 3.90% 108 4.20% 108 91 17

Hematological Pathology 2 0.10% 3 0.10% 3 2 1

Internal Medicine 316 13.70% 393 15.10% 394 333 61

Laboratory Medicine 11 0.50% 19 0.70% 19 13 6

Medical Biochemistry 1 0.00% 5 0.20% 5 3 2

Medical Genetics 4 0.20% 8 0.30% 7 5 2

Medical Microbiology 14 0.60% 9 0.30% 9 9 0

Neurology 31 1.30% 40 1.50% 40 35 5

Neurology-Pediatric 4 0.20% 9 0.30% 8 6 2

Neuropathology 0 0.00% 4 0.20% 4 1 3

Neurosurgery 23 1.00% 20 0.80% 20 19 1

Nuclear Medicine 13 0.06% 9 0.30% 9 8 1

Obstetrics & Gynecology 126 5.40% 95 3.70% 95 95 0

Ophthalmology 59 2.46% 35 1.30% 35 35 0

Orthopedic Surgery 76 3.30% 80 3.10% 80 78 2

Otolaryngology 41 1.80% 28 1.10% 28 28 0

Pediatrics 133 5.80% 128 4.90% 129 124 5

Physical Med & Rehab 20 0.90% 22 0.80% 23 19 4

Plastic Surgery 45 1.90% 26 1.00% 26 26 0

Psychiatry 118 5.10% 143 5.50% 142 122 20

Radiation Oncology 25 1.10% 26 1.00% 26 25 1

Urology 32 1.40% 31 1.20% 31 31 0

Total 2313 100% 2595 100% 2595 2286 309

B-1 Why Money Management Matters to Medical Students 16

B-2 The Keys to Successful Money Management 16

> Control the outflow: Budget and track expenses 16> Maximize the inflow: Apply for scholarships 19

and bursaries you may be entitled to> Keep it simple: Consolidate accounts 19> Reduce your cost of borrowing 19> Pay less tax: Take full advantage of tax-saving 19

opportunities

B-3 Saving for Your Future 20

> Commit to a regular savings schedule 20> Contribute to an RSP 20> Make your money work for you 21> Understanding the relationship between risk 22

and reward

B-4 Protecting Your Future 23

> Disability income protection insurance 23> Critical illness insurance 24> Life insurance 24> Other important types of protection 25

Professional liability coverage 25Automobile insurance 25Home insurance 25Out-of-province health insurance 25

B-5 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals 26

> Opening a practice 26Financing your practice 26Incorporation and your practice 26

> Change in career path 27Starting a family 27Taking a sabbatical leave 27

> Financial security: The ultimate goal 27

Section B: Your Financial Life 15Canadian Medical Residency Guide

YOUR FINANCIAL LIFESection B

This chapter offers practical advice and case studies to help you set up arealistic budget, manage your money, select insurance, and balance yourpersonal and professional goals.

As a future medical professional, you can expect a veryrewarding future, both professionally and financially. But youmay not have expected the key financial issues you’ll need todeal with in the short term to help ensure that rewarding future.

For example, do you know the answers to the followingquestions?

1. What receipts should you save now so that you can claimsignificant future tax benefits when you start your practice?

2. What saves you more money — consolidating your studentloans on graduation or paying multiple student loans tomaximize tax savings from government interest?

3. What happens to government financial loans and support ifyou choose to take a leave of absence to start a family duringmedical school or residency?

You’ll find the answer to these questions and many others in this chapter, or you can go online athttp://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student/medical. And whileyou’ll have many important financial decisions to make in the future, you don’t have to make those decisions on your own.With special products and services tailored specifically to medical students, as well as RBC Student Champions to assistyou, RBC Royal Bank can provide the expertise you need to meet your current financial goals and build a securefuture. As you build your medical career, we’re here to help you — every step of the way. To find a Student Champion, visit http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student/champions.


WHY MONEY MANAGEMENT MAT TERSTO MEDICAL STUDENTS

B-1


THE KEYS TO SUCCESSFULMONEY MANAGEMENT

B-2

You may be wondering — why focus on money management soearly in your medical career? The answer is simple — successfulmoney management is essential to help you reach the personaland financial goals you hope to achieve. As a resident, this is theideal time to develop financial strategies that will start you onthe road to long-term financial security.

These strategies can help you make decisions that enable you tobalance your immediate financial needs with repaying thestudent debt you have accumulated — and at the same timestart saving for the future.

There are five steps that will form the foundation for successfulmoney management:

> Controlling the outflow (budgeting);

> Maximizing the inflow;

> Consolidating accounts to keep things simple;

> Consolidating debt to reduce your cost of borrowing; and

> Minimizing the tax you pay.

We’ll go through each one in detail.

Control the outflow: Budget and trackexpensesIt doesn’t matter whether you make $7,000 or $700,000 a year:budgeting (balancing what you make with what you spend) is anessential step to minimizing debt and avoiding financialproblems in the future.

Preparing a budget helps you plan how you’ll spend your money,so that you don’t develop a lifestyle that you can’t afford. It alsolets you build in essentials you may not have considered, such asa savings plan to set aside money for future goals.

The secret to budgeting is to accurately determine what yourincome and expenses are each month, so that you have a plan that realistically reflects your personal situation. On the expensefront, you’ll want to think ahead to the actual expenses you’ll beincurring during your residency. For example, if you’re used toaccommodation costs in a smaller urban centre but plan to do yourresidency in a major city such as Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto,you’ll need to increase your budget amount accordingly becauseyour accommodation costs will likely be considerably higher.

Filling in the following budget worksheet will help youunderstand your personal cash inflow and outflow or use ouronline budget tool at http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student/medical/budgetcalculator.

http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student/medical

http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student/champions

http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student/medical/budgetcalculator

http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student/medical/budgetcalculator

Annual Budget Worksheet

Student/Resident Spouse Total Family

IncomeRecord your annual after-tax income from the following sources. If you’re unsure

of any amount, provide a conservative estimate.

Salary

Self-employment/business

Scholarships/ bursaries

Parental contributions

Gifts

Other (e.g., investment income)

Total income

ExpensesEstimate your expected annual expenses for the items listed.

If you’re not sure how much to allocate for a budget item, you may want to

keep a daily journal of how you spend your money. Record every expense

for an entire month, and then project each expense item into an estimated

annual amount.

Food and housingFood

Mortgage or rent (annual)

Property taxes and property insurance

Power / heating / water / cable /phones / pager / internet / security alarm

Housing maintenance / condo fees

Refurbishing / renovating / moving costs

Other

Total food and housing

TransportationAnnual lease or car loan payments

Insurance, licence, and registration

Gasoline

Maintenance and repairs

Public transportation and parking

Other

Total transportation

EducationTuition

Books, subscriptions, instruments

Exam fees

Professional fees

Malpractice insurance

Conferences

Total education



Annual Budget Worksheet (continued) Student/Resident Spouse Total Family

Investments and savingsRSP contributions

Other investments

Emergency fund

Total investment and savings

Lifestyle/loansLine of credit payments

Student loan payments

Insurance premiums — life, health/dental, disability, critical illness, etc.

Prescriptions / vision care

Clothing / dry cleaning/grooming

Clubs / fitness, hobbies / entertainment, dining / restaurants

Gifts / charitable contributions

Child care

Professional services (e.g., accountant)

Vacations

Other

Total lifestyle/loans

Total income

Cash flow summaryTotal income

Less: Total expenses

Surplus (deficit)


Prescription for Budget SuccessThe budget worksheet provided here is a great place to

start developing your personal budget spreadsheet. Here

are some tips that can help make the budget process a

success for you:

> Regularly update income and expenses. Reviewing your

income and expenses at least monthly allows you to

catch overspending early, before it becomes a problem.

> Use a spreadsheet program. There are many automated

budget programs available for home use that make

keeping track of your monthly budget more time-

efficient and give you detailed breakdowns of how your

actual spending compares with your monthly budget.

> Look for small savings. Create budget room by looking

for savings on regular small expenses. Even giving up

your daily latte and muffin, or brown-bagging your

lunch one day a week, can yield surprising savings,

particularly if the money you save goes toward reducing

your debt or investing.

> Create a paper trail. Using your debit and credit cards

(provided no fees or interest charges apply) takes some

of the guesswork out of expense tracking. Even just a

day or two after making a cash purchase, it can be

difficult to remember what you spent your money on.

Debit and credit receipts allow you to record your

expenses at a later date that’s convenient for you. An

added benefit to using credit cards is that they offer

purchase protection, which means that you won’t be on

the hook for charges made if your card is stolen and

used by someone else.

If you have a budget surplus, you’re in the fortunate position ofhaving more money each month than you need. You may want to increase your monthly investment amounts or pay down yourloans more quickly.

If you have a budget deficit, you’ll need to look at ways to cutexpenses. Can you reduce any of your lifestyle expenses? If not, youmay need to decrease the amount you contribute to yourinvestments, or perhaps reduce the monthly payments on your loans.

Once you’ve developed your budget, recording expenses on aregular basis is a great way to ensure you stay on trackfinancially, and it allows you to make adjustments if an itemexceeds your budgeted amount. It’s normal to go over-budget oncertain items from time to time, but if it happens on a regularbasis, you’ll want to consider whether you need to adjust yourbudget — or adjust your spending.

Maximize the inflow: Apply for scholarshipsand bursaries you may be entitled to The use of scholarships and bursaries that don’t requirerepayment can significantly reduce your debt load at graduation.You may think your scholarship application will be refused, butdon’t be your own selection committee. Apply even if you’re notsure you’re eligible. And remember — not all scholarships arebased on academic achievement. The financial aid office at yourmedical school will be able to tell you the criteria used inawarding scholarships and bursaries, and can help you applyfor the awards best suited to you.

Many medical schools offer scholarships and bursariesautomatically, so you may not even need to apply for them. Thefinancial aid office of your medical school will be able to tell youif that is the case. There may also be funds available foremergency loans if an unexpected cash crisis occurs.

Some large employers offer scholarships to children of theiremployees, as do some trade unions or fraternal organizations.Ask your parents to check on your potential eligibility for anysuch funding.

Many people overlook smaller scholarships or bursaries,thinking they’re not worth the bother of applying. But even smallamounts can make a big difference in reducing your overallstudent debt load. A $500 bursary may not seem like much whenyou’re graduating with a debt load of thousands of dollars, butit’s still $500 that you won’t need to borrow — and more than$500 that you won’t have to repay, once interest is factored in.Assuming a loan interest rate of 6%, that $500 bursary wouldsave you $150 in interest over five years.

You can find comprehensive information about scholarships,grants, and bursaries at http://www.canlearn.ca. To find outabout RBC Royal Bank Scholarships for medical students,contact your RBC Student Champion.

Keep it simple: Consolidate accountsAs we’ve seen, tracking income and expenses is a key part ofsmart money management. But for a busy student or resident, it can be hard to find the time — especially when you havemultiple savings, credit cards, and investment accounts spreadacross several institutions.

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: consolidate. Having all ofyour financial accounts with one institution makes it easier tomonitor and track income and expenses.

There may be other benefits as well. Many accounts will payhigher interest rates on higher balances. And fewer accountsmay mean fewer fees.

Reduce your cost of borrowing As a medical student, you could have debt from a number ofsources, including provincial or federal student loans, bankloans, bank lines of credit, credit card debt, and car loans. If youhave outstanding debts from several sources, you may want toconsider consolidating them into a single line of credit. There aretwo key advantages:

> It’s simpler. Paying one bill a month is more convenient thanpaying multiple bills — and that makes it easier for you tounderstand the loan terms and stay on top of your payments,so you’re less likely to inadvertently miss a payment date.

> You may pay less interest. Lines of credit generally offer alower interest rate than fixed term loans, and they offer amuch lower interest rate than credit cards. Lines of credit canalso provide a convenient source of cash when you need it,without having to reapply for a loan whenever you needmoney, so they can be particularly useful in a financialemergency. In addition, a Royal Credit Line® offered by RoyalBank of Canada currently allows you to defer your principalrepayments until 12 months after you complete your residency— when you’ll likely be earning a much higher salary and havea much stronger cash flow.

There are two exceptions to the general rule in favour ofconsolidating debt. If you have government-sponsored studentloans, the interest you pay may generate a tax credit, so youmay want to maintain those loans. And if you’ve received alow-interest loan from a manufacturer as an incentive for a largepurchase, like a car or furniture, you may want to keep that loanseparate as well.

Pay less tax: Take full advantage of tax-saving opportunitiesAs a medical student or resident, you may be entitled to anumber of tax-saving opportunities. Review the followingstrategies to make sure you’re not overlooking deductions andcredits that could save you hundreds or even thousands ofdollars each year. The following reflect the federal rules; however,provincial rules are generally comparable.

> Claim tuition, education and textbook credits. You areentitled to a tax credit of 15% of the following amounts:eligible tuition fees incurred, an “education amount” of $400for each month you attend medical school full time, plus atextbook amount of $65 for each month that you qualify forthe $400 education amount.

If you don’t need to claim the total of these amounts to reduceyour federal tax to zero, you can carry forward the unusedamounts to claim a tax credit in future years, or transfer up toa maximum of $5,000 of the unused amounts to a supportingrelative, such as your spouse, parent or grandparent. Keep in

Another opportunity to take advantage of tax-savings is claimingtax deductions relevant to caring for a child. This opportunitywould be available to Lindsey and Rob from Case 1. For more information on the deductibles related to child care, see Section I: Case 1.


mind that if you carry forward any portion of the unusedamounts, you cannot transfer it to someone else in a future year.

> Claim moving expenses. If you move within Canada, at least40 kilometres closer to a new work location to complete yourresidency, you can deduct many of your moving expenses fromthe income you will earn in that new location.

Eligible expenses include personal travel costs associated withthe move, meals and accommodation costs while en route,moving and storage charges, and temporary accommodationcosts for up to 15 days. You can also carry forward thesedeductions to a future year.

> Take advantage of transferable tax credit amounts. Thetuition, education and textbook amounts are transferable. So if you don’t need these amounts to reduce your tax payableto zero, your spouse can use them to reduce his or her tax.

It works the other way round, too — that is, if your spouse hascredit amounts that he or she doesn’t need, you can use themto reduce your taxes.

The True Cost of Paying with PlasticCredit cards can be great. They’re convenient, widely

accepted, easy to use and offer some fraud

protection. But if you’re in the habit of carrying a

balance, they can also be extremely expensive.

For example, suppose you decide to take the summer

off and travel Europe. You figure it will cost you about

$5,000. You don’t have the cash, but there’s plenty

of room on your credit card.

But if your credit card charges interest at an annual

rate of, say, 18%, your $5,000 balance will rack up

interest charges of $900 a year. That’s an expensive

way to pay for your trip.

Ruth had heard classmates discussing saving receipts for incometax. This could be helpful because she can receive a tax credit orcarry forward this credit that can be used against current orfuture income.


SAVING FOR YOUR FUTUREB-3


At this early stage of your medical career, your primary focus isprobably on reducing your debt. While this is certainly animportant objective, now is also the best time in your life to startbuilding wealth for your future. And while it may seem that youhave no excess funds and that investing is a far-off goal, a reviewof your budget and your spending habits might prove otherwise.You can start to invest with as little as $25 per month.

As a younger investor, you can take maximum advantage of twoof the most powerful wealth-building tools available: time andcompounding. Even small amounts set aside regularly at thisstage can grow to a significant sum over time.

Although your salary as a resident will be relatively modestcompared with what you’ll earn later in your career, you can usetime to your advantage and make the most of your earnings. Anddeveloping a commitment to savings at this stage in your careeris a habit that will stay with you and enhance your long-termfinancial security as you move through the different stages ofyour career.

Where to begin? By focusing on three simple strategies, you’llfind yourself well on your way to a secure financial future:

> Commit to a regular savings schedule.> Contribute to an RSP.> Make your money work for you.

Commit to a regular savings scheduleYou can make saving easy by “paying yourself first” — with anautomatic savings plan. Paying yourself first means having partof your paycheque deposited directly into a savings orinvestment account, whether that’s an RSP or not, depending on

your savings objectives. This reduces the likelihood that you’llspend the money elsewhere, and it allows you to allocate part of each paycheque to your specific financial goals.

As your salary grows, you can increase the amount you set aside,so that the same percentage of each paycheque is automaticallydeposited. And as you reduce your debt load, you can increasethe percentage of your paycheque that is automaticallydeposited. This allows your savings to keep pace with yourfinancial needs, which are likely to increase over time.

Don’t worry if you can contribute only a small amount of eachpaycheque. With time on your side, you’ll be amazed at howquickly your savings can grow.

Contribute to an RSP As a student or resident, your retirement is easily 30 or 40 yearsaway. In fact, you probably haven’t given it much thought.

But even though retirement is not top of mind, you shoulddefinitely be thinking about contributing to a registeredRetirement Savings Plan (RSP). An RSP is one of the best taxbreaks available to Canadian wage-earners, and a powerfulsaving tool.

An RSP provides two main advantages:

> Tax-deductible contributions. You can deduct the amount ofyour RSP contribution from your income in the current year.A $1,000 contribution will generate a tax benefit of $300 if yourmarginal tax rate is 30%.

> Tax-sheltered investment earnings. The investment incomeyou earn inside your RSP isn’t taxed until it’s withdrawn.Because the earnings compound tax-deferred, they grow much

more quickly than in a non-registered account. And startingearly pays off. The more time you have to benefit from the tax-sheltered growth, the more quickly your savings will grow.

There are limits on the amount you can contribute to an RSPeach year. For 2009, your RSP contribution limit is 18% of your2008 earned income or $21,000, whichever is less. If you can’tcontribute the maximum, the unused contribution room can becarried forward indefinitely, increasing the amount you’reallowed to contribute in future years.

In addition, your RSP doesn’t have to be just for retirement — it can also help you buy your first home. Under the HomeBuyers’ Plan, first-time homebuyers can borrow up to $25,000,tax-free, from their RSPs to buy or build a home. For a couple,that can mean $50,000 toward their first home.

Some restrictions apply, and the amount must be repaid over 15 years. If you miss a repayment, that amount will be includedin your taxable income for the year.

You may also withdraw from your RSP up to $10,000 per year,tax-free, to a maximum of $20,000 in total, under the LifelongLearning Plan, to finance full-time training or postsecondaryeducation for yourself or your spouse. The withdrawals can only be made over a maximum period of four calendar years.The amount withdrawn from your RSP must be repaid over a 10-year period.

Make your money work for youCommitting to a regular savings plan is an important first steptoward financial security. But simply saving money isn’t enough.Savings accounts typically pay interest of only 1% or 2%annually. If you want your money to work harder, and grow morequickly, you need to invest it.

Investing means setting up a diversified portfolio withinvestments in each of the three main asset classes: equity, fixed-income, and cash.

Each asset class has a different purpose: equities provide long-term growth but are subject to short-term fluctuations invalue (volatility); fixed-income investments provide regularincome payments but may not be guaranteed; cash providessecurity.

Since you’re just beginning your medical career, growthinvestments such as equity mutual funds should play a key roleif you’re saving for a longer-term goal. That’s because growthinvestments offer potentially higher returns, and you shouldhave enough time to ride out short-term losses caused by theups and downs of the stock market.

You also need to consider your level of comfort with investmentrisk. Growth investments, such as equities, are volatile. While it’snatural to want to avoid risk, with investments, greater short-termrisk brings the potential for great long-term rewards. So choose alevel of risk that allows you to meet your investment goals — andlets you sleep comfortably at night.

Modest Amounts Can Grow QuicklyWith time and tax-deferred compound growth

working for you, even small amounts add up fast.

For example, if you set aside just $50 each month

for your RSP, earning 6% annually, you’ll have more

than $3,500 in your account after five years. This

amount does not include any tax refunds you may

have received as a result of your contributions.

Source: http://www.rbcfunds.com/tools/mpp_calculator.html

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Compounded ($)Original ($)CONTRIBUTIONS:

Time Your DeductionsThere’s no rule that says you have to claim your RSP

deduction in the year that you make the contribution.

This gives rise to a strategy that can increase the tax

benefit associated with your contribution.

Here’s how it works. Suppose your marginal tax rate

this year is a modest 20%. If you contribute $500 of

eligible contribution to your RSP and claim a

deduction, you’ll see a tax benefit of $500 x 20% =

$100. But look what happens if you make the

contribution but don’t claim a deduction. Instead,

you claim it next year, or any time in the future, when

your marginal tax rate is higher, say 45%. Your $500

contribution will now generate a tax benefit of $500 x

45% = $225. And in the meantime, it will have been

growing, tax deferred, in your RSP.



Understanding the relationship betweenrisk and rewardAs an investment’s potential return increases, so does its risk. It’simportant to find the balance of risk and return that’scomfortable for you.

Unless you have experience buying and selling individualequities and bonds, you may be more comfortable investingthrough mutual funds, at least for the time being.

Mutual funds pool the individual investments from manyinvestors into a single portfolio, which is then managed by aprofessional portfolio manager. Each mutual fund has aninvestment objective, and this objective determines the type ofinvestments that the manager buys for the fund (equities, fixedincome, cash or a mix of the three).

RBC Royal Bank offers a wide variety of mutual funds, and yourRBC Student Champion can help you choose the right funds tomeet your investment goals.


Anatomy of Investment ClassesEquities, or stocks, represent an ownership interest in the

company that issues them. Company earnings may be

distributed to investors (shareholders) in the form of

dividends. The value of the shares fluctuates, giving

investors an opportunity (they hope) to sell them for more

than they paid. Stocks are generally riskier than bonds or

cash investments over the short term, but historically

have provided the highest investment returns over the

long term. Dividends and capital gains are taxed at

preferential rates if held in a non-registered account.

Fixed-income investments (bonds, debentures, and so on)

are debt securities. Essentially, the investor lends a

specified amount (the principal) to the company or

government that issued the fixed-income investment for a

specified length of time (the term). At the end of the term,

the investor gets back the principal amount. In the

meantime, the issuing body pays interest to the investor, in

return for the use of his or her money. Investing in fixed-

income investments is usually less risky than investing in

stocks, but the returns are generally lower.

Cash investments include savings accounts, guaranteed

investment certificates (GICs) and treasury bills. Money

market mutual funds, while not guaranteed, are

considered cash investments because they provide low

risk and easy access to your funds. Cash investments are

designed to return your money, with interest, in less than

a year. With cash investments your principal is secure, but

you’ll usually receive lower returns than you would from

investing in the market.

Three Tenets of Financial Success 1. Save regularly. Save regular amounts over time,

and reap the rewards of “paying yourself first.” This

strategy also allows you to build “dollar-cost-

averaging” in so that you always buy more when

the price is low and buy less when the price is high.

2. Diversify. Maintain a well-diversified portfolio with

the growth potential you need to achieve your goals.

Mutual funds are an excellent way to achieve this.

3. Maximize your tax-sheltered savings. With its

combination of tax-deductible contributions and

tax-sheltered savings, your RSP should remain the

focus of any long-term savings plan.


B-4 PROTECTING YOUR FUTURE


Disability income protection insuranceDisability income protection insurance provides a monthlybenefit if you’re unable to work because of illness or injury. Whywould you want to purchase it now, when you’re young, in goodhealth, and have a promising future ahead of you?

The answer is simple – the right time to buy disability incomeprotection insurance is when you are healthy. If you wait untilyou need disability benefits, it will likely be too late to getcoverage, as your application for disability coverage will often bedenied or carry significantly limited coverage. As a young doctor,you are at the point of greatest risk because a disability couldend your career even before it begins. Disability incomeprotection insurance helps protect your tremendous futureincome potential.

In addition, there are a number of benefits to applying fordisability income protection insurance coverage right now,before your medical career begins:

> Premium rates may be lower at younger ages.

> Some offers allow you to purchase coverage with no need fora medical exam or blood tests.

> For additional costs and depending on plan type, you mayhave the option of guaranteeing future coverage increases,without medical evidence, to match your future career growth.

> You may qualify for special premium discounts.

As a medical professional, you’re familiar with how often peopleare disabled and prevented from working. For adults in Canadaof core-working age (25 to 54), 1.2 million are currently disabled(over 9% of the working population), according to a 2004 studyby Social Development Canada.

The amount of disability benefits you can apply for is based onseveral factors, one of which is your income at the time ofapplication. However, as a medical student, some plansrecognize that you have not yet reached your full earningpotential. They therefore allow you to purchase a greater benefit

than you would otherwise qualify for. In addition, if you pay foryour policy with personal (after-tax) funds, as is the custom formost medical professionals, any disability benefits you receivemight be tax-free. There are no limits on how you could use yourdisability benefits.

If you start a medical practice, you may also want to considerbuying professional overhead expense insurance, which can pay foryour office expenses if illness or injury prevents you from working.

Disability plans can vary widely, so be sure you understand howthe coverage works with regard to the following:

Waiting period. Once you’re disabled, how long will you have towait before the benefits start? Waiting periods can vary from 30days to two years. The longer the waiting period, the lower yourpremiums.

Payment period. Some policies pay benefits for two or five years.Others will continue to pay right up until age 65. Age 65 is by farthe most popular benefit period, as it is the only payment periodthat pays a benefit for your entire working career.

Definition of disability. This is probably the most importantprovision to review. The definition of disability in your policy will impact the amount of premium you pay. There are threecommon types of disability definitions. With “any occupation”coverage, you’re considered disabled if you’re unable to work atany job for which you’re qualified by education, training, orexperience. With “regular occupation” coverage, you’reconsidered disabled if an illness or injury prevents you fromperforming the duties of your regular occupation, and you arenot working elsewhere. “Own occupation” coverage pays abenefit when you are disabled in your regular occupation,regardless of whether or not you are working elsewhere.

Andy from Case 5 was stuck with a needle. Assuming he met theeligibility requirements of the disability insurance policy, he mayhave to wait a period of time before he can process a claim.

As a new doctor, your ability to earn an income is your mostimportant asset — and it’s important that you protect that assetfrom financial risk. Insurance allows you to protect your future,your family, and your property from the financial consequences

of unexpected events. With adequate insurance coverage, youcan help protect the financial benefits that a medical career canprovide, even in the face of worst-case scenarios.

Insurance product How it works Benefits to youDisability income protection insurance Pays a monthly benefit if you’re unable Payments allow you to maintain your

to work because of illness or injury standard of living even if you are disabled

and unable to work

Critical illness insurance Pays a lump-sum benefit on the first Gives you financial flexibility to cover

diagnosis and survival of a serious additional costs associated with an illness,

medical condition (e.g., cancer, heart attack) or to pursue lifestyle goals during or after

covered by your policy recovery

Life insurance Pays a tax-free, lump-sum amount to your Assists your beneficiaries in paying off your debt

beneficiaries upon your death if they choose to do so and maintaining their

standard of living in the event of your death

Critical illness insuranceAs a medical professional, you might have seen first-hand howbreakthroughs in medical treatments have increased survivalrates significantly. Today, people often routinely recover fromconditions that would have been fatal in the past.

For example, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canadaestimates that 85% of all people who have a stroke will survive.The downside, unfortunately, is that 40% of stroke victims are leftmoderately to severely impaired. Ten percent are so seriouslyaffected that they require long-term care.

As you can imagine, the financial repercussions of a criticalillness can be devastating. And while disability benefits mayreplace a portion of lost income for a period of time, they maynot be enough to cover the extra costs that can come with acritical illness — such as home renovations you might need toaccommodate a wheelchair.

Critical illness insurance was designed specifically to bridge thisgap. It pays a lump-sum benefit on the first diagnosis of aserious medical condition covered by your policy. You mustsurvive the diagnosis for a specified time for the benefit to bepaid. Coverage amounts range from $25,000 to $2 million. Unlikedisability insurance, you’ll receive your critical illness insurancebenefit even if you’re able to work and you continue receivingyour salary. You can use the benefit any way you want — to helppay down your debts including loans or mortgage, hire a full-timemedical caregiver or seek medical treatment outside Canada, forexample.

The medical conditions covered by a critical illness policy varydepending on the insurer. Almost all policies cover certain typesof cancer, heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery bypasssurgery. Many critical illness insurance policies will cover thefollowing conditions: kidney failure, major organ transplant,blindness, deafness, loss of speech, paralysis, multiple sclerosis,coma, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, loss of limbs,severe burns, occupational HIV infection, motor neuron disease,benign brain tumour, aorta surgery and heart valve replacement.Be sure to review any policy you’re thinking of buying todetermine exactly what conditions are covered.

Life insuranceLife insurance pays a tax-free, lump-sum amount to yourbeneficiaries upon your death. This cash payment can helpensure that your family maintains its standard of living if youpass away. As a doctor with a potentially high financial debtload, life insurance also provides your family with the means topay off these outstanding debts or cover final expenses such asfuneral costs. If you have few other assets, life insurance enablesyou to leave a legacy to your loved ones.

There are two main types of life insurance: term and permanent.

Term life insurance is designed to provide you with insuranceprotection for a specific period of time. If you die during thattime period, your beneficiaries will receive a tax-free benefit.Term life insurance is a good choice when you are young andstarting your career, because the premiums are usually lowerthan for permanent insurance, and you can get a lot of coveragefor a relatively low cost. Your premiums will increase, however, at the end of the term if you choose to renew your insurance foranother term.

Permanent insurance, as the name implies, stays in place foryour lifetime once you purchase it. There are two types ofpermanent insurance: whole life and universal life. With wholelife insurance, the premium is fixed when you purchase thepolicy. Premiums are usually paid in annual installments, whichdo not increase over the life of the policy. Universal life insurancecombines life insurance with a tax-deferred investmentcomponent. Essentially, the premiums you pay in the early yearsare more than the actual cost of insuring you. The excess grows,tax-deferred, and you may be able to use it later to take a“holiday” from paying premiums, increase the policy’s deathbenefit or borrow against it.

Features to Look For in Your DisabilityIncome Protection Insurance CoverageDisability income protection insurance is readily

available. As a doctor, or doctor in training, it’s

important to have comprehensive coverage that can

accommodate a potentially high level of earned

income. When comparing policies, look for the

following features:

> Competitive pricing for medical professionals that is guaranteed

> Guaranteed policy terms

> Choice of plan features

> Option to increase coverage

> Simple enrolment

> Worldwide portability

> Individual policy ownership

> 24-hour coverage

> Cost-of-living benefit

> Coverage for HIV and Hepatitis B and C

The type of insurance that would assist Andy from Case 5 inpaying his student debts is Critical Illness Insurance. Moreinformation on the applicability of this type of insurance toAndy’s case can be found in Section I Case 5.

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section B: Your Financial Life 24

Other important types of protectionProfessional liability coverageOne of the most significant financial risks you may face as amedical professional is a malpractice claim again you.

Awards and settlements for successful malpractice lawsuits canbe in the millions of dollars. Even if a claim is without merit, youmust still bear the cost of defending it — an expensiveproposition in almost any case.

Professional liability coverage can protect you against the cost ofdefending and settling liability claims arising from the treatmentof patients. Most Canadian physicians cover their medicalmalpractice needs with the Canadian Medical ProtectiveAssociation (CMPA — see http://www.cmpa-acpm.ca). In fact,about 95% of doctors practising in Canada are members of thisassociation.

The CMPA’s reserve fund provides for the costs of futurejudgments, settlements, legal expenses and administration forclaims related to all the medical care given by you in the currentyear and in the past. So even if you have stopped practising, anda claim arises from a procedure performed 10 years earlier, youwill still be covered as long as the medical procedure wasperformed while you were a CMPA member.

CMPA membership fees vary by region and by the type of workthat you practise. They are set annually, based on a review ofclaims and costs, estimates of liabilities for the year andprojections of the income that your fees will generate over aperiod of years. While the premium costs can be high, mostprovincial governments offer a significant premiumreimbursement package that is specialty-specific.

There are a wide range of medical practice options open to you,and the CMPA may not cover every work situation, so be sure tocheck the CMPA protection options carefully to ensure you arecovered. If you provide professional services that are not coveredby the CMPA, you should obtain additional professional liabilityinsurance through a private insurer.

Automobile insurance If you own or lease a car, you also need automobile insurance,which is required by law in all Canadian provinces. Here aresome tips that can help you reduce your insurance premiums:

> Check rates before you buy or lease. Car insurance rates arebased on the claims history for the driver, and these rates canvary by thousands of dollars depending on the car.

> Insure all vehicles with one insurer. Many insurers offer a“multi-vehicle discount” if you insure more than one car onthe same policy.

> Use the same insurer for your auto and property insurance.Many insurers offer premium discounts if you have both yourcar and your home insurance with them.

> Install an anti-theft device. Your premiums may be reduced ifyou install an anti-theft device — and your car is less likely tobe stolen.

Home insuranceWhether you own or rent a home, it’s important that you havehome insurance. Not only does home insurance cover yourproperty if it is damaged, but it covers you for legal liability ifyour actions harm others, whether or not those actions occur inyour home.

In general, there are two types of policies. Broad policies coverthe building for all risks, other than the exclusions listed, whilecontents are covered for the named perils listed. Named perilsinclude fire, theft and vandalism. Comprehensive policies coverthe building and contents for all risks, other than the exclusionslisted.

Make sure your policy covers everything you want to protect. Ifyou have special property — such as computers or musicalinstruments — you may need to buy additional coverage to befully protected.

Out-of-province health insurance If you are travelling outside Canada, either for pleasure or tostudy abroad, we recommend buying travel insurance before youleave home. Your provincial health insurance plan may provideonly limited coverage for emergency medical treatment andhospital costs outside Canada.

And if you will be away from your home province for aconsiderable time period (usually six months or more), you mayhave to apply to your provincial health insurance plan tomaintain provincial coverage during your absence. If yourspouse and children are going with you, they may also apply tohave their coverage maintained.

As a medical professional, the financial dreams for your futuremay be more extensive than for many Canadians. One of the best ways to realize those dreams is to develop a plan that clearly defines your goals. Some of those goals will be short term, like buying a car and paying off your student debt. Otherswill be medium term, like saving for your children’s private orpostsecondary education or buying a vacation property. Andothers will be long term, like saving for retirement.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?To calculate how much life insurance you need, you

need to consider:

> The amount needed to pay off all of your debts

> Any final expenses and taxes that will be owing onyour death

> The amount your family will need to maintain itslifestyle

> The education costs for your children



BAL ANCING SHORT-TERM ANDLONG-TERM GOALSB-5

Opening a practice Opening a practice can signal the start of a satisfying andlucrative career, but there are a number of issues to consider.Before you open your practice, here are some decisions you willneed to make:

> Community. Draw up a list of communities you areconsidering so you can investigate them. There are a numberof factors to consider, from professional opportunities, toschooling for your children, to meeting the personal needs ofyou and your family.

> Size of practice. Do you want to work by yourself, in a smallgroup, in a large group, or in a practice with multiplespecialties? If you prefer a group practice, make sure that yourpractice style is compatible with the other members and thatyou share similar goals for the practice.

> Office location. Do you want to lease or buy property? Are youwilling to build office space or undertake substantialrenovations, or do you want existing office space? Is thelocation you have chosen convenient so that you can attractnew patients?

There are numerous other steps involved in opening an office —including hiring office staff, obtaining all the necessary licences,and renting or buying the necessary equipment and furniture.You’ll find a handy checklist at http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/professionals. In the navigation bar on the left, see Resources forProfessionals.

Financing your practiceThere are a number of financing options available that can betailored to your needs. These include:

> Term loans. Term loans are ideal for funding the purchase oflong-term assets or equipment necessary to your practice. Youcan also use them to finance business acquisitions orexpansions, or to refinance existing debt. They are availablewith both fixed and variable interest rates.

> Operating line of credit. An operating line of credit gives youeasy access to cash for your daily cash-flow needs. To reduceinterest charges, you can arrange to have your operating lineautomatically paid down with any surplus from your depositaccount balances on a daily basis. If your professional practiceis unincorporated, you may be able to take advantage of “cashdamming.” This tax-planning strategy converts the interest onyour personal debts — such as student loans, mortgages andother personal loans — into tax-deductible business expenses.To implement this strategy, the gross revenue generated byyour professional practice is used to pay off your personaldebts. Then, to cover your ongoing business operatingexpenses, you use a line of credit or other loan facility. Ineffect, your personal debt is replaced by business debt, whichmakes the interest costs tax-deductible.

> Business overdraft protection. Overdraft protection gives youthe peace of mind of knowing that your cheques will behonoured if you’re overdrawn, so that you don’t have to worryabout your day-to-day cash flow.

Before you approach a bank for financing, you should develop a business plan. A business plan is a document that provides a

financial analysis of your practice and helps the bank evaluateyour financial needs.

Your business plan will describe your services, analyze yourpotential source of patients, describe your marketing plans andproject your income and expenses from the practice.

If you’re unfamiliar with business plans, and don’t have a friendor family member with business planning experience to act as aresource, you may want to hire a consultant to help you prepareyour plan. Once your plan is prepared, it is a valuable tool formaking sure you are on track to reach your practice goals, and it should be updated annually.

Incorporation and your practiceTraditionally, doctors have operated their medical practices assole proprietorships and were prevented from enjoying thebenefits of incorporation available to other business owners.

But with changes in the laws governing incorporation over thepast several years, all provinces now permit doctors toincorporate. And while incorporation isn’t the right answer forevery doctor, it can have significant benefits.

If you incorporate and your practice generates $500,000 or less intaxable income (meaning income after expenses like salary andrent), any earnings that you retain in your company are taxed ata rate of about 18%. (The exact rate will depend on yourprovince of residence.)

These retained earnings can eventually be paid out as dividendsto you or another shareholder. In the meantime, they are taxed at a fairly low rate and can remain in the corporation and beinvested. And by paying out dividends in a year when you orthe other recipients have little income from other sources, they

may be taxed at a lower rate. You might even structure yourcorporation using different classes of shares, with one class ofshares for you and another class for another family member, andarrange dividend payments to attract the least amount of tax.

While incorporation can be a great benefit to many doctors, itmay not be appropriate for you. In general, incorporation is notbeneficial if you are salaried, have a relatively low income, orneed all of your ongoing income to pay salaries and expenses.

And unlike other business corporations, a professionalcorporation for a doctor does not protect you personally againstprofessional liability claims, so you must still ensure you havemalpractice and other liability coverage you need in place. Besure to consult with a tax professional, and your provincialCollege of Physicians and Surgeons, before making the move to incorporate.

Sanjay from Case 8 wondered about how physicians whopractice in a private office setting finance their business. Termloans, operating lines of credit and business overdraft protectionare financing options available to tailor to the needs ofphysicians with their own offices. Sanjay might also beinterested in the process of incorporating private practices.


Change in career path In the past, professionals graduated from school and workedsteadily until retirement. Today, career paths are more circuitous,and it is increasingly common for professionals to step off thepath, or change direction entirely. Some professionals take leavesto raise a family, and others decide to explore other opportunities.

Starting a familyRaising children usually involves one or both parents taking timeoff work — a difficult task for busy medical professionals who arebuilding a practice, need the income and are often self-employed.Planning in advance for an income reduction can reducefinancial stress during a maternity or paternity leave.

If you start a family during your residency or while you areemployed as a physician, you will be eligible for maternity orparental leave benefits under the federal government’sEmployment Insurance plan. Birth mothers are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave, and biological and adoptive parents(mother or father) are entitled to 35 weeks of parental leavebenefits. The benefit amount is 55% of your average earnings upto a yearly maximum insurable amount of $42,300 (in 2009). Thismeans you can receive a maximum payment of $447 per week.

If you are self-employed, you are not eligible for governmentmaternity or parental leave benefits. However, your provincialmedical association may provide both pregnancy leave benefitsand parental leave benefits to physicians who have practisedmedicine or completed a residency program.

If you want to take an extended leave while you raise a family, thebest way to realize that goal is to begin planning well in advanceso that you can start a savings fund and reduce your debt.

Take care to not overextend your financial obligations. Askyourself whether your family could carry your current debt loadfor one year on one salary. Try living on one salary to see if it isfeasible. Consider any cost savings you may achieve by stayinghome — for example, you may be able to save on childcare costs,or you may need only one car.

If you know that there will still be a gap between your familyincome and your expenses, consider whether part-time workmight be a solution. Many people find that working part-timeallows them to enjoy the benefits of having a career whilemaximizing their time with their families.

Taking a sabbatical leaveWhile a career in medicine can be both rewarding andchallenging, many professionals make strategic use of leaves ortransition periods to undertake further study in theirprofessions. Some use the time to provide medical servicesabroad, and others choose to travel for pleasure. Whatever thereason, a sabbatical leave can be an excellent opportunity torecharge your batteries and explore new opportunities.

Some employers offer sabbatical programs that allow you to self-fund a leave on a tax-advantaged basis. For example, youcan draw three years’ salary over four years and take the fourthyear off. This allows you to reduce the taxes you pay in each year,and provides you with an income during your year off — and itdoes not involve any extra expense for your employer.

An unfunded leave requires a separate savings and investmentstrategy. To avoid further debt obligations, you’ll need to savenow for a future leave to avoid increasing your current debt load.Again, advance planning is the key to realizing this goal.Calculating the costs involved well before your actual leave startslets you set money aside to pay for your sabbatical.

Financial security: The ultimate goalHow much does it take to provide financial security? A hundredthousand dollars? A million? There is no single answer. Theamount of money needed to achieve financial security will varyby individual.

At its most basic level, financial security simply means havingthe resources you need to make life decisions and live yourdesired lifestyle without worry. Financial security can provideyou with a number of career and life options, including earlyretirement, career flexibility and the freedom to pursue otherinterests. The earlier you realize financial security, the earlierthose options are available to you.

One of the biggest obstacles that may stand in the way of yourfinancial security is the difficulty you may have living withinyour means. At this stage of your career, when you have beenmanaging for a long time as a low-income student, it is hard toimagine that you may have trouble living on a doctor’s salary.

The problem many professionals face is that they borrowextensively to finance their lifestyles. Because of their highsalaries, it is easy to arrange financing — and easy to becomeoverextended.

For example, if you take on a $750,000 mortgage, you’ll be payingmore than $4,300 a month in mortgage payments — or morethan $52,000 a year — based on an interest rate of 5% for 25 years.

You’ll also be paying more than $558,000 in interest charges overthat time period, in addition to paying back the principal

One of the advantages Lindsey from Case 1 may consider isguaranteed financial support while taking maternity leave during residency.

Your RBC Student Champion Can HelpYour RBC Student Champion is here to help you

identify — and reach — your financial goals. As your

primary contact, your RBC Student Champion will

provide you with banking, credit, and other tailored

financial solutions to meet your needs.

And as you complete your residency and start your

professional career, RBC Royal Bank will continue to

provide you with a full range of personal and

business products and solutions designed for you.

While some goals are shared by most people, like

buying a house, some of your goals will be specific to

your medical career, like owning a practice. Here are

some goals — both personal and professional — that

you may have, and some tips that can help you

achieve them. You can also locate Student

Champions online, at http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/

student/champions.



amount. That means payments of $1.3 million in total. If you add car payments, a vacation home, and private school for yourchildren, it can be difficult to keep up, never mind buildingwealth for the future.

One of the dangers of over-leveraging yourself is that you arerequired to keep working simply to pay for all the debt. Thatlimits the options available to you — including the option ofretiring early.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t buy an expensive home ora vacation property, but before you do, examine your financialsituation closely to see whether you can really afford it, orwhether the cost to your financial security is too high.


Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section C: Residency Program Profiles 29

RESIDENCY PROGRAMPROFILES

Section C

C-1 Nationwide Program Profiles 30

This chapter will provide information on each of the specialties. The Program Directors of each specialty were surveyed about their specialty. This information is unedited and fairly subjective. However,it tells a real story about each specialty and how one person got in.

Anesthesiology 31

Cardiac Surgery 37

Community Medicine 40

Dermatology 45

Diagnostic Radiology 47

Emergency Medicine 50

Family Medicine 54

Rural Family Medicine 61

General Surgery 64

Internal Medicine 69

Laboratory Medicine 74

Medical Genetics 87

Military Family Medicine 90

Neurology (Adult) 92

Neurology (Pediatric) 96

Neurosurgery 98

Nuclear Medicine 102

Obstetrics and 104Gynecology

Ophthalmology 109

Orthopedic Surgery 114

Otolaryngology 119

Pediatrics 122

Physical Medicine 129and Rehabilitation

Plastic Surgery 134

Psychiatry 137

Radiation Oncology 141

Urology 145

BackgroundA Word About Study MethodsIn order to reassure you that this information is reliable andconsistent, we outlined an a priori strategy for survey contact,administration, and follow-up. In this way we ensured that allProgram Directors were contacted and monitored using a fairlyrigorous approach. Below is a short summary of how thesurvey was administered.

The first step was to initiate correspondence with the ProgramDirectors by sending them the invitation letter. They werecontacted either by email, walk in, or telephone. If there weredifficulties after numerous emails, then the Program Directorwas telephoned. Once contact was made, they were sent theprogram survey by email and were asked to return it in sevento 10 days or sooner. If the survey was not returned after sevendays, another email was sent reminding the Program Directorof the outstanding survey.

Prior to the finalization of the survey results, ProgramDirectors who did not respond to the initial contact email wereemailed again to try and encourage their participation. Asubmission deadline of three weeks was required to ensure theprogram’s entry into this book.

In 2008-2009, all the current program directors, regardless ofthe previous program response, were recontacted throughmail, email or walk-in, to resubmit an updated programprofile. Program directors were given the option to submit anew profile, edit the pre-existing profile, leave the pre-existingprofile unedited, or choose not to respond. We received morethan 40 new profiles from programs that had previously neverresponded.

What We FoundNearly 85% of the Program Directors returned thequestionnaire after receiving numerous follow-up reminders.

There was considerable variation in response rates betweenspecialties with some as low as 40% (e.g., Family Medicine)and others as high as 100% (e.g., Anesthesia). Some of thereasons cited by the section editors for lack of response were 1) directors refused to participate, 2) directors did not respondto any contact, and 3) students were directed to the CaRMSWebsite. Programs that did not participate in the survey werelisted as DNP (did not participate) and are identified.

Note: Information regarding the Program Trends was compiledfrom statistics obtained from the CaRMS Website(http://www.carms.ca). Please note that the Program Directorsmay have changed since completing this survey.

Further TrainingIn all specialties, residents have the opportunity to pursuefurther training. In this edition, we have outlined potentialopportunities in each residency specialty section.Opportunities for further training from that residency programare listed in categories by their accreditation status. Mostprograms are classified as being accredited by the RoyalCollege of Physicians and Surgeons, accreditation withoutcertification (there is no examination or certification by theRoyal College upon completion of the program), Certificates ofSpecial Competence and fellowships offered without RoyalCollege status. In some programs, opportunities arecategorized in different categories more applicable to thatspecialty.

Alex from Case 4 was interested in specializing in treatingGlaucoma. This career path involves further training aftercompletion of an Ophthalmology residency program. Residentsmay choose to complete a fellowship to improve their odds ofemployment in a given specialty or simply out of interest in thefield. More information about Alex and his pursuit of hisspecialty can be found on p. 233.


NATIONWIDE PROGRAM PROFILESC-1

Section C: Residency Program Profiles 30

Description of SpecialtyAnesthesiology is a dynamic specialty that integrates physiology,pharmacology, and technical skills in the provision ofperioperative care, critical care, emergency care, and painmanagement. Duties of an Anesthesiologist in the surgicalsetting include preoperative assessment, pain control, andsupport of life functions during surgery, and supervision ofpostoperative care in the recovery room. In the ICU,Anesthesiologists care for critically ill patients by providingairway management, cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation,advanced life support, and pain control. Anesthesiologists alsowork in the maternity unit, diagnostic imaging department, andpain clinic to provide acute and chronic pain relief. Accordingly,Anesthesiology is a relatively flexible and mobile specialty.

Overview of ProgramAll programs in Anesthesia are five years in duration. In general,the PGY1 year is a Basic Clinical Training Year that offers theresident exposure to a broad range of medical care. The PGY2-5are designed to complete the requirements set out by the RoyalCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This consists of30 months of clinical Anesthesia, six months of InternalMedicine and its subspecialties, six months of Adult, Pediatricand Neonatal Critical Care, and six months of elective time.Within Clinical Anesthesia, rotations are completed inObstetrical, Cardiac, Neuro and Regional Anesthesia, as well asPain Therapy.

Accredited programs> Anesthesia Research (if Clinician Investigator Program)

Certificate of Special Competence> Critical Care (3 years Anesthesia, Cardiac Surgery, Emergency

Medicine, General Surgery or Internal Medicine requiredbefore entry)

Fellowships offered without Royal College Status

> Acute and Chronic pain> Airway/Simulation> Ambulatory Anesthesia> Blood Conservation> Cardiothoracic Anesthesia> Chronic Pain> General Pediatric Anesthesia> Hepatobiliary Anesthesia> Neuroanesthesia and Trauma> Neurosurgical Anesthesia> Obstetric Anesthesia> Pain Management> Pediatric Anesthesia> Pediatric Chronic Pain> Pediatric Critical Care (3 years Anesthesia, Cardiac Surgery,

Emergency Medicine, General Surgery or Internal Medicinerequired before entry)

> Perioperative Medicine> Regional Anesthesia> Thoracic Anesthesia> Transoesophageal Echocardiography> Transplantation (Heart/Lung/Liver)> Trauma Anesthesia> Vascular Anesthesia

** See http://www.cas.ca/research/acuda_fellowships/ACUDA2006.pdf for a completelisting of durations and locations of Postgraduate Fellowships in Anesthesia.

2009 Quota – Total Positions 111Quota IMG Quota

Dalhousie University 4 1

McGill University 6 –

McMaster University 6 1

Memorial University 4 –

Queen’s University 4 –

Université de Montréal 10 –

Université de Sherbrooke 6 –

Université Laval 9 –

University of Alberta 4 –

University of British Columbia 10 –

University of Calgary 5 –

University of Manitoba 5 –

University of Ottawa/Université d’Ottawa 8 2

University of Saskatchewan 7 2

University of Toronto 15 3

University of Western Ontario 8 2

IMGs enter a competitive pool with domestic graduates in Manitoba and Quebec. IMGsparticipate in a parallel match in the remaining provinces for the first iteration of CaRMS.

Reproduced with permission from CaRMS. The editors assume the responsibility for theaccuracy of the reproduced data.

Strengths: Dedicated teaching staff. All subspecialty areascovered in program. Outstanding airway management trainingand simulator sessions.

Other Key Features: Strong Regional Anesthesia program withdedicated staff trained in Regional Anesthesia. Teaching blockfor junior residents (four weeks). Improved research initiativesand infrastructure.

Common Clinical Encounters: Unexpected hypotension in theOR. Cardiac ischemia in the OR. Unexpected desaturation in theOR. Major trauma with surgical shock. Massive hemorrhageintraoperatively.

Clinic ReadingWorkload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) Call

First third of program 40–48 2–4 No call

Second third of program 40–48 4–6 1/5

Final third of program 40–48 6–12 1/5

Research Expectations: Residents must undertake a researchproject as part of the program toward education goals forscholar/profession (CANMEDS roles).

Areas to Improve Program: Improve Regional Anesthesiateaching (currently under way). Further stress on researchteaching and assistance.

Dalhousie UniversityDr. Narendra Vakharia

Department of AnesthesiaQEII Health Sciences CentreCentennial Building 1278 Tower Road, Halifax NS B3H 2Y9Tel: (902) 473-2325, Fax: (902) 473-1035Email: [email protected]: http://anesthesia.medicine.dal.ca

ANESTHESIOLOGY


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesia. Intensive Care. Other.

> Other: Anesthesia Elective. Anesthesia reference. Strong personalletter.

Strengths: Varied clinical exposure with multiple hospital sites.Scheduling based on residents’ educational needs.

Other Key Features: N/A

Common Clinical Encounters: N/A

Workload: Clinic (hrs/week): N/A

Research Expectations: All residents highly encouraged tocomplete research project but not mandatory. Usually completedat PGY3-5 level. Amount of research done dependent oneducational and career needs of individual resident.

Areas to Improve Program: Increased training of faculty in neweracademic areas like management and quality assurance.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Anesthesia. Subspecialty

Anesthesia: Pediatric/Obstetric/Cardiac/Regional. Pain: acuteand/or chronic.

> Other: Solid academic record. Enthusiasm for specialty.Knowledge of long-term demands of career in Anesthesia.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three, due byCaRMS application deadline.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: Personal lettersubmitted with CaRMS application and due by CaRMSapplication deadline.

Strengths: Full protected academic day per week with junior andsenior academic components. 2:1 ratio of faculty to resident foroptimal teaching exposure. Resident involvement in learningthrough simulation opportunities.

Other Key Features: All the necessary elements are availablewithin the program to ensure that trainees have excellenttraining opportunities to meet the Royal College requirement forspecialty practice in Anesthesiology. The emphasis of theprogram is to train individuals to be competent and safepractitioners. The residents and faculty members are dedicatedto maintaining the program at the highest standard and worktogether to continually enhance the training opportunities.

Common Clinical Encounters: Full range of adult and pediatricanesthetic services offered at the four city hospital locations.Obstetrical Anesthesia opportunities. Preoperative clinicsinvolving patient assessments and consultations in preparationfor surgery. Acute pain service activities. Off-service medicinerotations in major specialties, Intensive Care and Coronary Careunits.

Workload: First third of program: Regular rotations in theoperating rooms at the major hospitals approximately four daysper week. Clinic assignments on average of twice per month. Callas per the PAIRO contract but averages to 1 in 5 to 1 in 6 duringanesthesia rotations and 1 in 4 during medicine rotations.Second third of program: As above, with graded responsibility.Final third of program: As above, with graded responsibility.

Research Expectations: Throughout the training period,residents are expected to prepare one poster presentation andcomplete one research project for presentation at the annualresident research day. Other scholastic activities involvingstudies in adult education may qualify for research requirement.

Areas to Improve Program: Continue to augment theinfrastructure for research opportunities. Increase the number ofsites for elective experience to increase the exposure tovariations in Anesthesia practice.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesia. Internal Medicine

(Respirology, Cardiology). Critical Care.

> Other: Gain an understanding of the requirements and scopeof the specialty practice. Understand the unique features of thevarious training programs. Pursue elective opportunities in thespecialty of a sufficient duration to appreciate the nature of thespecialty practice.

Strengths: Small program. High faculty-to-resident ratio. Highvolume of hands-on clinical experience.

Other Key Features: Availability of patient simulator.

Common Clinical Encounters: Airway management cases.Emergency surgery for trauma. Neurosurgery. Cardiac cases.Other rotation specific cases.

Memorial University of NewfoundlandDr. Jeremy Pridham

Discipline of AnaesthesiaHealth Sciences Centre, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-7183, Fax: (709) 777-6506Email: [email protected] Assistant: Heather BraggTel: (709) 777-7183Email: [email protected]: http://www.med.mun.ca/anesthesia/

McMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Fred Baxter

McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Anesthesia, Room 2U2 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5 Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 75170, Fax: (905) 523-1224 Email: [email protected] Program Assistant: Mrs. Judy PaceTel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 75170, Fax: (905) 523-1224Email: [email protected]

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Caroline Goyer

Royal Victoria Hospital Room F9.16, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montreal QC H3A 1A1Tel: (514) 934-1934, ext. 35342, Fax: (514) 843-1488Email: [email protected]: http://www.mcgill.ca/anesthesia/


Workload: Please see CaRMS Website for information.

Research Expectations: Residents take part in research at alllevels of their training.

Areas to Improve Program: More full-time faculty.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Emergency room. Anesthesia.

General Medicine.

> Other: Acceptable academic record and academic potential.Interest in the specialty. Information on clinical ability fromreference letters.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: A minimum of threeconfidential reference letters are required from staff physicians.At least a practising anesthesiologist should write one of thesethree letters of reference. Three more letters of reference, whilenot necessary, will be considered in addition to the first threeletters mentioned above, thus six letters of reference in total will be accepted.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: A personal letter is required. Candidates may wish to describe importantachievements, extracurricular activities, and personal goalsduring residency or anything else that can give the selectioncommittee an idea of who the candidate is as a person.

Strengths: Small, friendly department. Motivated faculty.Outstanding residents.

Other Key Features: Our program will train residents to besuccessful in their Royal College exams and become confident,competent consultants in Anesthesiology.

Common Clinical Encounters: Elective surgery. Emergencycases. Obstetrical anesthesia. Emergency airway management.Trauma surgery.

Hospital/Clinic Work Reading

Workload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) Call

First third of program 80 5 N/A

(20 of those

on call)

Second third of program 70 10–15 N/A(20 of those

on call)

Final third of program 60 20+ N/A

(15 of those

on call)

Research Expectations: All residents are expected to do aresearch project between PGY2 and 4.

Areas to Improve Program: The success of our program dependson the residents themselves. We allow flexibility to cater to theneeds and requirements of the residents; therefore,improvements required depend on the needs of the residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesia. ICU.

Cardiology/Respirology.

> Other: Do some electives so you are aware of what ourspecialty involves. Demonstrate some aptitude in Anesthesia.Be comfortable dealing with emergency, life-threateningsituations.

Strengths: Number and variety of clinical cases. Outstandingclinical teachers with different backgrounds. One teacher: oneresident clinical day teaching.

Other Key Features: 35–40 residents in the five-year residencyprogram. 6 sites of training and more than 100 clinical teachers.4 months of electives. Up to three months of protected researchtime can be taken. Good exposition to regional anesthesia.

Common Clinical Encounters: Anesthesia for: General surgery,gynecology, obstetrics, urology, orthopedics, plastic surgery,neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, ENT, etc. Adult and pediatric.Everything in anesthesiology but hepatic and pancreatic graft.Well-organized intensive care units and pain clinics.

Clinic Work ReadingWorkload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) Call

First third of program 40–50 10–15 1 in 6

Second third of program 40–50 10–15 1 in 6

Final third of program 40–50 10–15 1 in 6

Research Expectations: One project per resident during theresidency. Three months protected.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: A good knowledge of spoken and

written French language is mandatory. An elective expositionto anesthesia is not an obligation.

> Other: Contact our residents and get an inside perspective ofour program.

Université de LavalMonsieur Jean-Pierre Morin, MD

Département d’anesthésiologiePavillon Ferdinand-VandryBureau 2427, Université Laval, Québec QC GIV 0A6Tel: (418) 656-3685, Fax: (418) 656-3821Email: [email protected] Person: Mme Céline Roy Email: [email protected]

Queen’s UniversityDr. Melanie Jaeger

Department of AnesthesiologyVictory 2, Room 3-203Kingston General HospitalQueen’s University76 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 548-2482, Fax: (613) 548-1375Administrative AssistantMrs. Kim AsselstineEmail: [email protected]


Hospital/Clinic Work Reading


First year N/A 1 night/week 1 weekend/4

Second year N/A 1 night/week 1 weekend/4

Third year N/A 1 night/week 1 weekend/4

Resident: Clinical Teacher Ratio: 1:1

Research Expectations: The program encourages residents to participate in the creation and dissemination of emergingknowledge. All residents must prepare at least two presentationsand are especially encouraged to participate in research projectsto be presented at local, provincial, or national competitions.

Benefits of the Program Include: Four weeks of vacation, sevenwork days/year available to study for major exams, seven daysavailable for conferences and expenses partially covered, time offfor FRMQ conference, annual reimbursement toward residencyprogram fees, conferences, and textbooks.

Departmental Resources Include: Up-to-date library, access toelectronic Medline and Internet, clerical support (two), researchnurse, A/V support, hand-held organizer.

Strengths: Commitment of the program to provide the bestpossible training for our residents.

Other Key Features: Template for CanMEDS 2000 roles alreadywell under way. Strong academic program. Residents haveexposure to the simulator.

Common Clinical Encounters: Preoperative assessment ofpatients in the Pre-Admission Clinic. Regional Anesthesia for hipor knee replacement surgery. Invasive monitoring for open heartsurgery. Inhalation induction of Anesthesia in pediatric groups.Assessment and treatment of patients for postoperative pain.


First third of program 80 2 1/4

Second third of program 60 5 1/4

Final third of program 50 20 1/5

Research Expectations: 1st year — none. 2nd year — design a project and present at Research Day. 3rd year — project inprogress. 4th year — complete project and publish results.Funding is available for one year of research for those interested.

Areas to Improve Program: Residents should be more involved inteaching others. Seek ways to enhance clinical experience whileon shorter rotations.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Exposure to routine Anesthesia.

Pediatric Anesthesia. Chronic pain. ICU.

> Other: Demonstrate your interest in Anesthesia by doingelective time. Good academic performance. Well-rounded lifeexperience.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three referenceletters, including at least one from an anesthesiologist orintensivist. These are due on the day before Program Webstation(PWS) can access applicants’ files.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: This personal lettershould include your reasons for joining the specialty, the reasonswhy you wish to come to UBC for training, your particularattributes, and your career goals. In particular, you will need to include what characteristics you possess, based on specificexamples from your own past experiences (both in medicine and outside of medicine) that you believe would make you agood Anesthesiologist. This letter should be about one to twopages in length. The due date is the same as for the referenceletters above.

Strengths: Full academic day September to May. Anesthesiasimulator. Broad clinical exposure.

Other Key Features: The selection committee is composed ofboth faculty and residents, and assesses two broad categories:the quality of the file as provided via CaRMS and the interview.

Both are done as objectively as possible, including the use of astandard interview, and are done by multiple members of thecommittee. Historically, we have offered invitations forinterviews to approximately 50% of the CaRMS applicants. Themedical school of the applicant, and where the Anesthesiaelective was performed, are not criteria for selection. Studentsinvited for an interview will be required to post their

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director: Peter Moliner

AnesthésiologieCHUS3001 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 14950, Fax: (819) 820-6413Contact Person: Mme Lise GilbertEmail: [email protected]

University of British Columbia Program Director: Dr. Clinton Wong

UBC Dept. of AnesthesiaRoom 3200, 910 West 10th Ave., Vancouver BC V5Z 4E3Tel: (604) 875-4111 Fax: (604) 875-5344Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Candace CheungEmail: [email protected]: http://www.anesthesia.med.ubc.ca

University of AlbertaDr. Ramona Kearney

Department of Anesthesiology & Pain MedicineUniversity of Alberta HospitalClinical Sciences Building, Room 8-120Edmonton AB T6G 2G3Tel: (780) 407-1877 Fax: (780) 407-7461 Program Administrator: Marilyn Blake, Tel: (780) 407-1877Email : [email protected]: http://www.med.ualberta.ca/departments/anesthesiology/


photographs to the CaRMS Website, to be made available to ourprogram prior to the interview day.

Common Clinical Encounters: This is difficult to answer. There isa full range of clinical scenarios seen by our Anesthesia residents.

Workload: First third of program: All call is within the PAR-BCcontract, which currently states no more than one-in-four call.From PGY2 onwards, during most, but not all, Anesthesia clinicalrotations, residents are excused from clinical duties on the dayprior to the night call and are excused from clinical duties postnight call. Residents are also protected from clinical dutiesduring the academic days, for which attendance is expected.Residents are expected to read around their clinical cases,around topics covered for the academic days, and to alsocomplete their own reading schedules.Second third of program: As above. Call during off-servicerotations (e.g., Internal Medicine and Critical Care rotations)vary with the rotation. Most of these off-service rotations occurduring the PGY3 year.Final third of program: In the two weeks preceding the writtenand oral RCPSC examinations in the PGY5 year, residents areexcused from all call, and for four weeks preceding these twoexams are excused from all weekend call. Residents areencouraged to begin studying for the written examination in thePGY4 year. Much of the PGY5 year is spent developing skills forbeing a consultant specialist and preparing for the written andoral RCPSC examinations.

Research Expectations: The expectation is that all residents do atleast one research project or quality assurance project sometimeduring their residency and present their project at the annualUBC Anesthesia resident research competition in June. Theoptimal time for this project is from the latter part of the PGY2year to the PGY4 year (at the latest). Suitable residents may applyfor the UBC Clinical Investigator Program (CIP), during whichtime a Master’s degree could be obtained.

Areas to Improve Program: Larger physical space for academicdays. Greater number of clinical rotations to accommodate theincreasing medical school size and the number of Anesthesiaresidents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesia.

> Other: Fully understand what a career in Anesthesiologyentails to ensure this truly meets your expectations. Spend atleast one elective in Anesthesia to facilitate this and to generatea reference letter to demonstrate to us the referee feels youhave the qualities that make you a good Anesthesia residentand ultimately a good Anesthesiologist.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Maximum three.Deadline published by CaRMS each year.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: See CaRMS Websitefor details.

Strengths: Large group of dedicated faculty. Clinical volume andvariety. Well-rounded residents.

Other Key Features: Rotations for each year of training are pre-determined. Internal Medicine rotations are not done all at once.An elective in our program is not a necessity, but familiarity withour program is expected. Our Program Manual and Goals &Objectives Manual are easily accessible online.

Common Clinical Encounters: General Anesthetic, RegionalAnesthetic, Regional Analgesia, including Obstetrical,Preoperative Consult, Trauma.

Workload: This does not vary systematically across the five yearsof training but differs significantly among residents — best to askthem for a range of responses. There is an academic half dayeach week and various rounds. Our online Program Manualcontains a lengthy description of responsibilities, callrequirements, and teaching.

Research Expectations: Requirements are not expressed in termsof the time spent or level achieved. The Scholarly Activity Logmust be completed each year and two formal presentations atResidents’ Research Day are required.

Areas to Improve Program: On-site simulator facility (in theplanning stages). We currently travel to Edmonton for simulatorexperience. Increased departmental research infrastructure.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesia, critical care, internal

medical consults.

> Other: Get enough exposure to the specialty so that youunderstand what it’s about. Demonstrate suitability to thespecialty. Demonstrate the attributes of a good physician.

Strengths: Broad-based clinical exposure. Regional Anesthesiaand acute and chronic pain management. Small program withexcellent staff–resident relationship.

Other Key Features: This is a solid clinical program, with verygood morale on both the part of residents and staff.

Common Clinical Encounters: Low-risk anesthesia in same-dayadmission setting. Labour analgesia. High-risk (thoracic,vascular, neuro) surgery. Pre-anesthetic outpatient clinic.Regional anesthesia for upper and lower extremity.

Workload: N/A

University of Manitoba Dr. R. Brown

Dept. of AnesthesiaUniversity of ManitobaLB315-60 Pearl Street, Winnipeg MB R3E 1X2Tel: (204) 787-8850 Fax: (204) 787-4291Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Laura-Lee BouchardEmail: [email protected] or [email protected]: http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/anesthesia/

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Joel Fox, MD, FRCPC

Foothills Medical Centre1403 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-1991 Fax: (403) 944-2425Email: [email protected] Secretary: Ms. Elizabeth CookEmail: [email protected]


Research Expectations: Must do a scholarly activity project, upto six months of scholarly time, various options for scholarlywork (clinical/basic science research, Q/A, reviews).

Areas to Improve Program: Improve scholarly activities structureand consistency—ongoing. Improve harmonization of goals andobjectives with evaluation material for better clarity and consistency.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesia. Intensive care.

Emergency.

> Other: Demonstration of critical care aptitude. Demonstrationof manual skills. Demonstration of team abilities—all threemay be indicated by clinical assessments from relevantrotations and letters of reference.

Strengths: Commitment to individualized and personalizedresident education. Highly qualified and strongly motivatedteaching faculty, with excellent program resources. Commitmentto excellence in clinical experience and academics, withoptimized service requirements.

Other Key Features: Our five-year training program is fullyaccredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons ofCanada. While complying with specialty training requirements,we strive to individualize rotations and electives according toresident needs and career goals. The program is organized foreducation and not service. Residents are released from clinicalduties for core didactic seminars, which occur weekly on Fridayafternoons with a full academic day, once every four weeks. Theprimary clinical experience is second to none, with all areas ofsubspecialty practice available. Research is mandatory andPGY2-4 residents must present annually at our Residents’Research Day. A funded and supported fully functional medicalsimulation program for all residents in place. This is led by theDirector of Medical Simulation.

Common Clinical Encounters: Orthopedic procedures, emergentand elective General surgical procedures, emergent and elective.Intra-cranial procedures, emergent and elective. Pediatricprocedures, emergent and elective. Obstetrical procedures,emergent and elective.

Workload: Call generally varies throughout the residency from1:5 to 1:8. Residents are released from clinical duties for coredidactic seminars, which occur weekly on Friday afternoons witha full academic day, once every four weeks. We have monthlyjournal club/research meetings and an active Visiting ProfessorProgram. Grand rounds and case rounds, with staff and residentparticipation, are weekly. Talk/case discussion rounds are heldweekly as well. Throughout residency, adequate time is affordedfor academic activity/reading, etc.

Research Expectations: Research is mandatory and PGY2-4residents must present annually at our Residents’ Research Day.PGY5 residents are encouraged to present but this is notmandatory. Presentations at major national meetings are fullyfunded and supported. Residents can become involved inresearch in any clinical department, basic science group, or incollaboration with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

Areas to Improve Program: More time to do what we want to do.More resources to do it with.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesiology. Intensive Care.

Pain Management. A broad-based multi-disciplinary electiveexperience is encouraged.

> Other: Strong general clinical and Anesthesiology knowledge.Exposure to Anesthesiology (electives) and researchmethodology. Good interpersonal skills. Demonstrate yourinterest in Anesthesia by doing elective time. Good academicperformance. Well-rounded life experience.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three letters byCaRMS closing date.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: Answer questionsposted on CaRMS Website by submission date for CaRMSapplications. Questions may change this year.

Strengths: Wide variety of cases and training sites. Extensivedidactic and informal teaching program and use of anesthesiapatient simulator. Excellent research opportunities.

Other Key Features: Excellent clinical exposure, dedicatedtalented teaching staff, highest research output in Canada (oneof biggest in North America). Anesthesia simulator.

Common Clinical Encounters: Preoperative clinics, perioperativemanagement. All subspecialty areas of Anesthesia: General,Neuro, CVS, Thoracic, Urology, ENT, Plastics, Pediatrics,Obstetrics, Transplantation, etc. Regional Anesthesia. Acute andChronic Pain Management. Intensive Care exposure: three to sixmonths. Six months of relevant Internal Medicine training: CCU,Respirology, Nephrology, medical consults, elective.

Workload: 10-hour days, off after call. Currently 24-hour call—may be reduced in future. Call 1/5 on average. Reading dependson residents. Clinical commitments, frequency of call does notchange from year to year.

Research Expectations: Research not mandatory but isencouraged. Usually commences in PGY3 year. Option to doMaster’s, e.g., M. Education or M. Epidemiology. May enroll intwo-year Clinician Scientist Program with view to achievingMaster’s or Ph.D.

University of Toronto Program Director: Dr. Mark Levine

Department of Anesthesia, University of TorontoFitzGerald Building, Room 121150 College Street, Toronto ON M5S 3E2Tel: (416) 946-0608, Fax: (416) 978-2408Program Assistant: Jennifer MorrisTel: (416) 946-0608Email: [email protected] or [email protected]: http://www.anesthesia.utoronto.ca/education/postgraduate.htm

University of SaskatchewanDr. Mateen Raazi

Residency Program DirectorDepartment of Anesthesiology, Peri-operative Medicine and PainManagementUniversity of SaskatchewanRoyal University Hospital103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N 0W8Tel: (306) 655-1193, Fax: (306) 655-1279Email: [email protected]


Areas to Improve Program: Improve communication — emailhelps. Improve evaluation of program by residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesia, Critical Care

Medicine, any Internal Medicine or Surgical specialty.

> Other: Be aware of the scope and opportunities for Anesthesia.Some, but definitely not only, Anesthesia electives.Demonstrate an ability to contribute to the specialty.

Strengths: Intermediate program size. High case volume andvariety. Strong didactic and research programs.

Other Key Features: Balance of large volume of clinical cases(high acuity) and academic/research programs. Highlydeveloped subspecialty programs. Friendly environment,Collegial relationship of staff and residents. Highly committedProgram Director and postgraduate education committee.Excellent quality of life and community in London andsurrounding Southwestern Ontario. Opportunity to pursue high-quality selective rotations in rural areas.

Common Clinical Encounters: Anesthesia for high-risk patients.Cardiac, Neuro, Transplant, OB, Trauma, Vascular, Thoraces.Active Preadmission program. Regional Anesthesia for upper andlower extremity. Strong multidisciplinary Pain Program. Strongoff-service rotations in Cardiology, CCU, Adult and Peds ICU,Respirology, Blood Bank.


First third of program 40+ 8 1:5 Off post call

Second third of program 40+ 8 1:5 Off post call

Final third of program 40+ 8 1:5 Off post call

Research Expectations: One research project includingpresentation. M.Sc. level courses taken as an elective.

Areas to Improve Program: Complete consolidation of services,which is already under way. Integration of CanMEDS 2000 rolesof RCPSC — in progress at present.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesia. ICU. Internal

Medicine, Emergency Medicine.

> Other: Strong overall academic record. Solid letters ofreference. Evidence of a high degree of integrity, maturity, andcommitment.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité de MontréalFrançois Girard, Département d’anesthésiologie Université de Montréal C.P. 6128, succ. Centre-ville Montréal (Québec), H3C 3J7Tel: (514) 343-6466, Fax: (514) 343-6961Email: [email protected]

University of Ottawa – Ottawa and NOSM StreamsDr. Linda WynneOttawa Hospital, Civic Campus1053 Carling Ave., Room B310 Ottawa ON K1Y 4E9 Tel: (613)761-4169 Option #2; Fax: (613) 761 5209Program Assistant: Holly Ladouceur Tel: (613) 761-4169 Option #2Email: [email protected] Post-graduate Program Coordinator-NOSM: Kim CampbellTel: (705) 662-7103 Email [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyCardiac Surgery is that branch of surgery concerned withdiseases of the pericardium, heart, and great vessels. Some of the operative procedures employed include coronary arterybypass, valve repair or replacement, replacement of the aorta,heart transplantation, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, anda myriad of procedures for congenital abnormalities. CardiacSurgery is a demanding, technical specialty that entails workingwith an operating room team, including specialized nurses,pump technicians, and Anesthesiologists. New nonacademiccardiac surgery centres are slated to open in the near future.

Overview of ProgramThe training requirements of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Cardiac Surgery mandate six years of postgraduate training after medical school. The first two years are considered core years and include a broad base ofclinical experience in General Medicine, General Surgery,Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Cardiology,Respirology, Emergency Care, and Intensive Care. This willprepare the resident for Part II of the MCCQE exam and thePrinciples of Surgery examination taken early in the PGY3 year.The PGY3 to PGY6 years include six months as senior resident inGeneral or Vascular Surgery, six months as assistant resident inAdult Cardiac Surgery, six months as senior resident in PediatricCardiac Surgery, six months as senior resident in ThoracicSurgery, one year as senior resident in Adult Cardiac Surgery, and one year of academic enrichment. For those considering an academic career, this can consist of a laboratory or clinicalresearch year that may lead to an M.Sc. or Ph.D.

Accredited programs> Critical Care Medicine (3 years Anesthesia, Cardiac Surgery,

Emergency Medicine, General Surgery or Internal Medicinerequired before entry)

Certificate of Special Competence> Cardiothoracic Surgery> Vascular Surgery (available to graduates of General Surgery,

Cardiac Surgery, and Cardiothoracic residency programs)

CARDIAC SURGERY

University of Western OntarioDr. Jeff Granton

Department of Anesthesia University Hospital 339 Windermere Road, B3-218 London ON N6A 5A5 Tel: (519) 663-3283 Fax: (519) 663-3079Email: [email protected] or [email protected]: http://anesthesia.lhsc.on.ca/


Fellowships offered without Royal College Status> Adult Cardiac Surgery> Cardiothoracic Transplant Surgery> Pediatric Cardiac Surgery


Dalhousie University 1 –


McMaster University 1 –

Memorial University – –

Queen’s University – –


Université de Sherbrooke – –

Université Laval – –





University of Ottawa/Université d’Ottawa 1 –

University of Saskatchewan – –


University of Western Ontario 1 –



Strengths: Tremendous operative experience, including complexcardiac cases and emergencies. Residents perform the majorityof cases where they scrub. High ratio of staff surgeon and clinicalmaterial to resident trainee. Infrastructure in place for residentsto perform both basic science and clinical research of very highquality during their training.

Other Key Features: We are a small training program withunparalleled opportunities for learning complex cardiacprocedures from direct surgical experience. In addition, theresearch opportunities in relevant basic science and clinicalinvestigation at Dalhousie are second to none.

Common Clinical Encounters: Coronary bypass, includingoffpump techniques and exclusive arterial revascularization.Aortic valve replacement with a variety of approaches, includinghomograft, autograft, and stentless valves. Mitral repair andreplacement, including complex bi-leaflet procedures. Thoracicaortic surgery, including thoracoabdominal aneurysms, acutedissections, and traumatic tears. Surgery for heart failure,including mitral ring annuloplasty, ventricular remodelingsurgery, and heart transplantation.

Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: There are no set rules about research butthe typical resident will spend two to three years in dedicatedresearch training, either clinical or basic science. These residentsare strongly encouraged to obtain a graduate degree, and toenroll in the Dalhousie University Clinician InvestigatorProgram. To date, of the six most senior trainees, two haveearned Ph.D.s, and three have earned M.Sc. degrees. These aredistributed evenly between clinical and basic science research.All residents who have taken dedicated research time in Halifaxhave managed a number of peer-reviewed publications in high-quality journals, and have made several presentations atnational and international meetings.

Areas to Improve Program: More didactic teaching from ourstaff. A solution to the manpower needs of our service that hasno negative impact on the training program.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Cardiac Surgery, at Dalhousie if

at all possible. Cardiac Surgery at another Canadian university,with candid evaluations by staff who work closely with themmade available to us. Any other elective with an intense clinicalfocus and opportunity for significant student participation.

> Other: The applicant is urged to determine as accurately asthey can whether Cardiac Surgery is the right field for them. In this determination, students should include an honestappraisal of the workload and lifestyle issues that accompany asuccessful career in Cardiac Surgery. Develop interests outsidemedicine and pursue them with a high degree of enthusiasmand excellence. The applicant with an excellent medicalacademic record, who also has significant accomplishmentsoutside medicine, is hard to overlook. Learn to workcooperatively in a multidisciplinary team with real regard for all members regardless of professional background.

Strengths: Excellent clinical and academic training. All facets ofcardiac surgery — pediatric, transplant, valve repair, mechanicalsupport, aortic surgery. Clinical and basic science research.

Other Key Features: Constant one-on-one teaching. Level Itrauma centre.

Common Clinical Encounters: 1,200 cases/year. Cardiac surgerypatients.


First third of program N/A N/A 1/3 home

Second third of program N/A N/A 1/3 home

Final third of program N/A N/A 1/4 home

Research Expectations: 1 year. M.Sc. Possibility of Ph.D.

Areas to Improve Program: Physicians’ assistants.

McGill UniversityDr. Kevin Lachapelle

Division of Cardiovascular & Thoracic SurgeryThe Montreal General Hospital1650 Cedar Avenue, #C9.169, Montreal QC H3G 1A4Tel: (514) 934-1934, ext. 42835, Fax: (514) 934-8289Email: [email protected] Program Contact: Mrs. Emma LisiEmail: [email protected]

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Roger Baskett

New Halifax Infirmary, QEII HSC 1796 Summer Street, Room #2269Halifax NS B3H 3A7Tel: (902) 473-3808, Fax: (902) 473-4448Email: [email protected] Assistant:Deborah WhiteTel: (902) 473-3808Email: [email protected]: http://www.medicine.dal.ca/


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Cardiology. Willingness to learn.

> Other: Elective rotation.

Strengths: The University of Ottawa Heart Institute CardiacSurgery Residency Program has a long history of accomplishmentand success in the cardiovascular community in Canada. Residentsare given a broad operative experience with appropriatesupervision within a balanced work environment. The researchexposure is excellent, with most residents becoming involved inmajor peer-reviewed studies, manuscripts, and internationalpresentations. Finally, the greatest strength of Ottawa is thebeauty of the city. It undoubtedly is one of the greatest places tolive and raise a family. This factor combined with the excellencein delivery of cardiac care makes the Ottawa program second tonone in preparation of tomorrow’s cardiac surgeons.

Other Key Features: As a quaternary care center, all facets ofadult cardiac surgery are treated in Ottawa. An independentactive pediatric cardiac surgery Center with superb clinicalresults is also integral to the training program. Resident facilitiesfor study and education are excellent. A unique characteristic ofthe service involves the close cooperation and integration ofcardiac services in a dedicated independent building with closedaily interaction with cardiology and cardiac anesthesia. Thereare frequent teaching rounds involving the attending staff as wellas referring and consulting staff from the University for a varietyof care issues.

Common Clinical Encounters: Residents are given theopportunity for a broad exposure to inpatient and outpatientcardiac surgery care. The program received completeaccreditation with few recommendations for change from theRoyal College. Every cardiovascular disease is treated includingend-stage cardiac disease, transplantation, and pulmonaryhypertension. The valvular training is superb in particular withextraordinary exposure to mitral valve repair.

Workload: Residents rotating on the service will spend between two to three days in the operating theatre. At most levels, residentswill function as the first assistant or as the operator in senior yearsand the chief residency year. Residents are encouraged to attendoutpatient clinics once weekly. On-call schedules will include in-house call of the ICU only in junior years; subsequent call isfrom home with the frequency contingent on PAIRO guidelines.All residents are provided a dedicated half day for academic workwhere they are excused from clinical duties.

Research Expectations: All residents are expected to participatein clinical and/or basic science research. Mentorship is providedfrom the attending staff as well as senior residents. Closeintegration of the research facilities geographically directlybeside the clinical services facilitates the implementation of thisprocess. Several of the attending staff have extensive researchexperience and financial support from peer-reviewed funding.

Areas to Improve Program: All centres face difficulties withproviding optimum surgical exposure to residents at all levelsand current financial constraints and budgetary considerationslimit the potential for residents to be exposed to the best caseswhere they could complete the entire surgery from “skin to skin.”Recommendations by the Cardiac Care Network of Ontario tothe Ministry of Health have suggested the provision of adedicated operating theater without time constraints whereresources would be provided to facilitate teaching of this nature.We are lobbying to make this a reality.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> We strongly support students who are interested in the Ottawa

Program, to seek an elective with our unit. We try to facilitatethe elective student to address questions with research beforearriving in Ottawa so that they can integrate with the researchteam during their clinical elective. We encourage the medicalstudents to attend the operating theater as often as possible totake advantage of this surgical experience and we also requestthat they attend all academic rounds and clinics with surgeonsto optimize the quality of their rotation and their exposure tothe surgeons.

Strengths: Largest Cardiac Surgery service in Canada (three adulthospitals, one pediatric hospital). Strongest research (basic andclinical) in Canada. Dedicated surgeon teachers.


Common Clinical Encounters: Coronary artery disease. Aorticvalve disease. Mitral valve disease. Broad range of congenitalcardiac diseases. Aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: None during 1st year. Master’s levelminimum. Doctorate or higher preferred at end of program.

Areas to Improve Program: Ensure adequate operative exposure(>4,500 cases per year/four hospitals). Ongoing knowledgeevaluations of residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Cardiac surgery elective at

University of Toronto Cardiac Surgery site. Research experiencewith a staff Cardiac Surgery researcher. Cardiology.

> Other: Outstanding marks in medical school. Be prepared towork hard and to be rewarded with high “job satisfaction.”Have an academic Cardiac Surgery career as your end objective.

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. David Latter

Division of Cardiac SurgeryUniversity of TorontoSt. Michael’s Hospital30 Bond Street, Toronto ON M5B 1W8Tel: (416) 864-5366, Fax: (416) 864-6067Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Willa HartEmail: [email protected]

University of OttawaDr. Fraser Rubens

Cardiac Surgery University of Ottawa Heart Institute 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa ON K1Y 4W7 Tel: (613) 761-4720, Fax: (613) 761-4713 Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Small number of trainees. Graded responsibilities(both ward and OR). Excellent didactic program. Cutting-edgerobotics program. Excellent opportunities for research.

Common Clinical Encounters: Coronary and valvular disease.Critical care. Heart Failure.


First third of program 80 10–30 1:3 to 1:5

Second third of program 80 10–30 1:3 to 1:5

Final third of program 80 10–30 1:3 to 1:5

Research Expectations: PGY 3 year is “Academic Enrichment”and may be used for research. Many other opportunities exist.Research is not mandatory but is encouraged.

Areas to Improve Program: The congenital cardiac surgery rotationtakes place in Montreal for six months during the PGY 5 year.Currently, additional funding is not available to assist with this.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Broad-based training in Medicine

is encouraged.

Programs Not RespondingMcMaster UniversityContact Person: Dr. Victor ChuCardiac SurgeryMcMaster University1200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: 905-527-4322, Fax: 905 521 9992Program Assistant: Sarah GrossEmail: [email protected]

Université de MontréalProgram Director: Dr. Denis BouchardDépartement de chirurgie cardiaqueInstitut de Cardiologie de Montréal5000 Bélanger Est, Montréal QC H1T 1C8Tel: (514) 593-2511, Fax: (514) 593-2157Email: [email protected] Contact Person: Mme Lise CourchesneEmail :[email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Rod MacArthurRoom 5H2.32, Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences CentreUniversity of Alberta8440 - 112 Street, Edmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-7454, Fax: (780) 407-2184Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Ms. Diep DoTel: (780) 407-7454 Email: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaShahzad Karim UBC Division of Cardiovascular Surgery Room 484 – 1081 Burrard Street St. Paul’s Hospital Vancouver BC V6Z 1Y6 Tel: (604) 806-9307, Fax: (604) 806-9654 Academic Secretary: Maryam A. Milani [email protected]

University of CalgaryDr. John BurgessCardiac SciencesFoothills HospitalC880, 1403 29 th St NW CALGARY AB T2N 2T9 Tel : 403-944-2011 Fax: 403-270-3715Program Administrator: Christina FaulknerEmail: [email protected]

University of ManitobaDr. John LeeSt. Boniface General HospitalRoom Z3053 - 409 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg MB R2H 2A9Tel: (204) 237-2571, Fax: (204) 237-3429Email: [email protected] Secretary: Lesli Sutherland Tel: (204) 237-2438Email: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyCommunity Medicine is a broad field encompassing GeneralPreventative Medicine, Public Health, and OccupationalMedicine. It requires knowledge and expertise in biostatistics,management, epidemiology, health education, and healthservices administration. Community health physicians work inpublic health departments, other governmental services,hospitals, public agencies, research and academics, and familypractices. Community Medicine is also a specialty of particularrelevance to rural and international health.

Overview of ProgramThe Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada requires five years of post-MD training in Community Medicine. This includes 1) one or two years of clinical training:Residents often complete two years of clinical training under the auspices of the Family Medicine Residency Program, leading to eligibility for certification in Family Medicine (CCFP);2) a minimum of one academic year of course work inCommunity Medicine; and 3) a minimum of one year ofCommunity Medicine field placements.

COMMUNIT Y MEDICINE

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Mackenzie Quantz

University CampusLondon Health Sciences Centre339 Windermere Road, London ON N6A 5A5Tel: (519) 663-3181, Fax: (519) 663-3182Program Administrator: Liz MillarEmail: [email protected]



Dalhousie University – –




Northern Ontario School of Medicine 2 –









University of Ottawa/Université d’Ottawa – 2



University of Western Ontario – –



Strengths: McGill’s Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health programs are exciting and challenging, with opportunities for residents to choose from a wide variety of different research areas in public health. Most graduates go on to careers that continue to involve them in research activities,as public health physicians, planners, health departmentmanagers, or Epidemiologists. The large number of facultymembers at the Public Health Department and at the Universityallow for a very low resident-to-faculty ratio, which provides forindividualized resident support. The McGill program isassociated with the programs of the University of Montreal andUniversity of Sherbrooke, so all field placements in the threeinstitutions are open to all residents.

Other Key Features: Strong academic teaching units of McGillUniversity. Field placements are available in Quebec’s RegionalPublic Health Departments of the Montreal, Laval, Montérégie,and Outaouais health regions. With an urban population of 1.8million, the Montreal health region presents all the challenges ofmodern public health practice: empowering communities andneighbourhoods, dealing with poverty and undereducation, andcommunicating with different ethnic communities.

Common Clinical Encounters: Infectious diseasecontrol/immunization. Occupational and environmental health.

Health education and promotion. Planning and managingprograms and health services. Health status assessment andsurveillance/research and evaluation.

Workload: First third of program: Equivalent to first year ofFamily Medicine.Second third of program: Academic work at the department ofEpidemiology. Residents are not on call.Final third of program: Mandatory placements/electives inCommunity Medicine and/or clinical rotations. Residents who wish more clinical training may take up to onemore full year, either in Family Medicine, or in other clinical orlaboratory disciplines related to community health. This furtherclinical training may be either interspersed with the academicwork of the Master’s program and the field placements, or takenas larger blocks after academic training is complete. Residentsare not on call.

Research Expectations: None in first year. Master’s degrees inEpidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health at McGillUniversity (depending on interest and previous academictraining, possibility of Ph.D. or higher). Doctorate or higher.

Areas to Improve Program: More rural electives. Facilitateplacements outside Quebec.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Elective(s) in any fields of

community health during medical school or previously,including international health.

> Other: Elective(s) in community health during medical schoolor previously. Demonstrate ability to work in a multidisciplinaryteam. Demonstrate excellent communication skills.

Strengths: Common Clinical Encounters: Community Medicineresidents are based in community and governmental healthagencies and do not, per se, carry patient loads.

Workload: First third of program: This year focuses on the basicclinical rotations required by both the Royal College and FamilyMedicine, and is largely hospital-based. Two months of the PGY1year are spent on an introduction to Community Medicine toorient residents to the available Community Medicine resourcesin Hamilton and begin preparations for their academic work.Second third of program: These years are spent completing therequirements for certification in Family Medicine if the residentchooses that option, culminating in the examination at the endof year three. As well, residents begin the coursework requiredfor the Master’s in Health Research Methods (HRM), along withjunior field placements in Community Medicine.Final third of program: These years are spent finishingcoursework required for the Master’s in HRM and taking part in

McMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Julie Emili

Community Medicine Residency Programme (CMRP)

McMaster UniversityFaculty of Health Sciences, HSC-2C10B Area1200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 525-9140, ext. 20152, Fax: (905) 526-8447Email: [email protected] Assistant: Linda SheridanEmail: [email protected]

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Joseph Cox

Residency Program in Community MedicineDepartment of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsMcGill University 1020 Pine Ave. W., Montreal, QC H3A 1A2Tel: 514-398-2628, Fax: (514) 528-2452Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Diane LegaultTel: (514) 398-2628Email: [email protected]



the more senior rotations in Community Medicine, culminatingin the Royal College exams at the end of year five. Thoseundertaking the non-thesis option for the Master’s should havecompleted the required courses by year four, while thosepursuing the thesis option will have time to work on their thesesduring years four to five.

Research Expectations: The Royal College requires five years of postgraduate training, which must include at a minimum one year of clinical training, one year of academic work inCommunity Medicine, and one year of Community Medicineand field placements. All residents, therefore, must complete 12 months of academic work. This is most commonly donethrough the Master’s in HRM. This program offers both thesis and non-thesis streams; the non-thesis approach isrecommended by the program in order to facilitate meeting coreRoyal College objectives. Courses are available in biostatistics,research, epidemiology methods, health policy, and economicevaluation, among others. There is flexibility to look at otheroptions for the academic requirements, both at McMaster andwithin other accredited programs.

Areas to Improve Program:1) Increase number of faculty involved directly in the program. 2) Increase awareness of the program and its offerings.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: None

> Other: 1) Interest in, and understanding of, CommunityMedicine; 2) Academic performance to date; 3) Sufficientacademic ability to be admitted to and be successful inMaster’s training in Community Medicine.

Strengths: A focus on the front-line practice of CommunityMedicine. Close/frequent contact with preceptors. Flexibility to meet the individual interests of residents.

Common Clinical Encounters: Respiratory disease outbreaks.Environmental hazards to health. Gastrointestinal diseaseoutbreaks. Consultation on immunization issues.Planning/evaluation of health promotion initiatives.

Hospital/ Clinic Work Reading


First third of program 40 5 1 in 4

Second third of program 10–20 30 1 in 4

Final third of program 45 10 1 in 4

Research Expectations: Part of the program is an academic yearthat leads to a Master’s degree.

Areas to Improve Program: Develop more formal methods (e.g., software) to track residents’ experiences. Funding forresidents to attend short courses/conferences.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Community Medicine. Infectious

Diseases. International Health.

> Other: Volunteer with a community or international healthagency. Take a course in Epidemiology. Develop anunderstanding of factors outside the health system thatinfluence health.

Strengths: Flexibility to accommodate residents’ interests andneeds. International connections. Excellent M.HSc. program.


Common Clinical Encounters: Outbreak management.Environmental health issues. Program evaluation.Communicable disease or other policy development. Researchprotocol development.

Workload: First third of program: First-year program is usualPGY1 year. On-call is rotation dependent.Second third of program: Second year of standard program—nohospital or clinical work. Reading, assignments, and exams asper academic requirements, i.e., M.HSc.: No call.Final third of program: Final three years (standard program)—nohospital or clinical work, reading literature searches, etc. usuallyoccurs during rotation time. No call.

Research Expectations: None during first year. Master’s level 2nd or 2/3 years. Further research encouraged during placements.Doctorate or higher.

Areas to Improve Program: Program is constantly makingchanges and improving including evaluation of new initiatives.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Rotation in a public health unit,

with a Medical Officer of Health or public health at theMinistry of Health. International elective. Other “non-clinical”rotations, e.g., First Nations/Inuit health; environmentalhealth; health promotion; health policy, etc.

> Other: Know what Community Medicine is. References relevantfor Community Medicine both in referee selection and content.Give evidence of social accountability and awareness.

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. David Moore

c/o Residency Program AssistantDepartment of Health Care & Epidemiology Mather Building 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3 Tel: (604) 822-5391, Fax: (604) 822-4994Email: [email protected]: http://www.healthcare.ubc.ca/

University of AlbertaDr. Gerry Predy, Program Director

#300 10216 - 124 Street, Edmonton AB T5N 4A3Tel: (780) 413-4924, Fax: (780) 413-7950Email: [email protected] Assistant: Doris Tomlinson

Strengths: Much of the academic experience is shared with M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduate students in Epidemiology, CommunityHealth, and Biostatistics, providing a learning model of themultidisciplinary, cooperative working style necessary inCommunity Medicine. Residents may do a concurrent Master’sdegree. The program is flexible and provides exposures to a widevariety of community agencies and clinical settings. We try to useall activities as learning experiences, and endeavour to involveevery Community Medicine specialist in Alberta in our programto at least some degree.

Other Key Features: Options to do concurrent Master’s degree.Option to do CCFP during program; please visit our CaRMSWebsite to learn more.

Common Clinical Encounters: It is difficult to answer thisquestion in the context of Community Medicine. Residents willgain experience in the full spectrum of problems in CommunityMedicine, including health promotion and disease prevention,program planning and business administration, communicabledisease outbreaks, and environmental health issues.

Workload: First year: Residents begin with a two-monthplacement in one of the two Community Health Centres inCalgary, where they primarily work in the medical clinic, but arealso exposed to the broader, primary health care work of theCentre. The third month is an introduction to CommunityHealth, which combines an orientation to the HealthyCommunities Portfolio of the Calgary Health Region (and, inparticular, the Office of the Medical Officer of Health), with anoverview course in the Department of Community HealthSciences taken with all the in-coming graduate students. This is followed by a nine-month (40-week) series of rotations in theacute care setting, covering Pediatrics, Internal Medicine,Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, and General Surgery.Years 2 & 3: Residents combine formal academic course workwith horizontal clinical rotations chosen to provide as muchexposure as possible to the applied aspects of their course work, as well as exposure in blocks to both rural and urbanhealth units.Year 4: This year is intended to provide residents with theopportunity to explore career options and areas of specialinterest through elective course work and clinical placements,while consolidating their knowledge and skill base. The blockplacement with First Nations and Inuit Health brings into sharpfocus previous learning about cultural diversity and anintroduction to the Community Medicine specialist as consultant.

Research Expectations: Master’s level optional. All residents areencouraged by the end of program to have prepared at least onemanuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Areas to Improve Program: We strive for continuous improvement.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any elective in Community

Medicine or public health.

> Other: Investigate and discover the difference betweenCommunity Medicine and Family Medicine. Obtain someexposure to Community Medicine/public health andcommunity action. Understand the determinants of health.

Strengths: Program allows for considerable flexibility in specificobjectives based on residents’ needs and career interests (withinthe Royal College guidelines) due to its relatively small size.Diversity of experiences available (e.g., urban, rural, northern,Aboriginal health). Option of co-training in Family Medicineavailable.

Other Key Features: The residents and accreditors havecommented positively on the flexibility and personal nature ofthe program and its administration.

Common Clinical Encounters: Outbreak investigations (e.g., hepatitis A, salmonella). Communicable disease-controlpolicy development (e.g., STDs, influenza, immunizations).Emerging infectious disease control (e.g., West Nile Virus, SARS).Chronic disease prevention programming and policy (e.g.,tobacco control policies). Response to environmental healthconcerns (e.g., air quality).


First third of program 40 20 20/yr

Second third of program 40 20 –

Final third of program 40 25 8/yr

Research Expectations: None during first year. Master’s levelresidents do Master’s course work in second or third PG year andmost complete thesis. Doctorate or higher.

Areas to Improve Program: More frequent evaluations (residentshave requested this and we are working on it). More exposure tosubspecialties of Community Medicine.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Elective with a Medical Officer of

Health. Community/Family Medicine elective domestically orlocally. Infectious Diseases or Epidemiology.

> Other: Get lots of exposure to fields of public health andCommunity Medicine. Demonstrate commitment to principlesof Community Medicine. Have references from people who canspeak to these issues.

University of CalgaryDr. Margaret Russell, Community Health Sciences

3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary AB T2N 4N1Tel: (403) 220-2293, Fax: (403) 270-7307Email: [email protected] Secretary: Saima JamalTel: (403) 220-2293Email: [email protected]

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Tim Hilderman

Community Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba S111 Medical Svcs Bldg, 750 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg MB R3E 0W3 Tel: (204) 789-3655, Fax: (204) 789-3905 Program Secretary: Theresa KennedyEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: The diverse and capable group of residents who enterthe program each year. The wide range of outstanding programresources, both training sites and program faculty (clinical,academic, and field-based). The flexibility of the program.

Other Key Features: The program is of moderate size(approximately 25 residents over the five years). As such, it has a sufficient “critical mass” of residents, but is also small enoughto allow residents to pursue flexible and individualized trainingprograms/“paths.” The program supports residents with theability to meet the requirements of the CCFP provided theresident is accepted into the Family Medicine ResidencyProgram, a graduate degree (e.g., M.HSc.), as well as RoyalCollege certification (FRCPC) in Community Medicine, and also become eligible to sit the American Board examinations in Preventive Medicine (FACPM).

Common Clinical Encounters: Identification, investigation, andmanagement of communicable disease outbreaks (e.g., SARS).The identification, investigation, and management ofenvironmental health issues (e.g., West Nile Virus, Walkerton).The development and evaluation of community health programs(e.g., smoke-free public places, bicycle helmet by-laws). Anassessment of the health of a community (e.g., determining theprevalence of smoking among teenagers). Workingcollaboratively with other individuals and community agencieson community health issues (e.g., fluoridation of drinking water).



Second third of program 15 0 0


Research Expectations: There is no required research in ourprogram. However, interested residents do have the opportunityto pursue community health-related research during any portionof their training. Commonly, during the graduate studies portionof the program, residents may choose a graduate program thatprovides an opportunity to complete a research thesis. In addition,residents often pursue field-based research projects during theirfield placements. When residents choose to pursue researchprojects, residency time and resources are available to them.

Areas to Improve Program: Our program is continuallyimproving as opportunities are recognized and corrected. Theprogram was reviewed through the accreditation process in 2007.Only minor concerns were identified, which are being addressed.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Elective in a local public health

unit, working with a Community Medicine–trained MedicalOfficer of Health (or Associate). Elective in the public healthdivision of a provincial Ministry of Health, working with aCommunity Medicine specialist, any other elective, workingwith a Community Medicine specialist (contact Dr. E. Rea forassistance at [email protected]).

> Other: Attain a sound understanding and familiarity with thepractice of Community Medicine. Determine why you areparticularly suited to train and practise in CommunityMedicine. Gain at least one hands-on experience working witha Community Medicine specialist.

Programs Not RespondingNorthern Ontario School of MedicineDr. Vera EtchesNorthern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)Postgraduate Education935 Ramsey Lake RoadSudbury, ON P3E 2C6Tel: (705) 662-7135 or 1-800-461-8777 (Ext 7135)Fax: (705) 662-7143Program Contact: Ms. Julie UnrawEmail: [email protected]

Queen’s UniversityActing Program Director: Dr. John HoeyCommunity Medicine 2nd Floor, Abramsky Hall, Queen's University Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Tel: 613 533-2901, Fax: 613 533-6686 Email: [email protected] Assistant: Katherine CookTel: (613) 533-2901 Email:[email protected]

Université de Montréal Contact Person: Sophie BoudriasEmail: [email protected] Director: Dr Stéphane PerronTel: (514) 343-6111

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director: Dre Maryse Guay, MD, MSc, FRCPCTel: (450) 928-6777, ext. 3089, Fax: (450) 928-3295Email: [email protected]

Université Laval Program Director: M. Pierre Lajoie, MDInstitut national de santé publique du Québec945, avenue Wolfe, Ste-Foy QC G1V 5B3Tel: (418) 650-5115, ext. 5218, Fax: (418) 654-3134Email: [email protected]

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Fran Scott

Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TorontoDept. of Public Health Sciences5th Floor, Health Sciences Building155 College Street, Toronto ON M5T 3M7Tel: (416) 978-7489, Fax: (416) 978-8299Email: [email protected] Assistant: Diane TangTel: (416) 978-2058 Email: [email protected]


Description of SpecialtyDermatology is a diverse specialty that concerns the medicalaspects of primary skin diseases and disorders, as well as thecutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases. Dermatologists are experts in the living gross pathology of the skin and visiblemucous membranes. The many areas that the Dermatologist must be knowledgeable about include immunologic cutaneousmechanisms, primary diseases of the skin, and diseases of internalmedicine, pediatrics, infectious disease, and other specialties.

Overview of ProgramSpecialization in dermatology requires five years of residencytraining, generally including two years of basic clinical trainingin Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and other relevant fields; twoyears of training specific to dermatology; and one year that mayinclude research, teaching, or an approved course of studyrelevant to the objectives of dermatology.

Fellowships offered without Royal College Status> Immunobullous diseases> Medical dermatology> Mohs Surgery> Wound Care> Allergic Contact dermatitis> Pediatric dermatology> Cosmetic dermatology




McMaster University – –








University of Calgary – –

University of Manitoba – –







Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Minimum three,maximum five. Due by November 30.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: Approximately 500 words, expressing goals, interests, and experience, due byNovember 30.

Strengths: Broad-based program with balanced exposure to all aspects of Dermatology. Large volume of patients. Teachingclosely supervised by strongly dedicated staff. Subspecialtycomponents: Skin Surgery, Contact Dermatitis, PediatricDermatology, Dermatopathology, Wound Healing, Phototherapy,Pigmented Lesions.

Other Key Features: Expect to work hard and be well-trained.Excellent program to be trained in, and a lovely city to live in.

Common Clinical Encounters: Skin tumours: benign andmalignant. Acne and related conditions. Eczema and relatedconditions. Cutaneous infections. Complex medical problemswith cutaneous manifestations.




Second third of program 40 20 1/6.5


Research Expectations: Starting in R3 year; at least oneproject/year.

Areas to Improve Program: Have more budget for betterequipment and clinic facilities. Recruit more academic staff.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Dermatology. Dermatology.

Dermatology.

> Other: Be a well-rounded person. Be genuinely interested in Dermatology. Do an elective with us.

DERMATOLOGY

Université LavalProgram Director: M. Jimmy Alain, MD

Centre dermatologie du Québec-Métro2880, ch. des Quatre-Bourgeois, Québec QC G1V 4X7Tel: (418) 650-3555, Fax: (418) 650-1260Contact Person: Mme Valérie BeaumontTel: (418) 691-5151, ext. 15200Email: [email protected]

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Khue Nguyen

Dermatology ProgramRoyal Victoria Hospital687 Pine Avenue West, Room A4.62, Montreal QC H3A 1A1Tel: (514) 934-1934 ext 36974 Fax: (514) 843-2875Email: [email protected]

Coordinator: Ms. Marlene SpencerEmail: [email protected]: http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/dermatology/


Strengths: Great variety of pathologies. Funded annual meetingfor every resident. Good support for research.

Other Key Features: The size of our program is a strong point.Ten residents are part of our program and everyone knows everyother individual pretty well.

Common Clinical Encounters: Eczema, psoriasis, skin cancers,connective tissue disease, benign tumors.


First third of program 40–50 10 1 in 4/5

Second third of program 40–50 15 1 in 4/5

Final third of program 40–50 20 1 in 4/5

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to be involved inat least one research project annually or a clinical case publication.

Areas to Improve: Number of clinical professors.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Dermatology (clinical experience

preferably); not only one elective, not five or 10 as some do!!!

Strengths: Excellent community experience. Support for researchactivities. Low faculty:resident ratio.

Other Key Features: Demonstration of high and consistentmotivation in Dermatology. Persistent interest in mastering ClinicalMedicine. Demonstrated expertise in publication and scholarship.

Common Clinical Encounters: Psoriasis vulgaris. Atopic Dermatitis.Non-melanoma skin cancer. Acne Vulgaris. Chronic Urticaria.





Research Expectations: First year: none, second year: datacollection, third year: publication.

Areas to Improve Program: Expand exposure to ContactDermatitis expertise. Expand exposure to Photodermatologyexpertise.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Wide variety of Clinical

Dermatology rotations with senior faculty. Rheumatologyelectives. Plastic Surgery electives.

> Other: All residents in the Dermatology program have a verystrong bond of collegiality. The atmosphere is one of hardwork, fun, and loyalty to one another. Residents are consideredjunior colleagues, and attending staff treat residents with therespect and confidence that they will do their best for patients.

Strengths: Committed teaching staff. Excellent researchopportunities. Wide range of clinical training.

Other Key Features: Fellowships in many areas of medical andsurgical dermatology.

Common Clinical Encounters: Skin cancers, hair disorders,immunodermatology, psoriasis, dermatologic and laser surgery.





Research Expectations: Incorporated with five years of training(case series, Pathology, Epidemiology).

Areas to Improve Program: Two resident positions per year.Greater access to community dermatology office rotation.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Dermatology. Family Medicine.

Infectious diseases.

> Other: The successful applicant will have high academicperformance, be well-rounded, and have the ability to workindependently and with others.

Strengths: Critical mass of residents. Excellent core teaching staff.Diversity and volume of clinical problems encountered. Specialtyclinics, e.g., immunodermatology, medical dermatology, woundcare, Mohs Surgery, etc.

Other Key Features: This is the only Dermatology residencyprogram in Canada with dedicated PGY2 rotations in MedicalGenetics, Tropical Medicine, and Occupational Medicine. A three-month rotation dedicated to Dermatological Surgery. Six months of training in Pediatric Dermatology at the Hospital forSick Children. This is the largest Dermatology program in EnglishCanada. There is a partnership between staff and residents that is constantly working to improve the residency program.

University of TorontoDr. Scott Walsh

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre2075 Bayview Ave., Dermatology M1, Toronto ON M4N 3M5Tel: (416) 480-4905, Fax: (416) 480-6897Administrative Assistant: Shelly SchofieldEmail: [email protected]: http://www.dermatologytoronto.com

University of AlbertaDr. Gordon Searles

University of AlbertaDermatology Division2-104 Clinical Sciences Bldg., Edmonton AB T6G 2G3Tel: (780) 248-1347, Fax: 780-248-1350Email: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaDr. Laurence Warshawski

Division of Dermatology835 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 4E8Tel: (604) 875-4747, Fax: (604) 873-9919Email: [email protected]


Important Clinical Encounters: This includes severe skin diseaserequiring complex medical therapy including autoimmuneblistering diseases, collagen vascular diseases, severe psoriasis,and severe drug reactions including TEN. There is significantexposure to the diagnosis and management of skin cancer andskin ulcers.



First third of program 50–55 5–10 5 weeks/year

Second third of program 40–45 5–7 5 weeks/year

Final third of program 40 15 5 weeks/year

Research Expectations: All residents are required to complete athree-month research rotation in the PGY4 year.

Areas to Improve Program: More full-time staff. There arecurrently five full-time staff and several part-time to half-timestaff.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Dermatology. Internal Medicine.

Infectious Diseases, Plastic Surgery, Rheumatology.

> Other: A superior academic record demonstrating specialproficiency in subjects related to the specialty. A proveninterest in the specialty, demonstrated by electives inDermatology and related fields. Excellent interpersonal skills.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité de SherbrookeProgram Director: Dr Dominique Hanna

Service de dermatologieDépartement de médecineCHUS – Hôpital Fleurimont3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 13774, Fax: (819) 820-6806

Contact Person: Linda MorinEmail: [email protected]

Université de Montréal Program Director: Benoît Côté, MDTel: (514) 890-8000, ext. 34401 or (514) 366-6666, Fax: (514) 366-6767

Contact Person: Lise MercilleTel: (514) 890-8000, ext. 34089Email: [email protected]

University of OttawaDr. Nordau KanigsbergDivision of Dermatology Parkdale Clinic - 737 Parkdale Avenue Room 10, Main Floor East Block Ottawa ON K1Y 4E9

Program Contact: Jenn DunnTel: (613) 761-4774Email: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyDiagnostic Radiology is a branch of medical practice concernedwith the use of imaging techniques in the study, diagnosis, andtreatment of disease. Radiologists interpret images produced byX-rays (radiography and computed tomography), radioisotopes(nuclear medicine), ultrasound (sonography), and magneticfields (magnetic resonance imaging) in order to help cliniciansdecide the appropriate treatment for patients. Goodinterpretation skills require a broad base of knowledge ofanatomy and disease processes, combined with technicalexpertise. Radiology encompasses many subspecialties.Presently there are Neuroradiologists; Ultrasound, MRI, and CTSpecialists; Mammographers; GI Radiologists; etc. InterventionalRadiology is an emerging field in which specially trainedradiologists can perform minimally invasive procedures to treatmedical problems that once required surgery. Examples includeinsertion of central lines, drainage of abscesses, angioplasty, andtissue biopsies.

Overview of ProgramAll programs in Radiology are five years in duration. The PGY1year is a basic clinical training year that offers the residentexposure to a broad range of medical care. The PGY2-5 years aredesigned to complete the requirements set out by the RoyalCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Topics studied inthe final years include GI Radiology, GU Radiology, ChestRadiology, Bone Radiology, Neuroradiology, InterventionalRadiology, Nuclear Medicine, CT Scanning, MR Imaging,Ultrasound, Pediatric Radiology, and Mammography. Mostschools have required research components in their PGY2-5years or strongly encourage it.

Accreditation without certification> Neuroradiology> Pediatric Radiology

Fellowships offered without Royal College StatusOrgan System Fellowships:> Abdominal imaging> Breast imaging> Cardiac imaging> Cardiothoracic imaging> Musculoskeletal imaging> Thoracic Imaging> Women’s Imaging

Imaging Modality Fellowships:> Cross-sectional Imaging> MRI> PET/CT> Ultrasound

Others:> Interventional Radiology> Neurointerventional Radiology

**See http://www.car.ca/content.aspx?pg=res_corner&spg=about&lang=E&lID= forlocations and durations of Postgraduate Fellowships in Radiology.

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY












University of British Columbia 7 1




University of Saskatchewan 5 –





Strengths: Collegial learning environment with great teamatmosphere. Dedicated Program Director and trainingcommittee. Excellent faculty/resident ratio and low volumefellow program — excellent hands-on exposure.

Other Key Features: Comprehensive information regarding the program is available on our departmental Website. We havetaken the time to try and include all information that would berelevant to interested medical students. We have an excellentgroup of residents and faculty who learn and teach well in apositive, collegial environment.

Common Clinical Encounters: Not a question generallyapplicable to Radiology.


Workload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) CallFirst third of program 40 hrs/wk 8–10 hrs/wk 1/6–1/7

—12 mosSecond third of program 40 hrs/wk 8–10 hrs/wk 1/6–1/7

—12 mosFinal third of program 40 hrs/wk >12 hrs/wk 1/6—8 mos

(exam prep)

Research Expectations: All residents are asked to complete andpresent one research program during their residency program.Most residents choose to do this during their PGY3 or 4 years.

Areas to Improve Program: Maintain active recruitment ofRadiology faculty with subspecialty expertise. Recruitenthusiastic, academically strong residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiology, Internal Medicine or

ER, Surgery.

> Other: At least one Radiology elective to ensure that thecandidate has a real sense of what the field and career areabout. Do well on core rotations during clerkship and electives:Internal Medicine, Surgery, ER, Pediatrics. Performance onthese rotations reflects the overall quality of the candidate.References should be from staff/faculty who have a very goodsense of who you are, your work ethic, and your potential skillsand strengths as a future resident.

Strengths: Strong teaching and hands-on experience.


Common Clinical Encounters: Trauma. Cancer. Neurovasculardisease. Orthopedic reconstruction. This is Radiology. We seeeverything.



Second third of program N/A N/A N/A

Final third of program N/A N/A N/A

Research Expectations: One project in four years.

Areas to Improve Program: Improved government funding ofresearch and academics. More time for teaching.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any clinical elective is useful.

> Other: Successful candidates will have a strong background inClinical Medicine. Interest in Radiology and demonstratedgood work ethic.

McMaster UniversityDr. Karen Finlay, Program Director

c/o Sarah Haley, Program AssistantDept. of Radiology, Room 2S35BFaculty of Health Sciences1200 Main St. West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 75294, Fax: (905) 521-1390Email: [email protected], [email protected] Website: http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/radiology/

Queen’s UniversityDepartmental Assistant: Ms. Lynne Meilleur

Residency Program Director: Dr. Paul V. Fentonc/o Dept. of Imaging ServicesRoom 22-1-217, Kidd Wing, Level 1Kingston General Hospital76 Stuart St., Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 549-6666, ext. 1253 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.), Fax: (613) 548-2412Email: [email protected]: http://meds.queensu.ca/medicine/radiology/


Key Features: This program distinguishes itself on multiplelevels: with a warm and dynamic group of fewer than 20 residents who are motivated to learn their future specialty, a program for which the residency spots are sought after and allfilled, and a program with rising numbers of professors despitethe current manpower shortage in Radiology in Quebec. Theprogram boasts a 100% success rate by candidates on the RoyalCollege exams for the past 15 consecutive years.

Strengths: High staff radiologist-to-resident ratio. Very activeimaging research institutions (Robarts Research Institute,Lawson Research Institute). Strong interest in teaching, despitesignificant clinical load at each of the three hospital trainingsites. Broad imaging exposure; modern equipment that iscontinuously being updated. All subspecialty rotations providedin London; no out-of-town mandatory rotations. City-wide PACSsystem (digital imaging archive).

Other Key Features: Bilingualism not required but an asset dueto patient population.

Common Clinical Encounters: Trauma, active neurologicconditions, acute abdomen, vascular disease, miscellaneousother (question not directly applicable to Diagnostic Radiology).


First third of program 40–50 ~ 14 Averages 1

Second third of program 40–50 ~ 14 night per week,

Final third of program 40–50 ~ 14 either 1st or

2nd call. Call is

concentrated

Research Expectations: Two research projects are expected to be completed and presented at an annual Resident ResearchDay. One may be a minor project, i.e., a case report or small caseseries. The second should be more substantive, including sometype of Clinical Radiology research, a practice audit, or possibly a basic science Radiology research project.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase the number of clinicalteachers, which would allow us to increase the number ofresident positions offered each year. PACS is now fully implemented.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: At least one elective in Radiology.

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in the specialtyand have some understanding of what Radiology actually entails.

> Other: Successful applicants will have demonstrated genuineinterest in diagnostic imaging and academic scholarship.Demonstrated personal qualities are necessary to be an effectiveimaging consultant. This is a busier and more intensive residencythan some trainees expect. Clinical case volume is high, andrapid learning is required from enthusiastic, motivated residents.

Programs Not Responding Dalhousie UniversityDr. James FraserQEII Health Sciences Centre, VGH Site Room 312, North Wing, 1278 Tower Road Halifax NS B3H 2Y9 Tel: (902) 473-5453, Fax: (902) 473-2018Email: [email protected]

McGill UniversityDr. Jeffrey ChankowskyProgram Contact: Cathy TorchiaMontreal General Hospital1650 Cedar Avenue, Room C5 118, Montreal QC H3G 1A4Tel: (514) 934-8084, Fax: (514) 934-8263Email: [email protected]

Memorial UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Paul JeonDiscipline of RadiologyHealth Sciences Centre300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-7165, Fax: (709) 777-6792Email: [email protected]: http://www.med.mun.ca/radiology/

Université de Montréal Contact Person: Daniel Roy Département de radiologie CHUM Hôpital Notre-Dame1560, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal QC H2L 4M1Tel: (514) 890-8000, poste 25875, Fax: (514) 412-7547Email: [email protected]

Université LavalProgram Director: Dr. Lucie Morissette Département de radiologieBureau 2433, Pavillon Ferdinand-VandryUniversité LavalQuébec, Québec G1V 0A6Tel: (418) 656-5255, Fax: (418) 656-3821Email: [email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Sandeep NaikDepartment of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging 2A2.41 Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences CentreEdmonton AB T6G 2B7 Tel: (780) 407-6810, Fax: (780) 407-6176 Email: [email protected] Program Assistant: Janet DawsonEmail: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeDr. Christiane Fisch

Département de Radiologie diagnostique CHUS-Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke QC JlH 5N4 Administrative Assistant: Carole DufortTel: (819) 346-1110 poste 14985Fax: (819) 820-6423 Email: [email protected]

University of Western OntarioDr. Justin Amann, Program Director

London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital339 Windermere RoadLondon ON N6A 5A5 Tel: (519) 685-8500, ext. 32615, Fax: (519) 663-8803Email: [email protected]


University of British ColumbiaDr. Stephen G.F. Ho/Kathleen BrooksDept. of Radiology, University of British Columbia3350 – 950 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 4E3Tel: (604) 875-5060, Fax: (604) 875-4319Email: [email protected]

University of CalgaryDr. Andrew Lee Foothills Medical Centre1403 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-4530, Fax: (403) 270-0713Email: [email protected]

University of ManitobaDr. Chris PreachukDept. of Radiology, Health Sciences CentreRoom GA216 – 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Tel: (204) 787-1328, Fax: (204) 787-2080Email: [email protected]

University of OttawaDr. André OlivierDept. of Diagnostic Imaging, Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa ON K1Y 4E9Tel: (613) 761-4054, Fax: (613) 761-5326Program Administrator: Laura LangEmail: [email protected]

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. Derek Fladeland Medical Imaging Royal University Hospital103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N 0W8 Tel: (306) 655-2402, Fax: (306) 655-2370 Academic Secretary: Sheryl WhiteEmail: [email protected]

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Linda Probyn Department of Medical Imaging 150 College Street, Rm. 112A, Toronto ON M5S 3E2 Tel: (416) 978-8797, Fax: (416) 978-6915 Program Assistant: Lyn MichisorEmail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyEmergency Medicine is the specialty devoted to the evaluation,resuscitation, and stabilization of patients presenting tocommunity emergency departments. The Specialist EmergencyPhysician (Emergentologist) is responsible for recognizing andmanaging a broad spectrum of acute illness and injury. Theapproach to treatment in the emergency department can varydramatically from case to case, for example, a pediatric versus a geriatric presentation of the same complaint. In implementinga treatment strategy for the various presentations, an EmergencyPhysician must quickly access skills acquired from almost everyclinical specialty, within the confines of a fast-paced, high-pressured environment. The Emergentologist’s attitude mustconvey adaptability, emotional strength, and a keen desire forthe challenge of managing patients in time-restricted circumstanceswhile demonstrating clinical and technical adroitness.

Overview of ProgramTraining in Emergency Medicine can be pursued via two routes.The first route, which is the focus of this chapter, is a five-yearprogram under the aegis of the Royal College of Physicians andSurgeons of Canada (RCPSC-EM). This route is especially suitedfor those wishing to become specialists in Emergency Medicine,and graduates of this route typically secure employment withconsultant-level demands in large tertiary care hospitals withsubstantial academic and administrative involvement. Thesecond route is via the College of Family Physicians of Canada(CFPC-EM), which involves a year of training in a CFPC-accredited program in Family Medicine/Emergency, afterattaining certification in a two-year Family Medicine program.

The RCPSC-EM training involves a year of basic clinical training,and forthcoming years to include a mandatory year of training inthe emergency aspects of Anesthesia, Critical Care (includingCCU), General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurosciences,Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry (including crisisintervention); a minimum of six months as a senior resident inthe emergency department; and specific training in theprehospital and administrative aspects of Emergency Medicine.One year of the program allows flexibility, which may includeresearch; elective assignments in ENT, Obstetrics andGynecology, Ophthalmology, Plastic Surgery, Radiology, TraumaService and/or Toxicology; or further training in EmergencyMedicine and other appropriate clinical subspecialty areas.

Fellowships offered without Royal College Status> Academic/Research> Pre-hospital Care and Transport Medicine> Trauma

** See http://www.caep.ca/ for locations and durations of Postgraduate Fellowships inEmergency Medicine




















EMERGENCY MEDICINE


Strengths: Strong commitment to medical education.Internationally recognized pre-hospital program. Full-timeresearch director in house. Evidence-based medicine course.


First third of program 40–50 15 35

Second third of program 40–50 15 35

Final third of program 36 18–24 –

Varies considerably between rotation types throughout all years.Hours in clinic decrease with seniority.

Research Expectations: Complete at least one research projectunder staff supervision. Protected time for research isdistributed throughout the five years with opportunities formore concentrated experiences if desired.

Areas to Improve Program: Further increase our trainees’research opportunities/output. Currently reconsolidating coreteaching and looking for ways to more effectively use medicalsimulation (e.g., resuscitation) in some of our core sessions.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anesthesiology or Intensive Care.

Surgical specialties such as Plastics/Orthopedics. EmergencyMedicine.

> Other: Develop an interest and understanding of current issues inpre-hospital and Emergency Medicine. Demonstrate some interestand aptitude for research or education. Maintain a balancebetween solid clinical ability and a healthy constructive lifestyle.

Strengths: Dedicated teaching staff in the ED rounds and examprep. Simulation Center. Protected academic half day. Programflexibility (can either focus on an “area of interest” or do the 1styear of a subspecialty/fellowship). Large volume of patientsacross three adult ED and one pediatric ED. Early focus on

EBM/clinical appraisal of literature. Ability to travel to the USAto do trauma and toxicology.


First third of program 40+ 8 Rotation

dependent

Second third of program 40+ 8 Rotation

dependent

Final third of program 40+ 8 Most rotations

at this point

don’t have “call”

Research Expectations: All residents are required to do a smallresearch project and bring it to the point of either a posterpresentation, abstract or publication.

Areas to Improve: We are currently working on graded responsibilityfor the emergency residents. Emergency overcrowding.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Have a backup plan (in case you

don’t match)! Do an emergency elective outside of youruniversity. Have a letter of reference from a RFCPC EmergencyMD. Participate actively in your Emergency Medicine InterestGroup. Do electives in emergency-related areas (which may bepart of your back up plan; i.e., ICU/anesthesia/trauma).

Strengths: Three residents per year—very strong tradition inEmergency Medicine. Excellent academically focused faculty.Kingston is a great city to live in as a resident.

Other Key Features: Solid reputation, excellent resident morale,and large number of residents, great departmental support forresidency program, experienced faculty with subspecialtyexpertise in critical care, toxicology, ED ultrasound, MedicalEducation, Research, EMS. Kingston is a great place to live andour residents graduate happy and intact with great careeroptions.

Common Clinical Encounters: Breadth of primary andemergency care.

Workload: First third of program: At least 17 eight-hour shifts permonth.

Research Expectations: One significant research or otheracademic project during the residency. Elective time for researchis provided.

Dalhousie UniversityDr. Kirk Magee

Department of Emergency MedicineQEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax Infirmary 3021 1796 Summer Street Halifax NS B3H 2Y9 Phone: (902) 473-4220 Fax: (902) 473-3617Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Ashley BurkeEmail: [email protected]: [email protected]: http://emergency.medicine.dal.ca/

Queen’s University Dr. Terry O. O’Brien

Department of Emergency MedicineQueen’s UniversityKingston General Hospital76 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 549-6666, ext. 3530, Fax: (613) 548-1374Website: http://meds.queensu.ca/medicine/emergency/

Program Assistant: Veronica LeRoyEmail: [email protected]

McGill University Program Director: Dr. Ken Doyle

Department of Emergency MedicineRoyal Victoria Hospital687 Pine Ave. West, A4.62, Montreal QC H3A 1A1Email: [email protected] Contact: Marlene SpencerEmail: [email protected]



Areas to Improve Program: Patient simulator purchase byuniversity. Mandatory U.S. electives in trauma and toxicologyfunded by outside source.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Emergency Medicine. Rural

Family Medicine.

> Other: Undergraduate electives in Emergency Medicine.Undergraduate research in Emergency Medicine. A well-rounded individual.

Strengths: A thorough integration of the CanMEDScompetencies aimed at providing the resident with the necessarytools to become a complete Emergency Medicine specialist, withstrong human values. Staff involvement and openness.Diversified teaching milieus with a wide variety of patientpathologies. Young program that is evolving according toresidents’ and program committee’s input.

Other Key Features: Wide variety of different teaching hospitalswith many different approaches to problems. Innovativerotations including environmental medicine, EMS, emergencydepartment management and clinical teaching. Supportiveprogram with regards to research or electives. Local hospital withpediatric ICU and emergency department with over 20,000pediatric patient visits per year. Possibility of doing overseas andinternational electives. High retention of graduates who getinvolved in the program. A program committee that is receptiveand values resident input.

Common Clinical Encounters: Trauma patients (motor vehicleaccidents), patients with multiple programs, intoxicated patients(provincial poison control centre is in Quebec City). Febrilechildren. Decompensated COPD patients.


First third of program 35 10 1:4–1:5

Second third of program 35 12 1:4–1:5

Final third of program 32 20 1:5

Research Expectations: The basic requirement is that a residentcompletes 7 credits pertaining to research and produces aresearch project during their residency; however, everything issetup to allow the residents to achieve a Master’s level. Residentsin our program have dedicated time for research (mostly duringyears 3 to 5) where their clinical burden is lessened and time canbe spent expanding an area of interest outside clinical medicine.Residents have taken this opportunity in the past to begin andoccasionally complete Master’s programs in clinical epidemiologyor education or a MBA in health care management.

Areas to Improve: Better tailor the PGY1 year to meet specificneeds. To define and determine more precisely the objectivesthat residents must attain during each year of residency.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Emergency Medicine elective in

one of our facilities. Emergency Medicine elective outside ourprogram. Trauma, environmental or toxicology electives. Showan interest in Emergency Medicine. Be well rounded in aspectsoutside of clinical medicine. Be willing to get involved inpromoting the specialty of Emergency Medicine.

Strengths: Dedicated teachers. Clinical pathology andopportunity to learn. New Emergency Department at the majorteaching hospital (Health Sciences Center: Adult and Pediatric).New Emergency Department Information at Health SciencesCenter and will be regional.

Other Key Features: New clinical simulation center at Universityof Manitoba.

Common Clinical Encounters: Trauma. Inner City Problems.Complex Medical Problems. Substance abuse and toxicology.


First third of program 36 4-6 1:4 when

off service

Second third of program 32 4-6 1:4 when

off service

Final third of program 32 4-6 1:4 when

off service

Research Expectations: “Scholarly activity” — graded in ourprogram: 1) Literature Review, 2) Formulating a question anddesigning a project, 3) Research project (hopefully published).

Areas to Improve: Research.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Emergency electives are useful.

Critical Care and Trauma electives. While not necessary to doan elective at the University of Manitoba, it is helpful to do so.

> Other: Demonstration of interest in Emergency Medicinethrough electives and observerships is very helpful.

Université LavalProgram Director: M. Julien Poitras, MD

Section de médecine d’urgenceFaculté de médecineUniversité LavalBureau 1327, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Québec QC G1K 7P4Tel: (418) 656-2131, ext. 2526, Fax: (418) 656-5252Email: [email protected] Person: Isha GermainEmail: [email protected]

University of ManitobaDr. Wes Palatnick

Section of Emergency Medicine T258 – 770 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg MB R3E 0W3 Tel: (204) 977-5664, Fax: (204) 789-3917 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.umemergency.comProgram Contact: Monica WilgoshEmail: [email protected]

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three due as perCaRMS.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: Personal lettermandatory; due date as per CaRMS.

Strengths: The residents—these are some of the future leaders in EM; the educators—the Dept. of Emergency Medicine boastsaward-winning teachers; and the researchers—worldwide acclaimof excellence in research under the leadership of Dr. Ian Stiell.

Other Key Features: Our program is one of the most sought-afterresidencies in Canada. This is not only because of the overallexpanded interest in Emergency Medicine as a career choice butalso reflects the excellence in education and research demonstratedby our residents, graduates, and attending staff. Ottawa is aleader in Emergency Medicine research and is known worldwide.

Common Clinical Encounters: Acute coronary syndromes. Acute respiratory infections/exacerbations (COPD, asthma,pneumonia). Trauma (single system and polytrauma). Surgicalconditions, e.g., cholecystitis, appendicitis. Gynecologic,e.g., threatened abortions, ectopic pregnancies.

Workload: Residents in this program have a declining numberand length of Emergency shifts per month, beginning with up to18 10-hour shifts/month as a PGY1 and 14 seven-to-nine-hourshifts as a PGY5. Prior to their exams, residents complete onlyeight shifts/month.

Research Expectations: All residents are expected to complete an academic project during their training. This may beeducational or research in nature. Elective time can be appliedtoward research at the discretion of the resident.

Areas to Improve Program: More residency spots for CaRMSresidents. Presently have two each year. Development of localrotations, e.g., Toxicology, not yet available.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Emergency Medicine. Pediatric

Emergency Medicine. Anything else!

> Other: Electives in Emergency Medicine. Excellent letters ofreference. Leadership experience.

Strengths: Extreme variety of clinical medicine and facultyexpertise. Forward-thinking and innovative educationcommittee. Resources for training (including simulation) andpre-hospital care.

Other Key Features: Twelve-month block to pursue a specificclinical area of the resident’s choice (including a Master’s degreeif desired). Best teaching sites used for each rotation throughoutthe city and insistence on emergency-specific experiences forthe residents in all rotations.

Common Clinical Encounters: Trauma. Acute cardiac events.Acute respiratory compromise. Infectious disease.Toxicology/substance abuse.

Clinic Reading CallWorkload: (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) (hrs/mo.)

First third of program 40 8 16


Final third of program 28 16 6

Research Expectations: One half day per week for the first four yearsis for academic pursuits. Master’s degree opportunity available.

Areas to Improve Program: Improve the overcrowding situationin emergency departments. Continue to increase the use ofsimulation.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Emergency Medicine. Trauma

or Critical Care. Anything else with rationale.

> Other: Understand what it is about and why you want to do it.Have a vision for your career and personal development. Havea good amount of insight into your personal strengths andweaknesses.

Strengths: Faculty dedication. Strong didactic teaching program.Satisfied residents.

Other Key Features: Wonder why so many people who train inLondon stay in London? Come check us out! You’ll be glad you did!

University of OttawaDr. Lorne Wiesenfeld

Dept. of Emergency MedicineThe Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus)1053 Carling Ave., Ottawa ON K1Y 4E9Tel: (613) 798-5555 ext 18649, Fax: (613) 761-5488Program Contact: Heidi McBrideEmail: [email protected]

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Scott Anderson

Emergency MedicineLondon Health Sciences CentreVictoria Campus, South St. Site800 Commissioners Road East, Room E1102, London ON N6A 5W9Tel: (519) 667-6538, Fax: (519) 667-6769Email: [email protected] Contact: Susan PiersonEmail: [email protected]: http://www.emerglondon.ca/emlhsc.php

University of TorontoDr. Douglas Chisholm

Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Science CentreSuite C7-16, 2075 Bayview Avenue, North York ON M4N 3M5Tel: (416) 480-6018, Fax: (416) 480-6797Email: [email protected] Assistant: Karen ClarkEmail: [email protected]: http://www.emergencymedicine.utoronto.ca/site3.aspx


Common Clinical Encounters: Acute medical problems. Acutesurgical problems. Trauma. Pediatrics. Acute care psychiatry.


First third of program 50 5–10 Variable

Second third of program 45 5–10 Variable

Final third of program 35–40 10–20 Not much

Research Expectations: Resident research is a longitudinalexperience throughout the first four years of the program.

Areas to Improve Program: More positions. Hire a dedicatedresearcher.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Emergency Medicine at

our centre. Emergency Medicine at other centres with EM residencies. Other Emergency Medicine.

> Other: Electives. Good reference letters. Demonstrated interestin academic emergency medicine.

Programs Not RespondingMcMaster UniversityDr. John CrossleyRoyal College Training Program in Emergency MedicineHSC 2Q15B1200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 76207, Fax: (905) 521-2337Email: [email protected]: http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/emergmed/

Université de MontréalProgram Director: Dr. Raoul DaoustEmail: [email protected]épartement Médecine d’UrgenceHôpital du Sacré-Coeur5400 Gouin ouest, Montréal QC H4J 1C5Tel: (514) 338-2222, ext. 3234, Fax: (514) 338-3513

Program Coordinator: Mme Brigitte GagnéEmail: [email protected]

University of AlbertaDr. Terry SosnowskiUniversity of Alberta HospitalEmergency Medicine, Rm. 1G1.50 WMC8440 - 112 Street, Edmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-8860, Fax: (780) 407-3314Email: [email protected] Assistant: Ms. Maria HuetherEmail: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaDr. Brian ChungDepartment of Emergency MedicineVancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9Tel: (604) 875-4700, Fax: (604) 875-4872Email: [email protected]

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Bryan YoungDepartment of Emergency Medicine Foothills Hospital Room C231, 1403 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9 Tel: (403) 944-1635, Fax: (403) 944-2419 Email: [email protected] Administrator: Judy MacKayEmail: [email protected]

Description of Specialty“The doctor who actually knows and remembers the patient and her family is essential. Researcher, or not, the family doctorselects, co-ordinates, and above all explains the specific expertisethat will help to diagnose or treat a patient. And with the long-established features of continuity and context, only familymedicine can provide the holistic care that an increasinglyskeptical public now demands.” (Dr. Jacalyn Duffin, History ofMedicine: A Scandalously Short Introduction, 2000, pp. 355–6.)

The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) is the voiceof Family Medicine in Canada. Representing 16,500 membersacross the country, it is the professional organization responsiblefor establishing standards for the training, certification, andlifelong education of Family Physicians and for advocating onbehalf of Family Medicine, Family Physicians, and their patients.The CFPC accredits postgraduate Family Medicine training inCanada’s 17 medical schools.

According to the CFPC, the standards of accreditation of trainingprograms in Family Medicine are based on the effective teachingof the following four principles of Family Medicine:

1. The Family Physician as a skilled clinician.

2. Family Medicine is a community-based discipline.

3. The Family Physician is a resource to a defined practicepopulation.

4. The patient–physician relationship is central to the role of theFamily Physician.

A Decima Research poll released in October 2003 confirms that most Canadians identify their family doctor as the mostimportant person to the health care of themselves and theirfamilies. The poll, commissioned by the CFPC, surveyed morethan 2,000 Canadians and revealed that when they consider allaspects of their health care, 66% of Canadians see their familydoctor as the most important person.

Family Physicians are presented with a wide array of clinicalscenarios. As such, the art of Family Medicine deals withproviding comprehensive and cost-effective therapy to patientsat the primary care level. The family doctor needs to be able tointegrate knowledge from human biology and pathophysiology,clinical ethics, clinical experience, context of care, patients’perspectives, and research evidence.

Many of the Family Medicine programs have learningopportunities at multiple sites. Refer to the CaRMS website,http://www.carms.ca, for an up-to-date listing.

FAMILY MEDICINE


Overview of ProgramThe core urban Family Medicine program provides two years of training in Family Medicine delivered in an urban setting.Most of the core Family Medicine programs strongly encouragetraining in rural settings. (Rural Family Medicine is consideredseparately in this Guide.) All programs in Family Medicine aretwo years in duration, with an optional third year of subspecialtytraining (see below). In general, the PGY1 year is a Basic ClinicalTraining year that offers exposure to Family Medicine, GeneralSurgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, OB/GYN, andEmergency Medicine. The PGY2 year is designed to complete therequirements set out by the CFPC.

Family Medicine is a quickly evolving field. According to a surveypublished in Canadian Family Physician (2002), the number ofresidents completing an enhanced third year of training increasedtwo-fold from years 2000–2002. As of July 2009, the following third-year programs were offered by their respective medical schools.

Accredited by Royal College:> Palliative Care 3–12 months

CFPC Certificate> Emergency Medicine (1 year)

Fellowships offered without Royal College Status> Academic (1 year full time, 6 years part time)> Addictions (1 year)> AIDS/HIV (6–12 months)> Anesthesia (1 year)> Breast Diseases (1 year)> Care of the Elderly (1 year)> Family Medicine Resident Research Fellowship (2 years)> Global Health> Indigenous Health> Inpatient Care — Family Medicine Advanced Skills (1 year)> Low Risk Obstetrics (3 months)> Medical Oncology> Psychotherapies (1 year)> Sports Medicine (1 year)> Women’s Health/Obstetrics (1 year)

** See http://www.cfpc.ca/English/cfpc/education/section%20of%20residents/resource/sor3-rdyear/default.asp?s=1 for locations and durations of PostgraduateFellowships in Family Medicine.

2009 Quota – Total Positions 1,009*Quota IMG Quota




Memorial University 20 5

Northern Ontario School of Medicine 34 2

Queen’s University 35 11












*Does not include MOTP positions.




Summary of Family Medicine Sites by University

University Site Offered

Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John, Sydney,Prince Edward Island

McGill University Montréal, Gatineau

McMaster UniversityHamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Fergus, Grimsby,Collingwood, Mount Forest, Brampton, Niagara

Memorial University Rural

NOSMSudbury, Thunder Bay, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins

Queen’s University Kingston

Université de MontréalMontréal, Maria, Amos-LaSarre, Trois-Rivieres, Shawinigan, Mont-Laurier

Université de Sherbrooke Estrie, Lemoyne, Moncton, Saguenay, Richelieu-Yamaska, Rouyn-Noranda

Université LavalEtchemin, Quebec, Rimouski, Gaspe, Baie-Comeau, Les-Basques, Joliette

University of Alberta Edmonton, Red Deer, Northern Alberta Experience

University of British Columbia

Greater Vancouver, St. Pauls, Aboriginal, OkanaganRural, Victoria, Chilliwack, Prince George, Rural Prince George, Nanaimo,Northwest

University of Calgary Calgary, Rural

University of Manitoba Urban, Rural, Northern-remote

University of Ottawa Ottawa

University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Regina, Rural

University of Toronto Greater Toronto Area, Rural, Barrie- Newmarket

University of Western OntarioLondon, London Regional, Windsor, Rural Hanover, Rural Goderich

Strengths: Busy regional hospital with exceptional exposure tolearning opportunities without competition from other learners.Preceptor model. Resident-centred faculty, and staff andprogram leadership.

Other Key Features: Resident-centred program. Dynamic,growing, bilingual city. Many hospital amenities including sitegym, daycare, free French lessons, free parking.

Common Clinical Encounters: Community-based family practicesetting with excellent opportunity for continuity. Busyemergency room with teaching by CCFP–Emergency Physicians.Excellent exposure to primary care and specialty obstetrics.Opportunity for 16 weeks of Maritime Rural Family Medicine.

Clinic Reading Workload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) Call

First third of program 35–40 5–6 ″ 1 in 4

Second third of program 35–40 5–6 ″ 1 in 4

Final third of program 30–35 5–6 ″ 1 in 4

Research Expectations: Research project over 18 months.

Areas to Improve Program: Growth in research capacity in progress.Recruitment and faculty development of new preceptors.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Family Practice. Emergency.

Obstetrics and Gynecology.

> Other: Commitment to Family Medicine. Commitment to“people-centred” elective and personal experience. Clearunderstanding of Patient-Centred Clinical Method.

Strengths: Rich academic environment. Flexibility within theprogram: Three electives in two years, opportunity to do moreextensive rural time beyond the mandatory eight weeks, multiplerural sites to choose from. Strong perinatology program, whichincludes NRP/ALSO. Emphasis on ER exposure and acute careskills. High volume of patients to learn from and great variety ofpathologies. Community and/or tertiary care hospitals (youchoose!). Continuity of half days back to your practice, for whichyou are the primary physician. Dedicated core teaching time(one half day per week). Emphasis on evidence-based teaching.Rotation in palliative care. Access to McGill third-year programs(ER, Palliative Care, Health Care of the Elderly, Maternal andChild Health, Sports Medicine). Multicultural context of practice.Opportunity to practice/enhance your use of the beautiful Frenchlanguage! Montréal is a fantastic city; Gatineau (a regional unit)is in the beautiful Outaouais region. Large enough residentcohorts to allow for lots of socializing and support networks!

Other Key Features: We believe that McGill offers excellenttraining in the discipline of Family Medicine and preparesresidents for future practices that can be widely diverse andpolyvalent (urban versus rural, community versus academic,family practice obstetrics, in-hospital care, and emergency andacute care skills). All of this takes place in the beautiful provinceof Quebec and the fascinating city of Montréal, with the addedbonus of being able to brush up on your French language skills!

Common Clinical Encounters: Residents are exposed to the fullspectrum of Family Practice, both in an urban and rural setting,as well as in Family Medicine Units and Community HealthClinics. Patients are cared for in the office setting, emergencyroom, hospital inpatient, and at home. Patients of all ages arecared for, and residents have a small obstetrical practice wherethey follow women prenatally and deliver their babies. Residentslearn to look after their patients’ mental health problems.

Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: A resident research project is notobligatory but encouraged, and support is available. All residentsparticipate in a quality assurance project.

Areas to Improve Program: We continue to find innovativeteaching methods for our core teaching program (small groupseminars, interactive methods). Ensure that all residents havethe right “mix” of patients, particularly pediatric patients, intheir practice.

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Douglass Dalton

Dept. of Family Medicine517 Pine Avenue West, Montréal QC H2W 1S4Tel: (514) 398-7375, ext. 0228, Fax: (514) 398-4202Email: [email protected] Program Contact : Ms. Julie LaneTel: (514) 398-7375Email : [email protected] Site: Program Contact: Mme Patricia RhéaumeEmail: [email protected]

Dalhousie UniversitySite Director: Dr. Jennifer Hall

Department of Family Medicine Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre 8th Floor AJLB, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane Halifax NS B3H 2E2 Tel: (902) 473-4749, Fax: (902) 473-4760Secretary: Candace Fougere Email: [email protected]: http://family.medicine.dal.ca

Sites: Halifax — Margaret GarnierTel: (902) 473-4749Email: [email protected]

Fredericton — Stephanie Suter Tel: (506) 452-5701 Email: [email protected]

Northumberland — Irene Roy Tel: (506) 857-5660 Email: [email protected]

Saint John — Pamela K. Bourque Tel: (506) 648-6825 Email: [email protected]

Sydney — Mary Jackson Tel: (902) 567-8055 Email: [email protected]

PEI – Lynn SutherlandTel: (902) 620-3871Email: [email protected]


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS

> Useful Electives/Experience: We do not require that specificelectives be done. Rather, we encourage students to do anyclinical electives of interest to them and relevant to thediscipline of Family Medicine, of which there are many! Someexamples include Dermatology, Sports Medicine, AdolescentMedicine, Rheumatology, Cardiology, Radiology, Neurology,Emergency Medicine, Rural Family Medicine, etc. We do notrequire that an elective be done in Family Medicine.

> Other: Strong academic record. Excellent communication skillsand teamwork. Passion for Family Medicine in all its facets.

Strengths: Flexibility in training and a variety of training sites.Knowledgeable, enthusiastic faculty. Longitudinal behaviouralscience program.

Other Key Features: Availability of a rural stream so thatresidents do most of their training in a rural site. Community-based training sites in an urban and suburban environment,with 1:1 preceptor-to-resident ratio. Longitudinal behaviouralscience program in place of a traditional Psychiatry rotation.A good deal of choice in the second year, with two months of

electives and three months of selectives. A strong, enthusiastic,procedurally competent faculty.

Common Clinical Encounters: Chronic disease management:hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD, arthritis(to name a few). Well-person and preventive health care acrossthe age spectrum. Acute disease presentation: infectious disease,MSK, abdominal pain, chest pain (typical urgent care issues).Behavioural, mental health issues. Antepartum, intrapartum,postpartum, and neonatal care.

Workload: We adhere strictly to the PAIRO contract in terms of work hours and on call. The residents’ workloads, at differenttimes of their program, depends upon their rotations and theorder of those rotations. Reading time also depends on theresident’s comfort level with the clinical area and prior exposureto the rotations, and is determined by the individual.

Research Expectations: The residents are expected to complete aquality assurance project related to an area of interest in theirFamily Medicine block. The expectation is one project in thetwo-year residency.

Areas to Improve Program: Improve equity of resource allocationacross the program. Increase the availability of community-based training for some of the core rotations.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Family Medicine in a rural setting

or smaller community. Emergency Medicine. The breadth ofFamily Medicine would suggest that students should pursuewhatever they are truly interested in!

> Other: Have a genuine desire to develop the skills necessary to provide comprehensive primary care service to a populationof patients and their communities. Work in a variety of differentprimary care settings. Understand the centrality of the doctor–patient relationship and the importance of competentlongitudinal, coordinated, and compassionate care.

Strengths: Comprehensive program. Uses the unique medicaland geographic characteristics of the province. Rural emphasis.

Other Key Features: Strong rural emphasis.

Common Clinical Encounters: The student will learn to dealwith a wide breadth and variety of problems through the wholelife cycle from conception to death. The student will learn toperform comprehensive care over time and manage earlyundifferentiated symptom presentation.

Workload: N/A. Varies according to the site and rotation.

Research Expectations: Residents are required to do a Resident’sProject over the course of the two-year residency.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase funding and resources.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Family Medicine. Rural Family

Medicine. Rural Family Medicine in Newfoundland andLabrador.

> Other: Demonstrated interest in Family Medicine. Wide varietyof interests and involvement. Work well as a member of a team.

Memorial University of NewfoundlandActing Program Director: Dr. Bill Eaton

Discipline of Family Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Nfld. Health Sciences Centre St. John’s NL A1B 3V6 Tel: (709) 777-6744, Fax: (709) 777-7913 Program Coordinator: Stacy HicksEmail: [email protected]

Queen’s UniversityDr. Willa Henry

Department of Family MedicineHaynes Hall115 Clarence Street, Suite 101, Kingston ON K7L 3N6Tel: (613) 533-9300, ext. 73001, Fax: (613) 533-9301

Program: Ms. Gayle SawyerEmail: [email protected]

Website: http://meds.queensu.ca/familymedicine/residency/

McMaster UniversityDr. Liz Shaw

McMaster UniversityDepartment of Family Medicine1200 Main Street West, HSC 2V4, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 76194, Fax: (905) 528-5337Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Other sites:Kitchener-Waterloo Site Director: Dr. Joseph Lee,[email protected], Grimsby, Collingwood, and MountForest Site Director: Dr. Elaine Blau, [email protected] Site Director: Dr. July Maynard,[email protected] Site Director: Dr. Elizabeth Shaw, [email protected]

Website: http://fammedmcmaster.ca/


Strengths: Prepares confident and competent Family Physiciansto practice in smaller communities and rural and northernregions of Canada. Very strong third-year programs. We offerresidents flexibility in rotation selectives so that their trainingreflects their learning goals.

Other Key Features: The program is designed to meet theeducational needs of future Family Physicians through our coretwo-year program, which leads to eligibility for certification bythe College of Family Physicians of Canada. Approximately 15 third-year positions are available for residents who wish forenhanced educational experience in a variety of areas.


Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: Residents are involved in a researchproject or poster presentation in their second year of training.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Family Medicine elective.

> Other: N/A

Strengths: Strong resident participation in evaluation anddevelopment rotations and learning. Education a priority (overservice) and flexibility. Specific to military, faculty with militaryexperience to assist/facilitate in military rotations or training (if desired), such as attending the Diving Medicine Course orrotations on a military base.

Other Key Features: Regarding the U of A Family MedicineResidency Program for military candidates, we have faculty with experience in the military. We can help facilitate electives or additional military training, as well as advise the resident onsome aspects of medical practice in the Canadian Forces.

Common Clinical Encounters: This varies dramatically withrotation (e.g., Obstetric rotation will have very different clinicalscenarios compared to care of the elderly). Within FamilyMedicine, it will also vary with the preceptors’ type of practice.


First third of program 40 1–8 Generally 1/4

Second third of program 40 1–8 Generally 1/4

Final third of program 40 1–8 Generally 1/4

Research Expectations: Strong resident participation inevaluation and development rotations and learning. Education apriority (over service) and flexibility. Specific to military, facultywith military experience to assist/facilitate in military rotationsor training (if desired), such as attending the Diving MedicineCourse or rotations on a military base.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase academic half days fromtwo to four per month (in the process of doing so). Provide morefunding for resident CME (such as attending conferences)—aproblem throughout all universities.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Family Medicine, Emergency

Medicine, other Family Medicine–related fields (e.g., InternalMedicine, Pediatrics, etc.).

> Other: Patient interaction and interpersonal skills. Experiencein Family Medicine (particularly rural) and related fields.Academic/clinical ability.

Strengths: Flexibility and customizability. Four blocks of elective time, as well as horizontal electives. Responsiveness to needs of the residents. The program will listen and attempt tochange elements of the program as resident needs arise.

Other Key Features: Our core precepting sites provide a panoplyof choices of practice styles from inner city clinics to urgent careto traditional family medicine to rural medicine to aestheticmedicine. The core rotations provide the resident with a firmgrounding in the various areas of medicine that a FamilyPhysician is likely to encounter. For specific program information,please see our program description on the CaRMS Website.

Our clinics function within Primary Care networks which, alongwith regional resources, provide on site multidisciplinary teams.Members of the team include chronic disease nurses, dieticians,asthma educators, shared mental health with psychiatrists andtherapists, social workers and an innovative primary care therapist.

We are continually upgrading our learning environment toprovide the best experience and teaching possible. Our third-year options are varied and we are working on a third-yearGlobal Health option.

Common Clinical Encounters: Depression. Hypertension.Diabetes. Chronic disease management (e.g., COPD, CAD, CHF,etc.). Social problems (placement issues, financial issues,relationship problems, etc.).





University of AlbertaDr. Shirley Schipper c/o Zahra Samji/Cindy Heisler

Department of Family MedicineUniversity of Alberta205 College Plaza, Edmonton AB T6G 2C8Tel: (780) 492-2401, Fax: (780) 492-8191Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

Other sites: Red Deer, Northern Alberta ExperienceDirector: Dr. Fred Janke, [email protected]: http://www.med.ualberta.ca/familymed/

University of CalgaryDr. Dennis Kreptul

UCMC North Hill#1707 - 1632 – 14 Avenue NW, Calgary AB T2N 1M7Tel: (403) 210-9237, Fax: (403) 210-9205Admissions Office Email: [email protected]


Research Expectations: A resident is expected to do a researchproject or scholarly activity that will be presented in March ofthe second year at our Annual Resident Research day. Theresident is encouraged to work on this project through the entiretwo years of residency.

Areas to Improve Program: We are currently modifying ourPediatrics rotation to better accommodate the needs of FamilyMedicine residents. We are currently implementing astandardized, rotating two-year academic curriculum in whichset topics will be reviewed over any given two-year cycle.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Choose electives and experiences

relating to the many components of Family Medicine.

> Other: Demonstrate an interest in Family Medicine. Have someelective experience in Family Medicine. Demonstrate goodinterpersonal skills.

Strengths: The Family Medicine residency program at theUniversity of Ottawa offers the possibility of training in verydiverse settings, including traditional Family Medicine TeachingUnits, community practices in urban, suburban and rural settings,and offers learning opportunities in both official languages.

Other Key Features: A number of the Family Medicine TeachingUnits (and several community practices) have been approved asAcademic Family Health Teams; this will allow residents theopportunity to practice within an interprofessional collaborativecare model.

Common Clinical Encounters: Residents have the opportunity toexperience the full spectrum of the practice of Family Medicine,including ambulatory care, hospital inpatient care, emergencymedicine and maternal health care. In the office setting, residentsare exposed to the common problems encountered in FamilyMedicine (hypertension, diabetes, cardiac disease, mental healthproblems, well child care, women’s health) and learn by means ofstructured direct supervision and case discussion.

Workload: Residents participate in the clinical activities and on-call duties of the rotations they are assigned to. Responsibilitiesare appropriate to their level of training and supervision isavailable at all times. We respect and adhere to PAIRO guidelineswith respect to workload.

Research Expectations: Residents are provided structuredinstruction in critical appraisal of the scientific literature andEvidence-Based Medicine; they are expected to complete criticalappraisal tasks based on the College of Family Physicians ofCanada’s Pearls for Resident program. Every resident is expectedto complete a Resident project as part of the requirements of theresidency; over the two years of the program, they will develop a research question, review the existing literature and carry outan evaluative intervention; residents will present their project inthe final months of their residency.

Areas to Improve Program: N/A

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: We value self-directed learning

and we recognize the important contribution of all electiveopportunities in Family Medicine. As such, the department of Family Medicine does not accord increased value to oneelective experience over another.

Strengths: Flexibility to choose site, electives, and third-yearoptions. Varied populations served through different teachingcentres, e.g., inner city, suburban, obstetrical, and geriatric.Rural teaching experiences.

Other Key Features: Options for horizontal training — develop a practice of your own quickly and effectively. Options for part-time training — permits you to pursue other interests andmanage a young family. Flexible third-year programs that can be tailored to your interests.

Common Clinical Encounters: Common problems in FamilyMedicine — acute and chronic, minor and serious. Multi-problem medical, e.g., DM, BP, heart disease. Psychosocialproblems in individuals and families. Preventive health care and well-person counseling for all ages. Women’s health issues.

Workload: First third of program: Varies from site to site andfollows PAIRO guidelines/resident-determined/1/4 or less.Second third of program: 1/4 or less.Final third of program: 1/6 to 1/12.

Research Expectations: PGY2 research or academic project isrequired — usually a small project with supervision and support.Project may be done by a small group of two to three residents.

Areas to Improve Program: Greater consistency of clinicalexperiences across sites. Larger number of third-year fundedpositions.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Urban or Rural Family Medicine.

Emergency Medicine. Area of interest relevant to FamilyMedicine (within Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics,Psychiatry, OB/GYN, etc.).

> Other: Gain understanding of broad scope of Family Medicine.Do one elective in Family Medicine. Obtain a strong referencefrom a Family Physician, either community-based or academic.

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Karl Iglav

Family Medicine Residency ProgramDepartment of Family & Community Medicine263 McCaul Street, 3nd Floor, Toronto ON M5T 1W7Tel: (416) 978-6467, Fax: (416) 978-8179Email: [email protected] Assistant: Ms. Lela SarjooEmail: [email protected]

Website: http://dfcm.utoronto.ca/postgrad/programs/prog_fammed.htmlUniversity of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. François-Gilles Boucher

Dept. of Family Medicine43 Bruyère St., Room 375JB, Ottawa ON K1N 5C8Tel: (613) 562-6335, ext. 1312, Fax: (613) 562-6336Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Comprehensive training in supportive settings.Flexibility in meeting your own learning objectives. Strongacademic seminar and mental health teaching programs.

Other Key Features: One of the most flexible programs in the country. One of our residents recently won the prestigiousMurray Stalker Award from the CFPC. We have a very enthusiasticand strong residents’ organization.

Common Clinical Encounters: Well-baby care and commonpediatric conditions. Prenatal, intrapartum, and post-partumurgent and emergent conditions in Family Medicine. Adultmedicine and geriatric conditions; office, hospital, and housecalls. Palliative care.

Clinic Reading Workload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) Call

First third of program 40 You decide 1:4–1:5

Second third of program 40 You decide 1:4–1:5

Final third of program 40 You decide 1:4–1:5

Research Expectations: A resident project is required. It does nothave to be research. If you choose to do research, there are lots ofresources to help you. Master’s level: Master’s of Clinical Sciencein Family Medicine in our Graduate Studies program requires athesis or research project or major essay in Family Medicine.

Areas to Improve Program: Look for core and elective rotationswith fewer learners present.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Family Medicine, Internal

Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, or Psychiatry.

> Other: Be patient-centred, be a good communicator, becommitted to learning and making the most of your training.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité de Montréal Dr Louise AuthierMédecine familiale Bureau S-707 C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville Montréal, Québec, Canada H3C 3J7 Tel: (514)343-2085, Fax: (514) 343-2258Other Sites: Maria, Amos-Lasarre, Trois-Rivieres, Shawinigan, Mont-Laurier

Université de Sherbrooke Dr. Line Langlois Département médecine de famille3001, 12e Avenue nord, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 820-6868, ext. 14276Email: [email protected] Sites: Estrie, Lemoyne, Moncton, Saguenay, Richelieu-Yamaska,Rouyn-Noranda

Université LavalProgram Director: Josette Castel Département de médecine familialePavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 1338Université LavalQuébec QC G1K 7P4Tel: (418) 656-2131, ext. 2989, Fax: (418) 656-5252Email: [email protected] Person: Sylvie MartineauEmail: [email protected] Sites: Etchemin, Rimouski, Gaspe, Baie-Comeau, Les Basques-Riviere-du-loop, Joliette

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director, UBC Residency Programs: Dr. Jill KernahanEmail: [email protected] Administrator: Shirley Tam5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3Tel: (604) 822-5450, Fax: (604) 822-6950Email: [email protected]

University of ManitobaDr. Tamara Buchel Postgraduate Medical Education - Family MedicineUniversity of ManitobaT-158, 770 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3E 0W3Tel: (204) 789-3314 (voicemail)Email: [email protected] Program Assistant: Ms. Nancy EidsvigEmail: [email protected]

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. K. Lawrence Academic Family MedicineWest Winds Primary Health Centre 3311 Fairlight Drive Saskatoon SK S7M 3Y5 Tel: (306) 655- 4235 Fax: (306) 655- 4895 Email: [email protected] Administrative Secretary: Ms. Karen BurlockEmail: [email protected] Other Sites: Saskatoon

University of Western OntarioLondon SiteDr. Eric Wong

Department of Family Medicine Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry 2nd Floor, Clinical Skills Bldg., London ON N6A 5C1 Tel: (519) 661-4089, Fax: (519) 661-3878

Program Assistant: Ms. Dianne BrooksTel: (519) 661-2037 Email: [email protected]

Websites: http://www.familymedicineuwo.ca,http://www.cdoswomen.ca/,http://www.cfpc.ca/English/cfpc/clfm/main/


Description of SpecialtyRural Family Medicine offers the unique opportunity to practise in small, generally more northern and remotecommunities. Nowhere else is the all-encompassing nature of family practice more evident. Without the immediateaccessibility of sophisticated diagnostic tests and distantspecialist backup, rural doctors are trained to develop a higherlevel of clinical responsibility and broader range of skills. Thereis great versatility in the field, with opportunities to work inObstetrics, Emergency Medicine, inpatient care, palliative care,surgical assistancy, and home visits.

Most Rural Family Medicine programs are offered at more thanone site at a particular university. For an up-to-date listing, referto the CaRMS Website (http://www.carms.ca).

Overview of ProgramThe residency program for Rural Family Medicine is two years in duration, with an optional third year to sub-specialize in areas such as Anesthesiology, Aboriginal Health, EmergencyMedicine, Behavioural Medicine, Sports Medicine, ICU/CCU, or Geriatrics. In general, the PGY1 year is a basic clinical trainingyear, while PGY2 is designed to complete the CFPC requirements.Residents training are generally one-on-one, with many hands-onopportunities in various different communities.

Strengths: Comprehensive Program. Utilizes the unique medicaland geographic characteristics of the province.

Other Key Features: Strong rural emphasis.

Common Clinical Encounters: The student will learn to dealwith a wide breadth and variety of problems through the wholelife cycle from conception to death. The student will learn toprovide comprehensive care over time and manage early,undifferentiated symptom presentation.

Workload: Varies according to the site and rotation.

Research Expectations: Residents are required to do a Resident’sProject over the course of the two-year residency.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience:: Family Medicine or Rural Family

Medicine, especially in Newfoundland and Labrador.

> Other: Demonstrated interest in Family Medicine. Wide varietyof interests and involvement. Work well as a member of a team.

Strengths: Outstanding opportunities for learning in anenvironment with minimal other learners. Primarily preceptorbased experience. Outstanding, proven rural, Northern preceptors.Cohesive motivated resident group. Program very sensitive toresident input. Exceptional recreational opportunities likecanoeing and skiing.

Other Key Features: Many varied learning opportunities incommunities of varied size from Muskoka to the Manitobaborder. Family medicine residents are front of the line in mostsituations including procedural learning. Theme orientededucational events like “Mills and Mines” where residentsexperience those environments and learn occupational health.Aboriginal and francophone opportunities.

Common Clinical Encounters: Residents working an a Northerncommunity with the opportunity to experience and learn fullspectrum family medicine under the guidance of an experiencedlocal physician. Emergency, ICU and specialty experiences withmotivated energetic preceptors.

Clinic ReadingWorkload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) CallFirst third of program 4 days 1/2 day academic Varies with

/week per week or rotation; two days monthly

per month home call

Second third of program 4 days 1/2 day academic Varies with

/week per week or rotation;

two days monthly

per month home call

Final third of program 4 days 1/2 day academic Varies with


two days monthly

per month home call

Research Expectations: All residents are expected to complete a research project in the 2 years of the program to be presentedon our annual research day. Chart audits and critical appraisalskills are also taught.

Areas to Improve: The coordination of a widely distributedprogram remains a challenge. The development of a newprogram is both a challenge and opportunity for all involved. It is an exciting and stimulating process requiring active andengaged learners who are prepared to contribute.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Family medicine, Northern and

rural experiences would give students an opportunity toexperience what we have to offer.

> Other: The residency should allow graduates to comfortablypractice in any environment in Canada. Other sites includeSault Ste Marie, Timmins and North Bay.

RURALFAMILY MEDICINE

Norther Ontario School of Medicine —Thunder BayProgram director: Dr. Ric Almond

Tel: (807) 343-2121 or 1-800-279-4859 Provincial restrictionsNorthern Ontario School of Medicine955 Oliver Rd. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1Program Coordinator: Allison [email protected]://www.normed.ca/postgraduate/family_medicine

Memorial University — RuralProgram Director: Dr. Bill Eaton

Discipline of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineHealth Sciences Centre, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-6744, Fax: (709) 777-7913Program Secretary: Stacy [email protected]: http://www.med.mun.ca/familymed/


Strengths: One-to-one learner–teacher contact in the context of real-world Family Medicine practice in the large and smallcommunities of northeastern Ontario.

Other Key Features: Our program provides a very resident-focused training period that will lead you to competence inFamily Medicine practice for any Canadian community.

Common Clinical Encounters: This is not something weenumerate regularly. During the two-year program, our residents will see a wide variety of common and seriousmanifestations of several disease and illness states in severaldifferent clinical settings, including rural and urban offices,emergency departments, hospitals, and other clinical settings.

Clinic ReadingWorkload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) CallFirst third of program 4 days 1/2 day academic Varies with

/week per week or rotation; two days monthly

per month home call

Second third of program 4 days 1/2 day academic Varies with


two days monthly

per month home call

Final third of program 4 days 1/2 day academic Varies with


two days monthly

per month home call

Research Expectations: Over the course of the two-yearresidency, each resident is required to complete one researchproject.

Areas to Improve: We rely constantly on suggestions from ourresidents regarding how to improve our program. We ensure that more timely feedback is provided to our residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Our program values all elective

experiences appropriate for a student interested in FamilyMedicine practice in northern or rural communities.

> Other: Demonstrate genuine interest in Family Medicine. Have an appreciation for rural and northern lifestyles. Be awilling participant in a program that demands adult learning.

Strengths: Collegiality: working with experienced generalists,very much enjoying their personal and professional lives, andkeen to share the bounty. Hands-on experience: lots and lots, in a General-Practice-centred environment. Family Practiceresidents get priority attention for procedures and other coreexperiences. Community life: being able to settle in one town(Prince George) for the entire foundation (first) year in communitywith peers, before enjoying priority (along with other RuralProgram residents) in the selection of rural placements for PGY2.

Other Key Features: This is a program for generalists. If you’rehaving difficulty deciding which specialty you like most (becauseyou’ve enjoyed them all), then you should consider small-towngeneral practice. And if that’s your passion, why not train amonggeneral practitioners and specialists who believe that’s thepurest, most gratifying form of medical practice? Small-towngeneral practice is for humble folk who are thrilled to be doctors.If you are the top of your class, we won’t hold it against you. Butthat won’t predict whether you’re going to find joy in generalistmedicine. Ask yourself whether you get a charge out of getting toknow people and being helpful to them. (No shame if you don’t,but you won’t enjoy full-service Family Medicine.) Do you have acommon touch? Does shifting gears (i.e., encountering a totallydifferent clinical presentation) 30 times a day appeal to you? Doyou enjoy working in a community with like-minded colleagues?Crucial questions? Come and meet us in Vancouver.

Common Clinical Encounters: Full-service Family Medicine. R1 core Family Practice experience in a purpose-based clinicserving 15,000 people. Trauma (ER, Orthopedic, Surgery, FamilyPractice). Other acute medicine and surgery. Normal Obstetrics(probably — at least it’s the most common hospitaldiagnosis).The range of mental health concerns, includingsubstance use disorders.

Workload: First year is in Prince George. Ten months ofspecialties; two of FP. Six months of 1:4 call. Two months of 1:3(out-of-house during Surgery and Orthopedics — rarely calledafter midnight). No call for two months. Second year — see UBCRural Program Website. Up to nine months in B.C. rural

University of British ColumbiaNorthern/Rural, Prince GeorgeRita Piccioni

Locations:St. PaulsAboriginal Family MedicineOkanagan-RuralNorthern-RuralRural Prince GeorgeVictoriaMOTP Victoria

Program Director, UBC Residency Programs: Dr. Jill Kernahan

Department of Family PracticeDavid Strangway Building3rd Floor, 5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3Tel: (604) 822-5450, Fax: (604) 822-6950Email: [email protected] Administrator: Shirley TamEmail: [email protected]: http://www.familymed.ubc.ca/carms

Northern Ontario School of Medicine —SudburyProgram Director: Dr. Ric AlmondSite Director: Dr. Tom Crichton

Northern Ontario School of Medicine935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury ON P3E 2C6Tel: (705) 662-7116, Toll-Free: 1-800-461-8777Fax: (705) 662-7140Email: [email protected]: http://www.nomec.on.ca Program Coordinator: Carmen Patry-Jutras935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury ON P3E 2C6Tel: (705) 662-7259Fax: (705) 662-7274Email: [email protected]


communities or elsewhere. ICU and Trauma rotations availablein Prince George or Vancouver. Welcome to return to PrinceGeorge or go elsewhere for electives.

Research Expectations: First year: Base FP audit. Second year:Resident Project — a “work of scholarship” — the scope of whichis up to the resident. Projects range in “ambition” from essays toRCTs. Depends on previous training and experience and theinclination of the resident. Meant to be fun. Don’t let it get toobig. Very much up to the resident.

Areas to Improve Program: Continue efforts to attract first-classresidents — the quality of the residents makes the Program!Additional support to rural practitioners to ease the financialburden they sometimes face hosting residents in theircommunities.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Additional rural communities.

Additional Obstetrics. A “cobbled-together” procedural skillsmonth: Anesthesia, Ophthalmology, Urology, Minor Surgery,etc. Residents find it easy to organize these themselves.Elective time is in PGY2.

> Other: Include at least one reference from a full-service familydoctor, ideally one from a small town. Send to the departmentto get all your questions answered. Attend one of the UBCOpen House Days in Vancouver and talk to the northernresidents in attendance. If you’re keen, tell them.

Strengths: Education above service, with hands-on,predominantly home-call experience. Same academic programas parent university. Extra costs for Rural program, includingPDA/laptop, covered by program.

Other Key Features: PDA given to residents and laptop providedfor two years. Most rural sites have paid accommodation forfamilies. Call predominantly from home. Full NationalAccreditation in 2003. Accreditation team–commended programfor rapid responses to resident concerns. Complete two-yearcurriculum for academics in place. Excellent opportunities tomove to PGY3 positions. One-to-one teaching ratios inspecialties.

Common Clinical Encounters: Unable to quantify, as the breadthof Family Practice and the program spans Trauma, Obstetrics,upper respiratory tract infections, Cardiology, O.R. assists, andminor procedures.

Workload Call

Residents set own maximum 1:3

Research Expectations: Evidence-based medicine course andeither research project over two years or practice improvementproject in first.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase information technology(I.T.) skills of students and continue to enhance communication.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Rural Family Medicine. Family

Medicine regardless of site.

> Other: Complete Rural elective. Demonstrate initiative andinsight. Be an enthusiastic team player.

Strengths: Excellent rural training sites; flexibility in choice ofsite. Full second year in rural practice. Broad scope of clinicaland procedural experiences — office, emergency, hospital.

Other Key Features: Excellent 1:1 teaching during rural experiences.Flexible third-year programs that can be tailored to meet your goals.

Common Clinical Encounters: Common problems in FamilyMedicine — acute and chronic, minor and serious. Multi-problem medical, e.g., DM, BP, heart disease. Psychosocialproblems in individuals and families. Preventive health care andwell-person counseling for all ages. Procedures in office,emergency, hospital.

Workload: Varies from site to site; resident-determined; 1:4 orless, follows PAIRO guidelines.

Research Expectations: PGY2 research or academic project isrequired. Usually a small project with supervision support.Project may be done in small group of two to three residents.

Areas to Improve Program: Greater consistency of clinicalexperiences across sites. Larger number of third-year fundedpositions.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Rural Family Medicine.

Emergency Medicine. Area of interest relevant to FamilyMedicine (within Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics,Psychiatry, OB/GYN, etc.).

> Other: Gain understanding of Rural Family Medicine. Do oneelective in Rural Family Medicine. Obtain strong referencefrom one Rural Family Physician.

University of Toronto — RuralFamily Medicine, RuralProgram Director: Dr. Karl Iglar

Family Medicine Residency ProgramDepartment of Family & Community Medicine263 McCaul Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto ON M5T 1W7Tel: (416) 978-6467, Fax: (416) 978-3912Program Assistant: Ms. Lela SarjooEmail: [email protected]: http://dfcm.med.utoronto.ca/

University of Calgary — RuralFamily Medicine, Rural Alberta South (Lethbridge & Medicine Hat)Unit Directors: Dr. Charlotte Haig, Dr. Sergiu Ciubotaru

c/o Cheryl Morin, Program CoordinatorMedicine Hat Regional Hospital666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat AB T1A 4H6Tel: (403) 502-8646 or 1-866-382-1666, Fax: (403) 527-0637Admissions Office Email: [email protected]: http://www.arfmn.ab.ca


Strengths: Community-based. Broad range of clinical experience— clinic, nursing home, emergency room, community hospital.Freedom to design your own program through a wide variety ofelectives/selectives.

Other Key Features: Western’s Rural program allows residents todesign a program unique to their learning needs. As a result ofthe population density, residents can have a rich, rural learningexperience without being significantly isolated geographicallyfrom their families and friends.

Common Clinical Encounters: Musculoskeletal injuries,dermatology, diabetes mellitus, psychological problems,hyperlipidemia and heart problems.

Workload: Our program is an integrated two-year program.Workload depends on the individual rotations. On-call varies with the rotation and location but does not exceed PAIRO contract.

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to complete andpresent one research project by the end of their second year.

Areas to Improve Program: More specialty rotations into non-academic centres. Increased interaction between Rural residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: We expect students to

demonstrate an interest in broad-based medicine by taking avariety of electives in fields pertinent to Family Medicine, e.g.,Emergency, Obstetrics, Cardiology, etc.

> Other: Since reference letters are usually all excellent, a badreference letter really causes concern. Demonstrated ability towork on teams. Demonstrated interest in Family Medicine.

Programs Not RespondingUniversity of ManitobaDr. Tamara BuchelUniversity of Manitoba T158 - 770 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg MB R3E 0W3 Tel: (204) 789-3314, Fax: (204) 789-3917 Program Contact: Ms. Nancy EidsvigEmail:[email protected]

Description of SpecialtyGeneral Surgery is a branch of surgery that deals primarily withgastrointestinal surgery. It also includes colorectal, pediatric,trauma, and transplantation surgeries, as well as management ofthe head and neck, breast, endocrine system, and peripheralvascular system. However, with subspecialization, some generalsurgeons may limit their practices to one of the above.

Overview of ProgramAll programs in General Surgery are at least five years induration. Certain schools offer six-year programs; certain othersoffer an optional PGY6 year. In general, the PGY1 and PGY2 yearsof General Surgery training are the “core program.” Experience isgained in a variety of surgical and non-surgical fields. During thefive-year residency, a minimum of 30 months is spent in GeneralSurgery rotations; included in those months is at least one year as asenior or chief resident. Candidates spend one other year oftraining pursuing a choice of available options. These options mayinclude training in General Surgery, Research, Pathology, or otherapproved subjects such as Plastic Surgery, Gynecology, Urology,Critical Care, Pathology, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine,Infectious Disease, Transplantation, or Interventional Radiology.

Some schools offer an additional, separate program designed toprepare trainees for a career in community-based General Surgery.

Accredited programs> Critical Care Medicine (three years of Anesthesia, Cardiac

Surgery, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery or InternalMedicine required before entry)

> Research Fellowship (if through Clinican Investigator Program)> Vascular Surgery (available to graduates of General Surgery,

Cardiac Surgery and Cardiothoracic residency programs)

Certificate of Special Competence> Cardiothoracic Surgery> Pediatric General Surgery

Accredited program without certification> Colorectal Surgery> General Surgical Oncology

Fellowships offered without Royal College Status> Endoscopy> General Surgical Oncology AC> Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery> Laproscopic/Minimally Invasive Surgery > Rural General Surgery> Surgical Education> Transplantation

** See http://www.cags-accg.ca/cagsaccg.php?page=17 for location and durations ofPostgraduate Fellowships in General Surgery

GENERAL SURGERYUniversity of Western Ontario —SouthwesternDr. Eric Wong

Department of Family Medicine Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry 2nd Floor, Clinical Skills Bldg. London ON N6A 5C1 Tel: (519) 661-4089, Fax: (519) 661-3878Program Coordinator: Maureen KennedyEmail: [email protected]: Windsor, Rural Hanover, Rural GoderichWebsites: http://www.familymedicineuwo.ca,http://www.cdoswomen.ca, http://www.cfpc.ca/clfm







Northern Ontario School of Medicine 3 –















Strengths: 1) Extensive early operating experience. 2) Extensivecommunity rotations. 3) Highly collegial staff-resident relations.4) Few fellows to interfere with residents at surgeries. 5) Advanced minimally invasive surgery program.

Other Key Features: 1) Separate Junior and Senior Academic half days. 2) Halifax! Great little city. 3) Easy to arrange almostany elective.

Common Clinical Encounters: Hepatobiliary. Surgical Oncology.Surgical Endocrinology. Colorectal Surgery. Hernia andreconstructive abdominal wall surgery. Transplant program.Trauma program. Advanced minimally invasive surgery program.


First third of program Varies Varies 1 in 4

Second third of program Varies Varies 1 in 4

Final third of program Varies Varies 1 in 4

Research Expectations: Two research projects to be completed in five years.

Areas to Improve Program: 1) Increased operative volumes atmore senior levels. 2) No well-developed bariatric surgery

program at this point. 3) Need for more female surgeons.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Surgery electives but

not all in General Surgery. Helps to do elective in Halifax butnot necessary.

> Other: Applicants with strong work ethic, research interests,and solid patterns of performance are favoured.

Strengths: Technical exposure — both community and teachinghospital. Research exposure — Epidemiology, education, basicscience. Strong teaching, both formal and informal.

Other Key Features: Lots of teaching, potential for research, andgreat technical exposure.

Common Clinical Encounters: Trauma, surgical oncology,hepatobiliary–pancreatic, minimally invasive surgery,transplantation.


First third of program 50% 25% 25%

Second third of program 50% 25% 25%

Final third of program 50% 25% 25%

Research Expectations: Up to the resident: from none to six-month long clinical project or diploma in M.Sc. levelEpidemiology to an M.Sc. in Epidemiology/Education/BasicScience to a doctorate or higher Ph.D. in Experimental Surgery.

Areas to Improve Program: More evaluations of staff/services.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Surgical Intensive Care, Surgical

Oncology, Hepatobiliary.

> Other: The successful applicant should complete electives in General Surgery at McGill University and have scientificpublications.

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Paola Fata

Program Adminstrator: Rita PiccioniGeneral Surgery Training ProgramMcGill University Health Centre687 Pine Avenue West, Rm S10.36, Montréal QC H3A 1A1Tel: (514) 843-1532, Fax: (514) 843-1503Email: [email protected]:http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/postgrad/programs/generalsurgery.htm

Dalhousie UniversityDr. Dennis Klassen

QEII Health Sciences CentreRoom 027, 8th FloorVictoria General Hospital1278 Tower Road, Halifax NS B3H 2Y9Tel: (902) 473-5570, Fax: (902) 473-4442

Program Assistant: Sheila ReidEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: Early and Extensive operative exposure. Cohesivegroup of residents. Excellent clinical teachers. ExcellentAcademic half day including technical skills session.Participation in CMAJ Training.

Other Key Features: Opportunity for community andinternational electives. Excellent pass rate for graduates sittingRoyal College Exams.

Common Clinical Encounters: Wide range of General Surgeryexperiences including Surgical Oncology, Hepatobiliary Surgery,Colorectal surgery, Pediatric surgery, Critical Care, Vascular,Trauma and Thoracic Surgery. Wide range of patient acuity fromclinical outpatients to critically ill patients.


First third of program 3–4 12 1:4

Second third of program 3–4 12 1:4 or

1:3 home

Final third of program 3–4 12 1:4 or

1:3 home

Research Expectations: Two completed projects to be presentedat research day over 5 years.

Areas to Improve: Aiming to increases funding for residents whochoose to pursue a Master’s degree.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Surgery, Trauma and

Critical Care electives. Other medical and surgical electives to be certain of choice of General Surgery.

> Other: General Surgery is a demanding but exciting career that has many options for tailoring one’s career whether it iscommunity surgery, academic surgery or subspecialization in a wide range of fields.

Strengths: Clinical experience throughout the residency.Community General Surgery experience.

Other Key Features: One of the best clinical experiences insurgical practice of any Canadian residency program. Wide range of elective and community experience allows resident to tailor program to personal interests.

Common Clinical Encounters: Acute gastrointestinalcomplaints, benign/malignant breast disease, GI malignancy,acute vascular conditions, endocrine surgical conditions.


First third of program 50–60 5–10 1 in 4–5

Second third of program 50–60 5–10 1 in 6–8

Final third of program 50–60 10–20 1 in 2 home

Research Expectations: Residents are required to complete tworesearch projects during their residency program. They may alsoseek an M.Sc. in Clinical Epidemiology or Surgical Education.

Areas to Improve Program: Ensure regular feedback.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Community General Surgery,

developing-country elective, any clinical electivedemonstrating interest in surgery.

> Other: The successful applicant should demonstrate personalcommitment to a surgical career, and personal satisfactionfrom surgical endeavours.

Strengths: Small program. Close working relationship withfaculty. Dedicated faculty. Pleasant lifestyle in smaller city.

Other Key Features: Royal College Accredited. Five-yearprogram. Research Mandatory. Out of town rotations in Oshawa.

Common Clinical Encounters: Full range of general surgeryexcept transplantation and Bariatric surgery.

Queen’s UniversityDr. G. Ross Walker

Department of SurgeryVictory 3, RM 352Kingston General Hospital76 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 549-6666, ext. 6298, Fax: (613) 544-9174Email: [email protected]

Memorial University of NewfoundlandProgram Director: Dr. David Pace

Department of General SurgeryH 1826 Health Sciences Centre300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-6874, Fax: (709) 777-8128Email: [email protected] Administrator: Ms. Cheryl PerkinsEmail: [email protected]: http://www.med.mun.ca/surgery/pages/residents.htm

McMaster UniversityDr. Susan Reid

Faculty of Health SciencesFaculty of Health Sciences, Room 4E14 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 73932Email: [email protected] Contact: Katie NiblockEmail: [email protected]

Program Contact: Katie NiblockResidency Education CoordinatorDepartment of SurgeryMcMaster UniversityFaculty of Health Sciences, Room 4E141200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 75844, Fax: (905) 521-9992Email: [email protected]



First third of program 60–100 5–10 1:4 in hospital

Second third of program 60–100 5–15 1:3 home

Final third of program 60–100 10–20 1:3 home

Research Expectations: Mandatory.

Areas to Improve Program: Broad range of Medical and SurgicalElectives preferred.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: On site electives helpful but not

required.

Key Features: Advantages include good contact with teachers,personal supervision/follow-up, early technical exposure, and afamily-like environment.

Strengths: Large variety of cases. Strong academic program withinterested and enthusiastic surgeons. Strong research traditionwith established clinical investigator program, plus the ability to pursue basic research.

Other Key Features: One of the highest pass rates on the RoyalCollege examinations. Large clinical volume, with manyopportunities to operate at a junior level. OR time is balancedwith a strong academic program, with dedicated half days fordidactic seminars, panel discussions, anatomy review, andresearch. Research opportunities are extensive, with many recentresidents having achieved M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees.

Common Clinical Encounters: GI surgery and GI surgicaloncology. Liver, pancreas, and islet transplantation. Head andneck oncology. Multisystem trauma. Community General Surgery.



Second third of program 50 10 1 in 4

Final third of program 70 10 1 in 3 home

Research Expectations: Residents must complete a yearlyresearch project during PGY2-4 inclusive. There are manyopportunities available to pursue an M.Sc. or Ph.D.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any General Surgery service

in the city.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful must make surethey are truly interested in a career in surgery. They areencouraged to come and have a look at the program and talk to our residents.

Strengths: Clinical training, research, preceptorship.

Other Key Features: None.

Common Clinical Encounters: Acute abdomen, multiple trauma,surgical oncology, cholelithiasis, hernia.





Research Expectations: One completed project is due by the PGY4year. The opportunity exists for pursuit of a Master’s degree.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase surgical skills laboratorytraining. Increase advanced laparoscopic experience.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Surgery in Calgary.

> Other: Successful applicants must demonstrate commitmentto becoming a general surgeon, becoming known by pursuingelectives in their chosen program, and deciding early on acareer path.

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Chris Andrew

Surgical Education ProgramsRoom GH604 - Health Sciences Centre820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9

Program Assistant: Ms. Melissa CowanEmail: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeDr. Nathalie McFadden

Secrétariat post-doctoral en chirurgieCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, pièce 8501Mme Francine Beauvais3001, 12 ième avenue Nord, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 14237, Fax: A l’attention de Mme FrancineBeauvais, (819) 564-5387Email: [email protected]

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Tony MacLean

General Surgery Residency Training OfficeFoothills Medical CentreRoom 1028 - North Tower1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-8022, Fax: (403) 270-0148Email: [email protected]: http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/surgery/ Clerkship Elective Information:[email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Dan Schiller

General Surgery Residency Training Program2D2.06 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences CentreUniversity of Alberta8440 - 112 Street, Edmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-1926, Fax: (780) 407-7394Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Excellent variety of clinical cases. Very good teaching.Friendly program.


Common Clinical Encounters: Pancreatitis, biliary tract disease.colorectal cancer, appendicitis, breast cancer.

Workload Call

First third of program 1 in 3

Second third of program 1 in 3

Final third of program 1 in 3

Research Expectations: All residents are expected to completetwo projects for publication in the five years.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase research profile. Increasenumber of surgical skills courses.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Surgery, trauma surgery,

colorectal or hepatobiliary surgery.

> Other: Successful applicants must show enthusiasm for thespecialty, have suitable electives in the field, and haveoutstanding letters of reference.

Strengths: Wide experience of all types of surgery, to which allresidents have equal exposure. Graduated and progressive ORexperience and clinical responsibility. Strong community surgeryties. Enthusiastic new faculty.

Other Key Features: Both our regular and Northeastern programsaim to train competent general surgeons. We highly valuecandidates who are collegial and work well in a team. We assumethat all candidates, by virtue of completing medical school, havethe academic ability to successfully complete a residency.

Workload: Call is 1-in-4 in-house and, as a senior resident, 1-in-3 home.

Research Expectations: All residents must do two projects duringtheir five years. They may elect to go into Surgeon Scientist yearfor one to three years.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Surgery.

> Other: The successful applicant should show an interest inGeneral Surgery and demonstrate that he/she is a well-rounded person and a team player.

Strengths: Unsurpassed breadth and depth of clinical educationopportunities. Wide range of formal education rounds. Largevolume, highly focused service (e.g., community, trauma,oncology, transplant). Surgical scientist program for thoseinterested in academic surgery.

Other Key Features: Excellent exposure to both community andacademic surgery tailored to meet residents’ aspirations.

Common Clinical Encounters: Broad range of encounters. Minorprocedures (outpatient), major procedures, complex procedures(surgical oncology, transplant, trauma).

Workload: Busy clinic and OR schedules as per PAIRO regulations.

Research Expectations: Residents must undertake a researchproject as part of program in the five years, with the expectationof presentation at the Annual General Assembly of GeneralSurgeons. All research meetings for PGY4/5 are paid for.

Areas to Improve Program: Currently working on initiatives tooptimize resident rotations to meet individual residents’ needsand aspirations.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Surgery.

> Other: Knowledge of the career. Elective experience. Strongpersonal letter.

Strengths: Five-year program. Medium sized (4-6 residents/yr).Excellent clinical volumes. Flexible training program withelective 3rd year to meet career goals.

Other Key Features: CSTAR for MIS and robotics. Excellentcommunity partners for a strong community clinical rotations.Level I trauma center. Top transplantation program. Strongresearch. Outstanding educational program.

University of Western OntarioDr. Ken Leslie

General SurgeryLHSC - University Hospital Room C8-114, London ON N6A 5A5Tel: (519)663-3269 Fax: (519)663-3068Email: [email protected]

Program Coordinator: Christine WardTel: (519) 663-3269Email: [email protected]

University of TorontoProgram Director: : Dr. Najma Ahmed

General Surgery Residency Training ProgramUniversity of TorontoSt. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond StreetQueen Wing 3-073, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8Tel : 416-864-5422 Fax: 416-864-3083

Program Contact: Ms. Miriam StrzinarEmail: [email protected]

University of OttawaUniversity of Ottawa (Traditional)Dr. Dennis Pitt, Division of General Surgery

The Ottawa Hospital – General Campus501 Smyth Rd., Ottawa ON K1H 8L6Tel: (613) 737-8073, Fax: (613) 737-8371Email: [email protected]


Common Clinical Encounters: All areas of general surgery;surgical oncology; endocrine surgery; trauma surgery; colorectalsurgery; hepatobiliary surgery, and full endoscopy.


First third of program 75 10 1:4 to 1:6

in house

Second third of program 60 20 1:6 to1:8

home call

Final third of program 75-90 10 1:4 home call

Research Expectations: Four research projects in five years.Opportunity to obtain masters degree. Monthly journal club/EBM.

Areas to Improve: Recruitment of another MIS surgeon.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Electives in General Surgery to

demonstrate understanding of practice. Can be academic orcommunity elective. Elective in GI and ICU useful.

Programs Not RespondingNorthern Ontario School of MedicineDr. Harshad TelangNorthern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) Postgraduate Education955 Oliver RoadThunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1Tel: (807) 766-7444 Fax: (807) 766-7483Program Contact: Cyndy MacKenzieEmail: [email protected]

Université de MontréalHôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont5415 bd de L'AssomptionMontréal, Québec H1T 2M4Phone: 514-252-3822Email: jean-francois.latulippe@uMontréal.ca Administrative Assistant: Diane LessardEmail: Diane.Lessard@uMontréal.ca

Université LavalDr. Claude Thibault

Département de chirurgiePavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 2437Université LavalQuébec QC G1V 0A6Tel: (418) 656-2131, ext. 3874, Fax: (418) 656-3821Email: [email protected] Person: Mme Monique PelletierEmail: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaDr. Morad Hameed3rd Floor, Jim Pattison Pavilion North#3100, 910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 4E3Tel: (604) 875-4133, Fax: (604) 875-4036Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Mike Moserc/o Karen Bader, Surgery Teaching OfficeDepartment of SurgeryRoyal University Hospital103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N 0W8Tel: (306) 966-8166, Fax: (306) 966-7988Email: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyAn Internist is a specialist trained in the diagnosis and treatmentof a broad range of diseases involving all organ systems, and isespecially skilled in the management of patients who haveundifferentiated or multi-system disease processes. An Internistcares for hospitalized and ambulatory patients in bothcommunity and academic settings and may play a major role in teaching, health promotion and advocacy, and research.

Overview of ProgramCanadian Internal Medicine programs require a minimumcommitment of four years. Those who choose not tosubspecialize can become General Internists after these fouryears. Students who choose to subspecialize are required tocomplete two years of subspecialty training, which they canoften begin after the successful completion of three core years in General Medicine, for a total of five years of postgraduateeducation. In order to assure an adequate breadth of training,residents are limited to no more than six months in anysubspecialty program during their core three-year rotations. The core three years include a minimum of 12 months oftraining in General Internal Medicine, whether on a GeneralMedicine clinical teaching unit, a General Medicine consultationservice, or an Ambulatory Care block rotation. Residents acquirefurther experience in a variety of subspecialty fields that includeCritical Care Medicine, Cardiology, Infectious Diseases, Neurology,Respiratory Medicine, Rheumatology, Endocrinology/Metabolism,Gastroenterology, Geriatrics, Hematology, Medical Oncology,Clinical Allergy and Immunology, Dermatology, and Nephrology.

Accredited programs:> Cardiology> Clinical Immunology and Allergy> Clinical Pharmacology (two years) entry from PGY4 Anesthesia

or Psychiatry or PGY3 Core Internal Medicine or Pediatrics> Critical Care Medicine (three years of Anesthesia, Cardiac

Surgery, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, or InternalMedicine required before entry)

> Endocrinology and Metabolism> Gastroenterology> General Internal Medicine> Geriatric Medicine> Hematology

Sunny from Case 6 should enter an Internal Medicine residencyprogram to prepare himself for a career as a Cardiologist. Afterthree years of core Internal Medicine, Sunny will apply for furthertraining in Cardiology through the R4 Match. More informationon the R4 Match, including the application process andstatistics, can be found on p. 200.

INTERNAL MEDICINE


> Infectious Disease> Medical Oncology> Nephrology> Occupational Medicine> Respirology> Rheumatology

Accredited program without certification:> Transfusion Medicine Fellowships offered without Royal

College Status

> Cardiology > Echocardiology> Electrophysiology Research> Interventional Cardiology

> Endocrinology> Diabetes > Thyroid Disorders> Lipid Metabolism> Bone and Calcium Disorders> Neuroendocrinology> Reproductive endocrinology/in vitro methodology> Obesity

> Gastroenterology> Hepatology and Liver Transplant> Inflammatory Bowel Disease> Nutrition (Adult and Pediatric)> Therapeutic Endoscopy

> Nephrology> Kidney and Pancreas Transplant




















Strengths: Outstanding clinical teachers. Funded annualconference and travel leave. Graded call schedule.

Other Key Features: The clinical training in the DalhousieInternal Medicine program must be considered one of itsstrongest points. The program consists of 36–42 residents in thethree core years and about 20 in the subspecialty programs. Itgives residents the opportunity to get to know faculty membersquite well, making the working environment very collegial.Members of the Department of Medicine are compensated by anAlternative Funding Plan, which means they do not suffer fromthe same pressures to maximize patient throughput in theirclinics; this gives those who are genuinely interested in teachingthe chance to do so almost as much as they wish. Halifax servesas the tertiary and quaternary care for most of the Atlanticprovinces, so the variety of patient problems is great.

Common Clinical Encounters: Dyspnea (CHF, COPDexacerbation, PE, community-acquired pneumonia). Chest pain(acute MI, community-acquired pneumonia, PE, missed thoracicaortic dissection). Undifferentiated acute confusional state(infection, metabolic, etc.). Acute renal failure (pre-renal, postrenal,renal). Dyscopia—a slowly progressive, non-acute functionaldecline requiring general Internal Medicine intervention togenerate an admission diagnosis and treatment plan/discharge.


First third of program 40–50 5–10/wk 1 in 4/5

Second third of program 40–50 5–10/wk 1 in 4/7

Final third of program 40 10–20/wk 1 in 6/8

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to be involved inat least one research project annually, but not in first year. Up tothree months of protected research time can be taken.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase non-tertiary-level InternalMedicine exposure. Implement longitudinal research clinics.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Internal Medicine. Any

other subspecialty of medicine, preferably with involvementwith both inpatients and outpatients.

> Other: An elective in Internal Medicine. Outstandingreferences: an on-site reference from Dalhousie is beneficial.Contact our residents and get an inside perspective of ourprogram first-hand.

Dalhousie UniversityDr. Darrell White

Dept. of MedicineDalhousie UniversitySuite 483, Bethune Building, Victoria General SiteQEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax NS B3H 2Y9Tel: (902) 473-2253Email: [email protected]: http://dom.medicine.dal.ca/education/postgraduate.htmEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: Training in fundamental clinical skills. Dynamic andinvolved teachers. Strong general Internal Medicine outpatientclinical experience. Simulation-based training.

Other Key Features: Epidemiology curriculum is supplementedwith a course offered to senior residents (R2–R3) that hasreceived excellent feedback.

Common Clinical Encounters: Congestive heart failure;pneumonia and exacerbation of COPD; acute delirium;inflammatory bowel disease; stroke.


First third of program 3 4 6/28 days

Second third of program 3 6 6/28 days

Final third of program 3 6 6/28 days

Research Expectations: Residents are encouraged, but not required,to participate in a research project. Most residents complete aresearch project in a field of their interest. This is generally begunin the second year of the program, facilitated by the ResidentResearch Coordinator. Some ultimately go on to complete aMaster’s, but this is generally after the third year of training.

Areas to Improve Program: Improving facilities and servicesthrough increased health care spending at governmental level.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any elective in Internal Medicine

or its subspecialties may be useful.

> Other: Good clinical evaluations in Internal Medicinerotations. Strong letters of reference. Strong performance in theinterview.

Strengths: Small program — no fellows competing for clinicalexperiences. Clinical responsibility given early. Structuredacademic teaching, including weekly academic half day, researchand design course, initial appraisal course. Opportunity topursue MSc degree in Epidemiology concurrently. Small programcreates a collegial atmosphere. Excellent core General Medicineprogram in good standing with the Royal College.

Other Key Features: Favourable faculty to resident ratio. Directinteraction with faculty. Opportunity for independence early ifresident desires.

Common Clinical Encounters: All areas of Internal Medicine,such as acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, cardiacdysrhythmia, COPD, pneumonia, GI bleed, complications of liver disease, drug overdose, diabetic ketacidosis, acute andchronic renal failure, infectious diseases (such as UTI, cellulites,etc.), DVP/PE, malignancy – both newly diagnosed andundergoing therapy.


First third of program 24 wks CTU 1:4 to 1:5

other rotations

clinics

Second third of program 12 wks CTU, 1:5 to 1:6

8 wks ICU

8 wks CCU

clinics

Final third of program 12 wks CTU, 8 1:6 to 1:7

other rotations

mainly clinics

Research Expectations: All residents expected to present aresearch project at annual resident research day at least once in3 years. Research design course and mentoring system in placeto facilitate this.

Areas to Improve: Continue to develop teaching and evaluationaround various CanMEDS competencies.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any area of Internal Medicine.

Electives done here most likely to help student experience thestrengths of the program.

> Other: Have a good disposition. Show an eagerness to learn,work and see patients. Be curious and don’t be afraid to offeropinions and ask questions.

Strengths: Excellent working relationship between staff andresidents. Four months of electives, which may be takenanywhere in Canada. PGY3 year focus on ambulatory andconsultative medicine.

Queen’s UniversityDr. Christopher Smith

Queen’s UniversityDept. of MedicineEtherington Hall, Room 3038, Kingston ON K7L 3N6Tel: (613) 533-2623, Fax: (613) 533-6695Email: [email protected]: http://deptmed.queensu.ca/residency/index.php

Memorial UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Kirsty Tompkins

Discipline of Internal Medicine300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-6781, Fax: (709) 777-8031Email: [email protected]: http://www.med.mun.ca/familymed/pages/residency/rotations/int_med.htm Program Assistant: Ms. Sharon PellyTel: (709) 777-6781Email: [email protected]

McGill University Director: Dr. Thomas Maniatis

McGill UniversityInternal Medicine Postgraduate Training ProgramAssistant: Maureen DowdRoyal Victoria HospitalRoom M10.02, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montréal QC H3A 1A1Tel: (514) 843-1506

Program Administrator: Maureen DowdEmail: [email protected]: http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/internalmed/


Other Key Features: In recent years, all of our residents have beensuccessful in obtaining their subspecialties of choice. Electiveshave been popular as a method of defining career choices.

Common Clinical Encounters: On CTU: Community-acquiredpneumonia, congestive heart failure, stable upper and lowergastrointestinal bleeding, and stroke. On Cardiology: acutecoronary symptoms.


First third of program 50 Variable 1:4 to 1:6

Second third of program 50 Variable 1:4 to 1:6

Final third of program 45 Variable 1:25 in house,

1:5 home calls

Research Expectations: One mandatory research project, whichcan be medical education, quality assurance, basic science,clinical trial, or case series review.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any elective at Queen’s in the

DOM. Any Internal Medicine subspecialty or consultationservice. Community Internal Medicine.

> Other: Highlight ability to work as part of a team. Demonstrateintellectual curiosity. Show interest in the field of InternalMedicine.

Strengths: Ideal size. Collegial, friendly atmosphere. Exposure toall aspects of medicine.

Other Key Features: We have a great group of contentedresidents of whom the faculty is proud.

Common Clinical Encounters: Ischemic heart disease and heartfailure. Diabetes mellitus. Respiratory disease including COPD,asthma, and pneumonia. Renal failure. Thromboembolicdisease.

Workload Call

First third of program 1:4

Second third of program 1:4

Final third of program 1:6

Research Expectations: All residents are expected to complete a research project and are given one to three months dependingon interest and approval by the Research Committee.

Areas to Improve Program: More exposure to outpatient andambulatory medicine. Establish higher standards ofperformance for residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Family Medicine. Obstetrics and

Gynecology. General Surgery.

> Other: Develop and maintain a passion for medicine. It shouldbe evident in your application. Demonstrate your ability towork in a team. Demonstrate an interest in research.

Strengths: Clinical case mix. Dedicated teachers. Residents’morale.

Other Key Features: Outstanding academic half day. Vancouver isan excellent place to live and work.

Common Clinical Encounters: Infections in immunocompromisedpatients. CHF. GI hemorrhages. Infections in injection drugusers. Pneumonia.

Workload: Variable depending on service.

Research Expectations: None required/mandatory. Mostresidents undertake voluntary research projects or presentclinical cases at Resident Research Day.

Areas to Improve Program: Increasing ambulatory experience.Balancing acute care versus subspecialty elective rotations.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Electives in Internal Medicine or

its subspecialties. Emergency Medicine. Breadth of experiencein non–Internal Medicine areas.

> Other: Aptitude in Internal Medicine. Excellent interpersonalskills. Outstanding work ethic.

Strengths: Collegial atmosphere with major participation byresidents in decision-making and operation of the residencyprogram. Strong, diverse teaching faculty. Strong, GeneralInternal Medicine division and faculty so that the majority of teaching on the clinical teaching units is done by generalinternists. All areas of Internal Medicine are representedincluding inpatient, ambulatory and community GeneralInternal Medicine rotations.

University of CalgaryDr. Otto Rorstad/Jennifer Filson

Foothills Medical CentreRoom 933, 9th Floor, North Tower1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-1525, Fax: (403) 944-1095Email: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaDr. J. Mark Roberts

10th Floor, Room 10203Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health CentreRoom 10203, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9Tel: (604) 875-5787, Fax: (604) 875-4886

Program Secretary: Sherri Charters Tel: (604) 875-4111Email: [email protected]: http://www.medicine.ubc.ca

University of AlbertaDr. D. Rolfson

304 College Plaza8215 - 112 StreetEdmonton, Alberta, T6G 2C8Tel: (780) 248-1343 Fax: (780) 248-1350 Program Contact: Doris KurtzEmail: [email protected]: http://www.med.ualberta.ca/


Common Clinical Encounters: Cardiology/Coronary Care Unit,Critical Care Medicine, Endocrinology, Dermatology/Allergy,Geriatrics, General Internal Medicine, Infectious diseases,Nephrology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Rheumatology,Respirology.


First third of program 4 4–8 1:4

Second third of program 4–8 4–8 1:4

Final third of program 4–8 4–8 1:4

Research Expectations: Residents will develop knowledge ofEvidence Based Medicine and critical appraisal of the medicalliterature. There are excellent opportunities to participate inresearch and academic projects. We have an annual research day at which residents present a variety of projects and research.

Areas to Improve: We are working on our community InternalMedicine rotations outside of Calgary in the smaller cities of Alberta.Our rotation in Lethbridge is very well rated and subscribed.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Rotations on Internal Medicine

Clinical Teaching Unit and the specialties of Internal Medicineas above. Rotations in General Internal Medicine are especiallyvaluable.

> Other: Highly valued skills: Communication, Collaboration/Teamwork, and Scholarly activity including teaching andacademic projects.

Strengths: Night float call. Large catchment area—wide variety of pathology and opportunity for rural electives. Early clinicalresponsibilities.

Other Key Features: Night float call system reduces in housetraditional 1 in 4 call. Faculty guided Academic Half-Day.

Common Clinical Encounters: Pre-operative assessment. ACS,COPD, Acute renal failure, newly diagnosed malignancy,complications of cirrhosis, DVT, PE.



Second third of program 40 10 4 weeks of

night float

Final third of program 40 10 4 weeks of

night float

Research Expectations: Annual Residents Research Day. Each resident expected to present original research duringresidency training.

Areas to Improve: Increase the rural/community exposure.Further enhance an already growing research component.Expand the acuity of patients in CCU?

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any medical subspecialty or

general medical consultation service, ICU, CCU, neurology,and dermatology.

> Other: Take relevant electives. Demonstrate an interest in theprogram. Show residents and staff interest. Become involved in areas outside of medicine to maintain balance.

Strengths: Enthusiastic, accessible involved staff. Gradedresponsibility (CTU/Critical Care in R1, SMR on CTU in R2,consult services/electives in R3). Collegial, cohesive interactionbetween staff and residents. Large amounts of clinical teaching inmorning reports, noon rounds and medical education half day.

Other Key Features: Strong emphasis on quality of life inaddition to excellence in clinical skills. CTUs run by generalinternists. Numerous opportunities to be involved in clinicalresearch; Dedicated CTUs for Respirology, Cardiology, Nephrologyand Medical Oncology (in addition to General Medicine).

Common Clinical Encounters: Extremely varied: multiply illcomplex medical patients, HIV, and tropical medicine (malaria, TB).


First third of program 45 10 1:3 to 1:4

Second third of program 45 10 1:3 to 1:4

Final third of program 45 10 1:3 to 1:4

Research Expectations: Research is not required, but a studentresearch project is strongly recommended.

Areas to Improve: Develop a hospitalist program to offloadCTUs. Intensify training in procedures.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Medicine consult/triage service,

ICU and Respirology, Infectious Disease, Rheumatologyconsult services.

> Other: Our program attempts to combine excellence in clinicalteaching with a mentoring and supportive environment. Wepride ourselves in the involved, interested staff and excellentclinical and didactic teaching.

University of OttawaProgram Director: Catherine Code

University of OttawaInternal Medicine Residency Training ProgramThe Ottawa Hospital, General Campus(LM-13-Box 210) – 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6Tel: (613) 737-8726Program Coordinator: Francine LessardEmail: Francine Lessard: [email protected]: http://www.medicine.uottawa.ca/eng Other sites: Northern Ontario School of Medicine Stream andMontfort

University of ManitobaDr. K. Kasper

Department of MedicineGC440, General HospitalHealth Sciences Centre820 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Small program. Unintimidating atmosphere. Strongacademic program. Excellent pass rate on Royal College exams.

Common Clinical Encounters: COPD. ILD. Asthma. CF. Sleepdisorders.



Second third of program 10–30 5 1:3

Final third of program 10–30 5 1:3

Strengths: Excellent teaching. Highly developed curriculum.Wide variety of clinical material.


Common Clinical Encounters: Congestive heart failure,pneumonia, diabetes, acute coronary syndromes, cancer.


First third of program 40–50 5–10 Up to 1:4

Second third of program 40–50 5–10 Up to 1:4

Final third of program 40–50 5–10 Up to 1:4

Research Expectations: Research is encouraged but notmandatory in core three years.

Areas to Improve Program: Improving the CRISP (academic halfday). Improving residents’ evaluation.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Internal Medicine at one

of the teaching hospitals. Other Internal Medicine electives.

> Other: High academic standing. A letter of reference fromclerkship coordinator or U of T medicine teaching faculty. Astrong interview.

Programs Not RespondingMcMaster UniversityDr. Parveen WasiFaculty of Health SciencesInternal Medicine Residency Office, Room 3W10B1200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 76396, Fax: (905) 529-0066Program Coordinator: Gail TrevisaniEmail: [email protected]

Université de MontréalProgram Director: François Gobeil, MDFaculté de médecineDépartement de médecineC.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Porte S-757, Montréal QC H3C 3J7Tel: (514) 343-5932, Fax: (514) 343-7089Email: [email protected] Contact : Mme Nathalie MorandEmail: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeDocteur Jean-Daniel Baillargeon3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 564-5254, Fax: (819) 820-6806Administrative Assistant : Isabelle GuyonEmail: [email protected]

Université LavalProgram Director: Dr Patrick CoutureDépartement de médecineFaculté de médecinePavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 2474,Université Laval, Québec QC G1V 0A6Tel: (418) 656-2131 poste 2617Fax: (418) 656-3821Program Secretary : Martine DemersEmail: [email protected]

University of Western OntarioDr. Claude KortasLondon Health Sciences Centre Room ALL-108 , PO Box 5339PO Box 5339, London ON N6A 5A5Tel: (519) 663-3511, Fax: (519) 663-3232Education Manager: Ana MalbrechtEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyLaboratory Medicine is not a residency program in and of itself;rather it encompasses six different specialties:

1) Anatomical PathologyAnatomical Pathology is the study of the morphologic aspects ofdisease. Anatomical pathologists tend to specialize according toa particular organ system (Renal Pathology, Dermatopathology),laboratory method (Cytopathology, Electron Microscopy), ortype of clinical case (Pediatrics, Forensics).

2) General PathologyGeneral Pathology is a broader field that is concerned with allcomponents of laboratory investigation, including bothmorphological and non-morphological diagnostic techniques.

LABORATORY MEDICINE

University of TorontoDr. Wayne Gold, Department of Medicine

University of Toronto, 190 Elizabeth StreetR. Fraser Elliott Building, 3-805, Toronto ON M5G 2C4Tel: (416) 978-2645Email: [email protected]:http://www.library.utoronto.ca/medicine/educational_programs/postgrad/med_gen.htm

University of SaskatchewanDr. Kurt Williams

Department of MedicineRoyal University Hospital 103 Hospital Drive Saskatoon SK S7N 0W8 Tel: (306) 966-7975 Fax: (306) 966-8021Program Contact: Linda IwabuchiEmail: [email protected]


This specialty incorporates aspects of Anatomical Pathology,Medical Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology, Hematopathology,and Transfusion Medicine.

3) Hematological PathologyHematological Pathology is focused specifically on disorders ofthe blood and blood-forming organs. The hematologicalpathologist is responsible for the provision of hematologyservices in the laboratory to aid in the detection, diagnosis, andmonitoring of these disorders.

4) Medical BiochemistryMedical Biochemistry is the study of biochemical abnormalitiesin human disease. Medical biochemists are involved in themanagement and operation of hospital biochemistry laboratories.

5) Medical MicrobiologyMedical Microbiology deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases. The duties of a medicalmicrobiologist may include management of clinical microbiologylaboratories, direction of hospital infection control programs,clinical consultations, public health, and Epidemiology.

6) NeuropathologyNeuropathology is concerned with diagnosis and interpretationof diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems, usinga variety of laboratory investigations.

Each school offers a different combination of these six programs,and the CaRMS application process varies considerably byschool. Some schools (Alberta, Calgary, Manitoba, McGill,Memorial, Saskatchewan) offer a variety of direct-entryprograms by specialty. Other schools (British Columbia,Dalhousie, McMaster, Ottawa, Queen’s, Toronto, Western) haveone Laboratory Medicine residency program, and applicantsmay choose their specialty area of interest within that program.The majority of Laboratory Medicine residents are in Anatomicaland General Pathology programs.

Overview of ProgramAnatomical PathologyResidency programs are five years in length. The first year at all schools consists of basic clinical training. This is generallyfollowed by one or two years in Anatomical Pathology rotations(including Autopsy and Surgical Pathology) and two or threeyears of rotations in subspecialties of Pathology.

Accredited Programs> Forensic Pathology

Programs without Royal College Status> Bone and Joint Pathology> Breast Pathology> Cardiovascular Pathology> Cytopathology> Electron Microscopy> Dermatopathology > Endocrine Pathology> Gynecological Pathology> GI/Hepatopathology> Molecular Diagnostics> Oncologic Pathology> Pediatric Molecular Diagnostics> Pediatric Pathology> Sarcoma Pathology> Surgical Pathology

General PathologyResidency programs are five years in length. The first year at all schools consists of basic clinical training. The details of the next four years vary by school, but generally residents dorotations in the various specialties and subspecialties ofAnatomical Pathology, as well as Medical Microbiology andMedical Biochemistry.

Accredited Program> Forensic Pathology

Hematological PathologyThis is either a four- or a five-year residency program consisting of one clinical year in Internal Medicine and othersubspecialties, two laboratory years, and research and/orelectives for the remaining time.

Accredited program without certification> Transfusion Medicine

Medical BiochemistryThis is a five-year residency program that includesapproximately two years of General Medicine, two years oflaboratory training, and one year of research and/or electives.

Medical MicrobiologyResidency programs are five years in length. Two of the years areclinical, with one year usually a rotating internship and the otheryear being Internal Medicine, with a focus on Infectious Disease.There are also two years of Microbiology training, predominantlylaboratory-based, and one elective year.

NeuropathologyAll programs are five years in length and have the same basiccomponents. The first year consists of basic clinical training,followed by one year of Anatomical Pathology (both Surgical andAutopsy), two years of Neuropathology, and one elective year.



McGill University – –




Université de Montréal – –



University of Alberta – –

University of British Columbia – –









Residency positions may be offered every second year for certain programs.


Programs Not RespondingDalhousie UniversityDr. A ShawwaCoordinator, Pathology Residency Training ProgramsDalhousie UniversityD.J. Mackenzie Building, Rm. 4285788 University Avenue, Halifax NS B3H 1V8Tel: (902) 473-7589, Fax: (902) 473-6588Program Coordinator: Mrs. Debby CaldwellEmail: [email protected]

Queen’s UniversityDr. Timothy J. ChildsDepartment of PathologyKingston General Hospital76 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 549-6666, ext. 4169; Fax: (613) 548-6076Program Assistant: Laurel PlazaEmail: [email protected]

McMaster UniversityAnatomical Pathology (AP) AP Program Director – Dr. Monalisa Sur Tel: (905) 522-2100, ext. 42051 Email: [email protected]

General Pathology (GP) GP Program Director - Dr. Tariq Aziz Tel: (519) 522-1155 ext 35186Email: [email protected]

Medical Biochemistry (MB) MB Program Director – Dr. Tony ChettyTel: (905) 522-1155, ext. 34366 Email: [email protected]

Medical Microbiology (MM) MM Program Director – Dr. Cheryl Main Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 46111Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator: Laura McCarthy Email: [email protected]

University of Western OntarioMs. Tracey Koning (Secretary: Laboratory Medicine Programs)Department of PathologyThe University of Western OntarioRoom 4044, Dental Sciences Building, London ON N6A 5C1Tel: (519) 661-2030, Fax: (519) 661-3370Email: [email protected]: http://www.path.queensu.ca/,http://www.lhsc.on.ca/pathres/

University of OttawaMs. Sheila Schnupp (Secretary: Laboratory Medicine Programs)Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineFaculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa451 Smyth Road, Room 4155, Ottawa ON K1H 8M5Tel: (613) 562-5422, Fax: (613) 562-5442Email: [email protected]

University of TorontoSee specific subspecialties

Anatomical PathologyDr. Simon Raphael Room 110, Banting Institute100 College Street, Toronto ON M5G 1L5Tel: (416) 978-7535, Fax: (416) 978-7361Email: [email protected]:http://www.lmp.facmed.utoronto.ca/pg/residency/anatpath.htm

General PathologyDr. William B. ChapmanRoom 110, Banting Institute100 College Street, Toronto ON M5G 1L5Tel: (416) 978-7535, Fax: (416) 978-7361Email: [email protected]:http://www.lmp.facmed.utoronto.ca/pg/residency/genpath.htm

Hematological PathologyDr. Bernard J. FernandesDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineMount Sinai HospitalSuite 600, 600 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5G 1X5Tel: (416) 586-4462, Fax: (416) 586-8589Email: [email protected]

Medical BiochemistryDr. Eleftherios DiamandisHead, Section of Clinical BiochemistryDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineMount Sinai Hospital600 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5G 1X5Tel: (416) 586-8443, Fax: (416) 586-8626Email: [email protected]

Medical MicrobiologyDr. Tony MazzulliMount Sinai Hospital600 University Avenue, 14th Floor, Toronto ON M5G 1X5Tel: (416) 586-4695, Fax: (416) 586-8746Email: [email protected]

NeuropathologyDr. William HallidayNeuropathology, EW 5-510Toronto Western Hospital399 Bathurst Street, Toronto ON M5T 2S8Tel: (416) 603-5400, Fax: (416) 603-5727Email: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. Mike NimmoDepartment of PathologyUniversity of British Columbia, VGH Site3410 - 899 West 12th AvenueJim Pattison Pavilion NorthVancouver BC V5Z 1M9Tel: (604) 875-4892, Fax: (604) 875-4988Email: [email protected]: http://www.pathology.ubc.ca/html/index.html


1) Anatomical Pathology (AP)2009 Quota – Total Positions 25

Quota IMG Quota













University of Ottawa/Université d’Ottawa – –


University of Toronto – –





Strengths: For the past 15 years, residents have had a 100% passrate at Royal College certification exams. Second-largest APprogram in Canada, with generally two to four residents in eachPGY year. Excellent facilities and dedicated staff devoted toresident-focused program.

Other Key Features: We feel we have the best AP program in the country.

Common Clinical Encounters: Surgical Pathology. Autopsy andForensic Pathology. Pediatric Pathology. Cytopathology.Neuropathology.


First third of program ~25 ~10 24 in PGY1

Second third of program ~25 ~10 ~1/10

weekend

Final third of program ~25 ~10 0

Research Expectations: No research expected in first two years. Projects expected in all future years for presentation and publication.

Areas to Improve Program: We have made considerableimprovements to our program and are always receptive to future improvements. None are currently on the horizon.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anatomical Pathology. Surgery.

Medicine.

> Other: Exposure to AP in medical school. Background of activeresearch. Come for interview if requested.

Strengths: Strong AP community with subspecialty practice, with all areas well covered by dedicated, enthusiastic staff.Strong history and enthusiasm for teaching; flexibility in thedelivery of the program. A wealth of pathology material (highvolume, excellent case mix) with a strong commitment to up-to-date handling and reporting in all participating departments.

Other Key Features: The mode of teaching is “mentorship,” witha one-to-one ratio on a monthly basis. The workload is tailoredto the resident’s level of knowledge. Electives are plannedaccording to the resident’s needs or interests.



First third of program N/A 7–12 1/5

Second third of program N/A 9–14 1/5

Final third of program N/A 10–20 1/8

Research Expectations: Residents are encouraged to spend fromsix to 12 months of their training in research. The program isflexible, allowing, on an individual basis, time to pursue researchtraining, including degree-oriented research (M.Sc. or Ph.D.). It is mandatory for residents to present in at least two meetings.

Areas to Improve Program: Our core Basic/Systemic Pathologycourse needs continued development.

Areas to Improve Program: More evaluations of staff/services.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Internal Medicine—medical

subspecialties—Dermatology, GI, etc. Surgery—surgicalsubspecialties. Oncology—gynecology.

> Other: Scholastic record and interviews. Commitment topathology. Previous electives and knowledge about pathology.

McGill UniversityDirector: Dr Chantal Bernard

Département de pathologieDuff Medical Building 3775 University Street Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4 Tel: (514) 398-7192, ext. 00481Email: [email protected] Contact: Mrs. Mira HoffmannEmail: [email protected]

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Martin Bullock

Anatomical Pathology, Department of PathologyDalhousie University7th Floor, Dr. D.J. Mackenzie Building5788 University Avenue, Halifax NS B3H 1V8Tel: (902) 473-7589Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Excellent volume of case material. Good teaching-to-service ratio. Flexibility in organizing electives.

Other Key Features: This program has a top-notch rotation inForensic Pathology. Residents have many opportunities toparticipate in undergraduate medical school teaching in aproblem-based environment. The Department of Pathology andMolecular Medicine has a large basic research component forindividuals interested in pursuing a research career.

Common Clinical Encounters: Intraoperative consultation.Routine sign-out and contact with clinicians for cases requiringfurther clinicopathological correlation. Clinicopathologicalrounds. Important interaction with coroners, police, and teammembers in dealing with medical-legal cases. Importantinteraction with pediatricians and genetic counselors forpediatric cases.


First third of program 50–60 5–10 As per

clinical

service

Second third of program 40 5–15 Home call,

1/3–1/4

Final third of program 35–40 5–20 Home call,

1/3–1/4

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to do a researchproject every year except during their basic clinical training year.Many of these research projects lead to publication; however,this is not required.

Areas to Improve Program: Increased protected teaching timefor staff. Improved and renovated autopsy facilities.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Anatomical Pathology. Forensic

Pathology. Clinical Biochemistry, Hematopathology, orMicrobiology.

> Other: Electives in any branch of Pathology. Good, consistentperformance in medical school. Positive attitude.

Strengths: Exposure to a wide variety of benign and malignantpathology. A mix of young, enthusiastic and older, experiencedstaff. Balance between clinical/service work and time forlearning.

Other Key Features: An excellent mix of pathologic cases in allsubspecialty areas, including Neuropathology, PediatricPathology, and Cytopathology. Opportunities for research.

Common Clinical Encounters: Gynecologic pathology and breastpathology. Inflammatory and malignant GI pathology. Prostatepathology. Inflammatory and malignant skin conditions.Exposure to a variety of lymphomas.


First third of program 4 1 day 1 in 4–6

weekends

Second third of program 4 1 day 1 in 4–6

weekends

Final third of program 2–3 2–3 days 1 in 6

weekends

Research Expectations: There is an expectation for all residentsto be involved in some research project. The majority of ourresidents are involved in Master’s level research. Some may grafton to an existing project.

Areas to Improve Program: Exposure to current outsideexperience by teleconferences. Travel funds.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Medicine. Surgery.

Obstetrics/Gynecology.

> Other: Electives in AP. Background in basic clinical sciences.Strong clinical medicine background.

Queen’s UniversityDr. Tim Childs

Queen’s UniversityDepartment of Pathology, Kingston General Hospital76 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 549-6666, ext. 3507Email: [email protected]: http://www.path.queensu.ca/ Program Coordinator: Jill VincentTel: (613) 549-6666, ext. 6035

Memorial UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Amrah Pirzada

Contact Person: Mrs. Bernice CochraneDepartment of Anatomical PathologyMemorial University Health Sciences Centre300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-6370Email: [email protected] Program Secretary: Bernice CochraneTel: (709) 777-8245Email: [email protected]

McMaster UniversityDr. Monalisa Sur

Henderson Hospital, Department of Anatomical Pathology711 Concession Street, Room 100Hamilton ON L8V 1C3Tel: (905) 527-4322, ext. 42051, Fax: (905) 389-1698


Strengths: Small program and friendly faculty. Enthusiasticteachers. Excellent computer/technical support. Flexibleprogram with breadth of opportunity.

Other Key Features: Currently undergoing renewal/change,including new faculty. Exciting time to be starting. New cancerresearch facility. Lots of new opportunities.






Research Expectations: At least one project, preferably more,during AP rotation. Must present at a provincial, national, orinternational meeting. Research may also be done during the six to 12 months of elective time or during other rotations.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase size of program to 10residents (currently have six). Space may become an issue if there are 10 residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Laboratory Medicine. Oncology:

Radiation, Surgical, or Medical. Hematology/HematologicOncology. General Medicine or Surgery.

> Other: Evidence of dedicated interest in Laboratory Medicinewith documented knowledge. Evidence of reasonable academicability. Visual ability, pattern recognition. Well-rounded. Workwell with others.

Strengths: Sub-specialty training with specialists. Multiculturalenvironment. On-line access of most medical scientific journals.Residency training in different medical centers. Up-to-date library.

Other Key Features: Slide seminars. Sub-specialty meetings.Weekly scientific presentations. Ethics course. French milieu.


First third of program 40 20 –

Second third of program 40 20 –

Final third of program 50 10 –

Research Expectations: Introduction to research. Mainly aclinical program of Anatomical Pathology with a practicalapproach.

Strengths: Excellent and dedicated residents who are involved in decision-making and innovations in the program (curriculum,teaching, new rotations, etc.). Dedicated and energetic faculty at all participating institutions, with a wide range of subspecialtyexpertise and good staff-to-resident ratio. High success rate atRCPS examinations.

Other Key Features: The volume and range of Surgical Pathologyspecimens, including autopsies, provide excellent experience for the trainee. Balanced program (education versus service). An energetic and enthusiastic Residency Training Committee.

Common Clinical Encounters: Breast pathology. GI pathology.Neuropathology. Prostate needle biopsies. Kidney neoplasms.

Clinic ReadingWorkload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk)

First third of program 50 4

Second third of program 50 4

Final third of program 40 6

Research Expectations: Surgical Pathology. Autopsy Pathology.Molecular Pathology.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase space for residents’ room.Increase number of residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Other: Electives in Pathology. Subspecialty interest. Research

background.

Strengths: The centre for provincial consultations. Large amountof material in Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology, Autopsy.Provincial centre for Hematopathology/Molecular Pathology.



Workload: 40 hours/week plus call time as scheduled, weeklyAcademic Half Day, conferences/rounds in regular schedule(mandatory and elective).

University of ManitobaDr. Michael Curtis

MS477N - 820 Sherbrook StreetHealth Sciences Centre Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Tel: (204) 787-2829, Fax: (204) 787-4942Administrative Assistant: Brenda DowhanikTel: (204) 787-8084Email: [email protected]

University of CalgaryDr. Steve Rasmussen

Foothills Hospital1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-1692, Fax: (403) 944-4748Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Sandra SkroberTel: (403) 944-1692Email: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeDr. Alexandre Ali Doueik

CHUS - Fleurimont3001 12e Av Nord, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 564-5331, Fax: (819) 820-6473Administrative Assistant: Madame Lyse LapointeEmail: [email protected]


Research Expectations: One-year research elective available;otherwise, minimum of one presentation/year at departmentalresearch day.

Areas to Improve Program: More subspecialty positions. Moreresearch funding.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Per student interest.

> Other: Academic background. Displayed interest duringmedical school. Thoughtful personal letter.

Strengths: Great breadth and depth of clinical material. Excellentteaching. Excellent research opportunities.

Other Key Features: AP is very closely intertwined with theprogram in General Pathology. The latter program trainsresidents for a more broad-based community practice thatincludes Hematology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry. In theearly years of training, residents have the flexibility to choosewhich of the two streams they will follow.

Common Clinical Encounters: Histopathologic examination oftissues (mostly tumours) excised at surgery or biopsied toprovide diagnostic, prognostic, and staging information.Provision of intraoperative consultation to surgeons in thediagnosis of tumours and other diseases. Cytopathologicexamination of body fluids and aspirates for cancer diagnosisand screening. Performance of autopsies in the medicolegalinvestigation of death. Assessment of transplant rejectionthrough postoperative examination of graft biopsies.





Research Expectations: Residents are expected to do researchand complete at least two projects in residency. Residents mayuse up to one year of elective time in research and are supportedif they wish to pursue graduate-level activity in the Clinician-Scientist program.

Areas to Improve Program: Expand teaching program in ethics.Increase journal clubs.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Anatomical Pathology.

Subspecialty Anatomical Pathology. Any clinical specialty thatinteracts with Pathology (General Surgery, OB/GYN, ENT,Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, GI, Neurosurgery).

> Other: Show interest in the specialty. Do electives in thespecialty. Show ability during elective to have a knack for theskills of the specialty (and also demonstrate competence inclinical aspects of medicine in general).

Strengths: Very collegial working relationship between residentsand consultants. Well-organized, efficient program withdedicated teachers, leading to well-trained pathologists.Unparalleled success at RCPSC exams; no failures in more than a decade.

Other Key Features: Small program with excellent teaching andcongeniality. Largest single source of clinical material in one sitein Canada.

Common Clinical Encounters: Diagnoses of tumours by biopsy.Application of pathological staging to cancer resections prior toadjuvant treatment. Assessment of common inflammatoryconditions such as IBD. Intraoperative assessment of tumours—diagnosis or resection margins. Medicolegal investigations of death.





Research Expectations: Two research projects over five years.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase funds for resident travel.Increase opportunities for research.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Pathology. Pathology. Pathology.

> Other: Do electives in pathology. Be curious and bright, and,above all, personable, decent, and honest. Have a broadclinical background.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité de MontréalDre Luc Laurier OlignyDépartement de pathologie de biologie cellulaireUniversité de MontréalC.P. 6128 succ. Centre-Ville Montréal (Québec) H3C 3J7Program Contact : Claire LongpreTel : (514) 343-6314Email : [email protected]

University of Western OntarioDr. Jessica Shepherd

University of Western OntarioRoom 4044, Dental Sciences Building London, ON N6A 5C1Tel: (519) 661-2030 Fax: (519) 661-3370Email: [email protected] Administrator: Gail HeslingaTel: (519) 661-2111 x86388 Email: [email protected]: http://www.lhsc.on.ca/pathres

University of TorontoDr. Runjan Chetty

Room 110, Banting Institute100 College Street, Toronto ON M5G 1L5Tel: (416) 978-7535, Fax: (416) 978-7361Email: [email protected]: http://www.lmp.facmed.utoronto.ca/


Université LavalChristian Couture MDAnatomo-pathologie Hôpital Laval 2725, ch. Ste-Foy Québec QC G1V 4G5 Tel: (418) 656-8711, ext. 5590, Fax: (418) 656-4571Email: [email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Lakshmi PuttaguntaUniversity of Alberta5B2.21 W. C. Mackenzie Health Sciences CentreEdmonton AB T6G 2R7Tel: (780) 407-2606, Fax: (780) 407-7660Program AdministratorEmail: [email protected]

2) General Pathology2009 Quota – Total Positions 1

Quota IMG Quota
















University of Western Ontario – 1




Strengths: Excellent community-based hospital rotation.Excellent facilities and dedicated staff devoted to residents.Diverse clinical material.

Other Key Features: Excellent community-based program.Excellent support of all laboratory divisions.

Common Clinical Encounters: Surgical Pathology. Autopsy and Forensic Pathology. Hematopathology. Microbiology.Medical Biochemistry.

-Clinic ReadingWorkload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) Call

First third of program ~25 ~10 24 hrs/wk

Second third of program ~25 ~10 ~1/10

weekend

Final third of program ~25 ~10 0

Research Expectations: At least one research project is required.One paper or presentation at annual research day or CAP is expected.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase enrolment.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Pathology or Laboratory rotation.

Surgery. Hematology Medicine.

> Other: Exposure to Pathology in medical school. Background in community-based activity. Come for interview if requested.

Strengths: Small program and friendly faculty. Enthusiasticteachers. Excellent computer/technical support. Flexibleprogram with breadth of opportunity.

Other Key Features: Currently undergoing renewal/change,including new faculty. Exciting time to be starting. New cancerresearch facility. Lots of new opportunities.



First third of program 20–30 10–20 Max 1/4

Second third of program 20–30 10–20 Max 1/4

Final third of program 20–30 10–20 Max 1/4

Research Expectations: Research is encouraged but notmandatory, and may be carried out during elective time or rotations.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase size of program to 10 residents (currently have six). Space may become an issue if there are 10 residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Laboratory Medicine. Oncology:

Radiation, Surgical, or Medical. Hematology/HematologicOncology. General Medicine or Surgery.

> Other: Evidence of dedicated interest in Laboratory Medicinewith documented knowledge. Evidence of reasonable academicability. Visual ability, pattern recognition. Well-rounded. Workswell with others.

Queen’s UniversityDr. Caroline Rowlands

Queen’s UniversityDepartment of Pathology, Kingston General Hospital76 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 549-6666, ext. 3507Email: [email protected]: http://www.path.queensu.ca/

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Allam Shawwa

Coordinator, Pathology Residency Training Programs:Mrs. Debby CaldwellDepartment of Pathology, Dalhousie University5788 University Avenue, 2nd Floor, Halifax NS B3H 1V8Tel: (902) 473-7589Email: [email protected]


Strengths: The centre for provincial consultations. Large amountof material in Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology, Autopsy.Provincial centre for Hematopathology/Molecular Pathology.



Workload: 40 hours/week plus call time as scheduled, weeklyAcademic Half Day, conferences/rounds in regular schedule(mandatory and elective).

Research Expectations: One-year research elective available;otherwise, minimum of one presentation/year at departmentalresearch day.

Areas to Improve Program: More subspecialty positions. Moreresearch funding.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Per student interest.

> Other: Academic background. Displayed interest duringmedical school. Thoughtful personal letter.

Strengths: Significant resources towards updating equipment(microscopes, computers) and new textbooks for residents.

Other Key Features: We have only a General Pathology program.

Common Clinical Encounters: Tumours. Bleeding disorders andanemias. Infectious disease. Diabetes and heart disease.Gynecological cytology.


First third of program 7–10 5–7 1–2

Second third of program 11–20 8–12 3–5

Final third of program 21–30 12–15 5–6

Research Expectations: RCPSC mandates at least one majorresearch project. We encourage case reports in PGY2 year andinsist on a major research project in years three to four.

Areas to Improve Program: More delegation of responsibilities.Improving CanMeds training.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Family Medicine. Surgery.

Obstetrics/Gynecology.

> Other: Commitment to Pathology: research, electives.Commitment to Saskatchewan. Strong clinical background.

Programs Not RespondingUniversity of TorontoDr. William B. ChapmanRoom 110, Banting Institute100 College Street, Toronto ON M5G 1L5Tel: (416) 978-7535, Fax: (416) 978-7361Email: [email protected]

3) Hematological Pathology2009 Quota – Total Positions 3

Quota IMG Quota




















Strengths: A comprehensive training program utilizing severalhospital facilities, both large and small, within a single academichealth region. Exposure to a large, internationally accreditedregion transfusion service providing blood products to patients atseveral hospitals and supporting extensive programs in cardiacsurgery, transplantation and oncology. Opportunity for laboratoryconsultation at both large urban and small rural facilities.Extensive clinical and basic research opportunities. Opportunities

University of AlbertaDr. Gwen Clarke

Dept. of Pathology4B1.22 Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences CentreEdmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-2012, Fax: (780) 407-8599Email: [email protected] Assistant: Loretta CarrollTel: (780) 407-2012 Email: [email protected]

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. Anurag Saxena

Department of PathologyRoyal University HospitalRoom 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N 0W8Tel: (306) 655-2157Program Administrator: Amanda DohertyTel: (306) 966-1877Email: [email protected]

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Ibrahim Aljada

Department of Pathology, Health Sciences CentreMS459 - 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Tel: (204) 787-2859, Fax: (204) 787-4942Email: [email protected]


for teaching of undergraduate, medical student and post-graduatetrainees. Shared learning opportunities with residents in anatomicand general pathology, as well as adult and pediatric hematology.

Common Clinical Encounters: Each day we look at peripheralblood and bone marrow from a number of patients. The range ofdiagnoses that we make extends from iron deficiency andinfectious mono to leukemia, lymphoma and myeloproliferativedisorders. The patient samples that we see include both pediatricand adult patients from all clinical services.

We also diagnose inherited diseases like thalassemia and sickle cellanemia using microscope as well as by looking at electrophoresisand liquid chromatography of hemoglobin solutions.

In the course of the day we might consult with an intensivist or asurgeon to help them decide on appropriate coagulation tests tohelp diagnose and appropriately treat a bleeding or pre-operativepatient, and with an internist or pediatrician to help interpret anabnormal test result.

We oversee blood bank testing and sort out the blood groups andproducts that should be given to patients where the testing is notstraightforward, we consult with physicians regarding the bestblood products to use in various situations and we teach nurses,students and other doctors about blood product use and testing.


First third of program 4–7 3 1 week in 4

Second third of program 3–4 5 1 week in 4

Final third of program 1–3 7 1 week in 4

Research Expectations: The third year includes up to ninemonths of options of which up to six months may involve anapproved research project.

Involvement in basic or clinical research throughout the years ofthe training program is strongly encouraged. Projects related totest validation and blood product use are always on going andresident involvement is encouraged.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Candidates should have an

acceptable academic record and proven interest inhematological pathology, as demonstrated by electives in ourspecialty or related fields. Past experience in research would behelpful but is not essential.

We encourage applicants to have at least completed oneelective in our specialty, preferably in our programs.

Strengths: A Program Director with a proven track record inHematological Pathology and transfusion medicine research. An enthusiastic teaching staff. Excellent case material; theOttawa Hospital is a tertiary-care referral centre, with a catchmentarea of 1 million.

Other Key Features: Hematological Pathology is very interestingand very rewarding.

Common Clinical Encounters: Patients presenting with highwhite count with acute leukemia. Patients presenting with lowplatelet count with diagnosis of TTP. Pre-op patients working upfor coagulopathies with an elevated PTT (these are a variety ofconditions — lupus inhibitors, factor deficiencies, etc.). Bonemarrow examination for anemia — these turn out to be a varietyof issues, including metastatic cancer, MDS, anemia of chronicdisease, drug effects, etc. Bone marrow examination for stagingof lymphoma and follow-up after therapy.


First third of program 90% 10%

Second third of program 90% 10%

Final third of program 70% 30%

Research Expectations: Master’s level, with residents taking onprojects in their more senior years. Students have blocks of timeavailable in their fourth year for completion of more involvedprojects.

Areas to Improve Program: More clinical teaching staff would bedesirable.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Clinical Hematology and/or

Internal Medicine electives. Hematological Pathology.Transfusion Medicine.

> Other: Choose electives in Hematological Pathology. Maintaina good grade point average in medical school. Get involved in a research project in Hematological Pathology while in medicalschool.

Strengths: Wide range of clinical material. Extensive range oftechnologies. Highly qualified teachers.

Other Key Features: Rotations in multiple hospital sites ensureexposure to a complete range of clinical material and laboratorytechnologies.

Common Clinical Encounters: Abnormal bone marrowspecimens. Abnormal peripheral blood specimens. Abnormalflow cytometry profiles. Abnormal molecular profiles. Abnormalcoagulation profiles.


First third of program 30 10 1/wk

Second third of program 30 10 1/wk

Final third of program 30 0 1/wk

Research Expectations: Opportunity for research during electivesin the third year.

University of TorontoDr. Bernard J. Fernandes

Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineMount Sinai HospitalSuite 600, 600 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5G 1X5Tel: (416) 586-4462, Fax: (416) 586-8589

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Antonio Giulivi

Contact Person: Ms. Sheila SchnuppDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Ottawa451 Smyth Road, Room 4155, Ottawa ON K1H 8M5Tel: (613) 562-5442Email: [email protected]


Areas to Improve Program: Increase exposure of medicalstudents to Laboratory Hematology. Availability of extra one totwo years for independent research.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Laboratory Hematology. Clinical

Hematology. Laboratory Medicine.

> Other: Elective in Laboratory Hematology. Knowledge andinterest in Laboratory Medicine. Letter of reference from alaboratory position.

Programs Not RespondingDalhousie UniversityCoordinator, Pathology Residency Training Programs: Mrs. DebbyCaldwellDalhousie UniversityD.J. Mackenzie Building, Rm. 4285788 University Avenue, Halifax NS B3H 1V8Tel: (902) 473-7589, Fax: (902) 473-6588Email: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaDr. Robert CouplandDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of British Columbia, VGH Site1501 - 899 West 12th AvenueVancouver, BC V5Z1M9Tel: (604) 875 – 4892 Fax: (604) 875 – 4988Program Administrator: Grace AdriasEmail: [email protected]

4) Medical Biochemistry2009 Quota – Total Positions 5

Quota IMG Quota
















The University of Western Ontario – –




Programs Not RespondingMcGill UniversityDr Elizabeth MacNamara Department of Diagnostic Medicine Jewish General Hospital 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Rd. Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Tel: (514) 340-8222 ex 5091 Fax: (514) 340-7524

University of British ColumbiaDr. Andre MattmanUBC Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine1501 - 899 West 12th AvenueVancouver, BC V5Z1M9Tel: (604)875-4892 Fax: (604)875-4988Email: [email protected] Administrator: Grace AdriasEmail: [email protected]

Université de MontréalDr. Nadine Kadri Tel: (514) 890-8000, ext. 24770Email: [email protected]

Université LavalPersonne contact: Suzanne EastDép. de biologie médicalePavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 3309Université Laval, Québec QC G1K 7P4Tel: (418) 656-2131 poste 3351, Fax: (418) 656-7666Email: [email protected] Director: M. Yves Giguère, MDCHUQ-CHUL2705 Boulevard Laurier, Ste-Foy QC G1V 4G2Email: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeJean Dubé, MD/PhD, FRCPCMédecin BiochimisteProfesseur adjointDirecteur du Service Universitaire de BiochimieFaculté de MédecineDépartement de BiochimieUniversité de Sherbrooke3001, 12e avenue Porte 5433, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 14087, Fax: (819) 564-5340Email: [email protected]


5) Medical Microbiology2009 Quota – Total Positions 9

Quota IMG Quota




















Strengths: Highly integrated with adult and pediatric InfectiousDisease programs. Enthusiastic staff. Wide spectrum of commonand uncommon pathogens and infectious disease patients.


Common Clinical Encounters: Nosocomial pneumonia. HIV/AIDS.Surgical infections. Infections in immunocompromised host.Skin/soft tissue and bone infections.


First third of program 50–60 10–20 As per PAIRO

for

clinical

rotations

Second third of program 40–60 10–20 1

weekend/mo

for lab

rotations

Final third of program 40–60 20 1

weekend/mo

for lab

rotations

Research Expectations: Research projects are expected in eachyear of training, starting with PGY2 year.

Areas to Improve Program: Additional CaRMS positions.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Medical Microbiology. Infectious

diseases. Any other medical specialty.

> Other: Interest in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Stronglaboratory skills. Strong clinical skills.

Strengths: Large clinical service with large mix of patients. Largefaculty with extensive clinical and research experience.Integrated research.


Common Clinical Encounters: Postoperative infections. HIV-related infections. Bacteremias. Bone and bone structureinfections. Immunocompromised host.


First third of program 50 As needed 0

Second third of program 50 As needed 2nd call

Final third of program 50 As needed Varies

Research Expectations: Start in first year and then carry onthroughout training.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase number of residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Clinical consult service.

Microbiology lab.

> Other: Commitment. Electives. Research.

Strengths: Flexibility. Personal contact with consultant. Researchopportunities.

Other Key Features: This is a small program — often we have only one resident, and at the most, two residents in the program.This year (2007) we have four residents in the program.

Common Clinical Encounters: Infectious in ICU (ventilator-associated pneumonia). Sepsis in neutropenic patients;Infectious due to MRSA. Gram-negative bacteremia. UrinaryTract Infections.

University of Western OntarioDr. Zafar Hussain

University of Western OntarioLondon Health Sciences CentrePO Box 5375, London ON N6A 4G5Tel: (519) 685-8149Email: [email protected]

University of TorontoDr. Tony Mazzulli

Mount Sinai Hospital600 University Avenue, 14th Floor, Toronto ON M5G 1X5Tel: (416) 586-4695, Fax: (416) 586-8746

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Robert Slinger

Contact Person: Ms. Sheila SchnuppDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Ottawa451 Smyth Road, Room 4155, Ottawa ON K1H 8M5Tel: (613) 562-5442Email: [email protected]



First third of program 30% 30% Only during

clinical

rotations

Second third of program 30% 30% Only during

clinical

rotations

Final third of program 30% 30% Only during

clinical

rotations

Research Expectations: Six months to a year.

Areas to Improve: Improve research opportunities in BasicMicrobiology; Recruitment of more physicians andmicrobiologists.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Medicine; Infectious

Diseases (adults and/or pediatrics).

> Other: Demonstrate interest in Laboratory Medicine, especiallyin Medical Microbiology; Clinical rotations in Medicine andInfectious Diseases; Demonstrated interest in research.

Programs Not RespondingDalhousie UniversityDr. Kevin ForwardService Chief, Div. of MicrobiologyRoom 315 Mackenzie BuildingVictoria General Hospital5788 University Avenue, Halifax NS B3H 1V8Tel: (902) 473-4109, Fax: (902) 473-4432

Université de MontréalProgram Director: Danielle RouleauFaculté de médecine Université de MontréalC.P 6128, succursale Centre-villeMontréal QC H3C 3J7Tel : 514-343-6111 poste 1 – 3129 Fax: 514-343-5701 Program Contact: Mme Johan RocqueEmail: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director: Mme Isabelle Alarie, MDEmail: [email protected] d’infectiologie-microbiologieCHUS – Centre hospitalier universitaire de SherbrookeHôpital Fleurimont3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Fleurimont QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 1-2568, Fax: (819) 829-3286Contact Person: Johanne NadeauEmail : [email protected]

Université LavalProgram Director: Mme Louise Deschênes, MDService de microbiologieCHUQ – Hôtel-Dieu de Québec11 Côte du Palais, Québec QC G1R 2J6Tel: (418) 691-5131, Fax: (418) 691-5457Email: [email protected] Person: Mme Lucie PoulinEmail: [email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Kinga Kowalewska-GrochowskaDepartment of Medical Microbiology & Immunology650 Heritage Medical Research Centre University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2S2 Tel: (780) 492- 2306 Fax: (780) 492- 9828Program Administrator: Nancy CheungEmail: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaDr. Patrick DoyleUBC - Dept of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine1501 - 899 West 12th AvenueVancouver, BC V5Z1M9Tel: (604) 875 – 4892 Fax: (604) 875 – 4988Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Grace AdriasEmail: [email protected]

University of ManitobaDr. Paul Van CaeseeleDepartment of MicrobiologySt. Boniface General Hospital, 409 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg MBR2H 2A6Tel: (204) 233-8563, Fax (204) 231-0640

6) Neuropathology2009 Quota – Total Positions 4

Quota IMG Quota




















University of TorontoDr. Sidney Croul

Toronto General HospitalDepartment of Pathology200 Elizabeth Street, Room 444, Toronto ON M5G 2C4Tel: (416) 340-3330, Fax: (416) 340-5517Email: [email protected]


Strengths: All candidates have passed the exam in the past 10 years. Large number of qualified staff. Organized citywideteaching.

Other Key Features: Exposure to the entire range of neurologicaldiseases as well as rare cases. Opportunity to do research if thecandidate is so inclined.

Common Clinical Encounters: Brain tumours. Peripheral nerve.Muscle disease. Pediatric brain diseases. Examples of everycategory of disease will be encountered during the five-year training.


First third of program 3 hr/day Rest of time Optional

Second third of program 3 hr/day Rest of time Optional

Final third of program 3 hr/day Rest of time Optional

Research Expectations: During the five years the candidate canwrite up case-related material and has the option of spendingthe entire elective year on research.

Areas to Improve Program: Resident numbers are too few — theprogram will be enhanced by increasing resident numbers.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neuropathology. Any

Neuroscience discipline, such as Neurology/Neurosurgery.Anatomical Pathology.

> Other: Have an academic record. Show interest inNeurosciences and Neuropathology in your letter. Do aNeuropathology or Neuroscience elective.

Strengths: Teaching/mentorship. Case material: depth andbreadth. Interdisciplinary learning (Neurosurgery, Neurology,Neuro-oncology, Neuroradiology).

Other Key Features: Three full-time faculty, one of the largestprograms in Canada. All teaching material and teaching at onesite. Resident interaction encouraged between NP, AP residentsand Neural, Neurology residents. Academic half-day includesClinical Neurological Science Rounds, unknown diagnostic slidesessions, and NP journal clubs. Monthly teaching rounds on NPwith PowerPoint presentation. Resident participation in nationalconferences. Residents have won prizes for best presentations atCANP meetings. Four awards in five years. Laboratory servicededicated to NP diagnostics and training.

Common Clinical Encounters: Brain tumours. Dementia.Neuromuscular disease. Cerebrovascular disease. Trauma.



(home call)


(home call)


(home call)

Research Expectations: None in first year.

Areas to Improve Program: More funding for improvement ofphysical space. More funding for fellowships in Neuropathology.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Pathology/Neuropathology.

Neurology/neurosurgery/neuro-oncology. Neuroradiology.

> Other: Solid academic performance. Interview well. Showevidence of commitment to the specialty (through electives, etc.).

Programs Not RespondingUniversity of British ColumbiaDr. Wayne MooreDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of British Columbia, VGH Site 1501 - 899 West 12th Avenue Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9 Tel: (604) 875-4892 Fax: (604) 875-4988Email: [email protected] Contact: Grace AdriasEmail: [email protected]

University of CalgaryDr. Arthur ClarkAssistant: Sandra Skrober, Residency Program SecretaryFoothills Hospital1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-1692, Fax: (403) 944-4748Email: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyMedical Genetics is the specialty requiring in-depth knowledgeof basic genetic principles and of genetic diseases as they affectall body systems. Medical geneticists must have a goodunderstanding of the principles of genetic counseling. Frequently,the geneticists work collaboratively as part of multidisciplinaryteams, providing expertise in diverse areas of medical genetics,including dysmorphology, inborn errors of metabolism, prenataldiagnosis, cancer genetics, teratology, developmental delay/mental retardation, and others. As well, the geneticist providescounseling services to the patient/family supportively whengenetic conditions are diagnosed, and must inform referringpractitioners about the implications, prognosis, and risksassociated with the genetic disorder. Thus, geneticists must haveexcellent communication and counseling skills, as well asclinical, diagnostic, and technical skills. This specialty also hasample opportunity for clinical and laboratory research.

MEDICAL GENETICS

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Lee Cyn Ang

Department of PathologyThe University of Western OntarioRoom 4044, Dental Sciences BuildingLondon, ON N6A 5C1Tel: (519) 661-2030 Fax: (519) 661-3370Email: [email protected] Administrator: Gail HeslingaTel: (519) 661-2111 x86388


Overview of ProgramAll programs are five years in duration. Generally, the first twoyears of the program involve training in Pediatrics, InternalMedicine, Genetics, and Obstetrics. The third and fourth yearsare spent doing rotations in Clinical Genetics and laboratorywork in Cytogenetics and Biochemical and Molecular Genetics.The final year of the program includes Clinical Genetics,research, or training in other areas. During all five years, the on-call is generally one in four, either in house or home.

CCMG (Canadian College of Medical Geneticists) and ABMG(American Board of Medical Genetics) certified fellowships:> Biochemical Genetics> Molecular Genetics> Cytogenetics

Post-doctoral training not recognized by the CCMG/ABMG:> Neurogenetics> Cancer Genetics> Skeletal Dysplasias

Note: Clinical Genetics and Clinical Biochemical Genetics are fellowship programs that canbe undertaken after training in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine and OB/GYN.





















Strengths: Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of medicalgenetics. Mature program in a strong academic and clinicaldepartment. Integration of hospital and university componentsof the program.

Other Key Features: Strong in all aspects of medical geneticspractice. Aims to train practicing geneticists. More than fiveyears may be necessary to be a modern Medical Geneticist. Westrongly encourage further training.

Common Clinical Encounters: Prenatal diagnosis of multiplediseases. Children with developmental abnormalities. Hereditarycancer. Inborn errors of metabolism. Neurogenic disease.

Workload Call

First third of program 1 in 4

Second third of program 1 in 4

Final third of program 0

Research Expectations: One research year.

Areas to Improve Program: Aiming toward integrating all clinical activity at one site. Would like to recruit three additionalClinical Geneticists.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Medical Genetics (preferably at

McGill). Internal Medicine. Pediatrics.

> Other: Successful applicants must have at least one elective inMedical Genetics, have a basic understanding of the scope ofMedical Genetics, and be enthusiastic and reliable.

Strengths: Large number of residents for the specialty leads to“critical mass” for teaching and peer support. Varied patientpopulation covering all aspects of clinical genetics. Full month ofprotected teaching per year (no clinical or ward responsibility).

Other Key Features: Largest and longest-standing RCPSCprogram in Medical Genetics. Staff enjoy teaching. Trainingopportunities include a longitudinal resident clinic, outreachclinics, and core month.

Common Clinical Encounters: Developmental delay/mentalretardation. Multiple congenital anomalies. “At risk” pregnancies(family history, teratogens, abnormal ultrasound). Inborn errorsof metabolism. Personal/family history of cancer or other adultonset disease.


First third of program 50–60 5 1:4 in house

Second third of program 40–50 10 1:4 home

Final third of program 5–60 10–20 1:4 home

Research Expectations: Up to six months is available in R4 or R5year. At minimum, all residents are expected to publish at leastone report and present at a national or international meeting.

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Micheil Innes

Department of Medical GeneticsAlberta Children’s Hospital2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary AB T3B 6A8Tel: (403) 955-7588, Fax: (403) 955-2701Email: [email protected] Administrator: Sabina CollinsEmail: [email protected]: http://www.fp.ucalgary.ca/medicalgenetics/index.html

McGill UniversityDr. Teresa Costa

Department of Medical GeneticsMontréal Children’s Hospital2300 Tupper Street, Room A608, Montréal QC H3H 1P3Tel: (514) 412-4427, Fax: (514) 412-4329Program Administrator: Susan LaurieEmail: [email protected]: http://www.mcgill.ca/humangenetics/


Areas to Improve Program: Resident space issues have improvedbut dedicated office space would be ideal.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Medical Genetics, Pediatrics and

its subspecialties. Internal Medicine and its subspecialties.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful should complete an elective in Medical Genetics, have a solid background inresearch (preferably in Genetics or allied field), anddemonstrate a genuine interest in Medical Genetics. Strongcommunication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Strengths: Five Medical Geneticists with diverse areas ofexpertise. As a small program, residents are involved in allaspects of patient care relating to Medical Genetics and have lots of opportunities to care for many patients with a variety ofgenetic conditions.

Other Key Features: Small program that offers a very completeMedical Genetics training experience. Close working relationshipbetween residents and staff. Work closely with other specialties(Obstetricians, Pediatricians, Internists, Radiologists,Oncologists, Pathologists, and more). Medical Genetics is thefastest growing field of medicine.

Common Clinical Encounters: Advanced maternal age orpositive maternal serum screen. A child with multiple anomalies.A child with mental retardation. A woman with a strong familyhistory of breast or ovarian cancer. An ill child or newborn with a suspected metabolic disorder.





Research Expectations: Six months.

Areas to Improve Program: A dedicated secretary to help withadministration. More money for residents to attend conferences.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Medical Genetics, Fetal

Assessment, Pediatrics.

> Other: Successful applicants must be familiar with what aMedical Geneticist does, obtain some prior exposure to aMedical Genetics unit. Prior coursework or research inGenetics is an asset but not mandatory.

Strengths: Wide variety of clinical cases. Ample opportunity forclinical and laboratory research. Good cohort of trainees toprovide a supportive community, and opportunities for mutuallearning.

Other Key Features: Small specialty offered by a few centres inCanada. Make sure you ask questions about the differencesbetween the programs, and their strengths and weaknesses, priorto making your decision about ranking.

Common Clinical Encounters: Newborn with one or morecongenital anomalies. Child with developmental delay.Identification of an anomaly on prenatal ultrasound. Familyhistory of concern (e.g., Huntington’s disease, multiplemiscarriages). Child/newborn with dysmorphic features — is this a syndrome?


First third of program 50 5–6 25/yr

Second third of program 50 5–6 Mostly home

Final third of program 50 5–10 Home

Research Expectations: One research year.

Areas to Improve Program: More staff. More space to house thetrainees.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Medical Genetics. Any other

clinical elective.

> Other: The successful applicant should know what the practiceof Medical Genetics entails. Use an elective in Medical Geneticsto demonstrate your interest (at any centre), and have goodreference letters and a thoughtful personal letter.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité de MontréalProgram Director: Emmanuelle Lemyre, MD, FRCPC, FCCMGService de Génétique médicaleCHU-Mère-Enfant Sainte-JustineTel: (514) 345-4727Email: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaDr. Sylvie LangloisDepartment of Medical GeneticsRoom C234, BC Children’s Hospital4500 Oak Street, Vancouver BC V6H 3N1Email: [email protected]: http://www.medgen.ubc.ca/

University of TorontoProgram Directors: Dr. Roberto Mendoza/Dr. Rosanna Weksburg

Division of Clinical and Metabolic GeneticsHospital for Sick Children555 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5G 1X8Tel: (416) 813-6374 Fax: (416) 813-5345Program Contact: Tanya MedeirosEmail: [email protected]

University of ManitobaDr. Bernie Chodirker

University of Manitoba, H.S.C.Department of Biochemistry & Medical GeneticsFE229 - C.S.B.820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Tel: (204) 787-4350, Fax: (204) 787-1419Email: [email protected]:http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/units/biochem/


University of OttawaDr. Gail E. GrahamEastern Ontario Regional Genetics ProgramChildren’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario401 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L1Tel: (613) 737-7600, ext. 3606, Fax: (613) 738-4822Program Contact: Ms. Kimberly BoucherEmail: [email protected]: http://www.medicine.uottawa.ca/postgraduate/

Description of SpecialtyMiliti succurrimus, the motto of the medical military personnelin the Canadian Forces, translates to “Hasten to aid the soldier.”Serving as a Medical Officer in the Canadian Forces, you willcome to realize the unique challenge of bringing these words to fruition. As a Medical Officer, you join a legacy of honourableservice since 1885 that has been shared, and in part built, by a number of distinguished physicians, such as Dr. John McRae,Dr. Norman Bethune, and Sir Frederick Banting.

The Medical Officer works to provide medical support to theCanadian Forces and civilians during operational activities in a variety of environments. While in the field or on base, theMedical Officer strives to promote and maintain the health ofmilitary personnel through preventative medicine programs, the provision of care to the sick and injured, fitness testing andhealth screening, and the orchestration and execution of medicaloperational plans. Physicians in the military deliver care in avariety of circumstances, both on and beyond the battlefield,such as during UN peacekeeping missions or disaster reliefoperations. Medical Officers must be versatile and adaptive teamplayers in order to successfully meet the demands of their career.In addition, Medical Officers must also hone a number ofspecialized clinical skills in the areas of Tropical Medicine,Aviation Medicine, and Diving Medicine.

Overview of ProgramFacing the stark reality of graduating with an immense debt, the Canadian Forces’ Medical Officer Training Plan (MOTP) hasnever been as attractive as it is for today’s medical student. AllCanadian medical students enrolled in any of the last three yearsof medical school are eligible candidates for the MOTP. TheMOTP offers a legitimate way to significantly lessen the debtload incurred during medical training. Under the MOTP,students receive full government subsidy for tuition, studentfees, medical and dental coverage, books, and equipment, alongwith a salary and guaranteed summer employment, provided thestudent is free of any academic commitments during thesummer months. During their undergraduate education, MOTPstudents receive the distinct honour of being bestowed anofficer’s rank of Second Lieutenant, and subsequent promotionto Lieutenant on commencement of residency.

However, prospective students should recognize that recipientsof MOTP sponsorship are obligated to serve four years asMedical Officers in the Canadian Forces following the successfulcompletion of their medical education. A residency in MilitaryFamily Medicine differs little from the regular Family Medicineresidency programs. All programs are two years in duration, withan optional PGY3 special-interest training year. The PGY1 and

PGY2 years are typically comprised of core rotations in Obstetricsand Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics,Emergency Medicine, and Psychiatry (or Behavioural Science). A total of eight weeks of Rural Family Medicine is incorporatedinto the PGY1 and PGY2 Family Medicine rotations. Residentsare also expected to fulfill requirements with respect to research,commonly in the form of a critical appraisal or quality assuranceproject. The areas available for additional training in the PGY3year vary from school to school, and can include but are notlimited to Emergency Medicine, Care for the Elderly, and SportsMedicine. Having acquired their medical training at civilianuniversities, MOTP students are required to attend a 13-weekBasic Officer Training Course to fully prepare them for serviceand life in the Canadian Forces.

2009 QuotaThe Military Family Medicine program is different from the otherCaRMS positions in the sense that the Department of NationalDefence funds the applicant, not a position. The number ofapplicants funded varies from year to year and averages between10 and 15 applicants nationally.

See Family Medicine on p. xx.


See Family Medicine on p. 55.

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Douglass Dalton

Department of Family MedicineMcGill University517 Pine Ave. West, Montréal QC H2W 1S4Tel: (514) 398-7375, ext. 0228, Fax: (514) 398-4202Website: http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/

Nothern Ontario School of MedicineDr Richard Almond

Postgraduate Education935 Ramsey Lake RoadSudbury, ON P3E 2C6Tel : (705) 662-7108 or 1-800-461-8777 (Ext. 7108) Fax: (705) 662-7143Program Contact: Ms. Carmen Patry-JutrasEmail: [email protected]

Dalhousie University- Halifax and FrederictonDr. Jennifer Hall

Department of Family Medicine Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre 8th Floor, AJLB, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane Halifax NS B3H 2E2 Tel: (902) 473-4739 Fax: (902) 473-4760Program Secretary: Candace FouguereEmail: [email protected]

MILITARYFAMILY MEDICINE










University of OttawaDr. François-Gilles Boucher

Dept. of Family Medicine43 Bruyère St., Room 375JB, Ottawa ON K1N 5C8Tel: (613) 562-6335, Fax: (613) 562-6336Email: [email protected] Contact: Ms. Kim DignardTel: (613) 562-6335 x 1610Email: [email protected]: http://www.familymedicine.uottawa.ca/

University of ManitobaDr. Tamara Buchel

University of Manitoba T158 - 770 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3E 0W3 Tel: (204) 789-3314 Fax: (204) 789-3917Program Assistant: Ms. Nancy EidsvigEmail: [email protected]

University of CalgaryDr. Dennis Kreptul

#1707 - 1632 - 14 Avenue, NW, Calgary AB T2N 1M7Tel: (403) 210-9237, Fax: (403) 210-9205Admissions Office Email: [email protected]: http://www.ucalgary.ca/familymedicine/

University of AlbertaDr. Shirley Schipper c/o Zahra Samji/Cindy Heisler

Department of Family MedicineUniversity of Alberta12-103 Clinical Sciences Bldg., Edmonton AB T6G 2G3Tel: (780) 492-9961, Fax: (780) 492-8191Email: [email protected]/[email protected]: http://www.med.ualberta.ca/familymed/

Queen’s UniversityDr. Willa Henry

Family Medicine Haynes Hall 115 Clarence Street, Suite 101, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6 Tel: (613) 533-9300 ext. 73005 Fax: (613) 533-9301Website: http://www.queensu.ca/fmed/

Université LavalDr Josette Castel

Département de médecine familialePavillon Ferdinand-Vandry - local 4617Université Laval Québec (Québec) G1V 0A6 Tel : (418) 656-2131 poste 2989 Fax : (418) 656-5252Program Contact: Sylvie MartineauEmail: [email protected]

Université de Sherbrooke Dr Line Langlois

Département de médecine de famille3001, 12e Avenue NordSherbrooke (Québec) J1H 5N4Tel : (819) 820-6868 poste 14276 Fax: (819) 564-5386Program Contact: Maryse FaucherEmail: [email protected]

Université de Montréal Dr Louise Authier

Médecine familiale, Montréal, PIMMBureau S-707 C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville Montréal, Québec, Canada H3C 3J7 Tel : (514)343-2085 Fax : (514) 343-2258Program Contact: Brigitte BonnamyEmail: [email protected]

McMaster UniversityDr. Liz Shaw

Department of Family MedicineMcMaster University1200 Main Street West, HSC 2V4, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 76194, Fax: (905) 528-5337Email: [email protected]: http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/fammed/






Description of Specialty Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinalcord, and peripheral nerves. Numerous primary and systemicdiseases affect these systems, so neurologists treat patients atmany stages of life, and for many types of illness. Neurologicalconditions can be chronic, debilitating, and painful, and includeheadache, carpal tunnel syndrome, seizure disorders, stroke,Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.Traditionally, Neurologists have relied heavily on their extensive

repertoire of physical exam skills, but increasingly otherdiagnostic tools, such as CT/MRI, blood tests,electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerveconduction studies, play a role in daily practice. Neurology is anintellectually rigorous specialty, requiring problem-solving skillsand conceptual thinking. Some Neurologists see patientsprimarily on a consultative basis, while others provide ongoingcare for patients with chronic conditions. Most Neurologistsreport a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, and satisfaction.

Overview of ProgramAll Adult Neurology programs are five years in duration andconform to the requirements set out by the Royal College ofPhysicians and Surgeons of Canada. These requirements includeat least one year of training (preferably two years) in InternalMedicine (usually carried out in the PGY1 and/or PGY2 year[s]),and at least three years of training in Neurology. These threeyears (usually the PGY3 to PGY5 years) must include 1) at least24 months of Clinical Neurology, of which a minimum of 18 monthsin Adult Neurology, and a minimum of three months in PediatricNeurology, and 2) one year of clinical or basic science research,or other training directly related to the field of Neurology.

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Behavioural Neurology> Epilepsy> Headache/pain> Movement Disorders> Multiple Sclerosis> Neuromuscular Disease> Neuro-oncology> Neuro-ophthalmology> Sleep> Stroke




















NEUROLOGY (ADULT )

University of British Columbia — Rural VictoriaProgram Director, UBC Residency Programs: Dr. Jill Kernahan

Family Medicine – MOTP VictoriaDepartment of Family PracticeDavid Strangway Building300 - 5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3Tel: (604) 822-1906, Fax: (604) 822-6950Program Administrator: Shirley TamEmail: [email protected]: http://www.familymed.ubc.ca/carms

University of Western OntarioLondon and Southwestern SitesDr. Eric Wong

Department of Family Medicine Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry 2nd Floor, Clinical Skills Bldg.London ON N6A 5C1Tel: (519) 661-4089, Fax: (519) 661-3878Program Contact: Ms. Maureen Kennedy Email: [email protected]: http://www.familymedicineuwo.ca,http://www.cdoswomen.ca, http://www.cfpc.ca/clfm

University of Toronto and University of Toronto — RuralProgram Director: . Karl Iglar

Program Assistant: Ms. Lela SarjooFamily Medicine Residency ProgramDepartment of Family & Community Medicine263 McCaul Street, 5th Floor, Toronto ON M5T 1W7Tel: (416) 978-6467, Fax: (416) 978-3912Email: [email protected]: http://dfcm19.med.utoronto.ca/postgrad


Strength: Outstanding clinical teachers; excellent clinicalmaterial; well developed subspecialty programs; fundedannually conference/travel.

Other Key Features: 1st year: 48 weeks of internal medicineincluding 2 weeks of neurology.2nd year: “Basic clinical year” with broad range of rotationsincluding neuro-ophthalmology, neuroradiology, PMR,psychiatry, CCU, neurosurgery.3rd and 4th years: 12 months of general clinical neurology(inpatient ward, consultations and clinics) and 12 months of specialties (3 months each of EEG/epilepsy, EMG/neuromuscular, pediatric neurology and neuropathology).5th year: 6 months of electives and 6 months of ambulatory clinics.

Common Clinical Encounters: Stroke, epilepsy, headache, coma,myelopathy, cranial nerve disorders, vestibular dysfunction,dementia, movement disorders, and a variety of commonneurological symptoms.


First third of program 40–50 5–10 1 in 4/5

Second third of program 40–50 5–10 1 in 4/6

Final third of program 30–40 10–20 1 in 4/6

Note: Generally no call in last 6 months.

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to be involved in a research project; there is flexibility as to the size of theproject ranging from case report to small chart review to a fullprospective project. Research mentorship is available with a full-time person dedicated to this role.

Areas to Improve Program: Implement longitudinal clinics ingeneral neurology. Movement disorders clinic has already beenestablished this year.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Desirable to have at least

two electives in neurology. An elective at Dalhousie program is highly recommended. Commitment to neurology.

> Other: Outstanding reference letters. Reference letter from a Dalhousie neurology faculty is desirable. Interview here inperson is highly recommended.

Strengths: Small closely knit group with good exposure toclinical neurology. Graded responsibility for residents.Manageable call schedule.

Other Key Features: Exposure to interesting genetic disorders.

Common Clinical Encounters: Stroke, headache, MS, epilepsy,movement disorders, nerve and muscle disorders, botox treatment.


First third of program 5 5 7/month

Second third of program 10 5 5/month

Final third of program 10 10 4/month

Research Expectations: Research encouraged if so desired. Not mandatory.

Areas to Improve Program: Increasing resident and staffmembers with future subspecialty representation in stroke.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: We encourage well rounded

individuals.

Strengths: Exposure to inpatient Neurology service in PGY1.Flexible program with well-balanced elective time.



Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: All residents must undertake basic orclinical neuroscience research in PGY3-5.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase residency spots.

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Penny Smyth

304 College Plaza8215 - 112 Street, Edmonton AB T6G 2C8Tel: (780) 248-1344Tel: (780) 407-1096Fax: (780) 248-1350Email: [email protected]:http://www.carms.ca/jsp/program.jsp?path=../program_new/756535

Memorial University of NewfoundlandProgram Director: Dr. Marsha Eustace i

Division of Neurology, Memorial University of Newfoundland300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-6594, Fax: (709) 777-6656Email: [email protected]

Dalhousie UniversityDr. Virender Bhan

Division of NeurologyRoom 3827, New Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St Halifax NS B3H 3A7Tel: (902) 473-3731, Fax: (902) 473-4438Email: [email protected] [email protected]


Strengths: Excellent facilities and patient base. Comprehensiveresources include large academic Pediatric service, MS clinic,Movement Disorder clinic, Alzheimer clinic, Stroke Preventionclinic, and AIDS service. High-volume Neurosurgery,Neuroradiology, Neuro-ophthalmology, Epilepsy, Neuromuscular,and Headache services.



Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: Residents must complete a researchproject in training.


Strengths: Large contingent of general and subspecialtyNeurologists within a combined Neurology/Neurosurgerydepartment. Clinical Neurology training blocks comprise 25%outpatient clinics and 25% inpatient consultations. New facilitieswith further expansion in progress.



Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: Residents are encouraged to performclinical or basic research; expected to publish and present.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase residency spots.

Strengths: Good faculty–student interactions. Strong group ofresidents. Structured teaching curriculum. Continuity of care clinicfor PGY-3 and higher residents. Opportunity to attend nationalmeetings and other courses for residents on a regular basis.

Other Key Features: Outpatient clinic time (one 4-week block) in first year and clinic time throughout the program.

Common Clinical Encounters: Stroke, seizure, headache, MS,neuromuscular disorders, dementia, movement disorders.

Clinic Workload (hrs/wk) Call

First third of program – Max. 1:3

(usually 1:4

or better)

Second third of program On average 1:4 or better

at least 2

Final third of program On average 1:5 or better

at least 2

Resident-to-Clinical Teacher Ratio: 1:8

Research Expectations: PGY-1 through PGY-4 do researchprojects including case report, quality assurance project, andcase series or clinical trial.

Areas to Improve Program: Need more faculty (though this isimproving). Increase residency positions.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Useful electives for Neurology

residents include Internal Medicine, Emergency, Radiology,Neurosurgery and Neurology. One does not have to do anelective at U of S to be ranked here, but must demonstrate aninterest in Neurology by doing at least one elective (total atleast four weeks in duration).

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three letters. Duedate determined by CaRMS.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: See CaRMS fordetails.

Strengths: Largest training program in Canada (20 residentscurrently). Forty-six full-time faculty representing all Neurologysubspecialties. Integrated clinical and basic science training.Elective and research opportunities.

Other Key Features: 1) Direct entry five-year training program. 2) First two years of training cover general internal medicine andsubspecialties, Neurosurgery, Intensive care, Neuroradiology andelectives. 3) Year three: Nine months Adult Neurology, threemonths Pediatric Neurology. Year four: Research/electives/Neurophysiology (nerve conduction-EMG and EEG). Year five:Adult clinical neurology.

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Marika Hohol

Division of NeurologySt. Michael’s Hospital55 Queen Street East, Suite 943Toronto ON M5C 1R6Tel: (416) 864-5533, Fax: (416) 864-5610Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Mrs. Gina MichailidisEmail: [email protected]: (416) 864-5533

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. Alex Rajput

Neurology Residency ProgramUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoon SK S7N 0W8Tel: (306) 966-1743, Fax: (306) 966-8021Program Coordinator: Melanie LibkeEmail: [email protected]

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. William Fletcher

Foothills Hospital, Room 11661403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-1148Fax: (403) 283-2270Email: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director, Education: Dr. Jeff Beckman

Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health CentreRoom 8217, 8th Floor2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9Tel: (604) 875-5198, Fax: (604) 875-5217Email: [email protected]


Common Clinical Encounters: 1) In-patient, ambulatory andEmergency Room assessment of patients with neurologicalsymptoms, not yet diagnosed. 2) Management of patients in thesame settings with previously diagnosed neurological conditions,requiring further assessment and management (e.g., stroke,dementia, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy,epilepsy, neuro-oncology, headache, etc.). 3) Training inspecialized neurological diagnoses (e.g., nerve conduction/EMGtesting, EEG, Neuropathology, etc.). 4) Assessment andmanagement of patients referred for tertiary care in subspecialtyareas of neurology.


First third of program N/A 40–60 hours 1/4

Second third of program N/A 40–60 hours 1/4

Final third of program N/A 40–60 hours 1/4

Research Expectations: All residents are expected to complete aresearch project in the PGY4 year. There are many opportunities toparticipate in research projects with the Neurology faculty, pursuegraduate degrees, or enter the Clinical Investigator Program.

Areas to Improve Program: 1) Further use of informationtechnology. 2) Quality improvement.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Numerous electives are available

involving ambulatory and in-patient neurology experiences atthe University Health Network/Mt. Sinai, St. Michael’s Hospital,Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Baycrest. Summerresearch opportunities are also available.

> Other: N/A

Programs Not RespondingMcGill UniversityDr. Jeffrey MinukDepartment of Neurology/NeurosurgeryMontreal Neurological Institute3801 University Street, Room 144, Montreal QC H3A 2B4Tel: (514) 398-1904, Fax: (514) 398-4621Program Coordinator: Mrs. Adele D’AmatoEmail: [email protected]: (514) 398-1904

McMaster UniversityDr. Chidam YegappanNeurologySt. Joseph’s Health CareF513-50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton ON L8N 4A6Tel: (905) 522-1155, ext. 33546, Fax: (905) 521-6144Program Administrator: Erica PrattEmail: [email protected]: (905) 522-1155 ext. 33546

Queen’s UniversityDr. Allison SpillerNeurology, AdultKingston General HospitalConnell 7, 76 Stuart St., Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 549-6666, ext. 2472, Fax: (613) 548-2471Email: [email protected]

Université de MontréalDr. Michel Panisset CHUM – Hôpital Notre-Dame1560, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal QC H2L 4M1Tel: (514) 890-8000, ext. 26649, Fax: (514) 412-7554Program Contact : Madame Laurette St-PierreEmail: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeDr Francois EvoyNeurologieCHUS3001, 12ieme Avenue Nord, Fleurimont, QC, J1H 5N4Telephone : (819) 346-1110 ext. 14586, Fax : (819) 564-5359Email: [email protected] Secretary : Johanne LeclercTel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 14586Email: [email protected]

Université LavalDr. Steve VerreaultDépartement des sciences neurologiquesCHA – Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus1401, 18 e Rue, Québec QC G1J 1Z4Tel: (418) 649-5734, Fax: (418) 649-5915Contact Person: Sylvie BouchardEmail: [email protected]

University of OttawaDr. Christine Dr MeulemeesterOttawa Hospital - Civic Campus1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Rm C2196 ON K1Y 4E9Tel: (613) 761-5353 ext. 7, Fax: (613) 761-5360Email: [email protected] Contact: Darlene RoyEmail: [email protected]: (613) 798-5555 ext 16234Email: [email protected]

University of Western OntarioDr. Chris WatlingNeurology Residency Training Program, London Health Sciences Centre339 Windermere Road, Rm B7-005, London ON N6A 5A5Tel: (519) 663-3696, Fax: (519) 663-3982Education Coordinator: Nicole FarrellEmail: [email protected]

University of ManitobaDr. Yahya Agha-KhaniHealth Sciences CentreSection of NeurologyGF543 - 820 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Tel: (204) 787-1103, Fax: (204) 787-8632Email: [email protected]


Description of SpecialtySee Neurology (Adult).

Overview of ProgramAll programs in Pediatric Neurology are five years in duration,and are designed to meet the requirements set forth by the RoyalCollege of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada. In general, theseinclude one year of basic clinical training, a minimum of oneyear of Pediatrics, and a minimum of three years in Neurology.The Neurology component must include a minimum of 24 monthsin Clinical Neurology, with at least 12 months in PediatricNeurology and six months in Adult Neurology; and one furtheryear of clinical or basic science research, basic science study,clinical training, or other training pertinent to Neurology.




















Strengths: Large program (large number of trainees). Exposure tolarge variety of pediatric neurological problems. Extremely activeNeuroscience program.

Other Key Features: Diverse group of trainees. Exposure to alarge variety of clinical problems. Neuroscience exposure.Situated in lovely Montreal — an opportunity to learn French.

Common Clinical Encounters: Acute stroke, epilepsy,neuromuscular disorders, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders.


First third of program 50 5–10 1 in 4

(mainly

from home)

Second third of program 50 5–10 1 in 4

(mainly

from home)

Final third of program 50 10–20 1 in 4

(except two

when on

clinical

service

months before

Royal College

exams)

Research Expectations: At least six months, usually in PGY4.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurology. Neurosurgery.

Psychiatry/Ophthalmology.

> Other: Do elective in Neurology where you wish to apply.Demonstrate clear interest in Neurology and Neuroscience in your application. Clinical or basic research projects inNeurology/Neuroscience.

Strengths: Excellent service to education ratio in all contexts.Dynamic and involved teachers. Excellent variety of clinicalexperience in outpatient and inpatient consultative service. The resident benefits from a structured adult and pediatricteaching program.

Other Key Features: Research opportunities and support for the resident. Epidemiology course horizontal based offered to R2 residents, which has received excellent feedback. Frequentfeedback and evaluations since small program. High ratio ofprofessors to resident.

Common Clinical Encounters: Developmental delay, cerebralpalsy, learning disabilities, epilepsy, headache, congenitalcerebral malformations, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,muscular dystrophy, metabolic diseases, genetic syndromes.

NEUROLOGY (PEDIATRIC)

Université de MontréalDr. Paola Diadori

Service de neurologieCHU - Sainte-Justine3175, Chemin Cote Ste-Catherine Montréal (Québec) H3T 1C5 Telephone : (514) 345-4931 ext. 5453 , Fax : (514) 345-4787 Email : [email protected] Person : Danielle FortierTelephone : (514) 345-4931 ext 5453Email : [email protected]

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Chantal Poulin

Department of Neurology/NeurosurgeryMontreal Neurological Institute3801 University Street, Room 144, Montreal QC H3A 2B4Tel: (514) 398-1904, Fax: (514) 398-4621Program Coordinator: Mrs. Adele D’AmatoEmail: [email protected]



First fifth of program 40–45 4 1 in 4

Second fifth of program 40–45 6 1 in 4

Third fifth of program 40–45 6 1 in 4

Fourth fifth of program 40–45 6 1 in 4

Final fifth of program 40–45 8 1 in 4 for 1st

6 months only

Research Expectations: Residents are encouraged to participatein a clinical or basic science research project. Most residentscomplete a research project in a field of their interest. This isbegun between the second and third year of the residencyprogram. Some ultimately go on to complete a Master’s after the third year of training.

Areas to Improve Program: The program has had significantimprovements in the last four years, notably a direct admissionpolicy with one residency position available per year. Theprogram has become totally compliant with the Royal CollegeCANMEDS project. The last area of improvement is in educationmethods of the CANMEDS role.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: An elective in Adult or Pediatric

Neurology or both may be useful. Experience treating orworking with children or multidisciplinary setting is also useful.

> Other: Strong performance in interview especially for the threeclinical scenarios. Strong letters of reference and curriculum vitae.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three letters ofreference are required. Most students apply through theCanadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) and we adhereto the assigned due dates. April 30 is the general due date for thedocuments of candidates applying outside of CaRMS (i.e., Pediatricresidents interested in subspecialty training in PediatricNeurology) if interested in starting in July of the same year.

Strengths: Growing clinical program with multiple areas ofexpertise, including epilepsy, neuromuscular disorder, headache,stroke, and neonatal neurology. Strong emphasis on developingan academic career and research interests.

Other Key Features: We are focused on training talented,ambitious people to perform with excellence as consultantPediatric Neurologists. In addition, we hope to foster subspecialtyinterests for trainees, whether it be research, a clinicalsubspecialty, or enhanced skills as an Academic GeneralPediatric Neurologist. We also strive to develop skills for lifelonglearning, professionalism, ethical practice, and critical appraisal.The program is flexible, based on the trainee’s interests, with astrong emphasis on education over service. All majorsubspecialty areas are represented, and the patient volume and

variety will ensure excellent exposure to all major problems inPediatric Neurology.

Common Clinical Encounters: Migraine. Epilepsy. Movementdisorders (e.g., dystonia, chorea). Neurocutaneous disorders(e.g., neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis). Stroke, cerebralpalsy, and neuromuscular disorders.

Workload: Hospital/clinical work: 40 to 50 hours/week;Afterhours reading: 10 to 15 hours/week; On-call: 1 in 4 at-homecall in the last three years of training. In the first two years, call isin-house in General Pediatrics.

Research Expectations: There is a three-month mandatoryresearch block within the program, as well as the opportunity toextend research time to a total of six months. Clinical research isgiven priority, but laboratory projects are acceptable based onthe trainee’s interests. Research is usually done in the last threeyears of the training program.

Areas to Improve Program: We are continuing to improve theteaching for Neurology residents and are in the process ofdeveloping a Research Curriculum that will introduce clinicalresearch concepts and study design.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurology (Adult or Pediatric).

Neurosurgery (Adult or Pediatric). General or SubspecialtyPediatrics.

> Other: Be gentle and conscientious with children. Have astrong interest in the Neurosciences (through clinical electives,research experience, or past employment). Researchexperience and publications are definite assets.

Strengths: Excellent facilities and patient base. Early exposure toClinical Neurology. Flexibility in rotation schedule.



Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: Two research projects are required, onein PGY1 to 2 and the second in PGY3 to 5.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: N/A

> Other: N/A

University of British ColumbiaDr. Mary Connolly

Division of NeurologyAmbulatory Care Building Room K3-1794480 Oak Street, Vancouver BC V6H 3V5Tel: (604) 875-2612, Fax: (604) 875-2285Email: [email protected], [email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Richard Tang-Wai

2E1.33 Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre8440-112 Street Edmonton AB T6G 2J3Tel: (780) 407-1839, Fax: (780) 407-3804Program Administrator: Trish KryzanowskiEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: Supportive, knowledgeable staff. Commitment toeducation. Strength of supporting programs (Pediatrics, ClinicalNeurosciences).

Other Key Features: Interested candidates can apply eitherthrough CaRMS for a PGY1 residency position, or after completingthree years in Pediatrics by applying through the AlbertaChildren’s Hospital Foundation for a Fellowship training position.

Common Clinical Encounters: Developmental delay, seizures/epilepsy, headaches, acquired brain injury, motor weakness.


First third of program 50 5 30–40

Second third of program 40 10 10–20

Final third of program 40 10 10–20

Research Expectations: Residents are given research training andelective time to complete one or more research projects duringtheir training.

Areas to Improve Program: Recruitment of more PediatricNeurology staff (in progress).

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics,

Adult Neurology.

> Other: Arrange an elective in Pediatric Neurology. Haveresearch experience related to clinical or basic Neurosciences.Be excited about and committed to caring for children withneurological disorders.

Strengths: Diverse faculty with expertise in all areas ofNeurology. Excellent, structured educational activities. Busyclinical service.

Other Key Features: This is a five-year program, with the fourthyear an elective year when the resident can do research, pursuefurther education (e.g., Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology), or dofurther clinical work.

Common Clinical Encounters: Epilepsy, neuromusculardisorders, headache, ADHD, Tic disorders, and other generalNeurology. CNS-related infections, developmental delay ofvarious etiologies.




Research Expectations: Each year, the resident is involved in aclinical or basic science research project.

Areas to Improve Program: Increased exposure to AmbulatoryPediatric Neurology. Increased protected research time.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Pediatric Neurology, Adult

Neurology, General Pediatrics.

> Other: Elective in Pediatric Neurology. Research experience ina related field. An elective in General Pediatrics.

Programs Not RespondingUniversity of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Asif DojaDivision of Pediatric Neurology401 Smyth RoadOttawa ON K1H 8L1Tel: (613) 737-7600, ext. 2605Email: [email protected] Assistant: Tania FrajkorEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyNeurosurgery is a demanding specialty involving the diagnosisand treatment of diseases affecting the nervous system andrelated structures. In addition to having a firm understanding of general surgical practices, including the management ofshock, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, vasculopathy andsepsis, and the appropriate pharmacological treatment of theseconditions, Neurosurgeons must possess extensive knowledge in Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Neuroradiology,Neuropsychology, and Clinical Neurology. Moreover,Neurosurgeons must possess highly developed technical skillswhen approaching the surgical treatment of neurologicaldisease, which can involve a variety of microsurgical andstereotactic techniques. Neurosurgeons assess patients in office,conduct surgery, and manage the in-hospital care of their patients.

Overview of ProgramIn accordance with the requirements of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, all programs inNeurosurgery take a minimum of six years to complete. DuringPGY1 and 2, residents complete core training in surgery wherethey acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes underlying basicsurgical practices as preparation for further training. Starting inPGY3 through PGY6, residents complete three years of approvedtraining in Neurosurgery, including one year of senior residency,and up to six months of Pediatric Neurosurgery. One year oftraining must include three months of residency in Neurologyand three months of residency in Neuropathology. Most

NEUROSURGERY

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Jean K. Mah

Division of Pediatric NeurologyAlberta Children’s Hospital2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary AB T3B 6A8Tel: (403) 955-2296, Fax: (403) 955-2922Email: [email protected]

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Shelly Weiss

Division of NeurologyThe Hospital for Sick Children555 University Avenue, Toronto Ontario M5G 1X8Tel: (416) 813-6332, Fax: (416) 813-7096Email: [email protected] Assistant: Michelle LoTel: (416) 813-6332Email: [email protected]


programs also permit or require residents to spend at least oneyear conducting clinical or basic science research relevant to theobjectives of the specialty and acceptable to the director of thetraining program.

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Brain Tumors> Cerebrovascular Surgery> Epilepsy Surgery> Facial Pain> Gamma Knife Radiosurgery > Movement Disorders> Neurotology> Pediatric Neurosurgery> Peripheral Nerve Surgery> Skull Base Surgery> Spine Surgery




















Strengths: A balanced group of committed Clinical andAcademic Neurosurgeons dedicated to clinical service, research,and teaching. A large number of all types of neurosurgical casesthat provide a wealth of neurosurgical experience for the trainee.A well-structured formal teaching program with regularNeurosurgery rounds, multidisciplinary rounds, and formallectures provided for resident teaching.

Other Key Features: We have a well-balanced group of committedClinical and Academic Neurosurgeons, a large number of alltypes of Neurosurgical cases, a well-structured formal teachingprogram, a balanced service-to-educational ratio for residents,and a thriving world-class research environment.

Common Clinical Encounters: Spinal Tumours, Trauma.Aneurysms.

Workload: First third of program: Commitments vary dependingon clinical rotation.Second third of program: Resident contract is respected (notmore than one in four call).Final third of program: Not more than one in four call.

Research Expectations: Residents are provided an opportunity tocomplete six months of clinical or basic research after year twoof the program. The timing and type of research is decided on anindividual basis. Neurosurgery also provides the opportunity fortrainees to participate in the Royal College of Physicians andSurgeons Clinician Investigators Program, which has potentialfor Master’s or doctorate-level training opportunities.

Areas to Improve Program: Through activity of the Brain RepairCentre and the Division of Neurosurgery, residents now haveaccess to state-of-the-art clinical and research facilities. Recentdevelopment of our program has included a new Radiosurgeryprogram, fully equipped operating rooms, a new 4-Telsa MRIdedicated to research, and pioneering robotic surgery.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurosurgery at Dalhousie.

Neurosurgery at other academic centres. Other surgicalrotations.

> Other: Commitment to Neurosurgery. A well-balanced lifestyle.Excellent academic record.

Strengths: Broad knowledge of all neurosurgical specialties.Academic half day teaching activities. Practice exams (oral and written).

Other Key Features: We have six services, namely Neurotrauma,Pediatrics, Epilepsy & Functional, Cerebrovascular, Oncology,and Spine Instrumentation and Peripheral Nerve.

Common Clinical Encounters: Epilepsy. Vascular (aneurysms).Oncology (brain, spinal cord, and nerve tumours). Functional(Parkinson’s, pain). Pediatrics.


First third of program 40–45 Varies 9/mo

Second third of program 40–45 Varies 9/mo

Final third of program 40–45 Varies 9/mo

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Depends on theresidents. Many have chosen either a Master’s degree or a Ph.D.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase numbers of carotidsurgeries. Increase exposure to spinal cord trauma.

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Line Jacques

Montreal Neurological Hospital & Institute3801 University Street, Room 109, Montreal QC H3A 2B4Tel: (514) 398-1935, Fax: (514) 398-2811Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Ms. Luisa BirriEmail: [email protected]

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. P.D. McNeely

Division of Neurosurgery, QEII Health Sciences CentreRM 3844, 1796 Summer Street, Halifax NS B3H 3A7Tel: (902) 473-8919, Fax: (902) 473-6609Residency Training Program Coordinator: Beth SladeEmail: [email protected]


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Epilepsy. Pediatrics. Spinal and

Peripheral Nerves.

> Other: Elective in Neurosurgery at McGill University. Interest in Neurosurgery.

Strengths: Excellent volume of neurosurgical cases. Excellentteaching rounds and conferences. Research opportunities withsurgeon scientists or basic science researchers. Diverse faculty,with subspecialty interest in all aspects of contemporary Adultand Pediatric Neurosurgery.

Other Key Features: We have a small program with a verycollegial atmosphere, and excellent relationships with ourcolleagues in Neurology, Neuroradiology, Neuropathology,Rehabilitation Medicine, and Basic Neuroscience.

Common Clinical Encounters: Head trauma. Brain tumours.Degenerative spinal disorders. Spinal injury. Intracranialhemorrhage.





Resident-to-Clinical Teacher Ratio: Six or seven residents to 10 faculty.

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Seven blocks ofresearch is mandatory, and is viewed as a minimum time. It can be done as a single rotation, usually in third year, or can bedivided into smaller blocks over two or three years. Residents areencouraged to spend more time in research, working toward aMaster’s or Ph.D.

Areas to Improve Program: Development of a surgical skillslaboratory. Development of simulated patients for teaching/assessing communication skills.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurosurgery.

> Other: Be motivated. Understand the demands of the specialty.Be able to cope with stress.

Strengths: Offers full range of neurosurgical subspecialty careincluding vascular, pediatric, spine, functional and epilepsy. HasCanada’s busiest radiosurgery/Gamma knife program. Also hasexcellent cranial nerve disorders centre.

Other Key Features: Soon to obtain intraoperational MRI.

Common Clinical Encounters: Cerebral aneurysms, primary and secondary brain tumours, microvascular compressionsyndromes, pediatric neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery,functional/movement disorder surgery




Final third of program 8 >10 1 in 4

Research Expectations: Optional research year, which can beextended to obtain MSc, PhD. All residents expected to haveongoing research project.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurosurgery, Neurology,

Neuroradiology.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three, due onapplication.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: Ad lib, due onapplication.

Strengths: Small, cohesive program based at two sites — oneadult and one pediatric. High volume of Clinical (especiallyoperative) cases. Outstanding operative experience. Ability totailor program to individual resident needs: balance betweenResearch/Clinical, Academic/Community, etc.

Other Key Features: This is a very good program with anexcellent record of previous success in training the bestNeurosurgeons.

Common Clinical Encounters: Brain tumours. Degenerativespine problems. Spine/spinal cord trauma. Traumatic braininjury. Cerebral vascular disorders. Peripheral Nerve Surgery.

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. John Sinclair

Division of NeurosurgeryThe Ottawa Hospital – Civic CampusC2-1053 Carling Ave., Ottawa ON K1Y 4E9Tel: (613) 798-5555, ext. 19885, Fax: (613) 761-5436

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Patrick McDonald

Section of NeurosurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of ManitobaGB134 - 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Tel: (204) 787-7265, Fax: (204) 787-3851Email: [email protected]

University of CalgaryDr. John Hurlbert

Division of NeurosurgeryFoothills Hospital1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-4496, Fax: (403) 283-5559Administrative Assitant: Patti SullivanEmail: [email protected]






Research Expectations: Doctorate or higher in first or secondthird of program.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase number of clinical skills labsessions. Support more resident research.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurosurgery. General Surgery.

Neurology.

> Other: Have a well-rounded resume, including extracurricular.Electives in Neurosurgery. Have great reference letters.

Strengths: A small program with dedicated full-time faculty thatallows a more relaxed and collegial academic environment.Regular academic rounds includes a protected “half day” whichis actually almost a full day. Residents have a strong voice in thestructure and content of the program. Masters and PhDprograms available.

Other Key Features: Neurosurgery in Saskatoon includingpediatric neurosurgery is located at one site (Royal UniversityHospital). There is no “cross coverage” for other hospitals.Pediatrics and spinal neurosurgeon are integrated into theprogram (not separate rotations). Early hands-on experience in the operating room. See our website for more information:http://www.medicine.usask.ca/surgery/divisions/neurosurgery/

Common Clinical Encounters: All aspects of neurosurgicalpractice are encountered including oncology, pediatrics, skullbase surgery, vascular epilepsy, functional and complex spinaldisorders, peripheral nerve and trauma.





Research Expectations: From PGY3 onward, yearly presentationat Resident Research Days is highly encouraged. We have a verygood publishing record (see our website for list of publications).

Areas to Improve Program: A new endovascular surgery suite hasbeen built. We are recruiting a Neurosurgeon with expertise inendovascular techniques.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurosurgery at the University of

Saskatchewan or elsewhere.

Strengths: Education-driven. Greatest academic trainingpotential in Canada. Largest and most varied neurosurgerytraining program in North America.

Other Key Features: Very different from all other Canadianprograms, with a rotation among hospitals that can challengethose seeking the individual mentorship that is readily obtainedin smaller, single-hospital programs. The faculty is of a qualityunparalleled in Canada. There is a real potential to be exposed tocritical thinkers in Neurosurgery during your training. Researchopportunities and support that is truly unique. Ideal for theenergetic individual who wants to be challenged duringpostgraduate training.

Common Clinical Encounters: Closed head injury +/– multipletrauma. New presentation of an intracranial tumour.Subarachnoid hemorrhage. Paralysis secondary to spinal cordcompression. Coma of undetermined origin.


First third of program 70 lots 1 in 4

Second third of program 70 lots 1 in 4

Final third of program 70 > above 1 in 3

Research Expectations: Residents are selected for their academiccareer goals in Neurosurgery. All residents are expected to taketwo to five years, usually after three years of clinical training, toobtain an advanced degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) through the SurgeonScientist Program in the Department of Surgery. The subjectvaries from basic science research to Clinical Epidemiology toEducation Research.

Areas to Improve Program: Improve faculty teaching skills.Improve resident learning skills.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: An elective in Toronto to ensure

that the applicant understands the nature of neurosurgicaltraining in Toronto. An elective at another neurosurgicalprogram at a Canadian university. A clinical elective in whichthe supervisor has close contact with the applicant and canwrite a meaningful evaluation of the candidate’s clinicalperformance. This can be a neurosurgical elective but does nothave to be.

> Other: Get good marks, work hard. Be sure, throughexperience, that Neurosurgery is what you want. Make yourdecision well before the CaRMS application date, so that yourattitude and elective experience will reflect your decision.

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. M. Christopher Wallace

Division of Neurosurgery399 Bathurst Street, West Wing 4-450, Toronto ON M5T 2S8Tel: (416) 603-5503, Fax: (416) 603-5928Email: [email protected]: http://www.surg.med.utoronto.ca/NEURO/ Program Coordinator: Ms. Sandi AmaralEmail: [email protected]

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. Daryl Fourney

Royal University Hospital103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N 0W8Tel: (306) 966-8814, Fax: (306) 966-8140Email: [email protected] Administrator: Marilyn BaniakTelephone: 306-966-5678Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Excellent operative and technical teaching, with wideand early operative exposure. All areas of Neurosurgery covered(epilepsy, vascular, spine, neuro-oncology, pediatrics,pain/functional). Strong support and interaction with staff.

Other Key Features: UWO has one of the highest operativecaseloads for a program of its size. Residents start hands-onexperience early, and chief residents are expected to function atthe level of a junior consultant. The Neurosurgery division hasan excellent relationship with Neurology, Neuropathology, andNeuroradiology, making for good education experiences throughcollaborative rounds and joint teaching sessions, and facilitatingreferrals and case management.

Common Clinical Encounters: Brain tumours. Spinal degenerativedisease (cervical spondylosis, lumbar stenosis, disc herniation).Head/neck trauma (chronic subdurals, spinal fractures, closedhead injury). Carotid atherosclerosis. Subarachnoid hemorrhage.





Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Residents areencouraged to undertake projects and present them. Up to oneyear of funded time is available for research. Some residentshave taken up to four years away from the program to completea Ph.D., while others have used their research/elective time toundertake additional clinical electives. Our program supportspersonal career goals, whether they include research or not.

Areas to Improve Program: Site consolidation. Currently, thetrauma centre is located in a hospital other than the Neurosurgeryservice, making coverage of multiple trauma patients challenging.Eventually, the hospital housing the trauma unit will close, mergingNeurosurgery and the trauma unit at a single site, improvingpatient care and educational exposure to polytrauma patients.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurosurgery. Neurology.

Critical Care.

> Other: Demonstrate a true commitment to Neurosurgery by undertaking a variety of electives and gaining a goodunderstanding of what the Neurosurgical residency (andsubsequent career) involves in terms of work and lifestyle. Be hard working, conscientious, reliable, honest, and courteous.Have letters from people we know that attest to this.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité de MontréalProgram Director: Alain Bouthillier, MD, FRCS(C)NeurochirurgieHôpital Nôtre-Dame du CHUM1560, rue Sherbrooke Est, bureau F-5152, Montréal QC H2L 4M1Tel: (514) 890-8000, ext. 26809, Fax: (514) 412-7816Email: [email protected] Administrator: Diane FoleyEmail: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director: Mario Séguin, MD, FRCS(C)Service de neurochirurgieCHUS, 3001 rue nords, 12e ave, Fleurimont QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 13324, Fax: (819) 820-6452Email: [email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Vivek Mehta2D2.01 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre8440 - 112 Street, Edmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-6325, Fax: (780) 407-7394Website: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/neurosurgery/Program Assistant: Kirsten BauerEmail: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. Ryojo AkagamiDivision of Neurosurgery3rd floor, Jim Pattison Pavilion910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 4E3Tel: (604) 875-4142, Fax: (604) 875-4036Email: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyThe Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada(RCPSC) defines Nuclear Medicine as a medical specialtyconcerned “with the use of unsealed radioactive sourcesemitting a variety of radiations…in the study, diagnosis andtreatment of disease.” The Nuclear Medicine Specialist willsupervise, advise, and interpret imaging and other relateddiagnostic procedures while recognizing the vitality of themultidisciplinary approach when using Nuclear Medicine todiagnose and treat patients. A practising specialist is expected to have a working knowledge of the principles behind imagingtechnologies such as CT, PET, MRI, plain film X-ray and otherrelevant radiation detection instruments. As well, knowledge ofpertinent anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiologyis a must. Not only does the Nuclear Medicine Specialist act as a consultant but he or she will routinely obtain history from andperform physical exams on patients prior to diagnosis andinitiation of appropriate therapy.

Overview of ProgramA residency in Nuclear Medicine will require five years oftraining as set out by the RCPSC. Some programs offer acombined Nuclear Medicine/Diagnostic Radiology trainingleading to certification in both specialties. In general, this willinvolve an additional one or two years. PGY1 is a time for basicclinical training and most programs offer rotations through

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

University of Western OntarioDr. David Steven

Neurosurgery Training ProgramLondon Health Sciences Centre339 Windermere Road, Room B7-005, London ON N6A 5A5Tel: (519) 663-3696, Fax: (519) 663-3982Website: http://www.uwo.ca/cns/pages/home/index.htmhttp://www.lhsc.on.ca/Education Coordinator: Nicole FarrellEmail: [email protected]


medical and surgical subspecialties. Three years of core NuclearMedicine training is essential for successful completion of theprogram, with all programs either requiring or stronglysuggesting the inclusion of clinical research projects followingthis three-year period. A period of three to 12 months is usuallyallotted for such research activities in the fifth year.

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Abdominal Imaging> Breast Imaging> Cardiac Imaging> Cross-sectional Imaging> Interventional Neuroradiology> Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research> Musculoskeletal Imaging> Neuroradiology> Pediatric Imaging> Thoracic Imaging> Vascular/Interventional Radiology> Women’s Imaging




















Strengths: Small program, lots of staff/resident contact. Highcaseload, with lots of Pathology. Modern equipment—two PET-CT scanners.

Workload: First year of program: First year is typical PGY1 year;same demands as Internal Medicine.Second phase of program: Years 2–5 are hospital-based in twolarge teaching hospitals. Electives in other hospitals are allowed.

Pediatric Nuclear Medicine will also be done in a pediatrichospital. A typical week is 40 hours in the hospital. Lots ofreading time during the day (typically two to three hours perday). On-call shared with staff on weekends.

Research Expectations: Research is encouraged and can be donefor a period of up to one year, with a minimum requirement ofone publishable study during residency.

Areas to Improve Program: We are open to evaluation of theprogram by residents. Individual residents can potentially havetheir programs modified to suit them.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Cardiology. Oncology/Hematology.

Endocrinology.

> Other: Do an elective or more in Nuclear Medicine and showenough interest to get a strong reference from your supervisor(s).Make it clear that you are highly motivated to do NuclearMedicine and have the right background. Show that it isNuclear Medicine you’re interested in and not DiagnosticRadiology: Doing an elective in Radiology to show that youunderstand the difference between the fields and prefer theapproach of Nuclear Medicine would be helpful.

Strengths: Essentially one-on-one teaching throughout.Dedicated physician staff, with strong support staff. Emphasison clinical synthesis of patient data in Cardiac Nuclear Medicine,Endocrinology, Bone Mineral Density.

Common Clinical Encounters: Risk assessment of ischemic heartdisease. Determination of extent of ischemia. Evaluation ofpatient for skeletal metastases. Myocardial function assessment.Pediatric and adult skeletal trauma.


First third of program 35–40 Varies 8 hrs/wk,

no evenings

Second third of program 35–40 Varies 8 hrs/wk,

no evenings

Final third of program 35–40 Varies 8 hrs/wk,

no evenings

Research Expectations: Expected to do research in Radiopharmacyand Cardiac Nuclear Medicine rotations (may continue beyondthe rotation). Expected to present from these projects or otherresearch at Canadian and/or international conferences.

Areas to Improve Program: More formal discussions at the XRAYviewbox. Improvements to academic half day program (ongoing).

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Stern Sheryl

Health Sciences Centre, Rm. GG345820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Tel: (204) 787-3375, Fax: (204) 787-3090Email: [email protected] Assistant: Cathy LongTelephone: (204) 787-3682Email: [email protected]

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Chris Rush

Department of Nuclear MedicineJewish General Hospital3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Rd., Montreal QC H3T 1E2Tel: (514) 340-8222, ext. 5374, Fax: (514) 340-7919Email: [email protected]: http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/postgrad/programs/nuclearmedicine.htm


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Nuclear Medicine. Cardiology.

Endocrinology.

> Other: Investigate the field so that it is apparent that you knowabout Nuclear Medicine. Acquire some knowledge of careerpaths in Nuclear Medicine. Develop an interest in computers.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three, due no laterthan December 15.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: Due no later thanDecember 15.

Strengths: Excellent facilities and teaching staff. Broad clinicalexposure. Extensive opportunities for research.

Other Key Features: Excellent teaching. Program will pay formany of the books needed. Excellent opportunities for research.

Common Clinical Scenarios: Rule out metastases (bone scan).Rule out fracture (bone scan). Rule out/evaluate coronary arterydisease. Evaluate thyroid function. Evaluate renal function.


First third of program 40 hours 2–4 1 night/week

from home

Second third of program 40 hours 2–4 1 night/week

from home

Final third of program 40 hours 2–4 1 night/week

from home

Research Expectations: Scholarly work expected from 2nd yearonwards; one research project minimum. Up to one year givenfor research if resident wishes.

Areas to Improve Program: More frequent mock orals. Moreexposure to PET.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Nuclear Medicine. Radiology.

Internal Medicine.

> Other: Show interest. Do a Nuclear Medicine elective. Spendtime in our department/research.

Programs Not RespondingDalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Steven BurrellNuclear MedicineQEII Health Sciences Centre1278 Tower Road, Halifax NS B3H 2Y9Tel: (902) 473-5453, Fax: (902) 428-2018Email: [email protected] Coordinator : Gisele PhelanEmail : [email protected]

Université de MontréalProgram Director : Dr. Michel PicardMedecine nucleaireCHUM Hôpital St-Luc1058 rue St-Denis, porte 3208, Montréal QC H2X 3J4Tel: (514) 890-8000, ext. 36226, Fax: (514) 412-7340Program Contact : Mme Liette BabinTelephone : (514) 890-8000 ext 36230Email : [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director : Dr. Yves LeclercDépartement de médecine nucléaire et radiobiologieCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de SherbrookeUniversité de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e avenue nordSherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4Telephone: (819) 346-1110, ext. 23468 or 15598, Fax : (819) 820-6462Email: [email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Ho JenDept. of Radiology/Nuclear MedicineWalter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-6810, Fax: (780) 407-6176Email: [email protected]: www.radiology.med.ualberta.ca Program Assistant: Janet DawonEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyObstetrics and Gynecology is the unique medical specialty that isconcerned exclusively with the delivery of health care to womenthroughout their lifespan. To do this effectively, an OB/GYNmust be able to integrate extensive knowledge concerningfemale-specific reproductive physiology with the social, cultural,and environmental factors that accompany health care deliveryto this population. Obstetricians are involved in the care of bothmother and fetus for the duration of pregnancy and the miracleof birth, while gynecologists deal with a large spectrum ofconditions that affect the female reproductive system. Inpractice, OB/GYNs have the opportunity to incorporate all facetsof medical practice, including medicine and surgery, in apersonally tailored practice that can range from primaryOB/GYN care to subspecialization in the areas of GynecologicOncology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, orMaternal–Fetal Medicine.

OBSTETRICS ANDGYNECOLOGY

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Jean-Luc Urbain

Nuclear MedicineLHSC/South Street Hospital375 South Street, London, ON N6A 4G5Telephone: (519) 685-6000 ext. 64954, Fax: (519) 667-6787Email: [email protected]: http://radnuc.lhsc.on.ca/uwo/2007/index.phpProgram Coordinator: Julia KimTelephone: (519) 685-8500 ext. 75590Email: [email protected]


Overview of ProgramIn general, all OB/GYN programs offered through CaRMS followa very similar program format. All programs in OB/GYN are fiveyears in duration. Each program offers protected academic halfdays every week to meet education objectives. The PGY1 year is a general multidisciplinary year, designed almost exclusively tofurther solidify skills and concepts learned as a senior medicalstudent and to aid in MCCQE II preparation. The PGY2 iscomposed of the “core” rotations of Obstetrics and Gynecology,while the third and fourth years of residency are devoted almostexclusively to specialty training (which differ depending on theprogram). The final year is generally spent in clinical OB/GYN as further preparation for private practice, with each residentacting as chief resident for a portion of the year. Althoughvariation of this general pattern exists, the PGY2-5 years at allprograms meet the requirements set out by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for licensing.

Accreditation without certification:> Gynecologic Oncology> Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility> Maternal–Fetal Medicine

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Advanced Obstetrics> Gynecologic Endoscopic Surgery/MIGS> Laparoscopic Surgery/AAGL> Mature Women’s Health and Menopause> Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery> Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology> Reproductive Biology> Urogynaecology




















Strengths: Collegiality. Responsibility given early.

Other Key Features: Time spent in Saint John, New Brunswick, isan excellent learning opportunity with a great deal of clinical,operative, and obstetrical exposure. Protected time for academichalf day, research, visiting professors, etc.

Common Clinical Encounters: Pregnancy-induced hypertension.Postdates. Postmenopausal bleeding. Infertility. Pelvic prolapse.


First third of program 0730-1700 daily 1:4

daily

Second third of program 0730-1700 daily 1:5

daily

Final third of program 0730-1700 daily 1:6

daily

Research Expectations: Complete one research project.

Areas to Improve Program: Develop operative skills lab. Enhanceambulatory experience.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General OB/GYN. Maternal–Fetal

Medicine. Any elective experience is valuable.

> Other: Good interpersonal/communication skills.Demonstrated interest in OB/GYN. Sensitivity to varied ethicaldilemmas.

Strengths: Surgical experience and teaching (particularlyendoscopic procedures). Affable clinical faculty. Extensiveintegration of evidence-based medicine and critical appraisal.

Other Key Features: The McMaster OB/GYN program recentlyreceived a six-year, full accreditation from the Royal College ofPhysicians and Surgeons of Canada; values the opinions of theresidents; and has a Program Director who is open and available.(These are opinions provided by the residents!)

McMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Stephen Bates

Department of Ob/Gyn PostgradDepartment of Ob/Gyn, HSC-4D91200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 76250, Fax: (905) 577-0471Program Assistant: Carmela LawrenceEmail: [email protected]: http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/obgyn/index.htm

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Joan Wenning

IWK Health Centre5850/5980 University Avenue, P.O. Box 9700, Halifax NS B3K 6R8Tel: (902) 470-6675, Fax: (902) 425-1125Education Coordinator: Mary BoudreauEmail: [email protected]


Common Clinical Encounters: Delivery of normal pregnancies.First trimester bleeding and ectopic. Pre-term labour andpremature rupture of membranes. Dysfunctional uterinebleeding and postmenopausal bleeding. Urinary incontinenceand uterine prolapse.


First third of program 50–70 2 hrs/night 1–2 calls/wk;

4-6 calls/mo

Second third of program 50–70 2 hrs/night 1–2 calls/wk;

3-6 calls/mo

Final third of program 50–70 2–3 hrs/night 2 calls

/month

Research Expectations: All residents are required to completeand present two projects during their program. Residents areentitled to protected time in the program to pursue theirindividual projects. The program encourages additional residentresearch over and above the minimum outlined above.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase the number of residentresearch projects. Further improvement of the already excellentendoscopic teaching opportunities for residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Electives in the Hamilton area

to allow prospective candidates an opportunity to work with McMaster faculty. Any elective in OB/GYN, Urology, or General Surgery.

> Other: Candidates should demonstrate sensitivity to womenfrom all walks of life, be hard-working and energetic, and ableto work well with other residents and faculty.

Strengths: Small faculty-to-trainees ratio. No fellows, allowing for depth of exposure to subspecialty training. Interested andapproachable faculty and cohesive group of residents. Goodopportunities for practice in laparoscopic skills. Excellentresearch opportunities.

Other Key Features: Good teaching in rounds, academic half day,charged anatomy teaching. Excellent staff–resident interactionallowing for flexibility throughout training. Opportunities forinternational elective. Many social events to ease transition toresident life, including annual BBQ, Christmas rounds, etc.Opportunity to sit on many committees, attend local/international conferences, etc.



First third of program 40 Encouraged 1:4–1:6

Second third of program 40 Encouraged 1:4–1:6

Final third of program 40 Encouraged 1:6

Research Expectations: PGY2-5: two research projects. Option of completing Diploma/Master’s Clinical Epidemiology. Tworesearch projects (either prospective or chart review, case report, etc.) required. Each resident presents at 2–3 journalclubs/year (e.g., critical appraisal of recently published article).Resident Research Day — residents present their research projectsonce a year.

Areas to Improve Program: Develop faculty resource for medicaleducators (with OB/GYN). Faculty development.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Community OB/GYN — excellent

opportunities in rural NL. Electives away help bring newperspective to discipline. Any research experience (esp. inOB/GYN) is helpful. Ambulatory Gynecology.

> Other: Choosing electives in OB/GYN. Exposure to as manyfaculty as possible prior to match. Good references.

Research Expectations: During the 5th year of training, residentseither carry out research or serve as chief resident for six toseven periods. For subspecialty in Gynecological Endocrinologyof reproduction and fertility, residents carry out research for sixmonths within the last two years of their program. Forsubspecialty in Maternal and Fetal Medicine, a research projectis planned and conducted during the 6th–7th years of theprogram. The last six months of the 7th year are dedicated to thisresearch project, which is expected to produce a manuscript forsubmission to a peer-reviewed journal. For subspecialty inGynecological Oncology, residents learn to establish a researchprotocol, analyze results, and communicate them.

University of AlbertaDr. Sujata Chandra

Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRoom 201, CSC RAH10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 3V9Tel: (780) 735-4812, Fax: (780) 735-4981Email: [email protected] Contact: E. PattonEmail: [email protected]: http://www.ob-gyn.ca/

Université de MontréalProgram Director: Dr Stephane Ouellet

Département d’obstétrique-gynécologieUniversité de MontréalC.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal QC H3C 3J7Tel: (514) 343-5829, Fax: (514) 343-5785Website: www.deptobs-gyn.umontreal.ca Student Contact : Mme Anne GosselinEmail: [email protected] University of Newfoundland

Program Director: Dr. Atamjit Gill

Obstetrics & GynecologyHealth Sciences Centre300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-6718, Fax: (709) 777-7455Email: [email protected] Assistant: Krista ColeEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: Very strong surgical program with lots of hands-on.Excellent success in FRCSC exams. Strong social resident supportnetwork with lots of funded travel opportunities.

Other Key Features: Annual resident retreat at Jasper Park Lodge.Funding for international conferences for work they present.Well-protected and -attended academic half day.

Common Clinical Encounters: High-risk obstetrical deliveries,e.g., twins. Emergency gynecology admissions, e.g., rupturedectopic pregnancies. Prenatal visits: normal and high risk. Major pelvic surgical cases. Major obstetrical procedures, e.g., caesarean sections and related complications.





Research Expectations: One project in each of years 3 and 4.

Areas to Improve Program: Add General OB/GYN in PGY4instead of PGY5. Renumeration of clinical teachers who arecurrently not paid for teaching.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General OB/GYN (Major Tertiary

Care Centre). General OB/GYN (Rural). Subspecialty OB/GYN.

> Other: Have done an elective in the field. Show an obvious“team-player” mentality. Be a well-rounded individual.

Strengths: The major strength of any program is the recruitmentand maintenance of dedicated, excellent residents. We arefortunate in that we have a cohesive body of learners who attaintheir goals of competency and excellence in Obstetrics andGynecology in a cooperative and collegial manner. This goal hasbeen achieved by careful selection of residents and encouragingcooperation and collaboration of residents as they progressthrough their residencies. Special efforts have been made toencourage undergraduates to consider Obstetrics andGynecology as a career choice. The residents and residency-training program have fostered promising students as theyprogress through medical school and in electives at theUniversity of Calgary. The input and participation of theresidents and the Residency Training Committee, at ResidentResearch Day and the Residents’ Retreat, contribute significantlyto ongoing change and program development and improvement.There is strong representation of all subspecialties in theprogram. The Gynecologic Oncology program is particularlystrong, with all three members being ex-OB/GYN ProgramDirectors. The Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityProgram provides excellent tertiary care experience with astrong, proven program of over 800 cycles of IVF a year and the

highest pregnancy rates in Canada. This also offers residentsexposure to general reproductive endocrinology. The MaternalFetal Medicine group recently opened an independent clinic thatnow affords residents excellent teaching in Obstetrics. Theprogram in Urogynecology is also very strong, with the additionof a fourth member in December of 2003. There are fellowshipprograms in Gyne Oncology, Urogynecology, and Maternal FetalMedicine in Calgary. The Faculty of Obstetrics is very dedicatedto the maintenance and improvement of the residency trainingprogram. There is very open and thorough communication anddialogue between residents and the department. This dialoguehas been particularly facilitated by the recent addition of manyresidents who graduated from the program and are currentlystaff at the Peter Lougheed and Rockyview Hospital. This groupof young specialists has brought significant enthusiasm anddedication to resident teaching.

Other Key Features: Five residency training spots per year. Fullsix-year recent Royal College Accreditation. Extensive ClinicalOB/GYN surgical experience (15,000 deliveries/year). Excellentcollegial relationships: inter-resident and resident and faculty.

Common Clinical Encounters: Normal vaginal delivery. Failureto progress in first- or second-stage labour requiring C-section.Spontaneous abortion: missed or incomplete. Dysfunctionaluterine bleeding with anemia. Ectopic pregnancy.


First third of program 85 5 1:4

Second third of program 65 10 1:5


Research Expectations: Each resident is expected to be involvedin at least one process of academic inquiry over their time inresidency. This may take the form of a chart audit review, a casereport and review of the literature in the junior years, and aclinical trial and/or bench research project in the more senioryears. These results are presented at the Annual Clara ChristieResearch Day in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Areas to Improve Program: Recruit more full-time staff.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Gyne Oncology. General

Obstetrics and Gynecology. Maternal Fetal Medicine.

> Other: Electives and real interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology.Show a strong interest and competency in research. Well-rounded background. Good team player.

University of British ColumbiaDr. Nancy Kent

Rm 2H30B.C. Women’s Hospital4490 Oak Street, Vancouver BC V6H 3V5Tel: (604) 875-2194, Fax: (604) 875-2725Email: [email protected], Postgraduate Education: Mr. Scott LewisEmail: [email protected] Assistant, Postgraduate Education: Ms. Jennifer WilsonTelephone: (604) 875-2345 ext. 7913Email: [email protected]: http://www.obstgyn.ca

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Pamela Chu

Obstetrics & GynecologyRoom 428, North TowerFoothills Medical Centre1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-1437, Fax: (403) 283-7136Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Excellent clinical teaching staff. Positive teamenvironment. Superior rural rotation experience.

Other Key Features: The program possesses a team-basedenvironment that is surrounded by a highly supportive clinicalteaching staff and mentors. Along with a supportiveenvironment, the program utilizes a handheld organizer-basedprocedure logging program as well as an Internet-basedevaluation system. These systems are paperless, faster, and moreconvenient than conventional evaluation and procedure loggingprocedures used elsewhere. The evaluation system also allowsresidents to view the areas where increased study and/orimprovement are needed. We also prepare the residents for theRoyal College Exam by holding bi-annual oral OSCEexaminations and an annual CREOG examination. Residentsreceive direct, one-on-one feedback on these examinations thatenables them to gauge which areas need more attention in theirstudies and in the clinics. An additional key feature to ourprogram is the mandatory rural rotation(s) in Kamloops, Nanaimo,or Prince George. These provide the resident with an increasedamount of surgical and rural-patient care opportunities.Additionally, departmental and non-departmental supportedconferences provide the resident with increased knowledge invarious obstetric and gynecological topics, all in preparation forour residents to graduate from our program to begin theircareers as Obstetricians/Gynecologists.

Common Clinical Encounters: Normal labour and delivery. Pre-term labour and delivery/PPROM. Gestational hypertension.Vaginal bleeding. Ectopic bleeding.





Research Expectations: The resident is given a protected three-month block for research during PGY2 or 3.They are expected totake their research to manuscript submission as well as present a research topic at two of the annual department academic daysin the program over the five years. This can be a work in progressand a completed project presentation, or two separate researchproject presentations. The opportunity to do more time inresearch is available if desired.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase the number of residents in order to allow more flexibility in the junior years. Increase the amount of surgical time at the three main teaching hospitalsin Vancouver.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Obstetrics and/or

Gynecology. Community or Rural Obstetrics and Gynecology. A subspecialty rotation such as Gynecologic Oncology,Maternal Fetal Medicine, or Reproductive Endocrinology andInfertility.

> Other: Show sincere interest in the program (via OB/GYN-related electives, volunteer work, publications, etc.). Ability to work in a team environment as a team player. Possess asense of humour.

Strengths: Outstanding surgical (including advanced endoscopy)training and experience balanced by a large volume of academicand community obstetrical training experience. An academicenvironment with protected time to facilitate research. Allsubspecialties contribute to resident training, includingReproductive Medicine/IVF, Gyn Oncology, Maternal FetalMedicine, Pediatric/Adolescent Gynecology, and Urogynecology.Residency director and training committee who sincerely listento and incorporate residents’ suggestions into the trainingprogram. A friendly environment with good camaraderie.Academic Half Day, Annual Retreat, Mentorship Program,Journal Club, Baffin Island Program, and ratio of residents tofaculty is 1:2. Call schedule that consistently has fewer calls permonth than PAIRO guidelines allow. Located in Canada’s capitalwith easy access to cultural and outdoor activities.

Other Key Features: For a student looking for excellent training inObstetrics and Gynecology in a friendly atmosphere conduciveto learning, the University of Ottawa is the place to be.

Common Clinical Encounters: Our department is a referralcentre for all of Eastern Ontario and much of Northern Ontarioand Western Quebec. As a result, the residents here have theopportunity to care for patients with both common and rareproblems in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Workload: Please see our Website at http://www.carms.ca for adetailed look at the rotation schedule for all years.

Research Expectations: Our research requirement is wellstructured and organized.

Areas to Improve Program: Continued acceptance of topcandidates with an enthusiastic interest in the specialty.Continued vigilance in ensuring that residents’ learning needstake precedence over service needs.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Obstetrics and Gynecology

especially at the University of Ottawa. Any OB/GYNsubspecialty elective.

> Other: Demonstrate a sincere passion for Obstetrics andGynecology. Good interpersonal skills. Good team player.

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Andree Gruslin

Obstetrics and Gynecology and Newborn CareThe Ottawa Hospital - General Campus501 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6Tel: (613) 737-8566, Fax: (613) 737-8687Email: [email protected]: http://www.medecine.uottawa.ca/obstetricsgynecology/Postgrad/eng/index.htmlProgram Coordinator: Tracy MitchellEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: Close contact with faculty. Excellent endoscopyexperience. Research opportunity and mentoring.

Other Key Features: Excellence in surgical endoscopy training.Close interaction with faculty. Hands-on training.

Common Clinical Encounters: Intrapartum care. Ambulatoryobstetrics in the Obstetric Triage Unit. Caesarean delivery.Operative laparoscopy. Normal vaginal delivery.

Workload: First third of program: OB/GYN; elective 1:4 call.Second third of program: OB/GYN; ICU; NICU; elective 1:5 call.Final third of program: OB/GYN; subspecialty rotations 1:7 call.

Research Expectations: One to two research projects over fouryears at the Master’s level. Protected time for research half dayper week.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase subspecialty faculty numbers.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Laparoscopic surgery elective.

Community Obstetrics and Gynecology. Urogynecology.

> Other: Commitment of OB/GYN as a career. Interest incommunity practice. Demonstrate good interpersonal skills.

Programs Not RespondingMcGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Srinivasan KrishnamurthyMcGill University Obstetrics & GynecologyRoyal Victoria Hospital, Rm F4.46687 Pine Ave. W., Montreal QC H3A 1A1Tel: (514) 934-1934, ext. 34502, Fax: (514) 843-1539Website : http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/postgrad/Secretary : Ms. Carol FautrelEmail: [email protected]

Queen’s UniversityProgram Director : Dr. Shawna JohnstonObstetrics & GynecologyDept. of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Victory 476 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 548-6666, ext. 4911, Fax: (613) 548-1330Email: [email protected] : http://meds.queensu.ca/medicine/obgyn/Education Assistant : Jennifer PurvisEmail : [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director: Dr. Catherine Anku BertholetDépartement d’obstétrique-gynécologieCHUS331 12ième Avenue Nord, Fleurimont QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 12391, Fax: (819) 820-6434Administrative Assitant: Mme Josee DussaultEmail: [email protected]

Université LavalProgram Director: Dr. Jacques MaillouxDépartement d’obstétrique-gynécologieCHUQ - Centre Mère-Enfant2705, boulevard Laurier, Québec QC G1V 4G2Tel: (418) 654-2738, Fax: (418) 525-4281Email: [email protected]

University of ManitobaDr. Margaret BurnettDepartment. of Obstetrics andGynecologyWomen’s HospitalRoom RS428 – 810 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg MB R3A 1R8Website: http://www.umanitoba.ca/womens_health Program Coordinator: Kim ZellerEmail: [email protected]

University of Ottawa – NOSM StreamProgram Director: Dr. Andree GruslinNorthern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)Postgraduate Education955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1Telephone: (807) 766-7444, Fax: (807) 766-7481Regional Director: Dr. Stephen FairleyCoordinator, Postgraduate Specialty Medicine: Ms Cyndy MacKenzieTelephone: (807) 766-7444Email: [email protected]

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Heather ShapiroDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynaecology92 College St, Toronto ON M5G 1L4Tel: (416) 978-6830, Fax: (416) 978-8350Email: [email protected] or [email protected]: http://www.obgyn.utoronto.ca/Postgrad.htm

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Barry MacMillanDepartment of Obstetrics & GynecologySt. Joseph’s Health Care, London268 Grosvenor Street, London ON N6A 4V2Tel: (519) 646-6171, Fax: (519) 646-6177Website: http://www.uwo.ca/obsgyn/Education Administrator: Ms. Susanne DeakinEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyOphthalmology deals with the screening, diagnosis, andmanagement of optical, medical, and surgical disorders anddiseases of the visual system — the eyes, associated orbitalstructures, and neuro-visual pathways. It embraces aspects of Neurology, Pathology, Plastic Surgery, Dermatology,Microbiology, and other specialties. Subspecialties within

OPHTHALMOLOGY

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. Allison Case

Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive SciencesRoyal University Hospital103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N OW8Tel: (306) 966-1953, Fax: (306) 966-8040Email: [email protected]: http://www.usask.ca/medicine/obgyn Educational Coordinator: Marj LensTelephone: 306-966-8625Email: [email protected]


Ophthalmology include Cornea and External Diseases,Glaucoma, Neuro-ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Pathology,Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Pediatric Ophthalmology, andVitreoretinal Diseases. The Ophthalmologist often interacts withother physicians in the diagnosis and management of systemicdiseases that have ocular manifestations. Fine motor skills, depthperception, and colour vision are necessary for effective clinicaland surgical practice. Over a week, a General Ophthalmologistwill commonly spend three to four days in the office seeingpatients and one to two days in the OR performing major surgicalprocedures, with cataract removal being the most common.

Overview of ProgramAll nine programs in Ophthalmology are five years in length. The PGY1 year provides a broad clinical background for residentsand prepares them for Part II of the Medical Council of CanadaQualifying Examinations. Training during the PGY2 to PGY5years varies with each institution but, in general, allows thecandidate to acquire a knowledge of basic sciences and clinicalskills necessary to the understanding and practice of thespecialty. Teaching is provided through clinics, surgical rotations,rounds, and formal didactic sessions. Exposure to each of thesubspecialties is also incorporated. Research in one’s area ofinterest is highly encouraged and in some programs, mandatorywith protected time provided. Elective periods and selectiverotations are usually provided in PGY4 and PGY5 through whichresidents will be encouraged to explore their own interests at oroutside their base institutions.

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Corneal and External Diseases> Glaucoma> Glaucoma and Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery> Low Vision Rehabilitation> Medical Retina> Ocular Genetics> Ocular Oncology> Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery> Pediatric Ophthalmology> Retina




















Strengths: Collegiality. Academic activities. Wide spectrum ofclinical material.

Other Key Features: Strongly suggest you come to Dalhousieahead of time to better know the program and be known.

Common Clinical Encounters: Chronic open angle glaucoma.Macular diseases. Cataract (often with exfoliative complications).Diabetic retinopathy. Strabismus (children and adult).

Workload: Full-time and study at night and weekends.

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. One referred paper andyearly local presentations during the whole residency.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurology. Ophthalmology.

Plastics.

> Other: All-round positive personality traits and activities.Scientific endeavours. Strong work ethic.

Strengths: Broad depth of teaching. Good volume of patients.Good surgical variety and volume.

Other Key Features: There is a large amount of literature inOphthalmology and this requires dedication to studying. Also,the candidate should have excellent vision and stereopsis (withor without glasses) and very good manual dexterity.

Common Clinical Encounters: Red eye scenario. Trauma to theeye and surrounding tissues. Patients with Glaucoma. Patientswith Cataract. Retinal and Neuro-ophthalmology disorders.


First third of program 45 7+ 1 in 4

Second third of program 45 7+ 1 in 4

Final third of program 45 7+ 1 in 4

Research Expectations: Residents do a research project andpresent it at our annual scientific meeting each year (except intheir PGY1 year).

McGill UniversityDr. Bryan Arthurs

Department of Ophthalmology687 Pine Avenue West, Room H7.53, Montreal QC H3A 1A1Tel: (514) 842-1231, ext. 36789, Fax: (514) 843-1624Program Coordinator: Natasha LattimoreEmail: [email protected]

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Vladimir Kozousek

Ophthalmology & Visual SciencesCapital Health – VG SiteRm. 2035, 2 West Victoria, 1276 South Park St., Halifax NS B3H 2Y9Telephone: (902) 473-4343, Fax: (902) 473-2389Website: http://ophthalmology.medicine.dal.ca/Program Assistant: Tess WilliamsTelephone: (902) 473-2517Email: [email protected]


Areas to Improve Program: Greater funding for wet labs andother teaching methods. Expansion of resources for research.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurology. Endocrinology.

Dermatology.

> Other: Do one or more electives in Ophthalmology to be surethis is for you. Work on a research project as a student.

Strengths: Committed clinical faculty. Extensive exposure toocular clinical pathology at an early level. Strong residentcamaraderie.

Other Key Features: Due to the size of this program, allparticipants must be highly collegial with strong interpersonaland communicative skills.

Common Clinical Encounters: Ocular trauma. Diabeticretinopathy. Cataracts. Strabismus. Age-related maculardegeneration.





Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Each resident should doone research project per year.

Areas to Improve Program: Better triage of emergency referrals.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Neurology. Endocrinology.

General or Plastic Surgery.

> Other: Have a strong work ethic. Be well rounded. Have goodmanual dexterity.

Strengths: Big department with representation from allsubspecialties of ophthalmology. One professor to one residentrelationship. Multicultural city with a large population: verygood sample of all pathologies.

Other Key Features: Three hospitals including rotation at ourpediatric faculty. Four residents per year.

Common Clinical Encounters: Diabetic retinopathy, ARMD,retinal detachment, retinal dystrophies, corneal dystrophies,infections of the eye, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus,neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, oculoplastic surgery.


First third of program 50 10 1 in 4 weeks

Second third of program 50 10 1 in 4 weeks

Final third of program 50 20 1 in 4 weeks

Research Expectations: At least one prospective project throughthe course of the residency.

Areas to Improve Program: Better integration of the three teachingsites (hospital departments). We are presently working on it.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: One to two electives in

ophthalmology; one at University of Montreal if possible.

> Other: We are looking for future residents that will be apleasure to work with and that are willing to read a lot.

Strengths: Volume and breadth of problems seen. Workingconditions/clinic space. Collegial nature of staff/residentinteraction.

Other Key Features: Please visit the Department Website throughthe University of Alberta main Website at http://www.ualberta.ca.

Common Clinical Encounters: Ocular Trauma. Uveitis. RetinalDetachment. External Eye Disease. Diabetic Eye Disease.


First third of program 50 Individual 1:4

Second third of program 50 Individual 1:4

Final third of program 50 Individual 1:4

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to conduct someform of clinical or bench research leading to presentations atResearch Day in each of the second to the fifth years. Researchprojects can be undertaken as a part of a clinical rotation ofinterest in the 24 weeks of elective time offered during the five-year residence. Individual initiative for a higher degree may beevaluated and accepted, depending on the ability of the programto accommodate the resident.

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Matthew Tennant

Dept. of OphthalmologyRoyal Alexandra HospitalRm. 2319, 10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 3V9Tel: (780) 735-5954, Fax: (780) 735-4969Websites: http://www.ophthalm.med.ualberta.ca/Home/index.cfmProgram Assistant: Sandra ScottEmail: [email protected]

Université de MontréalProgram Director: Dr. Patrick Hamel

Département d’ophtalmologieUniversité de MontréalC.P. 6128, succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal QC H3C 3J7Tel: (514) 343-7094, Fax: (514) 343-5790Email: [email protected]: http://www.ophtalmo.umontreal.ca/

Queen’s UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Robert Campbell

OphthalmologyQueen’s UniversityHotel Dieu Hospital, Brock 2, Kingston ON K7L 5G2Tel: (613) 544-3400 ext. 3203 or ext. 3189, Fax: (613) 544-6667Email: [email protected]: http://meds.queensu.ca/medicine/oph/Program Assistant: Erin TwiddyEmail: [email protected]


Areas to Improve Program: No specific indication made byresident staff.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: No preference. Elective

experience is at the discretion of student.

> Other: Demonstrate good work ethic in mandatory andindividual training activities. Have a well-rounded, enthusiastic personality. Develop relationships with individualsso that references express sincere information about yourintegrity and ability.

Strengths: Strong teaching base. Good faculty. Good relationshipbetween teachers and residents. Plenty of clinical material forhands-on learning.



Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: A minimum of one research project peryear to be presented at our annual research day and any otherprojects you might be motivated to take on.

Areas to Improve Program: Larger resident body (increasecritical mass). Increase outreach experience for residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: N/A

> Other: Show your enthusiasm for learning and zest for life.

Strengths: Mid-sized program with no fellows to dilute clinicalexperience. Very strong surgical experience. Twelve geographicfull-time physicians at the Eye Institute who are interested inresident teaching. Large number of subspecialists in the program.Rotations in three hospitals.


Common Clinical Encounters: Emergency/comprehensiveresident clinics. Cataract surgery, strabismus surgery, othersubspecialty surgery. Subspecialty resident clinics. Resident halfday teaching sessions. Grand rounds, professors’ rounds, journalclub, resident research projects.


First third of program 42.5 10 1 in 5

junior call

Second third of program 42.5 10 1 in 5

junior call

Final third of program 42.5 10 1 in 5

junior call

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. One research projectper year, except in last year. Master’s level preferred (or expected).Ph.D./postdoctorate available.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase the clinical space, services,and number of operating rooms in the Eye Institute.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Ophthalmology elective in

Ottawa. Ophthalmology elective elsewhere.

> Other: Strong academic standing. Well-rounded personalityand interests. Spend time doing electives in the field of your choice.

Strengths: Excellent surgical teaching (particularly in small-incision phaco, topical anesthesia, strabismus, oculoplastics).Good physical resources localized to one centre. Residents toattend Lancaster or Stanford basic science course.


Common Clinical Encounters: Neuro-ophthalmology. Glaucoma.Cataract. Strabismus. Oculoplastic.

Workload: First third of program: Multidisciplinary PGY1 year.Second third of program: PGY2-5 are the core years inOphthalmology. Call averages 1:4.

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. One research projectduring residency (most residents exceed this). Master’s level,doctorate, or higher available.

Areas to Improve Program: More full-time faculty. MoreCommunity Ophthalmologists to lessen the input of cases whileon emergency call.

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. Paul Murphy

OphthalmologySaskatoon City Hospital701 Queen Street, Saskatoon SK S7K 0M7Tel: (306) 655-8050, Fax: (306) 655-8119Website: http://www.medicine.usask.ca/ophthalmologyProgram Secretary: Wendy EricksonEmail: [email protected]

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Bernard Hurley

OphthalmologyOttawa Hospital - General Campus501 Smyth Road, Box 307 Ottawa ON K1H 8L6Tel: (613) 737-8899 ext. 79422Fax: (613) 737-8836Departmental Education Program Coordinator: Ms. Ginette SnookEmail: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaDr. Christopher Lyons

Eye Care Centre2550 Willow Street, Vancouver BC V5Z 3N9Tel: (604) 875-5266, Fax: (604) 875-4663Email: [email protected]


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Ophthalmology. Any others are fine.

> Other: Take an elective in Ophthalmology to make sure thefield is suited to you. Find out about all programs offered inCanada. Arrange electives at those programs in which you aremost interested.

Strengths: Wide variety of Pathology. Large faculty. Academic focus.

Other Key Features: Residents in the program are happy abouttheir choice of program and career.

Common Clinical Encounters: Visual loss. Ocular trauma. Red eye. Cataract. Retinal detachment.


First third of program 55–60 5 10–15

Second third of program 55–60 5 10–15

Final third of program 60–65 5 10–15

Research Expectations: Resident is required to complete aresearch project suitable for publication in PGY3. There is alsothe option of Clinician Scientist program to allow one to obtain aMaster’s, doctorate, or higher.

Areas to Improve Program: Centralize eye care in one centre.More residents needed.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Clinical electives at University

of Toronto. Electives in Ophthalmology outside of Toronto.Other surgical electives, e.g., Plastic Surgery, Neurosurgery.

> Other: Research (any field). Electives in Ophthalmology.Interpersonal skills.

Strengths: Surgical exposure and experience. Approachability of staff. Faculty extremely interested in teaching. Large volumeof patients. High clinical volume at beginning of residency.Excellent resident support. Strong collegiality among theOphthalmology residents. Dedicated teaching time. Rankedhighest program for residents’ satisfaction.

Other Key Features: Large patient population allows forincreased exposure to many different clinical scenarios and adiverse range of Pathology. The program consistently producesvery strong Ophthalmologists, many of whom go on to completefellowship programs. Upon completion of the training program,residents have significant surgical experience to obtain thenecessary skills. Many applicants to our program were not“keeners” from early med school. While electives and researchhelp, personality and diverse experiences are also held in highregard. If you are interested in the field, and are willing to acceptanother choice should you not be accepted, then don’t be afraidto apply. You may surprise yourself.

Common Clinical Encounters: Retinal detachment. Acute redeye. Trauma: ruptured globe, blow-out fractures, lid lacerations.Acute loss of vision. Cataract.


First third of program 54 6 25 hrs/wk

Second third of program 50 12 20 hrs/wk

Final third of program 40 14 15 hrs/wk

Research Expectations: Three projects over PGY2-5.

Areas to Improve Program: Expand Pediatric Ophthalmologyand Neuro-ophthalmology departments. Improved access to newtechnology.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Ophthalmology. Plastic Surgery.

Neurology.

> Other: Ophthalmology electives. Research in the area ofOphthalmology. Good personal qualities (hard-working, team player, teachable, etc.).

Programs Not RespondingMcMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. John HarveyDepartment of SurgerySt. Joseph’s Centre for Ambulatory Health Services2757 King Street East, Room 2115, Hamilton, Ontario L8G 1J3Residency Education Assistant: Mizan GrahamEmail: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director : Dr. Anne Faucher580 Bowen SudSherbrooke, Quebec, J1G 2E8Email: [email protected]

Université LavalProgram Director: Mme Yvonne MolgatDépartement d’ORLOLocal 2325, Pavillon Ferdinand-VandryUniversité LavalQuébec QC G1V 0A6Tel: (418) 656-2131, ext. 13010, Fax: (418) 656-5071Program Contact: Marie-France PageotEmail: [email protected]

University of Western OntarioDr. Alain Proulx

OphthalmologySt. Joseph’s Health Centre268 Grosvenor Street, London ON N6A 4V2Telephone: (519) 685-8250, Fax: (519) 646-6261Email: [email protected] Officer: Mrs. Theresa WalshEmail: [email protected]

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Wai-Ching Lam

Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences399 Bathurst St., East Wing 7-401, Toronto ON M5T 2S8Website: http://www.utoronto.ca/ophthalmology/ Program Contact: Lise WatsonEmail: [email protected]


University of CalgaryDivision of OphthalmologyRockyview General Hospital7007 14 St SW, Calgary, Alberta T2V 1P9Telephone: (403) 943-3932, Fax: (403) 943-3392Email: [email protected] Assistant: Heather SummersgillEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyOrthopedics is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis,treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseaseof the musculoskeletal system. This complex system includesbones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.Treatment of fractures and prosthetic joint replacements aremajor parts of Orthopedics, while diseases of the back, includinglower back pain, sciatica, and trauma, are commonly seenproblems. Orthopedic surgeons may engage in a broad practiceor may focus on a narrower area of special interest, such as handsurgery or sports medicine. They usually play an important partin treating major trauma. Specialists in the field employmedicine, surgery, and physical rehabilitation to restore normalfunction. Orthopedists treat patients of all ages and both sexes,mostly on a short-term basis. Orthopedic surgeons characterizethemselves as doers who find satisfaction in their ability to attaingood results relatively quickly for most of their patients.

Overview of ProgramMost of the programs in Orthopedics are five-year programs(except for the program at the University of Toronto, which lastssix years). In general, the first two years encompass core training,with rotations in areas such as Internal Medicine, EmergencyMedicine, the Intensive Care Unit, and Surgery. The surgicalblocks can include General, Pediatric, Vascular, Thoracic, andPlastic Surgery, as well as Neurosurgery and some Orthopedics.Subsequent years are spent entirely in Orthopedic Surgery,covering areas such as trauma, pediatrics, adult reconstruction,spine, upper limb, oncology, and sports medicine.

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Arthroplasty and/or Lower Extremity Reconstruction> Arthroscopy> Foot and Ankle> Hand/Upper Extremity> Lower extremity/Trauma> Musculoskeletal Oncology> Paediatrics> Spine> Upper Extremity/Trauma




















Strengths: Residents are considered junior colleagues (congenial atmosphere for learning). Resident input in runningtheir program.

Other Key Features: We care about our residents at every level.

Common Clinical Encounters: Total joints, sports medicine,pediatric, oncology, foot and ankle.


First third of program 4–5 days Approx. 1 in 4 1 day/wk

Second third of program 4–5 days Approx. 1 in 4 1 day/wk

Final third of program 4–5 days Approx. 1 in 4 1 day/wk

Research Expectations: Year 1: PGY1 none; there are oftenMaster’s level annual projects demanded.

Areas to Improve Program: More staff research.

McMaster UniversityThunder Bay

Program Director: Dr. Drew Bednar

Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay ON P7B 5E1Telephone: (807) 766-7444, Fax: (807) 766-7481Coordinator, Postgraduate Specialty Medicine: Ms. Cyndy MacKenzieEmail: [email protected]

Dr. Drew BednarDepartment of SurgeryMcMaster University Orthopedic SurgeryM9-414 Victoria Avenue NorthHamilton, ON L8L 5G8Tel: (905) 741-4603, Fax: (905) 521-9992Email: [email protected] Assistant, Orthopedic: Mizan GrahamEmail: [email protected]

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Surgery, with Orthopedic

component.

> Other: The successful applicant should be a hard worker, a team player, and be of the highest of integrity.

Strengths: Residents work in all subspecialties of Orthopedics.Small group allows excellent professional relationships todevelop (residents are not lost in the crowd). No fellows in ourprogram. Early hands-on teaching results in residents who aretechnically skilled.

Other Key Features: We are a small program with enough clinicalmaterial to produce a well-rounded surgeon. We MUST beat thedivision of General Surgery in the annual Maroun Cup HockeyTournament thus hockey skills of any kind (coaching, playing, or heckling from the crowd) are desirable. Newfoundland offersmany opportunities; it’s safe, quiet, and has many outdooractivities to help busy residents relax, while the cost of living isquite reasonable.

Common Clinical Encounters: Hip fractures, long bonefractures, degenerative and inflammatory arthritis, disorders ofthe spine, sports injuries.


First third of program 2–3 days/wk 2–3 days 1 in 4

+ OR /wk

Second third of program 2–3 days/wk 2–3 days 1 in 4

+ OR /wk

Final third of program 2–3 days/wk 2–3 days 1 in 4

+ OR /wk

Research Expectations: At least two projects completed duringtraining, optional Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology.

Areas to Improve Program: Number of cases: our smallpopulation presents a challenge with respect to volume.Research infrastructure: not as well-developed as some largerprograms, but improving.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Whatever interests the student.

We will not judge the elective, only the student’s performancein that elective. You are not expected to come with asubstantial knowledge base in orthopedics. We have five yearsto teach you that.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful must demonstrateacademic achievement at the university and medical schoollevel, demonstrate experience/interest in scientific research,and pursue extracurricular activities or skills that may pertain

to the field.

Strengths: Only one Emergency Department to cover when oncall. Only one inpatient unit to cover. Wednesday morning isdown time for rounds, lectures, and labs. Reasonable cost ofliving with convenient housing.


Common Clinical Encounters: Trauma, arthroscopic surgery,joint arthroplasty, pediatric orthopedics, lumbar disk disease,and spinal stenosis.


First third of program 50 3.5 1 in 4 in hosp.

Second third of program 50 7 1 in 4 in hosp.

Final third of program 50 10.5 1 in 4 in hosp.

Research Expectations: PGY1: none. Two manuscripts by time of graduation.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase flexibility of OR time.Increase flexibility of clinic time.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any type of Orthopedic surgery.

> Other: Successful applicants must demonstrate strong workethic, a willingness to take responsibility, and demonstrateleadership ability.

Strengths: Excellent atmosphere, collegial, clinical volume,motivated faculty, early technical exposure, strong research,oncology.

Other Key Features: French, 100% success at RCPS since 2002,several candidates do a Master’s.

Common Clinical Encounters: Complete spectrum of orthopedic surgery.

Université de MontréalProgram Director : Dr. Marc Isler

Programme d’orthopédie Édouard-SamsonBureau #RT-1142 Pavillon Rachel-TourignyHôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont5305, boul. l’Assomption, Montréal QC H4J 1C5Telephone: (514) 252-3400, ext. 3657Email: [email protected]

Queen’s UniversityDr. Dan Borschneck

OrthopedicsVictory 3, Kingston General Hospital76 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Telephone: (613) 548-2545, Fax: (613) 548-2518Email: [email protected]: http://meds.queensu.ca/medicine/ortho/index.phpProgram Assistant: Mara KottisEmail: [email protected]

Memorial University of NewfoundlandProgram Director: Dr. Heather Jackman

Room SM-326, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital154 Lemarchant RoadSt. John’s, NF A1C 5B8Tel: (709) 777-5843, Fax: (709) 777-5849Email: [email protected]



First third of program (R2-3) 50 10 1 call a week

in hospital,

next day off

Second third of program (R4) 60 10 2 calls a week

in house but

almost always

at hospital.

No day off.

One

“complete

weekend” call

a month

(usually

72 hours

straight)

Final third of program (R5) 55 15 2 calls a week

in house,

junior

resident

takes the first

call or less

active

hospital.

No day off.

One

“complete

weekend” call

a month.

Research Expectations: All do at least one project.

Areas to Improve Program: Foot and ankle, hand, CanMeds.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Surgical/musculoskeletal

rotations. Orthopedic surgery at least one. Some researchexperience can be helpful.

Strengths: Preceptor-based rotations allow experiences in allaspects of Orthopedics. Residents work in association withhospitalists, thereby reducing service work. Good rapportbetween residents and staff. Volume is sufficient to giveexperience in all areas of Orthopedics.

Other Key Features: The program is known for good relationshipsbetween residents and staff.

Common Clinical Encounters: Open reduction, internal fixationof fractures, arthroscopy, joint replacement, ligament repair.


First third of program 60 4 In house:

1 in 4

Second third of program 60 6 Home: 1 in 4

Final third of program [N/A]

Research Expectations: Literature review in PGY1. Project forpresentation each year in PGY2-4. Project for publication in PGY5.

Areas to Improve Program: More full-time academic staff. Moreresidents to reduce workload.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Orthopedic Surgery in more than

one centre.

> Other: The successful applicant should have experience inOrthopedic Surgery, demonstrate evidence of psychomotorskills, and be personable, easy to work with, and motivated.

Strengths: All aspects and subspecialties of Orthopedic Surgerycovered. Dynamic and energetic faculty. Expanding division withlarge amount of clinical and research capabilities.

Other Key Features: Quality teaching, plentiful clinical material,outstanding research opportunities.

Common Clinical Encounters: Trauma, fractures, knee pain andinstability, back and neck pain, shoulder pain, pediatricmusculoskeletal problems.


First third of program 40 6–10 1.5 days/wk

Second third of program 40 6–10 1.5 days/wk

Final third of program 40 6–10 1.5 days/wk

Research Expectations: One project/year; some residents takeone year to perform the Surgery Scientist program (Master’slevel, optional).

Areas to Improve Program: Continue to recruit young, dynamicstaff, remunerate, and encourage teaching within program.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Orthopedic Surgery.

> Other: The successful applicant should make sure he or sheloves Orthopedics by having experienced it, have clear goals,and be honest and hard working.

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Jacques Bouchard

Division of Orthopaedic SurgeryUniversity of Calgary3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary AB T2N 4N1Tel: (403) 220-3366, Fax: (403) 220-1185Email: [email protected]: http://www.ucalgary.ca/~ortho

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Edward Masson

2D2.01, Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre8440-112 St., Edmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-6042, Fax: (780) 407-7394Websites: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/orthopaedicsurgery/Program Assistant: Sharon DopulosEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: High pass rate on exams. Good foundation for entrylevel in Orthopedics. Size of program means good interactionbetween staff and residents.

Other Key Features: This program is resident-friendly,encourages ongoing dialogue, and covers all bases for General Orthopedics.

Common Clinical Encounters: Total hip arthroplasty, complexspine surgery, arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery, elbowand hand reconstruction, foot and ankle reconstruction





Research Expectations: PGY1: none. PGY2-4: at least one clinicalor basic science project/year. PGY5: none expected, but optionaland encouraged.

Areas to Improve Program: Better provision of trauma care,better basic science research.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Sports Medicine, Arthroplasty,

Spine.

> Other: The successful applicant should be sure to have takenelectives within the program, have a research background, andhave references stating the candidate possesses the personalitythat we are looking for.

Strengths: We are medium size, but cover all sub-specialties. Wehave excellent, committed teachers and excellent residents whowork very well together. We have a dedicated academic 1/2 day.A research rotation in 3rd year and elective in 4th year.

Other Key Features: Orthopedics is a high need specialty with an increasingly aged population (and many orthopods set toretire!). Our residents are well trained and do well in their royalcollege exams.

Common Clinical Encounters: All subspecialties are represented:pediatric, arthroplasty, sports and arthroscopy, spine, trauma,upper extremity, foot and ankle.


First third of program 50 10 1:4 in house

Second third of program 50 10 1:4 in house

Final third of program 50 10 1:4 in house

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to complete twopapers prior to finishing fourth year. They are to be presented atthe annual academic day and prepared for publication. We havea research rotation in third year.

Areas to Improve Program: We would like to encourage morewomen to enter Orthopedics.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Orthopedics (any subspecialty).

Other surgical specialties.

> Other: Evidence of leadership skills.

Strengths: A small program with a strong and dedicated full-time faculty complemented by a strong part-time faculty.Our small size allows relaxed and collegial relationship betweenthe staff and residents. Rigorous series of academic roundswhere there are always faculty in attendance, for which theresidents have protected time. Residents’ hospital commitmentsare at one hospital only (Royal University). Residents have astrong voice in our Resident Program Committee and are oftenthe stimulation for change(s) to our program. Nine months ofoffice-based rotations with our part-time faculty: exposure tohigh volume of orthopedics and insight into private practice and office management.

Other Key Features: More information is available through theCaRMS Website.

Common Clinical Encounters: Adult arthritis hip and knee, adultsport-related knee, adult sports-related shoulder, adult fractures,pediatric fractures.


First third of program 50 5 1 in 4 to 1 in 3

Second third of program 50 5 1 in 4 to 1 in 3

Final third of program 50 5 1 in 4 to 1 in 3

Research Expectations: PGY3-4: mandatory research projectpresented annually at the Saskatchewan/Manitoba OrthopedicResidents’ Research Meeting. Half day of research time per week.

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. W. Dust

Royal University HospitalRoom 5512, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N 0W8Tel: (306) 966-8213, Fax: (306) 966-8196Website: http://www.medicine.usask.ca/surgery/divisions/rthopedicEmail: [email protected]

University of OttawaDr. Joel Werier

Division of OrthopedicsThe Ottawa Hospital, General Campus501 Smyth Road, CCW 1637, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6Telephone: (613) 737-8785, Fax: (613) 737-8837Website: http://www.ottawaorthopaedics.org/Administrator: Marie MainvilleEmail: [email protected]

University of ManitobaDr. Michael Johnson

Section of OrthopedicsUniversity of ManitobaAD407, 820 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg MB R3A 0T3Tel: (204) 787-1291Education Program Administrator: Donna ShepardEmail: [email protected]


Areas to Improve Program: Our program would function betterwith three residents per year. We have so far been unsuccessfulin obtaining a third. In Saskatoon, electives for residents arelimited. Most are done out of province.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Orthopedics at University of

Saskatoon, Orthopedics elsewhere, Neurosurgery, Plastics, or General Surgery.

> Other: The successful applicant should do electivesdemonstrating an interest in Orthopedics, and when doingelectives make it known you’re interested in Orthopedics.Ideally, your manual skills will be evaluated. Do an elective at the centre(s) you’d most like to train at.

Strengths: Large clinical volume. Strong research base.Internationally recognized faculty.

Other Key Features: This is a five-year program, containing anintegrated research-clinical year during PGY3, with a 60/40 splitbetween research activities and clinical rotations. Although wetrain excellent Orthopedic Surgeons who will enjoy goodCommunity Orthopedic practices, our main goal is to train theacademic Orthopedic Surgeons of the future.

Common Clinical Encounters: Diagnosis and management ofosteoarthritis, isolated skeletal trauma, multitrauma, spinaldisorders and deformity, congenital skeletal abnormalities.


First third of program 12 hrs/day 2 hrs/day 1 in 4

Second third of program 12 hrs/day 2 hrs/day 1 in 4

Final third of program 12 hrs/day 4 hrs/day 1 in 4

Research Expectations: One year minimum, but encouraged to earn a Master’s or Ph.D.

Areas to Improve Program: More support services within thehospital. Daytime trauma rooms in the operating room.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Orthopedics, Plastics,

Neurosurgery.

> Other: The successful applicant should have achieved a highacademic standard, a well-rounded life, and research experience.

Strengths: Excellent formal teaching program. Multiple researchopportunities. Wide breadth of subspecialty exposure.

Other Key Features: All staff are subspecialty-trained. There is a close staff–resident working relationship. The residents havehands-on involvement in all aspects of care.

Common Clinical Encounters: Arthritis, fractures, knee trauma/arthritis, lower back pain, hip trauma.


First third of program 50 Individual Home: 1 in 4

Second third of program 50 Individual Home: 1 in 4

Final third of program 50 Individual Home: 1 in 4

Research Expectations: One clinical or basic science projectyearly to be presented at the annual Residents Day Conferencein May of each year.

Areas to Improve Program: Obtain funding for additionalresidency positions. Speed up consolidation of hospital resources.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Arthroplasty/Sports, Upper

Extremity, Pediatrics/Trauma.

> Other: The successful applicant should have done an electiveat one of the teaching hospitals, have participated in research,and have demonstrated academic excellence.

Programs Not RespondingDalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. William OxnerDalhousie University, Orthopaedic SurgeryRoom 4017, Queen Elizabeth Health Sciences Centre1796 Summer Street, Halifax NS B3H 3A7Tel: (902) 473-6156, Fax: (902) 473-3563Education Coordinator : Nadine LoppieEmail: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director: Dr. Chantal TheoretOrthopédieCHUS – Hôpital Fleurimont3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Fleurimont QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 14233, Fax: (819) 820-6410Program Secretary : Mme Lise DostieTelephone : (819) 346-1110 ext 15139Service Secretary : Mme Huguette PouliotEmail: [email protected]

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Ken Faber

Hand and Upper Limb CentreSt. Joseph’s Health Care London268 Grosvenor St., London, ON N6A 4L6Te: (519) 646-6312, Fax: (519) 646-6049Email: [email protected]: www.uwoortho.caProgram Administrator: Tina KrulcTelephone: 519-646-6309Email: [email protected]

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. William Kraemer

Division of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe Banting Institute100 College Street, Suite 302, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L5Tel: (416) 946-7957, Fax: (416) 971-2800Website: http://www.surg.med.utoronto.ca/ortho/index.html Email: [email protected]


Université LavalProgram Director: Dr. Jean LamontagneCHAU-Québec1401, 18e rue, Québec QC G1J 1Z4Tel: (418) 649-0252, ext. 3169, Fax: (418) 649-5567Email: [email protected] Person: Mme Monique PelletierTel: (418) 656-2131, ext. 3874Email: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. Henry BroekhuyseDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery3rd Floor, Rm 3415, 910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 4E3Tel: (604) 875-4646, Fax: (604) 875-4677Email: [email protected]: http://www.orthosurgery.ubc.ca/Program Administrator: Liz DentonEmail: [email protected]

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Reggie HamdyMcGill Division of Orthopaedic SurgeryMontreal General Hospital1650 Cedar Avenue, Room L9 416, Montreal QC H3G 1A4Tel: (514) 934-8209, Fax: (514)934-8210Website: http://www.med.mcgill.ca/orthopaedics/Administrative Coordinator: Elena BlessEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyOtolaryngology is a fascinating field that demands criticalthinking, fine motor skills and manual dexterity, and excellentinterpersonal skills. ENT Physicians treat all pathologies of thehead and neck except ocular problems and lesions of the brain.They have the privilege and responsibility of working with suchimportant and personal features as the face and the voice. Areasof focus include and are not limited to Rhinology, Laryngology,Otology and Skull Base Surgery, Head and Neck Oncology andReconstructive Surgery, and Facial Plastic Trauma Surgery. ENTSurgeons generally enjoy a good a balance of medicine andsurgery, and the somewhat unique privilege of performing bothmicro- and macro-surgery. The field offers the opportunity totreat all ages and sexes.

Overview of ProgramOtolaryngology is a five-year program, with the first year or two years (depending on the school) dedicated to teaching coresurgery skills. Subsequent years involve rotation throughdifferent areas of Otolaryngology, with the aim of developing theresident’s knowledge base and clinical and surgical skills. Allprograms require some degree of research.

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Facial Cosmetic Surgery> Head/Neck Reconstructive Surgery> Laryngology> Otology Neurotology> Pediatric Otolaryngology> Rhinosinology> Trauma Surgery
















University of Toronto 5 –




Strengths: Medium-size program. Young faculty. Excellentworkload.

Other Key Features: Excellent staff/resident relationship andhigh resident morale. Halifax is a very attractive city.






Research Expectations: Residents are expected to present a research project each year. Master’s level optional.

Areas to Improve Program: Attract new recruits. Increaseresearch productivity.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Otolaryngology. Anesthesia.

General Surgery.

> Other: Come for an elective. Team spirit. High academic standing.

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Emad Massoud

VG Site, 3rd Floor, Dickson Bldg.5820 University Avenue, Halifax NS B3H 1V7Tel: (902) 473-3905, Fax: (902) 473-3854Email: [email protected] Program Assistant: Ms. Caren WyseEmail: [email protected]

OTOL ARYNGOLOGY


Strengths: Versatile clinical practice and subspecialty training.Microsurgery and macrosurgery experience. Strong dynamicteachers with large proportion hospital based. Very friendly andprofessional atmosphere. Protected time for education. Providestipends to residents to present in meetings.

Other Key Features: Research enrichment year for 4th yearresidents. Good infrastructure of basic laboratories to do goodresearch projects. In-house direction of research to superviseresidents directly. Auditory science and vestibular laboratories in house.

Common Clinical Encounters: Head and neck cancer patientsand their management. Pediatric Otolaryngology with airwayproblems. Hearing abnormalities and congenital disorders.Otology and neuro-otology experience. Rhinology and sinuspathologies. Plastic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck



Second third of program 50 6 24–36


Research Expectations: Resident are encouraged to present aproject during the annual resident research day. Most residentsare involved in a clinical/basic science research project in theirenrichment year. Some complete Master’s in Otolaryngology.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase the number of residentsmatching. More funding from the government.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Electives in Otolaryngology in

McGill and other electives.

> Other: Good evaluation. Strong letters of references. Strongperformance in their interviews.

Strengths: Integrated/longitudinal clinical exposure. Quality oflife in Sherbrooke. Overall quality of residents graduating fromour programs.



from home


Final third of program 50 8–12 1 in 5

Research Expectations: All residents must present a paper at anational meeting. One to three months dedicated to research.

Strengths: Intensive and precocious clinic and OR exposition.Convivial team environment.

Other Key Features: Only cochlear implant program in Quebec.

Common Clinical Encounters: Large exposure, very diversifiedpathologies in all subspecialties.


First third of program 50 8 9 calls

(excluding per month

call)

Second third of program 50 15 9 calls


call)

Final third of program 50 20 9 calls


call)

Research Expectations: One peer reviewed article and at leastone meeting talk during residency.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Must be fluent in French.

Otolaryngology, other surgical specialty electives.

Strengths: Wide range of subspecialty-trained faculty. Largevolume of clinical material. Collaborative atmosphere.


Common Clinical Encounters: Chronic rhino-sinusitis. Hearingloss of various etiologies. Cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract.Chronic otitis media. Balance disorders.

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. Paul Moxham

4th Floor Willow Pavilion, Vancouver General Hospital805 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9Tel: (604) 875-4664, Fax: (604) 875-5018Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Université LavalProgram Director : Dr. Francois Thuot

Département d’ORLOBureau 2325, Pavillon Ferdinand-VandryUniversité LavalQuébec QC G1V 0A6Tel: (418) 656-2131, ext. 13901, Fax: (418) 656-5071Email: [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director : Dr. Dominique Dorion

Service d’ORLUniversité de Sherbrooke3001, 12e Avenue nord, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 14901, Fax: (819) 564-5449Email: [email protected] : http://www.usherbrooke.ca/orl/

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. John Manoukian

Department of OtolaryngologyRoyal Victoria Hospital687 Pine Avenue West, Room E3-37, Montreal QC H3A 1A1Tel: (514) 843-2820, Fax: (514) 843-1403Program Contact: Ms. G. StanishewskiEmail: [email protected]





Final third of program 40–50 15–18 24

Research Expectations: Yearly project for presentation; may be a multi-year project.

Areas to Improve Program: Gradually shift the hierarchy ofsurgical experience to more junior years. Increase the researchactivities of faculty members.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Otolaryngology. Plastic Surgery.

Pediatrics.

> Other: Organize electives in a few different ENT trainingprograms. Become familiar with the Royal College objectives of training for Otolaryngology. Understand that the demand for ENT residency positions exceeds the supply and have agood back-up plan.

Strengths: Large clinical volume/medical surgical. Dedicatedteaching time. Good support staff.

Other Key Features: Large teaching hospital.

Common Clinical Encounters: Epistaxsis, tonsilitis, airway illyes,head and neck surgery.


First third of program 50–55 10 1 in 4

Second third of program 55–60 10 1 in 4


Research Expectations: One research paper per year. Multipleclinical rounds.

Areas to Improve Program: Research, teaching.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: One week rotation.

Strengths: Good clinical basis. Good relationship between staff and residents. High ratio of staff to residents. Lots of hands-on practice.

Other Key Features: Senior residents rotate with one staff person in Iqaluit, Nunavut for remote experience.

Common Clinical Encounters: Depends on the rotation and the hospital.


First third of program 50–60 Varies Varies

Second third of program 40–60 Significant 1:4

Final third of program 40–60 Significant 1:4

Research Expectations: One major paper throughout theresidency and a minor paper every year.

Areas to Improve Program: More research opportunities. Morefunding.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any ENT electives, any sites.

> Other: Some electives in ENT. Decent grades. Good referenceletters, especially if from ENT surgeons. Need some research done,not necessarily in ENT, even if case study and literature review.

Strengths: Largest teaching faculty. Largest educationalresources (core curriculum, surgical volume, administrativesupport). Expertise in full spectrum of subspecialties.

Other Key Features: A focus in career counseling — particularlyin academic milieu. Large sources of research funding comparedto other programs. PGY1 Surgical Skills Training and Simulation.Numerous visiting professors and continuing education courses.

Common Clinical Encounters: Acute or progressive hearing lossin children and adults. Adults with head and neck cancer.Emergency airway management. Nasal-sinus infection.


First third of program 10 1/2 days/wk 1:3

Second third of program 10 1/2 days/wk 1:3

Final third of program 10 1/2 days/wk 1:3

Research Expectations: Mandatory four months in PGY2.(Master’s level optional).

Areas to Improve Program: Increase the number of residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Academic Otolaryngology.

Academic Surgery (general or subspecialty). Others.

> Other: Strong academic records. Evidence of good manualdexterity.

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Ian Witterick

Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery190 Elizabeth St., 3rd Floor, Room 3S-438, Toronto ON M5G 2N2Tel: (416) 946-8743, Fax: (416) 946-8744Email: [email protected]: http://www.utoronto.ca/otolaryngology Postgraduate Administrator: Ms. Ursule StephensonEmail: [email protected]

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Johnna MacCormick

Department of Otolaryngology305-737 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa ON K1Y 4E9Tel: (613) 761-4030, Fax: (613) 761-4312Email: [email protected]

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Les Garber

Otolaryngology ProgramRoom GB 421, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Tel: (204) 787-7773, Fax: (204) 787-1727Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Close supervision by consulting staff covering all major subspecialties. Strong track record on Royal College exams.

Other Key Features: Strong research through ENT faculty andinterdisciplinary relationships.

Common Clinical Encounters: Infections of upper aerodigestivetract. Head and neck malignancies. Hearing loss and/or vertigo.Airway/voice disorders. Nasal/sinus problems.





Research Expectations: Minimum of one research study in eachof the final three years of the program. Encourage research inearlier years.

Areas to Improve Program: Continue to evolve based on residentfeedback.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Three- to four-week general

elective in our department. Elective in another CanadianOtolaryngology department. Other surgical electives.

> Other: Be a well-rounded, enthusiastic, hard-working, honest,personable student. Show a keen interest in Otolaryngologywhile trying to impress as many Otolaryngologists as possible.Collaborate, ideally to completion, in at least one researchstudy in Otolaryngology.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité de MontréalProgram Director: Dr. Louis GuertinHôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont 1er étage pavillon J.A.DeSève Porte JD 1107 5415, boul. l'Assomption Montréal, Québec H1T 2M4 Telephone: 514-252-3400 ext. 7267, Fax: 514-252-3894 Contact Person: Nancy LajeunesseEmail: [email protected]

McMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Donald RobertsonDepartment of SurgeryFaculty of Helath Sciences, Room 4E1200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100 ext. 76676, Fax: (905) 521-9992Residency Education Coordinator: Carrie GriggProgram Assistant: Elizabeth DziubaEmail: [email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Richard Liu2D2.01, Walter C. Mackenzie Health Science Centre8440 - 112 Street, Edmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-6042, Fax: (780) 407-7394Program Administrator: Sharon DopulosEmail: [email protected]

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Doug Bosch1009, North Tower, Foothills Medical Centre1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-4501, Fax: (403) 944-1277Email: [email protected] Assistant: Vivian BrienEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyThe Pediatrician’s job is to manage the health care needs ofinfants, children, and adolescents. This includes physical and psychosocial growth and development monitoring, age-appropriate screening, diagnosis and treatment of acute andchronic disorders, management of serious and sometimes life-threatening illness, and provision of coordinated management.

Overview of ProgramAll programs in Pediatrics are four years in duration. In general,the PGY1 through PGY3 years are core years that fulfill therequirements set out by the Royal College of Physicians andSurgeons of Canada. These years include rotations in ChildDevelopment, Neonatology, NICU, Emergency, Psychiatry, andGeneral Pediatrics with selectives in various specialties. ThePGY4 year is often flexible, allowing students to begin theirsubspecialization, pursue research, or complete a final year ingeneral Pediatric training.

Certificate of special competence:> Adolescent Medicine> Cardiology > Clinical Immunology and Allergy > Critical Care Medicine> Endocrinology and Metabolism > Gastroenterology > General Surgery> Hematology/Oncology > Infectious Diseases > Nephrology> Respiratory Medicine > Rheumatology

PEDIATRICS

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Corey Moore

Department of OtolaryngologyLondon Health Sciences Centre – Victoria Hospital800 Commissioner’s Road E., London ON N6A 5W9Tel: (519) 685-6383, Fax: (519) 685-8468Email: [email protected]: http://www.schulich.uwo.ca/ent Administrative Officer: Ms. Yvonne TriesmanTelephone: (519) 685-8500 ext. 55699Email: [email protected]


Accreditation without certification:> Clinical Pharmacology> Critical Care Medicine > Developmental Pediatrics> Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine > Pediatric Emergency Medicine > Transfusion Medicine

Freestanding program from Royal College:> Pediatric Neurology — trainees do one year of Pediatrics prior

to entering their four-year Neurology program. > Medical Genetics — trainees do approximately six months

of Pediatrics through first and second year of their trainingprogram.

Neither of these two specialties are certified as Pediatricians atthe end of their training.

Fellowships offered without Royal College status: > Academic Pediatric Medicine> Adolescent Medicine > Developmental Pediatrics




















Strengths: The Pediatric program at Dalhousie University andthe IWK Health Centre is a relatively small training program. This means that the residents have appropriately increasingresponsibility early in the program. They also work one-on-onewith their attending staff and are involved in all aspects of theirpatients’ management.

Other Key Features: The training program has a graded callschedule where residents in their first and second years doproportionately more call (one in four) than residents in thethird and fourth year. The program includes rotations that areavailable in all the Pediatric subspecialties. There is elective timestarting in second year. Subspecialty rotations are a combinationof inpatient and outpatient care. Starting in second year, residentsattend a monthly Continuity Clinic throughout the rest of theirtraining. Through this experience they have the opportunity tohave gradually increasing responsibility in the full care for theirown patients.

Common Clinical Encounters: The residents do hospital-basedinpatient and outpatient rotations as well as subspecialty clinics.As well, there is a emphasis on Community Pediatrics withrotations in Saint John, New Brunswick, as well as preceptorshipswith General Pediatricians in the community.



Second third of program 40–50 5–10 1 in 5

Final third of program 40–50 5–10 1 in 6

Research Expectations: All residents must complete a scholarlyproject during their first three years of Pediatric training. In firstyear, all of the PGY1s do a rotation in Academic Skills, whichincludes a course in critical appraisal, statistics, research designand all other aspects of starting and successfully completing a research project.

Areas to Improve Program: The program is improved on aregular basis based on the feedback from the Pediatric residents.We are currently trying to strengthen our adolescent rotation byhaving the resident involved in youth health centres through thelocal junior and high schools. We are also increasing the exposureto Community Pediatrics and bringing it into the junior years.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Although we would like the

medical student to have shown interest in Pediatrics throughtheir choice of electives, we would also prefer if not all of theirelectives were in Pediatrics. Rather, we would like to know thatthey have explored the breadth of medicine before making acareer decision. It is absolutely not necessary to do an electivewithin our program. We appreciate that medical students haverelatively few elective opportunities and that there are 16excellent pediatric training programs throughout the country.

> Other: Due to the small size of our program and the fact thatwe work very closely together, we are an excellent program forresidents that are keen and enthusiastic and wish to developtheir skills as early as possible.

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Richard Gosselin

The Montreal Children’s Hospital2300 Tupper Street, C-426, Montreal QC H3H 1P3Tel: (514) 412-4475, Fax: (514) 412-4311Program Contact: Mme Renee ChampagneEmail: [email protected]

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Ellen Wood

PediatricsIWK Health Centre5850/5980 University Avenue, Halifax NS B3K 6R8Tel: (902) 470-8119, Fax: (902) 470-7542Coordinator: Ms. Elizabeth MyersEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: Diverse patient population (ethnic, socio-economic,as well as clinical material). Mid-sized pediatric institution, largeenough to have strong representation of subspecialty consultantservices, but small enough to remain a personable and collegialenvironment for learning. Presence of a continuity clinic.

Other Key Features: An excellent place to be exposed to a broad range of clinical material reflecting the current realities of consultant and tertiary care Pediatrics. A commitment toproviding exposure to the social determinants of health. A beliefthat child health in Canada requires many different kinds ofindividuals (those who will become subspecialists, AcademicPediatricians, strong Community Pediatricians), and acommitment to facilitate their training.

Common Clinical Encounters: Asthma/respiratory infections.Children with complex needs (survivors of technology, chronicdiseases, etc.). Prematurity and its complications. Chronic andlife-threatening illnesses in Pediatrics. Acute non-respiratoryinfections.


First third of program 40–50 On cases 6 days/

28 days

Second third of program 40–50 On cases 6/28 max

Final third of program 40–50 On cases 6/28 max

Research Expectations: None in 1st core of Pediatrics, but four to eight weeks are available. Research strongly encouraged butnot mandatory. Clinical PGY2-3 Investigator track available ifinterested in developing special competence in research.Master’s or doctorate level would take extra time.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase exposure to outpatientconsultant practice. Exposure to longitudinal aspects of care.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Pediatric subspecialty rotation

at McGill. Pediatric subspecialty rotation(s) at other Canadiancentres. Rotations in other specialties involving Child Health(Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Psychiatry, Pediatric SurgicalSpecialties).

> Other: Excellent academic record. Demonstrated commitmentto the field of child health, its advancement, and to one’s ownlifelong learning. Demonstrated sense of compassion/professionalism/collegiality as attested to by comments fromclinical supervisors.

Strengths: Resident independence with good/appropriate staffbackup. Dedication to teaching (excellent, protected academichalf day, Tues./Thurs. teaching sessions, PICU rounds). Staffdedicated to teaching and resident support.

Other Key Features: Residents will be trained as sound, capablegeneral Pediatricians. Freedom of residents to choose a 4th yearof General Pediatrics or subspecialty field. Excellent residentsupport with a strong emphasis on resident education and well-being.

Possible exposure to Rural and Northern Pediatrics throughconnections with Thunder Bay, Barrie, and Owen Sound. Yearlyfunding of $750 for conferences.

Common Clinical Encounters: Infectious Diseases (respiratory—bronchiolitis/croup/pneumonia; GI—diarrheal disease; GU—UTIs/pylonephritis, cellulitis). Asthma. Trauma. Neuro: Seizures,hydrocephalus and shunts, postop craniotomy (in PediatricICU). Neonatal.


First third of program 60 4 5–7 days

/mo

Second third of program 60 6 5–6 days

/mo

Final third of program 60 8 3–5 days

/mo

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. All residents areexpected to complete a research project during their residency.This may consist of a basic clinical science endeavour (residentdependent). At a minimum, a quality assurance project isrequired; this research is expected to be presented for grandrounds. Master’s, doctorate, or higher level training available.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any elective at McMaster

Hospital. This will allow clerks to see the program and speak to the current residents. General Pediatrics.

> Other: Adequate exposure to field. Ability to work inmultidisciplinary team. Strong social skills.

Strengths: Small program. No fellows, so the residents aredirectly responsible for patient care, with help from the staff.Excellent training in General Pediatrics that also prepares youwell for subspecialty training. Excellent staff–residentrelationship and absolutely non-intimidating environment.Upon completion of residency, residents are well-rounded,competent, and excellent leaders.

Other Key Features: A very resident-friendly program. Excellentstaff-to-resident ratio and relations.

Common Clinical Encounters: Wide variety of Pediatric patients,both General Pediatrics and subspecialty patients. This includes:

Memorial UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Tracey Bridger

Janeway Child Health and Rehabilitation Centre300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-4146, Fax: (709) 777-4747Email: [email protected], Medical Education Office: Norma ConnorsEmail: [email protected] University

Program Director: Dr. Moyez Ladhani

McMaster Children’s Hospital HSC - 3N271200 Main Street West, Room 3N271Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100, ext. 75620, Fax: (905) 521-1703Email: [email protected]: http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca, www.macpeds.com


Patients with acute respiratory distress secondary toasthma/bronchiolitis. Patients with diabetic keto acidosis.Patients with gastroenteritis and dehydration requiring fluidmanagement. Patients with metabolic problems presenting withloss of consciousness/hypoglycemia. Newborns, infantspresenting with sepsis.


First third of program 20 weeks CTU/ Lots 1:4

8 weeks

Ambulatory

Second third of program 8 weeks CTU/ Lots 1:4

Rural/Psych

Final third of program 12 weeks – Less than or

Ambulatory/ equal to 1:5

4 weeks CTU

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Research is mandatory(+ one month rotation in research in 2nd year + every 6th to 8thacademic half-day is for research) and residents must presentevery year at our annual resident research day. Master’s level —optional, and candidates have gone to Master’s in Epidemiologywhile enrolled in Pediatrics. Doctorate or higher level trainingavailable.

Areas to Improve Program: 1) Increase physician wellnesstraining. This has already been incorporated into the programthrough retreats and such and it will be a regular part of the half days as well. 2) Increase exposure to First Nations/Aboriginal children. There is some exposure during regularrotations, but we have now added a rural rotation up north inorder to improve exposure.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any branches of Pediatrics.

General or subspecialty.

> Other: Have a pleasant personality with ability to interact withchildren, parents, and families. Be a team player. Show interestin global and local Pediatrics, ethics, and advocate forchildren’s health and related issues.

Strengths: Graded responsibility allowing more independence indecision-making at the junior level. Early introduction toCommunity Consultant Pediatrics. Senior responsibilitiesencompass entire spectrum of General Pediatrics, reflectingcommunity-based practice.

Other Key Features: The relatively small size of the Pediatricprogram allows the development of close working, supportiverelationships among the trainees in the program and the

members of the department. The department’s commitmenttoward the residency program is reflected not only in theprovision of training environments with wide-ranging clinicalopportunities, but also in the comprehensive seminar program.Excellent hands-on, broad-ranging clinical opportunities atQueen’s are enhanced by the specific subspecialty selectives atCHEO in Ottawa.

Common Clinical Encounters: Neonatal resuscitation — bothlow- and high-risk deliveries. Respiratory illnesses. Infectiousdiseases. Developmental/behavioural problems. Disorders of growth.


First third of program 40 3 1 in 4 or 5


Final third of program 40 10 1 in 6 or 7

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to participate inand complete a research project. A mentor is assigned to eachresident to assist in this process. Training in researchmethodology is provided in first year.

Areas to Improve Program: More time allocated to rotationsoutside the training centre. Provide opportunities forsubspecialty (fellowship) training.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Community-based Pediatrics.

Clinical rotation in a small- to medium-sized community.Pediatric subspecialty rotation.

> Other: Demonstrated interest in Pediatrics. Wide breadth ofpersonal interests/experiences. Demonstrated abilities in teamcollaboration.

Strengths: Breadth and diversity of clinical exposures.Availability of a full range of subspecialists and access toquaternary-level technology and levels of care. Dynamicinvolved teaching staff. Active participation of residents in theresidency program and in hospital life.

Other Key Features: The vast majority of training takes place atone centre (CHU Ste-Justine) but elective opportunities exist andall residents receive training in centres in outlying regions.Working language of the hospital residency program is Frenchand proficiency in the French language is essential.

Common Clinical Encounters: Hospital-based generalpopulations. Outpatient General Pediatrics. Subspecialtyrotations including both clinic and in-patient care, e.g.,Cardiology, Neurology, Hematology, Oncology, etc. Intensive carerotations in NICU, PICU. Emergency department rotations.

Université de MontréalProgram Director : Dr. Catherine Farrell

Département de PédiatrieDépartement de Pédiatrie, 7e étage bloc 9CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal QC H3T 1C5Program Contact: Mme Sophie BoudraisEmail: [email protected]: (514) 343-6111 ext. 0932Queen’s University

Program Director: Dr. Marian Silva

PediatricsKingston General Hospital Watkins, Rm 30576 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 549-6666 ext. 4088, Fax: (613) 548-1369Email: [email protected]: http://pediatricsatqueens.caProgram Coordinator: Elizabeth KingEmail: [email protected]


Clinic ReadingWorkload (hrs/wk) (hrs/wk) Call*

First third of program 45/wk + 5–10 6 calls/

15 on-call 28 days

Second third of program 45/wk + 10–15 5–6 calls/

15 on-call 28 days

Final third of program 45/wk + 15–20 5–6 calls/

15 on-call 28 days

*Includes 2 weekend days

Research Expectations: Participation in a research projectstrongly encouraged with the expectation that residents will beable to present at the Pediatric Department Residents’ ResearchDay and at a national or international conference at some pointin their residency. Training in clinical epidemiology, biostatisticsand methodology is offered. Certain residents may choose tojoin the CIHR Clinician Researcher training program during the residency.

Areas to Improve Program: There is definitely enough clinicalexposure to allow for a much larger group of residents, but thenumber of residency positions is limited by the Quebecgovernment and hasn’t increased significantly in the last few years.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: It is not essential to have done

elective exclusively in Pediatrics or exclusively at CHU Ste-Justine. It is important to have had some exposure to sickchildren to assess your ability to handle the environment of a children’s hospital. A solid base in Internal Medicine wouldserve a Pediatric resident well.

> Other: Residents in our program work hard! They are stronglyencouraged to take part in activities outside of their regularclinical duties (e.g., committees, health advocacy projects,social events). The residency program is currentlyoverwhelmingly female. Male applicants are welcome.

Strengths: Dynamic and motivated faculty and residents.Remarkable supervision. Numerous academic teaching sessions.

Other Key Features: Access to a fully functional simulation labfor learning techniques and teamwork. Five-year program asrequested by the College des Medicines du Quebec (three-yearcore Pediatrics, two-year academic Pediatrics).

Common Clinical Encounters: Residents are exposed to verydiversified clinical situations from acute illnesses in the NICU,PICU and ER to less acute and chronic illnesses in various clinicsand clinical teaching units.





Research Expectations: All residents are expected to complete a scholarly project between PGY2 and PGY3.

Areas to Improve Program: The success of our program dependson the residents themselves. We allow flexibility to cater to theneeds and requirements of the residents; therefore,improvements required depend on the needs of the residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: NICU, PICU, PEDS Cardiology,

PEDS Pulmonology, PEDS Gastroenterology, Infectious disease elective.

Strengths: Cohesive and enthusiastic group of Pediatricresidents, representing all parts of Canada. Broad basis ofPediatrics experience, including all acute care areas, as well as all ambulatory subspecialty areas. Young and rapidly growingfaculty with a keen interest in teaching.

Other Key Features: Visit http://www.pediatrics.ualberta.ca formore details.

Common Clinical Encounters: Respiratory illnesses ranging from mild bronchiolitis and asthma to severe pneumonia, status asthmatics, cystic fibrosis. Common Pediatric infectiousdiseases, such as fever without focus, osteomyelitis, meningitis,bacteremia, cellulitis. Also more rare presentations like malaria.Neurological Pathology, such as seizure and seizure disorders,cerebral palsy, hypotonia. Metabolic disorders such asmitochondrial disease. Congenital heart disorders. Children with multi-system congenital abnormalities.


First third of program 50 7–10 6–7 days

/mo

Second third of program 50 7–10 5–6 days

/mo

Final third of program 0 10–20 4–5 days

/mo

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Hasmukhlal Rajani

Department of Pediatrics2E1.31 Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre,Edmonton AB T6G 2R7Tel: (780) 407-3190, Fax: (780) 407-3804Email: [email protected] Administrator: Erin BlazeyEmail: [email protected], Pediatric CaRMS Process Committee: Dr. Sam WongTelephone: (780) 407-3190Email: [email protected] Education Administrative Coordinator: Trish KryzanowskiTelephone: (780) 407-1839Email: [email protected]

Université LavalProgram Director: Dr. Marc-Andre Dugas

Département de pédiatrieCHUQ-Centre Mère-Enfant2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec QC G1V 4G2Tel: (418) 656-4141, ext. 47558, Fax: (418) 654-2771Email: [email protected]: http://w3.fmed.ulaval.ca/pediatrie/Secretary: Mme Danielle LapriseEmail: [email protected] du comite d’admission: Dr. Luc PelletierEmail: [email protected]


Research Expectations: Two weeks in the second half of R-1 andup to eight weeks in each of PGY2, 3, and 4.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase community-basedconsultant Pediatrics exposure (often non-urban in Alberta).Continue to put in place within the system resident replacementoptions to create more flexibility for resident rotationscheduling.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Community Pediatrics. Infectious

Diseases. Neurology.

> Other: Get exposure in Pediatrics rotations early inundergraduate elective time. Demonstrate that you are morethan just a solid student—what makes you different and a“better candidate” for Pediatrics training? Talk with Pediatricresidents. Find out what life in Pediatrics is really like at theinstitution that you are applying to.

Strengths: We believe our team of Pediatrics residents are No. 1.Variety of opportunities both clinically and academically. A vibrant resident research program with the opportunity totravel to scientific conferences.

Other Key Features: We are a resident-centred program thatactively helps trainees achieve their career objectives.

Common Clinical Encounters: Bronchiolitis. Pneumonia. UTI.Cardiac defects. Fever NYD.


First third of program 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. 8 1:4

x 5 days

Second third of program 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. 8 1:5

x 5 days

Final third of program 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. 8 1:5–1:6

x 5 days

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Residents are expectedto develop a scholarly project during the program. Master’s level,doctorate, or higher level training available.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase clinical opportunities inview of bed closings.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Renal. CTU. ID or Endo. (All of

these electives have friendly, supportive, and knowledgeablefaculty and fellows.)

> Other: Demonstrate aptitude/interest in Pediatrics. Teamrelationship skills. Evidence of being a good Clinician.

Strengths: 1. Large complement of both General Pediatriciansand subspecialties to teach. 2. Esprit de corps of residents. 3. Willingness of all involved to take new approach if needed. 4. Structured teaching times. 5. Director has open door policy. 6. Curriculum matches Royal College objectives.

Other Key Features: 1. Large program so workload is reasonablefor each resident but may result in a diluted experience forresidents. 2. Flexibility. 3. Evening and night float system for call.4. Academic half day each week. 5. Grand rounds, developmentrounds, resident rounds and journal club.

Common Clinical Encounters: 1. Generally a fair number ofcomplex patients with multi-system involvement of their diseaseprocess. 2. Some common issues such as UTIs, asthma,brochiectasis.


First third of program Up to the 1:4

individual

resident

Second third of program Up to the 1:4

individual

resident

Final third of program Up to the 1:4

individual

resident

* Unofficially, due to number of residents, call ends up about two nights on.

Research Expectations: In 1st year the residents get one four-week block in which to initiate a research project. There areexpectation that the project will be completed before the end of residency training.

Areas to Improve Program: 1. Enhancement of evaluation systemby adding more OSCEs. 2. Further enhancement of curriculum.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any elective here will give

a student a “feel” for the program. Electives are not necessary to be a successful applicant to the program.

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Kathy Tobler

Co-Program Director: Dr. Jennifer MacPhersonDepartment of PediatricsAlberta Children’s Hospital2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary AB T3B 6A8Tel: (403) 943-7822, Fax: (403) 955-7865Email: [email protected] [email protected]: http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/clin/child/paed/PAED.HTMProgram Administrator: Ms. G. KavanaghEmail: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. Jennifer Druker

Department of PediatricsRoom 2D19, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver BC V6H 3V4Tel: (604) 875-3465, Fax: (604) 875-2890Website: http://www.pediatrics.med.ubc.ca/home.htmProgram Assistant: Gisela MurrayEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: Excellent team relationships between residents,students, staff, and allied health care. Well-rounded program in general and subspecialty Pediatrics with a belief in graduatedresponsibility. Willing to rise to challenges and change.

Other Key Features: Well-developed Northern and RuralPediatrics experiences.

Common Clinical Encounters: As per any Pediatric centre in Canada.

Workload: Please see CaRMS Website.

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Residents are expected to complete or demonstrate substantial progress inbasic science, clinical, medical education, or quality assuranceproject by the end of 3rd year. Master’s, doctorate, or higher leveltraining available.

Areas to Improve Program: Constructive feedback to learnersand teachers. Develop more ways for residents to demonstratethe CANMEDS competencies and better means of assessingthese competencies.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Pediatric electives of any kind

are important.

> Other: Demonstrate interest in Pediatrics through clinicalelectives, research, committee work, volunteer work, etc.

Strengths: Low staff-to-resident ratio. Early hands-onexperience.


Common Clinical Encounters: All common illnesses of children.


First third of program 40 — 7 days/mo

Second third of program 40 — 6 days/mo

Final third of program 40 — 5 days/mo

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. All residents must do amandatory research project, which is presented at the AcademicHalf Day. Master’s level. Doctorate or higher training available.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any in Pediatrics.

> Other: Have all appropriate documentation available.

Strengths: Academic activity and research. Broad range of generaland subspecialty Pediatrics. Excellent residents in program.

Other Key Features: This is the largest program for Pediatrics in Canada and all branches of the discipline are represented inthe work done at HSC. Please see CaRMS info for details.

Common Clinical Encounters: Common acute illnesses inchildren, e.g., fever, seizures, etc. Developmental andbehavioural problems. Wide range of subspecialty Pediatriccases, e.g., leukemia, cystic fibrosis, etc.


First third of program 50–60 Resident’s 1/4 max

choice

Second third of program 50-60 Resident’s N/A

choice

Final third of program 50-60 Resident’s Decreased

choice number

of calls

Research Expectations: None in first year, but a research projectin the first three years. Graduate work is also an option.

Areas to Improve Program: We review our program on anongoing basis and deal with issues as they arise. Recent focushas been on developing CanMEDS learning opportunities for ourresidents. Ensuring a balance between community andsubspecialty experiences. Very responsive to resident feedback.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Pediatric community elective.

Pediatric general/subspecialty hospital-based elective.

> Other: Ensure you are interested in and committed to a careerin Pediatrics.

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Adelle Atkinson

Paediatrics555 University Avenue, Room 1447First floor, Black Wing, Toronto ON M5G 1X8Tel: (416) 813-5310 or 6230, Fax: (416) 813-5230Email: [email protected]: http://www.paeds.utoronto.ca/site5.aspx Administrative Assistant: Sandra LaynoEmail: [email protected]

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. Noel Lowry

Website: http://www.medicine.usask.ca/pediatrics Administrative Coordinator, IMG Training Program: Della ToewsEmail: [email protected]

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Raquel Consunji-Araneta

Department of PediatricsAE304-671 William Ave., Winnipeg MB R3E 0Z2Telephone: (204) 787-2439, Fax: (204) 787-1938Email: [email protected]: http://babymac.ods.org/lindsay/residency/intro.html


Strengths: Acute care. Faculty/resident camaraderie. Residentautonomy with excellent staff support.

Other Key Features: Western is a middle-sized tertiary carecentre with excellent resident/faculty interaction. Excellent acutecare training. Great resident camaraderie.

Common Clinical Encounters: Acute presentation of respiratorydisease. Management of septic infants. Management of febrileneutropenia. Common childhood disease presenting to thePediatric Emergency: dehydration/gastroenteritis. Seizures.


First third of program 50 5–10 6–7

Second third of program 50 5–10 5–6

Final third of program 50 5–10 4–5

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Residents are expectedto complete one academic pursuit or research project during thecore years. Dedicated research months are offered in second andthird years. Master’s level. Doctorate or higher training available.

Areas to Improve Program: Monthly objective-related quizzes.Increase subspecialties.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Community Pediatrics. Pediatric

emergency. Clinical teaching unit.

> Other: Demonstrate enthusiasm, clinical skills, and knowledgeof Pediatrics. Pediatric electives. Pediatric research.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité de SherbrookeProgram Director: Dr. Marc SoucyDépartement de pédiatrieUniversité de Sherbrooke3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 15570, Fax: (819) 564-5398Contact Person : Barbara MartelWebsites: http://www.USherbrooke.ca/pediatrie Email: [email protected]

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Sarah LawrenceChildren’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario401 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H 8L1Tel: (613) 737-2285, Fax: (613) 738-4297Website: http://www.pediatrics.uottawa.ca/ PGME Coordinator: Ms. Louise LafleurEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyPhysiatrists are physicians who specialize in Physical Medicineand Rehabilitation (PM&R), a medical specialty that involves thecomprehensive diagnosis, management, and treatment of peopleof all ages with impaired functional abilities. Typical patientsseen for rehabilitation have disabilities and physical handicapsresulting from conditions such as head injury, stroke,neuromuscular disorders, cardiopulmonary diseases, arthritis,peripheral vascular disease, cerebral palsy, and others. ThePhysiatrist focuses on maximizing a person’s functionalcapabilities and independence by medical treatment and byworking with an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. A patient’srehabilitation program could include physical, occupational, andspeech therapies; psychosocial services; family and vocationalcounseling; education services; and therapeutic recreation.

Overview of ProgramAll programs in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are fiveyears in duration. Generally, the first year of the program involvesbasic comprehensive training in relevant areas of InternalMedicine and Surgery, as well as in other fields (e.g, Anesthesia,Pediatrics, Psychiatry, etc.). The subsequent four years consistprimarily of specialty-specific PM&R rotations, along withgeneral rotations in Rheumatology, Orthopedic Surgery, andNeurology. The various PM&R subspecialty rotations includeHead Injury, Spinal Cord Disorders, Cerebrovascular Disease,Respiratory, Cardiac, Musculoskeletal, Prosthetics and Orthotics,Pediatric Rehabilitation, Community-based Rehabilitation, andResearch. All of the programs offer considerable elective andselective time, allowing residents to customize their training tomeet the needs of their future practice. Emphasis is placed onresidents acquiring the skills necessary for directing and workingwith an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. All residents in PM&R are required to complete at least oneresearch project during the residency program.

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Amputee Care> Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation> Electrodiagnostics> Hospice and Palliative Medicine> Musculoskeletal Medicine> Neuromuscular Disorders> Neuromuscular Medicine> Pain Medicine> Pediatric Rehabilitation> Spinal Cord Injury Medicine> Sports Medicine> Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

PHYSICAL MEDICINEAND REHABILITATION

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Simon Levin

Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario800 Commissioners Rd. E., Box 5375, London ON N6C 2V5Tel: (519) 685-8346, Fax: (519) 685-8156Email: [email protected] Contact: Vanessa FreerEmail: [email protected] Program Director: Dr. Doris YuenEmail: [email protected]: http://www.uwo.ca/paediatrics




McGill University –

















Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three required withCaRMS application.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: Submit with CaRMSapplication.

Strengths: Fully accredited Royal College Specialty Program withstrong record of success on Fellowship exams. Free-standingrehabilitation hospital located within walking distance of fourworld-class teaching hospitals, Dalhousie University, and thedowntown core. Attending staff provide exceptional support forthe residency program.

Other Key Features: Well-respected program in Canada andinternationally. Significant research activity by departmentmembers. Extraordinary part of Canada to live in. Very generousconference travel program for residents.

Common Clinical Encounters: Spinal cord injury. Stroke.Traumatic brain injury. Amputation. Musculoskeletal.


First third of program 40 7+ 1:5

call from

home

Second third of program 45 7+ 1:4 call

in house

Final third of program 25 12+ 1:5 call

from home

Research Expectations: The Royal College requirements statethat a resident has to spend three months out of a possible 60 months of residency doing research. Residents are able to do an intercalated M.Sc. or Ph.D. at their choosing as part of theYoung Investigators Program.

Areas to Improve Program: More medical student electives.Greater exposure to PM&R in the undergraduate program.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Acquired Brain Injury (combining

exposure to stroke and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation).Spinal Injury (exposure to traumatic spinal cord and MultipleSclerosis rehabilitation). Musculoskeletal (outpatientambulatory care rotation).

> Other: Electives in PM&R. Demonstrated interest inNeuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Demonstratean ability to function in a multidisciplinary setting.

Strengths: N/A


Common Clinical Encounters: Acute and chronic pain.Musculoskeletal disorders: Arthritis, joint replacements andfractures. Work- and sports-related injuries. Congenital andperinatal disorders. Spinal cord injuries.

Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: One project over five years.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: PM&R.

> Other: Academic record demonstrating special proficiency insubjects related to the specialty. An elective in PM&R is stronglyrecommended. Obtain references from specialists in PM&Rwho can comment on proficiency and interpersonal skills.

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. Heather Finlayson

UBC Division of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationG. F. Strong Rehab Centre4255 Laurel Street, Vancouver BC V5Z 2G9Tel: (604) 734-1313 or local 2304, Fax: (604) 731-6251Email: [email protected]: http://www.ubcphysmed.org/ Postgraduate Secretary: Maria CanvinTel: (604) 714-4157Email: [email protected]

Queen’s UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Matthew Faris

Physical Medicine & RehabilitationProvidence Care - St. Mary’s of the Lake HospitalP.O. Box 3600/340 Union Street, Kingston ON K7L 5A2Tel: (613) 533-6290, Fax: (613) 544-4614Email: [email protected]

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Amra Saric

QEII HSC - NSRC Site1341 Summer Street, Halifax NS B3H 4K4Tel: (902) 473-3232, Fax: (902) 473-3204Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Neurological Rehabilitation, e.g., spinal cord injury,stroke, brain injury. Sports medicine for the disabled athlete —heavily involved in 2010 Paralympic Games. Electrodiagnostics(EMG). Dedicated group of staff committed to excellence inclinical management, teaching, and promoting research.Collegial environment among staff and residents.

Other Key Features: The program encourages a friendly,mutually respectful environment. We believe in the importanceof communication, balance of professional and personal lives,and dedication toward professionalism. The program seeks toproduce competent, well-rounded, and enthusiastic Physiatrists,not just residents who can pass the Royal College Specialty exam.

Common Clinical Encounters: Stroke, brain-injured, and spinal cord-injured patients from acute care through inpatientrehabilitation, community reintegration, and outpatientrehabilitation. Management of medical, social, and psychologicalissues. Management of acute and chronic pain and spasticity.Patients with multi-trauma. Sports injuries. Patients in thecommunity with chronic disability or functional impairments.

Workload: First third of program: Mostly off-service rotations;one chapter of reading from a leading Rehab text per week;variable call, usually one in four.Second third of program: One- to three-month rotations in variousaspects of Rehab Medicine; home call one week/month; moreextensive reading, including journal articles, texts, and handouts.Final third of program: More elective time and more outpatientexposure; home call one week/month; more self-directed study.

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to produce atleast one project during their training that is of sufficient qualityfor submission for publication and/or for presentation at amajor conference.

Areas to Improve Program: Annual resident “retreat” to evaluatethe program and provide feedback to residency trainingcommittee. Continued evaluation of rotations. Ways to upgradeor improve rotations that might need change.


> Useful Electives/Experience: Two- to three-month elective ingeneral PM&R. Any of Neurology, Rheumatology, Orthopedics,Sports Medicine, Geriatrics. Specific areas of PM&R, e.g., BrainInjury, Pediatric Rehab.

> Other: Demonstrate genuine interest in the field of PM&R. Have the desire to work with and improve the quality of life of people living with disabilities. Get as much exposure to thefield as possible prior to applying to ensure that you have agood understanding of the field and its professional obligations.

Strengths: Physiatry staff committed to teaching. All rotationscan be done in Calgary, but there is ability to go off-site, especiallyfor electives. Up to $2,000 per year of financial assistance forresidents to attend conferences.

Common Clinical Encounters: Stroke. Spinal cord injuries. Head injuries. Soft-tissue injuries/multiple trauma. Amputations.


First third of program 40–45 1:4

Second third of program 40–45 1:4

Final third of program 40–45 1:4

Research Expectations: Must carry out a research project duringthe residency so that the results can be published or presented.

Areas to Improve Program: To develop a more coordinatedamputee rotation.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: PM&R. Clinical Neuroscience-

type elective. MSK-type elective.

> Other: PM&R elective is very helpful. Commitment tounderstanding and working in a team environment.Understanding of and interest in dealing with chronic disease,shown either through volunteer or other experiences.

Strengths: Musculoskeletal outpatient program. High degree offlexibility and options within the program. Dedicated clinicalteachers. Excellent interdisciplinary programs, e.g., SCI, TBI, etc.

Other Key Features: Although the primary goal of the program isto ensure an excellent Physiatrist by its completion, we strive toencourage flexibility, creating the most useful program for you.

Common Clinical Encounters: Low back pain: mechanical,radiculopathies, spinal stenosis, etc. Subacute neurologicalrehabilitation: stroke, multiple sclerosis. Subacute spinal cordinjury. Neuromuscular rehabilitation/EMG/NCS. Prosthetics andorthotics rehabilitation.

Workload: First third of program: Clinical 40–60 hours/week;academic 5–10 hours/week; reading: 2–10 hours/week; on call: 1:3 max.Second third of program: Clinical 40–45 hours/week; academic5–10 hours/week; reading: 2–10 hours/week; on call: 1:3 max.,usually 1:4 or 1:5.Final third of program: Clinical 35–45 hours/week; academic5–10 hours/week; reading: 2–10 hours/week; on call: 1:3 max.,usually 1:4 or 1:5.

Research Expectations: Completion of at least one research project.

Areas to Improve Program: Further develop stroke rehabprogram. Encourage research earlier in program.

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Davyd Hooper

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM + R), U of MRiverview Health CentrePE319 – 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg MB R3L 2P4Tel: (204) 478-5722, Fax: (204) 787-1476Email: [email protected]

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. John Latter

Department of Clinical NeurosciencesFoothills Medical Centre1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-2061, Fax: (403) 944-7878Email: [email protected] Administrator: Linda JennettEmail: [email protected]



> Useful Electives/Experience: PM&R: mandatory. Orthopedics.Neurology.

> Other: Elective in Physiatry. Demonstrate relevant and usefulexperiences with neuromusculoskeletal issues and disabilitieswithin medical and non-medical arenas. Develop a well-rounded, creative, versatile, and open-minded character.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three letters; duedate as per CaRMS deadlines; one letter may be provided by asenior resident with whom the applicant has worked clinically;at least one reference should be from a Physiatrist who knowsthe applicant well enough to comment on personal suitability forthe specialty.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: A personal lettershould outline the applicant’s interest in Physiatry andunderstanding of what the specialty offers. Applicants shouldalso indicate what aspects of Physiatry they find most appealingand the attributes they possess that would make them goodPhysiatrists in the future. Any specific reasons for applying to the University of Ottawa program should be indicated.

Strengths: Comprehensive education program. Our program is fully accredited by the Royal College of Physicians andSurgeons (RCPSC). Our five-year program offers all the essentialmedical, surgical, and Physiatry clinical rotations required tomeet the RCPSC training criteria. Also, subspecialty Physiatrytraining is well represented and readily available, e.g., amputeerehab, spinal cord injury rehab, stroke and acquired brain injuryrehab, chronic pain rehab, general musculoskeletal medicine,electrodiagnostic medicine cardiac rehab, respiratory rehab, andpediatric physiatry. This ensures that our residents can completetheir core training in Ottawa. Elective rotations may becompleted at any accredited learning site. International electivesare possible as well. Our faculty has embraced the RCPSCCanMEDS 2000 competencies. The seven essential roles arewoven into the curriculum and into the clinical rotations. Theseroles are physician as advocate, communicator, collaborator,manager, medical expert, professional, and scholar. Many of ourfaculty have strong interest and expertise in these roles. Forexample, Dr. Dojeiji and Dr. Blackmer are sought after locallyand nationally for their expertise in communication-skillsteaching and ethics, respectively. Our faculty has strong researchand medical education interest and expertise. Three of ourfaculty have a Master’s of Education. Our program is flexible inmeeting the needs of its residents. This is manifested by the wayrotation schedules are coordinated annually. We enable tworesidents to complete their training requirements for a Master’sin Education and Rehab Sciences while doing their residencytraining. This required a lot of planning and coordination, butthe two trainees were able to complete their Master’s withoutextending their residency program. Also, residents have the

ability to complete non-traditional training, if it is in their area ofinterest. One of our residents recently completed an aerospacemedicine elective. Feedback. The core principle of our educationprogram is open and consistent feedback. We expect thatresidents and faculty have regular feedback sessions onperformance during clinical rotations. Also, residents receivefeedback on their presentation skills. The entire educationprogram is evaluated by the faculty and residents semi-annually.Residents receive formative feedback during a structured semi-annual practice exam. Our faculty is committed to this process.This principle has been one of the keys to our program’s growthand success. This process was identified as a strength in ourRCPSC accreditation review in April 2004.

Other Key Features: Our residents and faculty are the strength ofour program. We are a multicultural group with diverse clinicaland professional interests. Our group embraces and respects thosedifferences. Our residents are active and willing participants inthe growth of our program.

Common Clinical Encounters: Assistance with diagnosis andmanagement of neck or back pain. Assistance with diagnosis of common peripheral neurological complaints presenting to an electrodiagnostic clinic, e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, tardyulnar palsy, cervical or lumbar radiculopathy. Assistance withrehabilitation for a patient with a stroke or spinal cord injury.Diagnosis and management of acute and subacutemusculoskeletal disorders, e.g., knee pain in runners orparticipants in running sports (soccer, rugby, football).Assessment and prescription of an orthosis (brace) for footdrop.Wrist drop due to nerve palsy.

Workload: Again, the workload is quite variable and difficult to gauge. It depends entirely on the rotation and, to a lesserextent, the supervising faculty. Reading is dependent on thetrainee. On-call follows PAIRO (Professional Association ofInterns and Residents of Ontario) rules of 1:4 on-call, on average.Most programs respect this guideline. We advocated for increasedresidency positions in Ottawa. We now have two PGY-1 positionsper year for Canadian trainees.

Research Expectations: All of our residents are expected tocomplete one research project in their area of interest duringtheir five years of training. Completion of a research project is a program requirement. Projects are identified in the first twoyears of training. Assistance is provided in finding a suitableproject and a research mentor. Residents are required to presentupdates on their projects annually at our Resident/FacultyResearch Day. Master’s training is possible within the five yearsof residency training. The resident must demonstrate excellentacademic standing in order to pursue this training. A Master’sresearch project or thesis completed during residency will alsofulfill the research requirements of the program. A formal clinicalinvestigator program is available to residents at the University of Ottawa.

Areas to Improve Program: As a specialty, we need to increaseundergraduate awareness of Physiatry so that we can attractinterested and enthusiastic candidates. It still disheartens me tohear of students who graduate from four years of medical schoolwho do not know what a Physiatrist is or does. The demand forPhysiatry is huge. There are many positions available for newlygraduated Physiatrists in Canada. We are advocating forincreased residency positions in Ottawa, in an attempt to meetsociety’s need.

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Sue Dojeiji

The Rehabilitation Centre505 Smyth Road, Room 1200, Ottawa ON K1H 8M2Tel: (613) 737-7350, ext. 75595, Fax: (613) 737-9638Email: [email protected]: http://www.ottawaphysiatry.com/


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Outpatient Physiatry clinics with

a broad range of clinical exposures from musculoskeletalmedicine to acquired brain injury rehabilitation. This gives thestudent a flavour of the breadth of the specialty. This rotationimproves the student’s level of comfort with dealing withpersons with disabilities and in identifying key rehabilitationand functional issues. A good rotation even if not consideringPhysiatry as a career choice. An inpatient rotation in GeneralRehabilitation. This helps the student see the type of work aPhysiatrist does in a hospital — interdisciplinary team-basedwork. An inpatient rotation in stroke, acquired brain injury, or spinal cord rehabilitation. This type of rotation is for thestudent really interested in Rehabilitation. This experiencehighlights the nature of the specialty best: slow and steadywork with small functional gains over a long period of time.

> Other: Be yourself — genuine interest and enthusiasm in ourspecialty come across quite readily during elective rotationsand interviews. Be honest with yourself when choosing anyspecialty. If a fast-paced style with immediate results is whatengages you, Physiatry may not be your best career choice.Excellent communication and collaborative skills are essentialin our specialty. This must come across in your referenceletters, rotation evaluations, and personal letters. Have aproven interest in Physiatry. This is usually demonstrated byelective and selective rotations in Physiatry. Some studentshave done summer research placements with Physiatrists. Thisis not an essential admission criterion, however.

Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: As per CaRMS.

Strengths: Strong clinically based residency program, especiallyin the field of Neurorehabilitation. Leader in the field of MultipleSclerosis with the MS clinic associated with our department. Thedepartment also has an affiliation with the MS Cameco NeuroscienceCentre performing basic science research. Flexibility regardingprogram rotations as well as holidays.

Other Key Features: We have a very collegial program in whichthe residents and consultants get along very well. There is strongsupport for the resident program among attending staff, anexcellent half day, a strong adult learning model, and goodpatient exposure. The residents are also a close-knit group thatfrequently organizes activities outside of work. The program isconducive to learning and also allows residents to lead well-balanced lives.

Common Clinical Encounters: Consultations regarding strokerehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, andtrauma. Outpatient clinics including orthotics and prosthetics.Diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases including anelectromyography lab. Spasticity management including Botox

injections and Baclofen pumps. Clinics involving patients withchronic pain and tertiary rehab problems.



Second third of program 30 10 1 in 3 home

call (weekly)


call (weekly)

Research Expectations: Three months of research in the third or fourth year.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase the amount of research in ourprogram. Increase our focus on sports medicine and MSK clinics.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Electives in Physical Medicine

and Rehabilitation, Neurology, Orthopedics.

> Other: Perform an elective in our field. Enter an essay orresearch project in the Canadian Association of PhysicalMedicine & Rehabilitation contests. Gain exposure to PhysicalMedicine & Rehabilitation through reading PM&R textbooks.

Strengths: Diversity of clinical institutions and staff. (TorontoRehab, West Park, Bridgepoint Health, St John’s RehabProvidence.) >35 staff engaged in teaching — academic centresand community-based practices. >15 new staff recruits intoacademics in the past eight years. Increased involvement of staffat undergraduate and post-graduate level. Journal Club monthlyand structured approach to critical appraisal.

Other Key Features: Research collaboration with acute carehospitals/scientist is growing every year. Educational programexpanding at undergraduate with six lectures delivered byPhysiatrist. Post-grad activity increasing greatly with number ofresidents growing by 33% (to 15 residents from 10). Royal Collegeof Canada accreditation in 2007 — full approach for six more years.Protected academic half day on Friday morning includes anatomysessions in the summer. Staff grand rounds seven times/year.

Common Clinical Encounters: Stroke acquired brain injury,spinal cord injury, complex musculoskeletal disorders (including polytrauma), amputee rehab, cardiac and respiratoryrehab, (complex) pain rehab, geriatric medicine, sports medicine,peripheral nerve disease (entrapment, radiculopathies), auditismanagement.

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. John Flannery

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute550 University Avenue, Room 211, Toronto ON M5G 2A2Tel: (416) 597-3422, ext. 3730, Fax: (416) 597-3011Website: http://www.physiatry.utoronto.ca/site3.aspxAdministrative Assistant: Nancy TurnerEmail: [email protected]

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. Rodney Li Pi Shan

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation7th Floor, 701 Queen Street, Saskatoon SK S7K 0M7Tel: (306) 655-8659, Fax: (306) 655-8813Email: [email protected]: http://www.medicine.usask.ca/pmr




Second third of program 16 8–16 None to

1 in 10

Final third of program 24 8–16 None to

1 in 10

Research Expectations: One manuscript ready research project.Presentation of progress yearly. One quality assurance project —presentation to local area that quality project is related to as wellas to other faculty and resident at Quality presentation day.

Areas to Improve Program: Consolidation of recertificationimprovements and EMG rotations. Enhancement ofneuromuscular inpatient program.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: All Toronto Rehab Institute/

West Park experiences are excellent and well suited forresidency application/exposure. Residency program membersacross Canada all know one another, hence letter of referenceare important but exposure in different cities only helpapplicants rather than hinder. Go try other programs to makean informed choice.

> Other: Fun, young, dynamic staff that are eager to teach andtrain young resident.

Strengths: Small — close contact between staff and residents.Good group of consultants — interested in educating andtraining residents.


First third of program 55 10 1 in 3–4

Second third of program 40–50 20 1 in 3–4

(home)

Final third of program 40–50 15-20 1 in 3–4

(home)

Research Expectations: One article that is manuscript ready of original work.

Areas to Improve Program: We are a young program — needtime, more experience and new faculty to help us to evolve.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: PMR, neuro and ortho all

valuable. Elective (2 weeks) with us is valuable.

> Other: Strong interest in rehab/neuro MSK disorders.Reference letter from PMR consultant. Elective with us is veryimportant.

Programs Not RespondingMcMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Peter VareyHenderson General Hospital711 Concession Street, Hamilton ON L8V 1C3Tel: (905) 385-9894 or (905) 389-4411 x43803, Fax: (905) 575-2598Chief Resident: Dr. Judy ThomasEmail: [email protected] Resident : Dr. Shayne LadakEmail : [email protected]

Université de MontréalProgram Director: Dr. Nicole BeaudoinInstitut de réadaptation de Montréal6300 ave Darlington, Montréal QC H3S 2J4Tel: (514) 340-2083, Fax: (514) 340-2775Email: [email protected]

Université LavalProgram Director: Mme Isabelle CôtéDépartement de médecineFaculté de MédecinePavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, local 2474Université Laval, Québec, Canada, G1V 0A6Tel: (418) 529-9141, Fax: (418) 656-3821Email: [email protected] : Martine DemersTelephone : (418) 656-2131 ext. 2617Email : [email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Lalith SatkunamDivision of Physical Medicine & RehabilitationRoom 1226 - 10320 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5G 0B7Tel: (780) 735-8870, Fax: (780) 491-6018Email: [email protected]: Elisabeth AlmeidaEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyThe term “plastic” is derived from the Greek word “plastikos,”which means to mould or shape. Many of the first plasticsurgeries involved the formation of a skin flap over a wound ortissue loss, to reshape or mould the defect so that itapproximated the original shape. Currently, plastic surgery isperformed on abnormal structures of the body, caused bycongenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma,infection, tumours, or disease. It is generally performed toimprove function, but may also be done to approximate anormal appearance. Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshapenormal or uninjured structures of the body in order to improvethe patient’s appearance and self-esteem. Plastic Surgeons canfollow a diverse range of career paths, including burns, woundhealing, hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, head and neckreconstruction, oncologic reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, andeducation.

PL ASTIC SURGERY

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Keith Sequeira

Physical Medicine & RehabilitationParkwood Hospital800 Commissioners Road East, London ON N6C 5J1Tel: (519) 685-4292, ext. 42950, Fax: (519) 685-4098Email: [email protected] Officer: Catherine NabudereEmail: [email protected]


Overview of ProgramAll programs in Plastic Surgery are five years in duration. Ingeneral, PGY1 and 2 deal with core training in surgery followedby three years of resident training in Plastic Surgery, includingone year of senior residency. In addition to training in PlasticSurgery, the resident must be trained in the principles andpractice of surgery. During the two years of training in coresurgery, the resident must gain experience and proficiency in thecare of surgical emergencies, including trauma, the managementof problems in pre- and postoperative care, shock, fluid balanceand nutritional support, system support, and surgical intensivecare. Such experience may be obtained in General Surgeryservice. However, it is desirable that the resident augment thisexperience with training relevant to Plastic Surgery duringrotations on such specialty services as Orthopedics,Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Vascular Surgery, and Urology.

The specific training objectives with respect to knowledge base,clinical skills, technical skills, and attitudes are defined by theRoyal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Breast Reconstruction> Burns> Craniofacial Surgery> Hand/Upper Extremity Surgery> Microsurgery> Pediatric Plastic Surgery> Trauma/Reconstructive Surgery




















Strengths: Hand Surgery, Microsurgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery.

Other Key Features: Applicants should be prepared. Backgroundinformation is available to candidates.

Common Clinical Encounters: Cleft lip and palate patients,Facial fractures, Craniofacial abnormalities, Trauma — soft tissueand bony defects, burns in children.


First third of program 3 rotations structured 9

Second third of program 3 rotations structured 9

Final third of program 3 rotations structured 9

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Research is voluntary. Master’s level: Surgeon-Scientist Program available for M.Sc. Program (1–2 years); Doctorate or higher: Surgeon-Scientist Program available for Ph.D. Program (2–3 years).

Areas to Improve Program: More operating time. Interdisciplinaryupper-extremity program.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Orthopedics, Ophthalmology,

Head & Neck Surgery.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful are encouraged tohave a strong background in education, community orinternational interests, and strong references.

Strengths: Exposure to full breadth of cases. Staff dedicated toteaching. Ample OR experience.

Other Key Features: Very tight-knit group of staff, all of whomenjoy resident interaction and training.

Common Clinical Encounters: Hand trauma, craniofacialtrauma, cancer reconstruction, burn trauma and reconstruction,pediatric surgery.


First third of program 70–80 10 N/A

Second third of program 80 20 N/A

Final third of program 80 10–15 N/A

Research Expectations: Maximum one research project per year,Master’s level, doctorate, or higher level training available.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase exposure to cosmeticsurgery. Develop a dry lab.

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Jaret Olson

2D2.06 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences CentreUniversity of Alberta8440 - 112 Street, Edmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-6325, Fax: (780) 407-7394Program Assistant: Kirsten BauerEmail: [email protected]

McGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. H. Bruce Williams

Royal Victoria HospitalRoom A3.25, 587 Pine Ave. W.Montreal QC H3A 1A1Tel: (514) 933-7730Email: [email protected]



MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Reconstructive Plastic

Surgery, Burn Care and Reconstruction, Hand and Wrist.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful must be honest,hard-working and easy to get along with, show an interest in the field and in research, and have taken the appropriateelectives.

Strengths: Large clinical surgical volume covering all aspects of plastic surgery. Extremely cohesive/committed attending staff supervisors. Resident cosmetic surgery clinic.

Other Key Features: All program materials are on the CaRMSWebsite.

Common Clinical Encounters: Hand trauma, facial trauma,immediate breast reconstruction, lower extremity reconstruction,pediatric cleft lip and palate.




Final third of program 55 5 1:4–5

Research Expectations: Clinical research is done each year.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase flexibility of trainingprogram rotations. Increase training to six years to allow moreelective time.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Pediatrics, Trauma/Burns, Breast

Reconstruction.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful must be in goodacademic standing, have excellent clinical rotation evaluations,and provide excellent references.

Strengths: Dedicated burn unit. More than 350 microsurgerycases per year. One-on-one student–staff apprenticeship modelof teaching. Clinical research opportunities.

Other Key Features: Dedicated staff has developed a very collegialwork environment that results in a close relationship betweenstaff and resident. This enhances the operative experience andextends to research and conferences.

Common Clinical Encounters: Craniofacial trauma.


First third of program >8 1/2 As needed <10

Second third of program >8 1/2 As needed <10

Final third of program >8 1/2 As needed <10

Research Expectations: Increasing clinical research is beingfacilitated by our new director of resident research. While noresearch is mandatory, it is highly encouraged and financiallysupported for national and international presentations.

Areas to Improve Program: In the past five years, five newsurgeons have joined the Academic staff. Still, we are activelyrecruiting excellent surgeons to add depth and breadth to oursurgical team. Development of an upper limb program inconjunction with orthopedics is in progress.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Orthopedic hand/wrist.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful are encouraged tocome for an on-site visit, demonstrate interest in PlasticSurgery, and have enthusiastic personalities.

Programs Not RespondingDalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Kenneth WilsonIWK Health Centre5850/5980 University Ave., Box 9700, Halifax NS B3K 6R8Tel: (902) 470-8168, Fax: (902) 470-7939Email: [email protected] Administrative Assistant: Denise BoutinEmail: [email protected]

McMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Nick StrumasDepartment of SurgeryFaculty of Health Sciences, Room 4E141200 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8N 3Z5Tel: (905) 521-2100 ext. 76676, Fax: (905) 521-9992Website: http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/surgery/index.htmlProgram Assistant: Elizabeth DziubaEmail: [email protected]

Université de MontréalProgram Director: Dr. Patrick HarrisTel: (514) 890-8000 ext. 23757, Fax : (514) 412-7575Email : [email protected]

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director : Dr. Charles OrfaliService de PlastieCHUS - Hôtel Dieu580, Rue Bowen Sud, Sherbrooke QC J1G 2E8Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 14237, Fax: (819) 564-5387Program Secretary: Francine BeauvaisEmail: [email protected]

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Edward W. Buchel

Room GF327, Health Sciences Centre820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg MB R3A 1R9Tel: (204) 787-1485, Fax: (204) 787-4873Program Coordinator: Linda Mydynski

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. Peter Lennox

c/o Vancouver General HospitalBurns/Plastics Unit, LSP 2899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9Tel: (604) 875-4084, Fax: (604) 875-5614Email: [email protected]: http://www.surgery.ubc.ca/plasticsurg.html


Université LavalProgram Director: Dr. Sebastien NguyenDépartement de chirurgieCHUQ - St-François d'Assise10, rue de l'Espinay, Québec (Québec) G1L 3L5Tel: (418) 623-2300 or (418) 656-2131 ext. 3874, Fax: (418) 687-8792Secretary: Mme Monique PelletierEmail: [email protected]

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Earl CampbellDepartment of SurgeryFoothills HospitalRm 382, 1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-4317, Fax: (403) 944-2840Program Coordinator: Holly UnderhillEmail: [email protected] Coordinator: Anita JenkinsEmail: [email protected]: (403) 944-1449

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Mitchell BrownDivision of Plastic SurgerySuite 213, 100 College Street, Toronto, ON M5G 1L5Tel: (416) 978-8534, Fax: (416) 978-7316Program Administrator: Kathy PavlovicTel: (416) 978-8534Email: [email protected]

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Robert RichardsSt. Joseph’s Health Centre268 Grosvenor Street, London ON N6A 4L6Tel: (519) 646-6046, Fax: (519) 646-6049Email: [email protected]: www.uwo.ca/surgery/plastics

Description of SpecialtyPsychiatry involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of persons with mental illnesses and emotional or behaviouraldisorders. Practice may be based in the community hospital,academic or research institution, or individual private practice,with the nature of the specialty varying with the environment.The range of options entails treating psychiatric inpatients in a hospital setting, offering psychotherapy in private practice,implementing community outreach programs, and conductingfull- or part-time research and teaching. Generally, a holisticapproach is utilized whereby patients, family members, andadditional health care professionals make importantcontributions. In addition to General Psychiatry, one may trainin the subdisciplines of Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, GeriatricPsychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Mood andAnxiety Disorders, Psychosomatic Medicine, Schizophrenia,Women’s Mental Health, Gender Issues and Culture, andCommunity and Health.

Overview of ProgramOver the course of five years of approved residency training, oneyear of basic clinical training is required, preferably includingMedicine, Neurology, and Psychiatry. Three years of approvedresidency in Clinical Psychiatry are also required, with

mandatory periods as follows: at least one year of adult GeneralPsychiatry; at least six months devoted entirely to the psychiatriccare of children, adolescents, the mentally retarded, and theirfamilies; and at least six months devoted entirely to the study,comprehensive care, and rehabilitation of chronically psychoticpatients. One year of approved training may be spent in eitherGeneral Psychiatry, a psychiatric subspecialty, or full-time studyof a related basic science (such as Neuroanatomy,Neurophysiology, Psychology, or Anthropology), and one yearmay be spent in an approved residency training programrelevant to Psychiatry (such as Internal Medicine, Neurology, or Pediatrics) or research.

Accreditation without certification:> Clinical Pharmacology

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Addiction> Child and Adolescent> Forensic> Geriatric> Psychosomatic Medicine




















Strengths: Strong resident group. Excellence in clinical training.Broad range of training opportunities. Psychotherapy training.

Other Key Features: Extensive electives opportunities includingelectives in International Psychiatry offered abroad.Comprehensive training preparing residents to practice as

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Malgorzata Rajda

Education Office8th Floor, Abbie Lane Bldg.Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, Halifax NS B3H 2E2Tel: (902) 473-7122, Fax: (902) 473-4545Website: http://psychiatry.medicine.dal.ca/Program Coordinator: Ms. Norma ThompsonEmail: [email protected]

PSYCHIATRY


independent specialists in any type of setting. Fellowshiptraining in several subspecialties. Dalhousie is a leading centrefor research and treatment of brain-based illness in Canada withnationally and internationally recognized faculty. Nova Scotia isone of the most desirable locations to live in Canada.

Common Clinical Encounters: First episode psychosis in youngindividuals. Broad range of psychiatric illness in the elderly.Child and adolescent psychiatry.



Second third of program 40 5–10 1:7


Research Expectations: Each resident is expected to complete a research project. This is to be done over the four years ofresidency and result in a manuscript of publishable quality andpresentation at Departmental Research Day. Residents are pairedwith supervisors of their choice. Teaching of research methodology,biostatistics, experimental design, and literature appraisal arepart of didactic curriculum.

Areas to Improve Program: Continue to attract excellent residentsto the program. Expand training in Addictions Psychiatry.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Any elective in Psychiatry or

relevant areas which help the student to understand thespecialty and feel comfortable with the choice. Ability to workin a team.

> Other: Residents will spend part of the training in Saint John,New Brunswick.

Strengths: Committed Program Director and faculty. Ongoingevaluation process of the program by appropriate committee.Innovative programs with strong leadership.

Other Key Features: We have several outstanding sub-programs:Child and Family Program, Psychotherapy Program, ClinicalInvestigators Program, Mood Disorders Program, and Brain andBody Institute (research in Neurosciences). 1st episodepsychosis. We also have several outstanding seminar series,including Interview Skills, Psychopharmacology, CommunityPsychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Mental Health.

Common Clinical Encounters: Inpatient Psychiatry. OutpatientPsychiatry. Emergency Psychiatry. Consultation Psychiatry. Child Psychiatry.

Workload: See detailed program information at http://www.fhs.

mcmaster.ca/psychiatryneuroscience.

Research Expectations: Resident research is encouraged but notrequired. The program actively supports and protects the time ofresidents who wish to conduct their own research or participatein faculty members’ research. Residents pursuing researchinterests may take elective time at any point in their training todevelop their projects, and are given one half day per week.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase exposure to addictions training.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Psychiatry. Neurology.

Internal Medicine.

> Other: A commitment to evidence-based medicine and workwith the seriously mentally ill. An interest in psychiatric care inunderserviced regions and underserviced subspecialties. Aninterest in basic or clinical research is preferred, but not essential.

Strengths: Strong clinical and didactic teaching. Depth of clinicalresources, including all age groups and subspecialties. Flexible,diverse electives.

Other Key Features: Please see the CaRMS Website for moredetail regarding our program.

Common Clinical Encounters: Schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder.Personality disorders. Depression. Anxiety disorders.



Second third of program 40–50 10 1:6

Final third of program 40–50 10 1:7

Research Expectations: There are many opportunities to doresearch, including Master’s and Ph.D. work. All residents areexpected to have some exposure to research (Grand Roundspresentations, critical appraisal of research papers, etc.).

Areas to Improve Program: Lack of emergency room experiencehas been a weakness in our program and is being addressed.Addictions Psychiatry has also been a weakness, and a newPsychiatrist has been recruited in this field.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: General Adult Psychiatry.

Geriatric Psychiatry. Child Psychiatry.

> Other: Electives and/or research in field of Psychiatry. Develop a solid knowledge of general medicine.

University of AlbertaResidency Program Director: Dr. Kathy Collinson

Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta1E6.13 Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences CentreEdmonton AB T6G 2B7Tel: (780) 407-6938, Fax: (780) 407-6672Program Administrator: Brenda Meier and Kathy BushEmail: [email protected] and [email protected]

McMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Karen Saperson

St. Joseph’s Centre for Mountain Services100 West 5th, Box 585Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3K7Telephone: (905) 522-1155, ext. 336647, Fax: (905) 575-6085Email: [email protected]: http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca Program Assistant: Claire KostyshynEmail: [email protected]


Strengths: Sound grounding in core training, with opportunitiesfor research. Full-day academic program. Diverse experiences for electives.

Other Key Features: We wish to select the very best candidatesfor our program. We DO NOT select only candidates from ourown undergraduates; we hope to attract the best and thebrightest from across Canada.

Common Clinical Encounters: Schizophrenia. Mood disorders.Psychiatric emergencies. Child Psychiatry. Substance use/dual diagnosis.


First third of program 28 6 ~1/10

Second third of program 29 6 ~1/10

Final third of program 29 6 ~1/10

Research Expectations: Residents are encouraged to participatein research from the start, but it is not compulsory.

Areas to Improve Program: Drug and alcohol/substance usetraining. More time for delivering Psychotherapy.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Psychiatry. Neurology.

Internal Medicine.

> Other: Demonstrate a mature, caring, and responsibleinterpersonal stance. Perform well in medical school in bothwork and play. A desire to be trained with the best colleaguesavailable.

Strengths: Psychotherapies and subspecialty training (Forensics,Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychogeriatrics). Collegial,collaborative relationship between faculty and residents. Superb,state-of-the-art facility.

Other Key Features: Community Psychiatry Program involvesregular visits to local community clinics or trips to the Arcticaccompanied by faculty.

Common Clinical Encounters: Mood disorders. Psychoticdisorders. Child & adolescent Psychiatric syndromes. Personalitydisorders. Anxiety disorders.


First third of program 30–35 3–6 6–10

Second third of program 30–35 3–6 6–10

Final third of program 25–30 10–15 4–8

Research Expectations: Research is mandatory and each residentis expected to produce one publishable paper that meets theCPA guidelines for publication. Presentations at Annual ResidentResearch Day strongly encouraged.

Areas to Improve Program: Enhance addictions training.Enhance Interpersonal Psychotherapy training.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Psychiatry. Neurology. Addictions

Medicine. Developmental Pediatrics.

> Other: Take relevant electives. Develop strong interpersonaland communication skills and demonstrate these in theinterview. A demonstrated interest in Psychiatric training viaeducation experiences, courses, and an exposure to the mentalhealth field via volunteer work or related paid employment.

Strengths: High-quality training and faculty. Funded six-month,out-of-province elective. Residents are valued and respected.

Other Key Features: There is one entire day per week of protectedacademic time. There are also five additional days of protectedacademic time per six months for scholarly work or study.

Common Clinical Encounters: Depression. Anxiety disorders.Bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia. Alcohol abuse and dependence.


First third of program 8 2–3 1/7

Second third of program 8 2–3 1/9

Final third of program 8 2–3 1/11

Research Expectations: We expect a junior research projectcompleted by April PGY3, and a senior research projectcompleted by April PGY5.

Areas to Improve Program: Increase the number of residents in our program. Increase elective opportunities; more facultyneeded for this.

University of SaskatchewanProgram Director: Dr. Vern Bennett

Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Saskatchewan, Royal University HospitalRm. 108, Ellis Hall, Saskatoon SK S7N 0W8Tel: (306) 966-8233, Fax: (306) 966-8237Email: [email protected]: http://www.medicine.usask.ca/psychiatry/Program Administrator: Ms. Kristine NeudorfEmail: [email protected]

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. Jonathan Fleming

Department of PsychiatryUniversity of British Columbia2775 Laurel Street, Room 11167Diamond Centre, Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9Tel: (604) 875-4111, Local 68092, Fax: (604) 875-5438Email: [email protected]: http://www.psychiatry.ubc.ca/teaching/Postgraduate_Medical_Education__Residency_Program_.htm

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Leon Mowchun

Department of PsychiatryPsycHealth CentrePZ-412, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3E 3N4Tel: (204) 787-3610, Fax: (204) 787-4879Email: [email protected]


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Internal Medicine. Neurology.

Pediatrics.

> Other: Genuine interest in Psychiatry, and commitment, as it is hard work. Mature personality. Sense of responsibility andability to take initiative.

Strengths: Diversity and depth of training: General Psychiatry to subspecialty (e.g., Neuropsychiatry). Opportunities for paralleltraining: clinician-scientist, clinician-educator, underservicedareas. Resident involvement at all levels of program development,social opportunities to curriculum.

Other Key Features: Well-rounded program with diverse trainingexperiences and settings sensitive to the education and careerdevelopment needs of Psychiatry residents. Enhanced trainingavailable for future researchers, educators, and those sensitive to underserviced Psychiatry needs.

Common Clinical Encounters: Successful professional withrecent onset depression, hopelessness. Involvement withmultidisciplinary team addressing care of homeless men withschizophrenia. Liaising with medical/surgical teams regardingdelirious patient on medical/surgical floor. Emergency roomassessment of person with new onset psychosis brought in bypolice. Suicidal ideation in a young person with difficultymaintaining stable relationships/lifestyle.

Workload: N/A

Research Expectations: Research is not a mandatory componentof training.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Emergency Psychiatry.

Consultation-liaison Psychiatry. Community Psychiatry (e.g. with a PACT team).

> Other: Electives in Clinical Psychiatry. Involvement incommunity resources/volunteer activities related to mentalhealth/well-being. High evaluation in Psychiatry clerkshipemphasizing interest in/empathy for Psychiatric patients.

Strengths: Small but comprehensive training program, flexible toindividual training choices. Innovative PGY1 year with academicThursdays year-round. Many opportunities for individual attentionand supervision.

Other Key Features: The PGY1 year includes a full month oforientation and three additional months of Psychiatry. Thechild/adolescent program is consistently strong. Comprehensiveprograms in Neuropsychiatry, Trauma, Psychotherapy, Mood,Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia Treatment and Research, andDual Diagnosis Developmental Disorders; also programs inForensics and in Addictions. A shared care program is beinginitiated. Residents are freed from clinical work on Thursdays to attend seminars and lectures on research.

Common Clinical Encounters: Anxiety, mood disorders. Substancemisuse and induced conditions. Psychotic disorders. Adjustmentdisorders and psychological trauma. Personality disorders.





Research Expectations: Research is not mandatory, but isencouraged. There are various funding opportunities for residentresearch and qualified faculty to assist. Some residents completea Master’s degree during their training. There is lots of supportand flexibility in this respect.

Areas to Improve Program: We are developing a protocol toimprove and strengthen the education experience for Psychiatryresidents in the ER. We are expanding opportunities forambulatory, community experiences in Adult Psychiatry.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Emergency Psychiatry.

General Adult Psychiatry (hospital or community-based).Child/Adolescent Psychiatry.

> Other: Demonstrate a genuine interest in Psychiatry. Write a strong personal letter. Demonstrate good interpersonal skillsand professionalism.

University of Western OntarioProgram Director: Dr. Christopher Tidd

UWO Department of PsychiatryRoom 5058London Health Sciences Centre - South Street Hospital375 South Street, London ON N6A 4G5Tel: (519) 667-6554, Fax: (519) 667-6564Email: [email protected]: http://www.psychiatry.med.uwo.ca/

University of TorontoProgram Director: Dr. Ari Zaretsky

Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthCollege Street SiteSuite 833, 250 College Street, Toronto ON M5T 1R8Tel: (416) 979-6911, Fax: (416) 979-6928Website: http://www.utpsychiatry.ca Postgraduate Education Coordinator: Brenda CerilliEmail: [email protected] Assistant: Sue EcclesEmail: [email protected]


Programs Not RespondingMcGill UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Dara CharneyDepartment of Psychiatry, McGill University1033 Pine Avenue, West, Room #107, Montreal QC H3A 1A1Tel: (514) 398-7294, Fax: (514) 398-4370Administrative and Student Affairs Coordinator: Jayne Watson SevignyEmail: [email protected]

Memorial University of NewfoundlandProgram Director: Dr. David CraigDiscipline of PsychiatryHealth Sciences CentrePrince Philip Drive, St. John’s NL A1B 3V6Tel: (709) 777-8371, Fax: (709) 777-8370Email: [email protected] Program Administrator: Donna DwyerTelephone: (709) 777-8464Email: [email protected]

Queen’s UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Nasreen RobertsDepartment of PsychiatryHotel Dieu HospitalBrock 548, Kingston ON K7L 5G2Tel: (613) 544-3400, ext. 2507, Fax: (613) 544-7079Email: [email protected]

Université de MontréalProgram Director: Dr Paul LespéranceDépartement de psychiatrieUniversité de MontréalC.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal QC H3C 3J7Tel: (514) 343-7756, Fax: (514) 343-5785Email: [email protected] Contact : Mme Anne GosselinEmail: [email protected]: http://www.psychia.umontreal.ca

Université de SherbrookeProgram Director : Dr. Lynn Gaudreault and Dr. Pierre BeausejourCHUS Hôtel-Dieu580, rue Bowen Sud, Sherbrooke QC J1G 2E8Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 26596, Fax : (819) 822-6744Email: [email protected] [email protected]: http://www.usherbrooke.ca/psychiatrie/ Administrative Assistant : Manon BeaudryEmail : [email protected]

Université LavalProgram Director: Dr. Lucie CaronDépartement de psychiatrieLocal 2463, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry Faculté de médecine - Université Laval Québec (Québec), G1V 0A6Tel: (418) 656-2131, ext. 2618, Fax: (418) 656-3821Email: [email protected]: Guylaine BlaisEmail: [email protected]

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Beverly AdamsDepartment of Psychiatry1403 29th Street NW, Calgary AB T2N 2T9Tel: (403) 944-1271, Fax: (403) 270-3451Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Katharine GillisDepartment of PsychiatryOttawa Hospital, General Campus501 Smyth Road, Room 4418, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6Tel: (613) 737-8955, Fax: (613) 739-9980Email: [email protected]

University of Ottawa – NOSM StreamProgram Director: Dr. Katherine GillisNorthern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM)Postgraduate Education935 Ramsey Lake RoadSudbury, ON P3E 2C6Telephone: (705) 662-7106, Fax: (705) 662-7143Regional Director: Dr. David CochraneCoordinator, Postgraduate Specialty Medicine: Ms. Marissa GiustiEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyRadiation Oncology is a branch of Clinical Medicine that utilizesionizing radiation to treat patients, most often those with cancer.Radiation Oncologists are an integral part of the multidisciplinarymanagement of a cancer patient and must collaborate closelywith other Oncologists, Radiologists, and other Physicians inrelated disciplines.

Overview of ProgramIn Canada, all Radiation Oncology programs are five years induration. The first year is generally a broad-based clinical year,with rotations in specialties that could include Surgery, Gynecology,Pediatrics, Hematology, Oncology, and ENT. Following this year,some programs have extra training in Internal Medicine andopportunities for electives. Three or more full years are devotedto Radiation Oncology training, with rotations based either ontumour site or preceptor. Didacticacademic teaching aboutOncology, Physics, and other related topics is an important partof the programs. Also, research is a recommended or mandatorycomponent of the programs. There are often opportunities forinterprovincial or international electives.

Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Brachytherapy> Gynecologic Radiation Oncology> Head and Neck Radiation Oncology> Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy> Pediatric Radiation Oncology> Proton Beam Radiotherapy> Stereotactic Radiotherapy

RADIATION ONCOLOGY




















Number of Reference Letters and Due Date: Three referenceletters; due date as per CaRMS deadlines.

Personal Letter Information and Due Date: Personal lettermandatory; due date as per CaRMS deadlines.

Strengths: Excellent one-to-one teaching from staff RadiationOncologists. Multidisciplinary clinics and tumour boards/conferences that facilitate resident learning. Well-organizedformal teaching, e.g., academic half day, resident rounds.

Other Key Features: Dalhousie accepts one resident per year; the small program allows great flexibility, one-to-one teaching,and hands-on clinical experience. Residents have been verysuccessful in completing research projects in recent years underthe direction of Dr. Derek Wike, departmental research advisor.

Common Clinical Encounters: Breast cancer adjuvant radiationconsults and treatment. Prostate cancer consults and treatment.Lung cancer consults and treatment. Head and neck cancerconsults and treatment. Palliative radiation of all tumour sites.




Final third of program 40 15–20 Reduced

Research Expectations: Research is done in second and thirdportions of program; mandatory completion of one project butideally two projects between last half of PGY2 and PGY5.

Areas to Improve Program: More equipment such as planning/contouring computers or workstations to allow residentseducation time as well as clinical time for radiation treatmentplanning/dosimetry. More personnel in Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics to allow more teaching and researchopportunities for residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiation Oncology. Palliative

Care. Medical Oncology.

> Other: Do electives in Radiation Oncology. Demonstrate inmedical school that you are hard-working and want to pursueRadiation Oncology as a specialty. Maintain your hobbies,interests, and fun activities to show you are a well-roundedperson who can balance the demands of residency andpersonal life.

Strengths: Well-structured teaching program consisting of: 15 Radiation Oncologists, four fellows and 20 residents. Verystrong medical physics program. State-of-the-art equipment andtechnology , including Tomotherapy, High-dose-rateBrachytherapy, CT and MRI Planning Systems, Image-guidedRadiotherapy. The residents are exposed to a large patientpopulation with a wide range of common and less commonclinical situations. support program development and residenttraining. Large patient population allowing good exposure tocommon and less common clinical situations.

Other Key Features: Highly competitive program with emphasison research both at the clinical and basic sciences level.

Common Clinical Encounters: Breast, Prostate, Lung, Gastro-intestinal, and Head and Neck cancer.


First third of program 45 10 1/4 wks

Second third of program 45 10 1/9 wks

Final third of program 45 10 1/9 wks

*Rotate off service in 1st year.

Research Expectations: A minimum of one research project isexpected, which will lead to presentation at a scientific meetingand/or a publication. Many opportunities for research are available.

Areas to Improve Program: Structure teaching activities alreadygiven on a two-year cycle so trainees review all tumour sites twiceduring residency. Complete CT Web-based teaching modules toallow the trainees to review Physics and Radiobiology courses.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiation Oncology. Medical

Oncology. Palliative Care or Surgical Oncology.

> Other: Manifest good aptitude to work in a team and aninterest in research.

Dalhousie UniversityDr. Murali Rajaraman

Room 2200A, Dickson BldgNova Scotia Cancer Centre5820 University Ave., Halifax NS B3H 1V7Tel: (902) 473-6010, Fax: (902) 473-1273Program Contact: Lucille WhiteEmail: [email protected]

McGill UniversityDr. George Shenouda

Department of Radiation OncologyMontreal General Hospital1650 Cedar Avenue, Room D5-400, Montreal QC H3G 1A4Tel: (514) 934-8040, Fax: (514) 934-8392Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Medium-sized program enables equal opportunitiesto all residents. Opportunity for clinical and evidence-basedresearch—residents have won prizes for their research.Dedicated and supportive teaching staff/mentors.

Other Key Features: McMaster has pioneered Evidence-BasedResearch; hence, residents have ample opportunities to getinvolved in clinical research. Our centre has dedicated teachersand excellent clinicians committed to the training of residents.Collegial atmosphere.

Common Clinical Encounters: Diagnosis, management, andtreatment of common malignancies. Clinical examination ofbody parts/systems for malignancy (H&N, ENT, Gyn, etc.).Communicating diagnoses and prognoses to patient and family.Palliative treatment (e.g., management of bone pain, spinal cordcompression). Health advocacy—advising patients/familiesabout risks of developing cancer and measures for decreasingthose risks (e.g., smoking and cancer).




Final third of program 20–25 25 N/A in last

six mos

Research Expectations: At least one project for publication/presentation at a national meeting. There are mentors,supervisors, and protected time to do research. Master’s leveland/or doctorate level research is not required, but Master’s canbe done as a two-year fellowship after residency.

Areas to Improve Program: Adequate funding to let the residentsattend conferences/other educational activities. Adequate officespace for residents.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiation Oncology (32 weeks).

Oncology-related specialties (Medical Oncology, Hematology,Palliative Care, etc). Diagnostic Radiology.

> Other: Good communication skills. Should feel comfortablewith technology (computers).

Strengths: Small program focused on individual residents. One-to-one teaching. Strong research program.

Other Key Features: Research program is a real strength.Opportunities to do electives elsewhere. Resident input activelysought and listened to with respect to program development.

Common Clinical Encounters: This is a difficult question, ascancer is actually many different diseases. Residents will rotatethrough various tumour sites/preceptors, gaining experience inall malignancies. The most common cancers are breast, lung,prostate, and GI, but the residents do not spend all of their timein these areas. There is typically a balance between consultclinics, follow-up, treatment planning, and treatment reviewclinics. There is some inpatient care, but the program is based in an ambulatory care setting.


First third of program 40–50 15 1:5–1:6

Second third of program 40–50 15 1:5–1:6

Final third of program 40–50 Exam prep 2nd call

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Residents are expectedto complete one small (outcomes) research project and onelarger project. Master’s level and doctorate opportunities areavailable as a fellowship after residency.

Areas to Improve Program: Recruit one to two more staff.Greater contribution to the national meeting.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiation Oncology in Kingston

or elsewhere. Ivan Smith Summer Studentship or otherOncology studentship.

> Other: Spend time in the field. Have an understanding of allteam players and their contributions. Have an awareness ofwhat the daily activities of a Radiation Oncologist might be.

Strengths: Large program with excellent track record. Largenumber of patients and exposure to all aspects of RadiationOncology. Strong research background.


University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. Roy Ma

B.C. Cancer Agency - Vancouver Centre600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 4E6Tel: (604) 877-6000, ext. 2006, Fax: (604) 877-0505Email: [email protected]

McMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Ian Dayes

Juravinski Cancer Centre699 Concession Street, Hamilton ON L8V 5C2Tel: (905) 387-9495, Fax: (905) 575-6326Email: [email protected] Assistant: Karen DoughertyTel: (905) 387-9495 ext.64628Email: [email protected]

Queen’s UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Maria Kalyvas

Department of Radiation OncologyCancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario at Kingston 25 King Street West, Kingston, Ontario K7L 5P9 Tel: 613) 544-2631, ext. 6647Email: [email protected] Coordinator: Micheline Primeau-FoleyEmail: [email protected]: http://www.krcc.on.ca/roru


Common Clinical Encounters: Breast cancer. Prostate cancer.Lung cancer. Gyne. GU.

Workload: This is mostly an outpatient-based residency trainingprogram. The inpatient load is small. The workloads mainlyconsist of consultations and follow-up clinics. RadiationTreatment planning is an integral part of the program. Residentsare required to read throughout the program. The academicaspect of the program is strong. On call: 1:5–1:6 weeks.

Research Expectations: Residents are expected to do oneresearch project per year. There is also a possibility of a six-month elective/research time at the discretion of the ProgramDirector and depending on the interest of the trainee.

Areas to Improve Program: This is a very strong program. Moreconsistent teaching in Radiology would be desirable. Thisparticular aspect of the program is currently being addressed.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiation Oncology. Surgery.Internal Medicine.

> Other: Excellent academic record. Research experience.Personal maturity and integrity.

Strengths: Good mix of experienced staff/new recruits.Technologically one of the most advanced centres.

Other Key Features: One of the few academic centres with alloncology-related specialties. Recently received six-year fullaccreditation from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeonsof Canada.

Common Clinical Encounters: GU Prostate. Lung. Breast.Colorectal (GI). Gyn.

Workload:N/A

Research Expectations:None in 1st year. More than six monthsof research available in PGY2/3, or can do longitudinal projects.Research is strongly recommended.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiation Oncology. RadiationOncology. Radiation Oncology.

> Other: Elective in Radiation Oncology. Enjoy seeing patients.

Strengths: Excellent teachers who are supportive of theresidents. Excellent variety and high volume of adult Oncologycases. Only fully functional brachytherapy program in Ontarioand largest in Canada. Also, we have a good research emphasis,and state-of-the-art technical facilities for Radiation Treatment.

Other Key Features: One of the training programs that hasachieved a high success rate in the Royal College examination.Strong brachytherapy program.

Common Clinical Encounters: Lung. Breast. Prostate.Gastrointestinal malignancies. CNS malignancies.





Research Expectations:Up to six months in 3rd year of residency.

Areas to Improve Program: Expand the scope of researchavailable to residents. Strengthen teaching in critical appraisal,practice management, and team.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiation Oncology. Pathology.Surgery.

> Other: Present yourself for interview. Good undergraduatebackground.

Strengths: One of the leading Radiation Oncology departmentsin the world. A supportive, collegial, multiprofessional, andmultidisciplinary environment, with a structured educationprogram that is flexible and responsive to student needs.Remarkable wealth of resources available to the program(patients, technical resources, teachers, and research).

Other Key Features: After you complete our program you will bean outstanding clinician. You will have the skills to innovate andlead. You will make a difference. There are outstanding jobopportunities.

CommonClinical Encounters:Curable localized cancer in patientswho wish to preserve organ function through radiotherapy.Curable localized cancer that requires a combination of

University of CalgaryProgram Director: Dr. Theresa Trotter

Department of Radiation OncologyTom Baker Cancer Centre1331 29th Street NW, Calgary AB T2N 4N2Tel: (403) 521-3775, Fax: (403) 283-1651Email: [email protected] Administrator: Betty PowEmail: [email protected]

University of TorontoDr. Barbara-Ann Millar

Medical Education OfficePrincess Margaret Hospital-5th floor610 University Avenue, Suite 5-957, Toronto ON M5G 2M9Tel: (416) 946-2131, Fax: (416) 946-4442Program Administrator: Kim O’HearnEmail: [email protected]

University of OttawaProgram Director: Dr. Choan E.

Division of Radiation OncologyThe Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Centre501 Smyth Rd., Ottawa ON K1H 8L6Tel: (613) 737-7700, Fax: (613) 247-3511


chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Incurable cancer spreadto organs resulting in pain, bleeding, or other symptomstreatable with Radiation Therapy. Oncology emergencies such asspinal cord compression. “Salvage” radiotherapy for recurrentcancer after curative surgery.




Final third of program 35–40 20–30 10

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. We want residents to do several projects that result in several publications. TheRCPSC permits that six months be devoted to research. Manyresidents do longitudinal projects and do not request formalresearch time. We will facilitate a Master’s or doctorate if it isyour wish.

Areas to Improve Program: Better integration of Imaging and Pathology into the curriculum. Improved national andprovincewide systems for career planning.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiation Oncology.

Medical Oncology. Surgical Oncology.

> Other: Initiate and complete a scholarly project. Get references from a Radiation Oncologist outlining yoursuitability for the field. Excellent clinical skills, diagnosticability, and patient communication.

Strengths: Strong didactic and small group teaching in oncology,physics and treatment planning. Excellent clinical facultycommitted to teaching. Good balance between clinical, researchand teaching requirements during residency training. Awarded2007 PAIRO Residency Program Excellence Award.

Other Key Features: Academic half-day and treatment planningrounds weekly. Grand rounds and multidisciplinary teammeetings weekly.

Common Clinical Encounters: New patient clinical assessments.Post-treatment follow-up. On-treatment assessment. Externalbeam and brachytherapy planning and treatment.


First third of program 35–40 5 5–6

Second third of program 35–40 5 5–6

Final third of program 35–40 10 5–6

Research Expectations: Research encouraged with non-mandatoryexpectation of one research project completed by the end ofresidency training.

Areas to Improve Program: Updating program to reflectCANMEDS roles.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Radiation oncology, medical oncology.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité LavalProgram Director: Isabelle VallièresCHUQ – Hôtel-Dieu de Québec11 Côte du Palais, Québec QC G1R 2J6Tel: (418) 691-5151, ext. 15763, Fax: (418) 691-5268Email: [email protected] Person: Mme Annie MorelEmail: [email protected]

University of AlbertaDr. George DundasCross Cancer InstituteRadiation Oncology11560 University Avenue, Edmonton AB T6G 1Z2Tel: (780) 432-8754, Fax: (780) 432-8380Email: [email protected]

University of ManitobaProgram Director: Dr. Junliang LiuRadiation OncologyCancer Care ManitobaON3260 - 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3E 0V9Tel: (204) 787-1400, Fax: (204) 786-0194Email: [email protected] Program Contact: Wendy BencharskiEmail: [email protected]

Description of SpecialtyUrology is a surgical specialty that deals with diseases of themale and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.Urology covers diagnosis and treatment of both adults andchildren. Although Urology is classified as a surgical specialty,the Urologist is required to have knowledge of Internal Medicine,Pediatrics, Gynecology, and other specialties because of the widevariety of clinical problems encountered.

Overview of ProgramAll programs in Urology are five years in duration and aredesigned to complete the requirements set out by the RoyalCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In general, thePGY1 and PGY2 years consist of core surgery training to preparethe individual for Part II of the Medical Council of CanadaQualifying Examination and the Principles of SurgicalExamination. PGY3 to 5 offer exposure to Surgical and ClinicalUrology by rotating through different urological services withincreasing operative exposure and level of responsibility inpreparation for the Royal College Examinations. At the conclusionof the final year, the trainee should be able to functionindependently as a urologic consultant.

University of Western OntarioDr. Tracy Sexton

Radiation OncologyLondon Regional Cancer Centre Program790 Commissioners Road East, London ON N6A 4L6Tel: (519) 685-8650, Ext. 53675 Fax: (519) 685-8627Administrative Officer: Kim NortonTel: (519) 685-8600, ext. 53675Email: [email protected]

UROLOGY


Fellowships offered without Royal College status:> Andrology (Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction)> Endo-urology> Female Urology> Laparoscopic Surgery> Neuro-urology Urodynamics> Pediatric Urology> Reconstructive surgery> Renal Transplantation and Transplant Immunology > Urologic Oncology




















Strengths: Large clinical volume. Very structured academicprogram. All subspecialties. The people in our program.

Other Key Features: Opportunity for electives. Broad range ofclinical experiences in several hospitals

Common Clinical Encounters: Prostate disease, Incontinence,Stones, Laparoscopy, Oncology, Pediatrics.





Research Expectations: One project per year, or ongoingprospective project(s).

Areas to Improve Program: Enhance minimally invasive program.Hire more urologists.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Urology at Dalhousie or elsewhere

in Canada.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful must maintain anadequate academic record. Choose clinical electives in Urologyand demonstrate interest in this specialty by research, etc.

Strengths: Large and varied operative experience. Committedteaching facility. Small program with good camaraderie amongresidents and faculty. Clinical Investigator Program for thoseinterested.

Other Key Features: This is a superb training program that willprepare candidates to practise Urology anywhere and in whateverfields they wish to pursue.

Common Clinical Encounters: Prostate cancer. Other GUmalignancies. Voiding difficulties in all age groups. Urinary tractinfections in all age groups. Erectile dysfunction.

Workload: First third of program is the core surgery year with a varied exposure to various medical and surgical disciplinesrelevant to Urology. Call ranges from no call to one and three in-house call depending upon the service. All rotations arehospital-based, with varied clinic exposure depending upon theservice. After-hours reading is required throughout the program. The second third of the program is as a junior urology resident.The typical workweek is about 60 hours and is hospital-based.This workweek is a mixture of clinics, ambulatory care, warcoverage, operative exposures, and an academic half day onceper week. Call is one-in-three home call. Reading is an ongoingcommitment during the day as well as after hours. The last third of the training program is a senior or chiefresident. Over time, the resident assumes more and moreresponsibility for the operative and postoperative care ofpatients. Exposure to ambulatory care and clinics continues butis less than in junior years. The main focus is on operativeexposure. Call is one and three throughout the final two yearsand is home call. Reading is after hours.

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Each resident isresponsible for one clinical research project per year. This ispresented at a regional meeting. The project is completed duringthe academic half day, during the regular day as time permits,and after hours. The opportunity exists to obtain an M.Sc. orPh.D. This would require taking a minimum of two years outsidethe five-year Urology program. This is usually done in betweenthe second and third years or third and fourth years. It could bedone as part of the Clinical Investigator Program.

Dalhousie UniversityProgram Director (including MUN Stream): Dr. Greg Bailly

Program Contact: Laila RockmanQueen Elizabeth II Health Sciences CentreVictoria General SiteVictoria Building, 5 South, Room 2941278 Tower Road, Halifax NS B3H 2Y9Tel: (902) 473-5469, Fax: (902) 473-5850Email: [email protected], [email protected]

McGill UniversityDr. Serge Carrier

c/o Urology Residency Program Office, Room L9.416Montreal General Hospital1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal QC H3A 1A4Tel: (514) 934-8209, Fax: (514) 934-8210Administrative Coordinatory: Elena BlessEmail: [email protected]: http://www.mcgillurology.com/


Areas to Improve Program: Increase the number of residents totwo per year. Increase elective time.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Urology. Besides Urology, the

resident is advised to obtain a broad and varied exposure toother disciplines during medical school. There are no specificelectives required; however, the candidate is discouraged fromspending all of his or her time in Urology.

> Other: Candidates are encouraged to obtain strong academicrecords, have elective experience in Urology with referencesattesting to an ability to fit in and get along with others, andhave proven leader/participant experience in outside interestsdemonstrating that they have balanced lifestyles.

Strengths: Young, committed faculty determined to develop an excellent residency training program. Innovative teachingmethods with an early emphasis on intra-operative experience.Opportunities to participate in clinical and basic science research.

Other Key Features: Largest laparoscopic program in Ontario,with early exposure for residents.

Common Clinical Encounters: Voiding dysfunction. Renal colic.Prostate cancer. Renal failure and transplantation. Kidneycancer.





Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Residents will producetwo projects of some type during their residency. These will takethe form of either a case report, chart review, prospective orretrospective series, or basic sciences project. Funding will beprovided for the projects and for any travel related topresentation of these papers.

Areas to Improve Program: Continued recruitment of new staff.Increased funding for research.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: All students should endeavour to

do a Urology elective at our site, or Urology electives at othercentres, and Nephrology and transplant electives.

> Other: Candidates should have strong elective experience,demonstrate knowledge of Urology in the personal letter, andparticipate in some form of research to demonstrate interestand commitment.

Strengths: Small, concentrated program. Staff dedicated to the education of residents. Staff are international experts in their field.

Other Key Features: Dedication to residents’ education by allstaff. Significant opportunity for a research career. Excellentworking environment.

Common Clinical Encounters: Hematuria. PSA abnormalities.Stress incontinence. Renal stones. Renal masses.

Workload: Difficult to describe given the program’s set-up.

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. Clinical researchthroughout residency.

Areas to Improve Program: More government support (money).

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Urology. General Surgery.

Transplant medicine.

> Other: Candidates are encouraged to complete the suggestedelectives. Contact the programs you are interested in.Contribute research in the field.

Strengths: Excellent clinical exposure. Excellent surgicalexposure. Well-structured education program. The programincludes a four-week vacation period, seven work days per yearavailable to study for major exams, seven days available forconferences. Expenses paid for conferences when presenting.Paid memberships to AUA and CUA included. Departmentalresources include an up-to-date library, access to electronicMedline and Internet. Financial support for books. Registrationto T-RES.

Common Clinical Encounters: Oncology, Infertility, Sexualdysfunction, Laparoscopic surgery, Endourology, Female urology.

Research Expectations: Basic research available in oncology(prostate and kidney cancer). Clinical research in epidemiology(oncology, quality of life issues).

McMaster UniversityProgram Director: Dr. Anil Kapoor

G344 – St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave. E., Hamilton ON L8N 4A6Tel: (905) 522-1155 ext. 33218, Fax: (905) 528-3043Email: [email protected]

Université de MontréalProgram Director: Dr. François Bénard

CHUM – Hôpital St-Luc1058 St. Denis #6223A , Montréal QC H2X 3J4Tel: (514) 890-8311, Fax: (514) 412-7411Contact Person: Simone Dekker, SecretaryEmail: [email protected]: http://www.chir.umontreal.ca

Queen’s UniversityDr. R. Siemens

c/o Ms. Beverly HowesDepartment of Urology - Victory IVKingston General Hospital76 Stuart Street, Kingston ON K7L 2V7Tel: (613) 549-6666, ext. 3743, Fax: (613) 545-1970Email: [email protected] Assistant: Ms. Beverly HowesEmail: [email protected]: http://www.queens-urology.ca/, http://www.queensu.ca,http://tourism.kingstoncanada.com/


Strengths: Clinical volume. Surgical exposure. High quality of residents.

Other Key Features: It is not true that UBC “only takes its own.”Very strong tradition of training talented surgeons.

Common Clinical Encounters: Prostate cancer. BPH. Urolithiasis,urosepsis. Hematuria, congenital uropathies, renaltransplantations.





Research Expectations: Clinical projects are expected throughouttraining, but there is no specific research rotation dedicated todo so.

Areas to Improve Program: More staff, operating time, andresources.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Urology. Uroradiology.

Nephrology/Transplant.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful must have beenexposed to other programs via electives, have had involvementin a urological research project as a student, and have done anelective with us so we can become familiar with you.

Strengths: Small (approximately 10 residents) and closeinterpersonal relationship with attendings. State-of-the-artendoscopy suite.

Other Key Features: Community rotation. Pediatric urology.

Common Clinical Encounters: Oncology, Pediatrics, infertility,laproscopy, erectile dysfunction, female urology.



Second third of program 45 10 > 1 in 4

Final third of program 35 15-20 > 1 in 4

Research Expectations: Present annually at local residentsresearch day. Aim is to present research at national, internationalmeeting 2-3 times. Publication encouraged if project worthy.

Areas to Improve Program: Transplants, laproscopy exposure,increase research opportunities.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Approximately six weeks exposure

to urology to ensure understand the specialty. Demonstratesurgical ability. Team player.

> Other: Visit site of interest before interviews/CaRMS.

Strengths: Excellent clinical exposure. Almost one-to-one staff-to-resident ratio. Superb collegiality among residents and staff.

Other Key Features: Superb clinical training program with accessto all necessary urologic resources. Great collegiality betweenresidents and staff, with ++ social interaction. Surgical trainingsecond to none in the country. Pass rate at Royal College exams100% for the past 15 years.

Common Clinical Encounters: Prostate cancer. Stones. BPH.Incontinence. Pediatric urology.


First third of program Heavy Moderate Variable

Second third of program Heavy Heavy Average

Final third of program Moderate Heavy Average

Research Expectations: None in 1st year. One project per yearthereafter. At least two national/international presentationsduring the residency.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Three Urology electives.

> Other: Candidates wishing to be successful are encouraged todo Urology electives during clerkship, and to be communicative,collegial, and easygoing.

University of ManitobaDr. K. Psooy

c/o Donna CoulisSection of UrologySt. Boniface General HospitalRm Z3033 - 409 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg MB R2H 2A6Tel: (204) 235-3375, Fax: (204) 237-3429Program Contact: Donna CoulisEmail: [email protected]: http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/surgery/

University of British ColumbiaProgram Director: Dr. A. E. MacNeily

Department of Urologic SciencesContact – Fern RushtonDepartment of Urologic Sciences, Office of Education, Rm #6106 Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9Tel: (604) 875-4111, ext. 67932, Fax: (604) 875-4637Program Contact : F. J. RushtonEmail: [email protected]

University of OttawaDr. J. Stuart Oake

General Campus, Ottawa Hospital501 Smyth Road, Box 222, Ottawa ON K1H 8L6Tel: (613) 737-8899, ext. 79264, Fax: (613) 737-8694Email: [email protected]


Strengths: Wide clinical exposure. Nationally and internationallyknown faculty. Expertise in all specialty aspects of Urology.


Common Clinical Encounters: Oncology, female and malevoiding dysfunction. Urolithiasis. Sexual dysfunction. Infection(upper and lower urinary tract).

Workload: Daily surgical/ward exposure. Academic half day.Multiple courses. Surgical skills lab. Visiting professors. Specialrounds. Hospital and university rounds. Call as per PAIRO.

Research Expectations: One clinical research project per juniorand senior levels. Ability to go into surgical scientist program toachieve Master’s or Ph.D. level degree.


MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Should do two to three electives

in Urology in Toronto.

> Other: Candidates are encouraged to attain good grades inmedical school, have gained exposure to Urology withelective/core rotation experience, and demonstrate theirdesire/ability to become a surgeon.

Strengths: High-volume clinical exposure. Medium-sizedprogram that promotes collegial learning atmosphere. Widevariety of research opportunities.

Other Key Features: Our residency program trains well-roundedUrologists. In the past few years our graduates have enteredcommunity as well as academic practices in equal proportion.

Common Clinical Encounters: Stone disease. Oncology: prostateand bladder cancer. Voiding dysfunction. BPH and incontinence.Erectile dysfunction. Transplantation.





Research Expectations: In the PGY1 and 2 years a researchproject is optional. In the PGY3–5 years a minimum of one projectper year is required. These projects can be basic science-relatedor clinical. Most residents submit their work for presentation at a national or international meeting.

Areas to Improve Program: Greater exposure to complex pediatricurologic problems. Greater clinical exposure to Neuro-urology.

MEDICAL STUDENT TIPS> Useful Electives/Experience: Urology electives at as many

different sites as possible. GU Radiology. Nephrology/Transplantation.

> Other: Candidates are encouraged to complete as many Urologyelectives at as many different programs as possible. Try and get involved in a research project if time allows; even thepreparation of a case report is useful. Have strong referenceletters; these are essential. Try to work closely with three Urologistswho can write detailed letters of support.

Programs Not RespondingUniversité de SherbrookeDr Yves PonsotService d’urologieFaculté de médecine3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke QC J1H 5N4Tel: (819) 346-1110, ext. 14595, Fax: (819) 820-6411Email : [email protected] Program Contact: Carole JacquesEmail: [email protected]

Université de LavalProgram Director: M. Jean-François Audet, MDClinique d’urologie Berger1000, Chemin Ste-Foy, Bureau 416, Québec QC G1S 2L6Tel: (418) 266-2876, Fax: (418) 266-2879Email: [email protected]

University of AlbertaProgram Director: Dr. Tim WollinAlberta Urology Institute Inc.Suite 400, Hys Centre11010 - 101 Street, Edmonton AB T5H 4B9Tel: (780) 441-2579, Fax: (780) 990-7092Contact Person: Ms. Nichole OlenekEmail: [email protected]: http://www.urologyalberta.ca/

University of Western OntarioDr. Jonathan I. Izawa

London Health Sciences Centre - Victoria Hospital800 Commissioners Road EastSuite C3-120, London ON N6A 4G5Tel: (519) 685-8550, Fax: (519) 685-8455Email: [email protected]: http://www.urology.uwo.ca/,http://www.uwo.ca/academic/, http://www.uwo.ca/

University of TorontoDr. Robert J. Stewart

Division of UrologySurgical Director, TransplantationSt. Michael’s Hospital61 Queen Street East, Suite 9111, Toronto ON M5C 2T2Tel: (416) 867-3686, Fax: (416) 867-3675Email: [email protected] Contact: Maria TersigniTel: (416) 480-5169Email: [email protected]

150 Canadian Medical Residency Guide

This chapter is a summary of a survey that was also sent to a sample of established physicians across Canada. The majority of the questions focused on lifestyle issues pertaining to theirrespective careers.

CAREER PROFILESSection D

D-1 Survey of Physicians in Practice 151

Anesthesia 151

Cardiac Surgery 152

Community Medicine 153

Dermatology 154

Diagnostic Radiology 154

Emergency Medicine 155

Family Medicine 155

General Surgery 156

Internal Medicine 156

Cardiology 157

Endocrinology 158

Gastroenterology 158

General InternalMedicine 159

Hematology 159

Infectious Disease 160

Nephrology 160

Occupational 161Medicine

Respirology 162

Rheumatology 162

Laboratory Medicine 163

Anatomical 163Pathology

General Pathology 163

Hematological 164Pathology

Medical Genetics 164

Medical 165Microbiology

Neuropathology 165

Neurology 166

Nuclear Medicine 167

Obstetrics and 167Gynecology

Ophthalmology 168

Orthopedic Surgery 169

Otolaryngology 170

Physical Medicine 171and Rehabilitation

Psychiatry 173

Radiation Oncology 174

Urology 175

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section D: Career Profiles 150


SURVEY OF PHYSICIANS IN PRACTICED-1

A word about study methodsIn this particular section, we attempted to contact physicians across the country practising in a variety of clinical settings with varied years of experience.

Members of the MSC committee generated items that were considered of interest to candidates applying to a residency program.These included financial compensation, job satisfaction, and workload. These career profile surveys were emailed to physicians, and their responses to the questions are shown below in unaltered form.

Anesthesia About you

Anesthesiologist/Occupation Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist Critical Care Anesthesiologist AnesthesiologistYears in current practice 35 36 29 15 20 12Type of practice University– Urban, Urban Teach >20; urban Teach <20; urban Teach >20; urban

clinical and 5 days/week,academic primarily

university-basedDivision of time/ 90% clinical 90% clinical, 95% clinical, 25–50% 1–25% 1–25%time in research 10% teaching 5% researchFamily status Married, Married, Married, Married, Married, Married,

two children, children three children children children children no grandchildren

About the jobAnesthesiologist/

Occupation Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist Critical Care Anesthesiologist AnesthesiologistAverage hours 60 80 80 71–100 51–70 51–70per weekThree most 1) Relatively 1) Lack of 1) Lack of 1) Inefficiency 1) Not enough 1) Stresscommon poorly paid recognition by remuneration 2) Resources time 2) Paperworkcomplaints 2) On-call means the general 2) Lack of 3) Communication 2) Recognition 3) Poor

necessarily in public resources for work done administrationhospital usually 2) Lack of 3) Lack of 3) More space support

3) Some hospital consideration control overstaff have low from surgical your practiceopinion of colleaguesAnesthesia as a and nurses (e.g., specialty Anesthesiologists

are viewed aspart of the furniture)

3) Do not get paid as much as deserved

Adequately paid? Not really No No Yes Yes NoWhat do you like Interesting work You don’t have to Helping people, Patients Helping patients, Intellectualthe most about (every case a get to know no office, interacting with challenge,the career? physiological patients well and no follow-up colleagues and interesting

experiment). develop emotional staff procedures toUniversity attachments perform,connection means challenging mix ofcontact with Pathophysiology/young, uncluttered Pharmacology.minds—ability tolearn while Making a difference teaching; no need in people’s livesto “suck up” to referring physicians—veryportable career(has allowed me towork in Northern Ontario, USA, Africa, Middle East)

Section D: Career Profiles 152Canadian Medical Residency Guide

Anesthesiologist/Occupation Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist Critical Care Anesthesiologist AnesthesiologistWhat do you want “People” skills and Increase the Increase the hourly Inefficiency Have more More flexibilityto improve? administrative income rate to attract more Anesthesiologists with hours,

skills Anesthesiologists; available to do improved supporthave more control the work by hospitalover OR time— administrationnot the (e.g., equipment,administration; personnel for OR,provision of a Recovery Room, different health and Chronic Paincare system Clinic)

Would you Yes N/A N/A N/A N/A N/AchooseAnesthesiology if you were to start a career in medicine all over again?

About your lifeAnesthesiologist/

Occupation Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologist Critical Care Anesthesiologist AnesthesiologistWhat do you Read, jog, swim Jog, read, attend Travel, exercise, Read, music, Hike, bicycle, Family activities, enjoy doing in concerts tennis, nice dinners movies ATV offroad, ballroom dancing,your spare time? photography, house/yard work

video, mapping,plotting new trails, computer, movies

Does family life Rarely Occasionally Often Often Sometimes Oftenever suffer as a result of the career?Job satisfaction 9 8 6 8 8 6(1–10)One-sentence N/A This specialty is This is a specialty Stress is a frequent Great specialty The work issummary good if you do suited to a person part of the job with lots of job exciting and

not depend on who loves and should be opportunities interesting. I loveclose Anesthesiology— recognized as such and personal what I do. Withrelationships the need for a by anyone entering satisfaction proper support with patients. rapid response, the specialty. and better chronicThere is the no time to think. pain (notopportunity to You need to be Anesthesiology)work part-time on your toes remuneration,(e.g., for mothers all the time. it would bewho want to be at terrific!home some days).

Cardiac SurgeryAbout youOccupation Cardiac SurgeryYears in current practice 7Type of practice Cardiac SurgeryTime in research It all blends into one blur!Family status Married, with 3 children

About the jobOccupation Cardiac SurgeryAverage hours per week 100Three most common symptoms reported by your patients Chest pain, anxiety, dyspneaAdequately paid? NoLike the most? Immediate gratificationWant to improve? Increased resources

About your lifeOccupation Cardiac SurgeryIn your spare time? GolfDoes family life ever suffer? YesJob satisfaction (1–10) 9One-sentence summary Very demanding and time consuming job...but this is the life I’ve

chosen.


Community MedicineAbout you

Academic Community Scientist (Researcher)Medicine Physician – and Family Community Medicine

Occupation – Assistant Professor Practice (20%) SpecialistYears in current practice Six years at U of T, Research: three years; Two in current position;

15 years of public health practice clinical practice: 13 years 20 in the fieldType of practice Teaches >20 days per year, Research-urban, Urban; teaches <20 days per year

urban practice clinical-ruralTime in research 1–25% 1 1–25%Family status Married, children Single, no children Married, children

About the jobAcademic Community Scientist (Researcher)Medicine Physician – and Family Community Medicine

Occupation Assistant Professor Practice (20%) SpecialistAverage hours per week 51–70 35–50 51–70Three most common complaints 1) Challenges in education 1) Research? N/A —

2) Infectious disease outbreaks 3) Public health surveillance,

environmental exposure, and health promotion

Three most common symptoms — — 1) Communicable diseasereported by your patients prevention and control

2) Chronic disease preventionAdequately paid? Yes Yes YesLike the most? The students, the challenge of N/A Interesting, challenging,

teaching, the focus on makes a difference incommunity health and long-term the populationimpact on health

Want to improve? Have more time to work on N/A Stable sufficient funding forevaluating effectiveness of public health, sufficient backupeducation, having more time to work on applied public health issues such as surveillance. Right now, I am a consultant and have to limit my involvement dueto the hours required to teach. Hence, I can only be involved at a more superficial level.

About your lifeAcademic Community Scientist (Researcher)Medicine Physician – and Family Community Medicine

Occupation Assistant Professor Practice (20%) SpecialistIn your spare time? Run, garden, brew beer Quite active, varied, interested Read, bike, gardenDoes family life ever suffer? Rarely (it was more difficult Rarely Sometimes

when I worked in public health but academic hours are more flexible and I can work from home more easily)

Job satisfaction (1–10) 9 9.5 6I get a bit tired every so often from marking and reading papers. However, overall I would not change it at all.

One-sentence summary Community Medicine offers Community Medicine is a Community Medicine is a fielda tremendous variety of varied specialty with an of medicine in which the healthcareer options that span inexhaustible number of options of the community or populationacademics, to research to from international development is assessed and managed. applied public health. to population-focus clinical Community Medicine There are always challenges practice. It is impossible practitioners use strategies of and one is never bored. not to find satisfying, important health promotion, health You do need to be a work. The specialty is protection, and disease self-starter in that one particularly well-suited to those prevention in improving the has to look for problems who are interested in improving health of the public.and be proactive. One also the health of entire populations has to accept a very limited as opposed to a strictly individualclinical practice. However, clinic approach.the rewards are worth it (from my perspective).

DermatologyAbout youOccupation Dermatology Resident DermatologistYears in current practice 2 15Type of practice Resident Academic/privateDivision of time Work & studying 75%, Social, other 25% 50/50 Family status Single Married

About the jobOccupation Dermatology Resident DermatologistAverage hours per week 60 50Three most common complaints Skin cancer, psoriasis, skin manifestations Pre-cancerous skin lesions, dermatitis, mole

check Adequately paid? Not really YesLike the most? Treating the patients VarietyWant to improve? I don’t really have any complaints, other Less number of patients seen

than the misperception that Dermatologists are “pimple popper MDs”

About your lifeOccupation Dermatology Resident DermatologistIn your spare time? Church activities, singing, exercising Spending time with my familyDoes family life ever suffer? Sometimes SomewhatJob satisfaction (1–10) 10 once I’m staff, but right now 9 8One-sentence summary Dermatology is a phenomenal career Interesting variety, helping people, problem

choice, where you can see a variety of solving and relative independence are conditions affecting every ethnicity and terms that describe Dermatology.all age groups. The opportunities in medical dermatology, surgery, pathology, and research are numerous. I couldn’t see myself in any other career.

Diagnostic RadiologyAbout youOccupation Diagnostic RadiologistYears in current practice 23Type of practice No research, suburbanTime in research NoneFamily status Married, children

About the jobOccupation Diagnostic RadiologistAverage hours per week 35Three most common symptoms reported by your patients 1) Pain NYD

2) Wt loss3) Cough

Adequately paid? YesLike the most? Pure diagnosticsWant to improve? Nothing

About your lifeOccupation Diagnostic RadiologistIn your spare time? Read, ski, gardenDoes family life ever suffer? RarelyJob satisfaction (1–10) 9One-sentence summary Great general multi-disciplinary overview of medicine


Emergency MedicineAbout youOccupation ER Staff GP on ER roster Chief ER StaffYears in current practice 4 30 20Type of practice Urban, Suburban,

teaches >20 days per year teaches >20 days per yearTime in research None None None/hates researchFamily status Married, two children Married Married, three boys

About the jobOccupation ER Staff GP on ER roster Chief ER StaffAverage hours per week 35–50 35–50 35–50Three most common complaints 1) Shift work 1) Back pain 1) Standard of care is dwindling

2) Hectic 2) Perceived lack of compassion by patients

3) Not paid enough for saving a life in 15 minutes

Adequately paid? Yes Yes NoLike the most? Variety of patients, Patient contact Nothing is ever the same/variety

e.g., geriatric/pediatric, male/female

Want to improve? Decrease volume, more staff More RNs Decrease patient volume, i.e., need more time for patient care

About your lifeOccupation ER Staff GP on ER roster Chief ER StaffIn your spare time? Family stuff Everything Family, tennis, jogging, skiingDoes family life ever suffer? Rarely Rarely Between sometimes and oftenJob satisfaction (0–10) 8 10 8One-sentence summary If you don’t mind shift work, Go for it. A great career that is not

this is the best you could advertised enough; you need to ask for. spend time with someone like

myself to learn about it.

Family MedicineAbout youOccupation GP Family MedicineYears in current practice 18 22Type of practice Urban, 100% independent Family Health TeamDivision of time 90% clinical, 10% research 70/30Family status Married, two children Married, two children

About the jobOccupation GP Family MedicineAverage hours per week 55 50Three most common complaints Doctor complaints: Patient complaints:

1) Too much paperwork Depression/anxiety, intercurrent illness of 2) Too many patients/clinical volume childhood, chronic disease management, 3) Staff problems diabetes, hypertension

Adequately paid? No YesLike the most? Interaction with patients Relationships Want to improve? Work less, make more Working less

About your lifeOccupation GP Family MedicineIn your spare time? Travel Golf, flying, cottage lifeDoes family life ever suffer? Always At times, late nights, callJob satisfaction (1–10) 8 9One-sentence summary This is a specialty for people who are The work gives you the opportunity to

willing to put in a lot of hours. share in people’s lives, their triumphs and tragedies, sometimes to help


General SurgeryAbout you

General Surgeon/Trauma Surgeon/Occupation General Surgeon/Administrator Critical Care Medicine/ScientistYears in current practice 27 2Type of practice HOB Oncology; teach >20 days per year; Teach <20 days per year; urban

urbanDivision of time 1–25% 25–50%Family status Married, children Married, children

About the jobGeneral Surgeon/Trauma Surgeon/

Occupation General Surgeon/Administrator Critical Care Medicine/ScientistAverage hours per week 51–70 71–100Three most common complaints — 1) Too busy

2) Too much work done off regular hours3) Too much pressure to always work more

Adequately paid? Yes YesLike the most? Clinical; changing; interesting; You can (really) make a difference between

results-oriented; administration; chance to life and deathbe a part of decision-making

Want to improve? More resources for health care based on Need more time off workREAL costs

About your lifeGeneral Surgeon/Trauma Surgeon/

Occupation General Surgeon/Administrator Critical Care Medicine/ScientistIn your spare time? Family, sports, music, theatre, Stay with family, play/watch soccer

dinners with friends Does family life ever suffer? Sometimes SometimesJob satisfaction (1–10) 7 8One-sentence summary General Surgery has a breadth and depth Lots of work, lots of fun.

that is unparalleled in surgical practice.

Internal MedicineAbout youOccupation Internist (Infectious Disease)Years in current practice 30Type of practice IndependentDivision of time MinimalFamily status —

About the jobOccupation Internist (Infectious Disease)Average hours per week 50Three most common complaints 1) Bureaucracy

2) Weekend call3) –

Adequately paid? FineLike the most? Case varietyWant to improve? Bureaucratic infrastructure

About your lifeOccupation Internist (Infectious Disease)In your spare time? —Does family life ever suffer? OccasionallyJob satisfaction (1–10) —One-sentence summary —


Internal Medicine CardiologyAbout youOccupation Cardiologist CardiologistYears in current practice 23 3Type of practice General and invasive cardiology. Academic

Community CardiologyDivision of time 90% patient care 80% clinical/teaching;

5% administration 20% research/admin5% research

Family status Married, with 6 children Married

About the jobOccupation Cardiologist CardiologistAverage hours per week 40–60 50Three most common complaints Acute coronary syndromes presenting Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations

to the ER or transferred from other hospitals. (coronary disease, heart failure, arrhythmias)Follow up of chronic stable CAD in office setting. Assessment of chest pain both in office and hospital.

Adequately paid? Yes YesLike the most? Being the decision maker in the management Interesting clinical problems are presented.

of patients. Being “my own boss” There is an opportunity for acute (CCU) and chronic patient care. New technology isfrequently being introduced (transcathetertherapies, ventricular assist devices,AICDs/pacemakers) and there are numerousadvances in cardiac imaging that improveunderstanding of the CV system.

Want to improve? Recruit more cardiologists to spread out the Nothing specifically related to cardiology.workload. Interpersonal conflict and politics are always

present in an academic, tertiary care hospital.

About your lifeOccupation Internist (Infectious Disease) CardiologistIn your spare time? Spending time with my family. Golfing. Ski, hike, garden, music, play pianoDoes family life ever suffer? Yes Hard to say. The hours are clearly longer than

many jobs, but with organization, support andsome compromises, it’s manageable.

Job satisfaction (1–10) 8 9One-sentence summary Great choice of career. Will definitely Cardiology is a great career if you like a more

encourage some of my children to more intensive specialty with potential for become physicians. procedures and imaging.

Sunny from Case 6 is interested in a career in Cardiology,limited to a 50-hour work week. The lifestyle profileshighlighted here indicate that such a career is possible forSunny. In general, most new physicians should be able to finda niche within a specialty to accommodate the hours they’dlike to work.



Internal Medicine EndocrinologyAbout youOccupation Endocrinologist EndocrinologistYears in current practice 9 1Type of practice Academic Community ClinicalDivision of time 75 % teaching, 100% Clinical

10 % research 10% administrative, 5% other

Family status Single Single

About the jobOccupation Endocrinologist EndocrinologistAverage hours per week 50-60 60Three most common complaints Diabetes, Thyroid, Osteoporosis Diabetes, thyroid, amenorrheaAdequately paid? Yes YesLike the most? Variety of cases, interesting problems Patient interaction

Want to improve? The amount of paperwork. Paperwork

About your lifeOccupation Endocrinologist EndocrinologistIn your spare time? Theatre, concerts, travel, photography Yoga, going to the theatreDoes family life ever suffer? No YesJob satisfaction (1–10) 8 8One-sentence summary I am glad a chose Endocrinology. For the part you are in control of your

schedule and time, but how much you put intoit determines your degree of satisfaction andthe that of the patients.

Internal Medicine GastroenterologyAbout youOccupation Gastroenterology HepatologistYears in current practice 21 9Type of practice Urban, university teaching hospital, and Academic, university hospital

private clinical practiceDivision of time 75% clinical with clinical teaching, 50% clinical, 15% research, 10% admin,

25% admin and classroom teaching 25% teachingFamily status Married, two daughters Single

About the jobOccupation Gastroenterology HepatologistAverage hours per week 60 50–60Three most common complaints Doctor complaints: Patient complaints:

1. Lack of clinical resources Hepatitis C, abnormal liver tests,2. Paperwork non alcoholic fatty liver disease3. Clinical volume

Adequately paid? YesLike the most? Clinical practice Variety between clinical, teaching, admin, and

researchWant to improve? — Nothing

About your lifeOccupation Gastroenterology HepatologistIn your spare time? Sports, travel, family activities Shopping, traveling, sleepingDoes family life ever suffer? Occasionally PartlyJob satisfaction (1–10) 7 8.5One-sentence summary Great clinical specialty for those willing Fulfilling

and interested in working hard.

Internal Medicine General Internal MedicineAbout youOccupation General Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease General Internal MedicineYears in current practice 32 6Type of practice Academic Health Science Center “hospitalist” AcademicDivision of time Teaching/education 50%; clinical 45%; 50% teaching, 50% clinical

administration 5%Family status Divorced, with 2 adult children Married

About the jobOccupation General Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease General Internal MedicineAverage hours per week 56 60Three most common complaints GIM: pneumonia, dementia, complications Pneumonia, CHF, Stroke

of cancer, stroke. ID: nosocomial infection, fever, bacteremia, cellulitis, HIV

Adequately paid? Yes So-soLike the most? Acute care of severely ill patients Variety, contact with studentsWant to improve? Ability to deal with “high maintenance” Remuneration, support from hospital

patients and families

About your lifeOccupation General Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease General Internal MedicineIn your spare time? Hiking, reading, travel, restaurant meals, Bicycling, time with family

playing with my granddaughter, watching Leafs’ hockey

Does family life ever suffer? No Not muchJob satisfaction (1–10) 10 8One-sentence summary What a privilege it is to be in this profession! Great life, nice job

Internal Medicine Hematology About youOccupation Hematologist Pediatric HematologistYears in current practice 20 3Type of practice Clinical Hematology AcademicDivision of time 50% clinical, 20% administration, 80% clinical, 15% research, 5% administrative

15% research, 15% teaching,Family status Separated, with 2 children Single

About the jobOccupation Hematologist Pediatric HematologistAverage hours per week 50 50–80Three most common complaints Doctor complaints: Patient complaints:

Not enough time to devote to the Deep vein thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, academics, shortage of hematologists to strokeshare the load, expensive drugs which are hard for patients to access

Adequately paid? Yes NoLike the most? The patients Research OpportunitiesWant to improve? Want to recruit more hematologists to Implementation of ideas

share the load

About your lifeOccupation Hematologist Pediatric HematologistIn your spare time? Reading, arts, family SportsDoes family life ever suffer? Yes YesJob satisfaction (1–10) 8 6One-sentence summary Love clinical hematology, wonderful mix Time consuming

of patients, exciting new therapies.


Internal Medicine Infectious Disease About youOccupation Infectious Diseases/Internist Tropical Disease Medicine Infectious Disease SpecialistYears in current practice 8 30 5Type of practice Academic Academic hospital based Clinician ScientistDivision of time 33% clinical, 70% clinical, 80% research, 20% clinical

33% teaching/education, 20% teaching,33% admin 10% e-mail

Family status Married, with 3 children Divorced, with 5 grown children Married, with 2 kids

About the jobOccupation Infectious Diseases/Internist Tropical Disease Medicine Infectious Disease SpecialistAverage hours per week 50 70 55Three most common complaints Fever, abnormal test result Travelers’ diarrhea, skin HIV, STDs, pneumonia

(e.g., high WBC count), problems, fever in the shortness of breath returned traveler

Adequately paid? Yes Yes; not a great pension Could be betterLike the most? Variety The patients, the clinical Doing self-directed research

challenges; teaching, the variety of tasks; opportunity to travel and work in the developing world.

Want to improve? The efficiency of the system, More appreciation for the hours Research doesn’t pay as much as so that I spend less time spent and recognition for clinical work. gathering info, and more time excellence in teachinghelping patients

About your lifeOccupation Infectious Diseases/Internist Tropical Disease Medicine Infectious Disease SpecialistIn your spare time? Family time, exercise, reading, Movies, rollerblading, skiing. Travel, kids, sports

tech-related stuffDoes family life ever suffer? Minimally Yes, definitely. An academic life No

has many challenges and expectations; finding balance early in one’s career in spite of academic pressures is the most important determinants for a successful family life.

Job satisfaction (1–10) 9 9 9One-sentence summary I spend most of my days An amazing, wonderful, Love being a clinician scientist,

being a detective and satisfying, rewarding, exciting but income tends to suffer.teaching others to be a career that I would re-do (with detective. a little more balance) in a heart

beat

Internal Medicine Nephrology About youOccupation Nephrologist NephrologistYears in current practice 12 15Type of practice Academic mix of Transplantation and Full-time academic

General NephrologyDivision of time 40% Transplantation 90% between clinical, research and teaching

20% General Nephrology 10% administration40% research

Family status Married, with kids Married, with children

About the jobOccupation Nephrologist NephrologistAverage hours per week 60 80Three most common complaints Decreased Kidney function, protein or Uncontrolled hypertension or progressive

blood in urine, electrolyte imbalance kidney disease or bothAdequately paid? Yes YesLike the most? Long-term relationships with patients; Ability to make a difference, multifaceted

challenging diseases spanning electrolytes, practice including peer-reviewed researchendocrinology, immunology; treatment and teachingapproaches generally available

Want to improve? Availability of nursing support — nurse Mostly care models and better governance clinicians/nurse practitioners at the hospital and university level


About your lifeOccupation Nephrologist NephrologistIn your spare time? Skiing, travel, sailing, attending kids, activities Family time, sports and more family time. Does family life ever suffer? Inevitably yes, but with careful juggling A little

and will to exploit opportunities, e.g., bring family on conferences, works fine

Job satisfaction (1–10) 9 10One-sentence summary Overall, a mix is critical to avoid having I have been fortunate to work in one of the

work life become stale. best job descriptions together with mycolleagues.

Internal Medicine Occupational MedicineAbout you

Occupational Occupation Health Physician Medical Consultant Professor/Clinical Resident, U of TYears in current practice 18 19 14 0Type of practice Independent Research, teaching, Teaching, clinic, —

consultant consultingDivision of time 100% clinical 50–75% 1–25% 1–25%Family status Married, two children Married, children Married, three children Married

About the jobOccupational

Occupation Health Physician Medical Consultant Professor/Clinical Resident, U of TAverage hours per week 50 51–70 51–70 35–50Three most common Doctor complaints: Doctor complaints: Patient complaints: —complaints 1) Very political 1) Renumeration may 1) Inhalational exposures

2) Involves medicolegal risk be lower than 2) MSK rehab & return3) No job security private practice to work planning

3) ToxicologyAdequately paid? Remuneration Yes and no Yes Yes

generally reasonableLike the most? Interaction with Interesting; research; Diversity, scope; need Highly flexible to career

non-medical personnel prevention; linking of help with the teaching interests; a betterclinical and epidemiology load; more persons centralized organization

working in occupational health

Want to improve? Raise the stature — — —of the profession

About your lifeOccupational

Occupation Health Physician Medical Consultant Professor/Clinical Resident, U of TIn your spare time? Coach sports teams Jog, tennis, biking, travel Family, reading, walking Travelling

dog, photographyDoes family life Rarely Rarely Sometimes Neverever suffer?Job satisfaction (1–10) 8 8 8 8One-sentence summary A career for those who

enjoy business. — — —


Internal Medicine RespirologyAbout youOccupation Respirologist Pediatric RespirologistYears in current practice 30 32Type of practice Teaching-based hospital Pediatric respiratory medicineDivision of time Clinical and teaching, with some research 70% admin, 20% research, 20% educationFamily status Married grandfather Re-married, with two children

About the jobOccupation Respirologist Pediatric RespirologistAverage hours per week 80 60 (not counting call)Three most common complaints SOB, cough, abnormal chest X-Ray —Adequately paid? Yes YesLike the most? Patients and students Developing young clinician-scientists and

teaching respiratory medicine fellowWant to improve? Quality of hospital care Increase funding for research of young faculty

About your lifeOccupation Respirologist Pediatric RespirologistIn your spare time? Family, music RunningDoes family life ever suffer? No #1 priority is family; #2 priority is career; #3

priority is social (i.e., have to be happy at workto be happy at home and you have to be happyat home to be happy at work)

Job satisfaction (1–10) 9 9One-sentence summary Rewarding Work hard, be dedicated, be honest with

yourself as to what you want to do (i.e., Whenyou wake up at night do you want to do it?)and find three role models (in academics orprivate practice) who you would like to “growup to be like” and learn from them and theiradvice (throw some of it out and keep some of it).

Internal Medicine RheumatologyAbout youOccupation RheumatologistYears in current practice 25Type of practice Teaching-based hospitalDivision of time 50% clinical, 10% admin, 20% researchFamily status Divorced

About the jobOccupation RheumatologistAverage hours per week 70Three most common complaints RA, PSA, ASAdequately paid? NoLike the most? Creative aspects of teachingWant to improve? Do more of what I enjoy — research and teaching

About your lifeOccupation RheumatologistIn your spare time? Reading, travel, theatreDoes family life ever suffer? YesJob satisfaction (1–10) 5One-sentence summary Totally consuming career and very poor lifestyle


Laboratory Medicine Anatomical Pathology About youOccupation Skin Pathologist Endocrine PathologistYears in current practice 10 22Type of practice Academic AcademicDivision of time 80% service, 20% research 30% service, 20% administration,

50% researchFamily status Married, with 2 children Married, with 4 children

About the jobOccupation Skin Pathologist Endocrine PathologistAverage hours per week 60–80 60–80Three most common complaints Timely reports, longer time for ordering Bureaucracy gets in the way, sometimes too

consult by treating physician. repetitive, lack of good clinical informationresults in waste of time chasing others.

Adequately paid? No YesLike the most? It bridges between clinical parameters and Very exciting to be on the cutting edge of

science (translational research, clinical implementing new science into medicine. research, and basic research). There is an open field for academia and research.

Want to improve? More subspecialized pathologists. More Clinical profile of Pathologists as physicians. recognition by other physicians. More pay/compensation. More time for research. More fellowship programs.

About your lifeOccupation Skin Pathologist Endocrine PathologistIn your spare time? Spending time with my family. Sports, music, home renovation, travel. Does family life ever suffer? Better now with seniority. Not significantly. Job satisfaction (1–10) 7 9.5 One-sentence summary Still good but could be improved much better. —

Laboratory Medicine General Pathology

About youOccupation PathologistYears in current practice 20Type of practice Urban and suburbanDivision of time 100% clinicalFamily status Married, three children

About the jobOccupation PathologistAverage hours per week 50Three most common complaints None. I love my job.Adequately paid? YesLike the most? The variability—you learn something new every day.Want to improve? Nothing

About your lifeOccupation PathologistIn your spare time? Watch T.V., travel, socializeDoes family life ever suffer? RarelyJob satisfaction (1–10) 8–9One-sentence summary This is a specialty for people who like to read and learn new things.

It is an ongoing learning process.



Laboratory Medicine Hematological Pathology About youOccupation Hematopathologist HematopathologistYears in current practice 4 18Type of practice Hospital Academic, hospital basedDivision of time 60% service/20% teaching/20% research 50% clinical, 40% administrative,

5% teaching, 5% researchFamily status Married, with 2 children Married, with 2 children

About the jobOccupation Hematopathologist HematopathologistAverage hours per week 40–60 60–80Three most common complaints Doctor complaints: Patient complaints:

Not sure if I would enjoy my job as much if Timely reports, management of bleeding, I did just Pathology and did not still do some new leukemias/lymphomasclinical patient work.

Adequately paid? Yes YesLike the most? Challenging cases. Diverse field (i.e., blood The intellectual challenges of a highly

films, bone marrows, hemoglobin specialized area and teaching. electrophoresis, blood bank, coagulation testing, clinical lab). Good lifestyle.

Want to improve? — —

About your lifeOccupation Hematopathologist HematopathologistIn your spare time? Being with family, sports, music. Reading (including newspaper for current

news and world affairs), traveling. Does family life ever suffer? Rarely. It did occasionally when the children were

younger. Job satisfaction (1–10) 8 10One-sentence summary I love the job. I would do it all over again—with greater

intensity.

Laboratory Medicine Medical MicrobiologyAbout youOccupation Medical Microbiologist/ Infectious Disease SpecialistYears in current practice 5Type of practice AcademicDivision of time Research (30%), management (50%), clinical (20%)Family status Married, with 2 kids

About the jobOccupation Medical Microbiologist/ Infectious Disease SpecialistAverage hours per week 50Three most common complaints Antimicrobial resistance, fever not yet diagnosed, hospital-acquired

pneumoniaAdequately paid? YesLike the most? Mixed research/management/clinical responsibilities keeps things

interesting, never a dull momentWant to improve? Nothing at this point

About your lifeOccupation Medical Microbiologist/ Infectious Disease SpecialistIn your spare time? Backpacking, canoeing, going up to the cottageDoes family life ever suffer? Not significantlyJob satisfaction (1–10) 9One-sentence summary Great field of medicine!


Laboratory Medicine Neuropathology

About youOccupation Neuropathologist NeuropathologistYears in current practice 1.5 1.5Type of practice Hospital/Group HospitalDivision of time — 50% practice, 50% researchFamily status Single Married, with 2 children

About the jobOccupation Neuropathologist NeuropathologistAverage hours per week 60–80 60–80Three most common complaints Neuro-oncologic N/AAdequately paid? Yes YesLike the most? Great team and flexibility to do research. Opportunity to blend medical practice with

research. Want to improve? Reduce time spent on clinical work Amount of research in Neuropathology.

vs. research

About your lifeOccupation Neuropathologist NeuropathologistIn your spare time? I relax and drink fine wine. Home renovation. Does family life ever suffer? Yes YesJob satisfaction (1–10) 7 10One-sentence summary Great job but too many little things to keep I love what I do.

track of. Would rather do fewer items at high volume (e.g., not four different teaching conferences but one, more frequently)

Medical GeneticsAbout youOccupation Medical Geneticist Clinical GeneticistYears in current practice 4 3Type of practice Urban, >20 days per year Academic, >20 days per yearDivision of time 1–25% 1–25%Family status Married, with children Single, no children

About the jobOccupation Medical Geneticist Clinical GeneticistAverage hours per week 35–50 51–70Three most common complaints 1) Inadequate staffing across the country —

2) Busy clinical practice in the context of an academic centre; can make it difficult to meet academic/research demands

3) The current billing schedule does not permit a Medical Geneticist to build up an independent practice if they wish

Three most common symptoms reported — 1) Developmental delay; multiple congenitalanomalies

Adequately paid? Discrepancy in pay between the centres, Nothus difficult to answer this question

Like the most? — —Want to improve? Many of the things that would like to change Better support (staff, computers)

are not specific to the practice of Genetics, but apply to being a clinician in an academic centre

About your lifeOccupation Medical Geneticist Clinical GeneticistIn your spare time? Spend with children Sailing, listening to opera Does family life ever suffer? Rarely SometimesJob satisfaction (1–10) 7 to 8 7.5One-sentence summary Medical genetics can be very stimulating Clinical genetics is a fascinating field that

and rewarding specialty because of the wide allows you to see interesting patients withvariety of cases, ample opportunity for their families, while actively participating research, and flexible lifestyle. in research, and therefore it never gets boring.

NeurologyAbout you

Clinical Neurologist and Neuroscientist; Professor of Medicine (Neurology), Psychiatry, and

Occupation Behavioural Neuroscience Pediatric Neurologist Pediatric NeurologistYears in current practice 19 25 4Type of practice Urban: Teach >20 days per year, urban Teach >20 days per year, urban

30% clinical (teaching clinics)30% teaching40% research and administration

Division of time As above 1–25% 25–50%Family status Married, three children Married, no children Married, children

About the jobClinical Neurologist and Neuroscientist; Professor of Medicine (Neurology), Psychiatry, and

Occupation Behavioural Neuroscience Pediatric Neurologist Pediatric NeurologistAverage hours per week 60 51–70 51–70Three most common symptoms — 1) Developmental delay 1) Myopathyreported by your patients 2) Epilepsy 2) Multiple sclerosis

3) Headache 3) Developmental delayAdequately paid? Yes Yes YesLike the most? Contact with students Working with children Diversity of patient issues, and

clinical researchWant to improve? N/A Better hours More time for reading

About your lifeClinical Neurologist and Neuroscientist; Professor of Medicine (Neurology), Psychiatry, and

Occupation Behavioural Neuroscience Pediatric Neurologist Pediatric NeurologistIn your spare time? Read; dining with family Raise horses Exercise, family activitiesDoes family life ever suffer? Rarely Sometimes SometimesJob satisfaction (1–10) 10 8 8One-sentence summary Terrific career for those who Intellectual challenge of Pediatric neurology is demanding,

are self-starters and who enjoy studying the nervous system but highly rewarding.independence. with the privilege of working

with children.


Nuclear MedicineAbout youOccupation Nuclear MedicineYears in current practice 21Type of practice Academic, hospital basedDivision of time —Family status Married, with 2 grown children

About the jobOccupation Nuclear MedicineAverage hours per week 55Three most common complaints Cancer, heart disease, CNS disordersAdequately paid? YesLike the most? Variety, changing technology.Want to improve? Funding to update equipment

About your lifeOccupation Nuclear MedicineIn your spare time? Spending time with family, walking, movies, cookingDoes family life ever suffer? When my kids were younger I had trouble balancing career with familyJob satisfaction (1–10) 8One-sentence summary After 28 years in the field I am very satisfied.

Obstetrics and GynecologyAbout youOccupation Gynaecologic Oncologist Reproductive Endocrinology and FertilityYears in current practice 60 30 clinical, 20 otherType of practice Academic Hospital based Academic, group practiceDivision of time Clinic 80%, Education/Research 20% 60% clinical, 30% administration, 20% researchFamily status Married, with 2 children Married, with 4 children

About the jobOccupation Gynaecologic Oncologist Reproductive Endocrinology and FertilityAverage hours per week 35–50 51–70Three most common symptoms N/A Infertility: irregular menses, male factor, reported by your patients unexplainedAdequately paid? Yes—well remunerated for clinical and Yes

non-clinic work due to alternate payment plan

Like the most? Direct patient care is very rewarding; The patient, the residents, the variety of great variety (surgery, chemo, palliative care) procedures

Want to improve? Access to care I wish there were more answers to thequestions

About your lifeOccupation Gynaecologic Oncologist Reproductive Endocrinology and FertilityIn your spare time? Computers, video games, music Reading, running Does family life ever suffer? Did some during training, now very No

manageableJob satisfaction (1–10) 8 8.5One-sentence summary I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do I am very satisfied with my career choice.

and I’m making a difference!


OphthalmologyAbout youOccupation Ophthalmologist Ophthalmologist Ophthalmologist OphthalmologistYears in current practice 20 14 6 17Type of practice Urban/tertiary care Urban, >20 days of Urban, >20 days of Urban, >20 days of

teaching centre. Mainly teaching teaching teachingprivate solo practice, with 30% administrative, teaching and clinic duties.

Division of time Clinical 70%; 1–25% 25–50% Noneadministrative, teaching, research 30%

Family status Married, two children Married, children Married, children Married, children

About the jobOccupation Ophthalmologist Ophthalmologist Ophthalmologist OphthalmologistAverage hours per week 50–60 71–100 51–70 35–50Three most common 1) On-call duties at a — — —complaints multisite facility &

regional transfer centre are busier, more complex,and more onerous than community hospitals

2) Lack of adequate OR time/wait lists

3) Battles with hospital administration over resources—difficult leadership in a resource-constrained environment—and time commitments for never-ending meetings

Three most common 1) Visual loss 1) Uncontrolled glaucoma 1) Cataractsymptoms reported by — 2) Metamorphopsia 2) Dense cataractyour patients 3) GlaucomaAdequately paid? Yes No Yes YesLike the most? Challenges of patient care Patient satisfaction Surgical variety, bench- Positive satisfaction from

in my subspecialty work, to-bedside research, treatment, teaching and eye surgery—delicate, vision, preservation and residentsexacting, and rewarding. restoration, improving Never dull or routine. I quality life for patients, enjoy what I do and am surgical challengesconstantly improving and modifying my practice as new technology evolves.

Want to improve? I will back away from The hours worked Additional protected Inability to control OR timethe leadership role and time for researchfree up more personal time in a few years

About your lifeOccupation Ophthalmologist Ophthalmologist Ophthalmologist OphthalmologistIn your spare time? Organizer for community Raise children Activities with children, Ski, golf, hike

charity events, fitness mainlycentre on regular basis,family and friends

Does family life Occasionally Sometimes Rarely Sometimesever suffer?Job satisfaction (1–10) 9 Money: 5, 10 8

lifestyle: 5, job: 10 = 7 overall

One-sentence summary Ophthalmology is an High level of satisfaction, A unique career Interesting, varied, changingincredibly rewarding if you can get over opportunity that specialty, which can becareer—opportunity to the politics. combines surgery with very rewarding.create your own niche medicine, directby varying the mix of visualization of ocularmedical care, surgical pathology, patient care, a broad range of satisfaction, potentialsubspecialty choices, for new discoveries,and an exciting array and a balanced lifestyle.of new technologies and treatment options.


Orthopedic SurgeryAbout you

Orthopedic Surgeon Orthopedic Spine Specializing in

Occupation and Trauma Surgeon Orthopedic Surgeon Musculoskeletal OncologyYears in current practice 18 5.5 12Type of practice Academic hospital Academic AcademicDivision of time 70% clinical, 20% teaching, 75% clinical, 10% research, 60% clinical, 20% research,

10% research and admin 15% teaching 10% administration, 10% education

Family status Separated, 2 children Married, with 2 children Married, with 2 childrenage 14 and 16

About the jobOrthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Spine Specializing in Occupation and Trauma Surgeon Orthopedic Surgeon Musculoskeletal OncologyAverage hours per week 50–60 60 60 hours at the hospital, some on

call, some clinical and researchwork at home evenings andweekends

Three most common symptoms Not answered Bone tumor, soft tissue tumor, N/Areported by your patients metastatic bone disease

Adequately paid? Spine work yes, trauma no No YesLike the most? The challenge of spine Wide variety of clinical problems, Fantastic job. Great pathology.

deformity work different anatomic regions, Interesting clinical problems. working with trainees Multidisciplinary with medical and

radiation oncology, molecularpathology, musculoskeletalimaging. Lots of greattransnational research, much ofwhich leading to improvements inpatient care and outcomes. Thisresearch allows for amazingtraveling opportunities. Interactingwith students, residents, andfellows means constant teachingand questioning—keeps thingsmoving forward. Greatopportunities to make majorimpact on patients’ lives.

Want to improve? Beds, OR time and implant Better remuneration Nothing. Great balance between budget work and academics as well as

home/family/personal

About your lifeOrthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Spine Specializing in Occupation and Trauma Surgeon Orthopedic Surgeon Musculoskeletal OncologyIn your spare time? Golf, skiing, mountain biking Golf, hockey, photography, Hockey, water and snow skiing,

movies, spending time with my bike riding and running. Spendingfamily time with my kids, family and

friendsDoes family life ever suffer? It has Mildly Depends on how you look at it. I’m

clearly not home all the time butreally not so much different thatmany friends and associates whoare professionals in other realms.The balance is doable. The rewardsof the profession and my job inparticular are well worth sometime sacrifice.

Job satisfaction (1–10) 9 8 10One-sentence summary Wouldn't want to do anything Excellent job, quite stressful Wouldn’t change what I do if I won

else...would be a 10 with the at times and remuneration could the lottery.right resources. be better, otherwise entirely

satisfied.



OtolaryngologyAbout you

Facial Plastic Surgeon, Pediatric Director of Facial Plastic

Occupation Head and Neck Surgeon Otolaryngologist Surgery Pediatric OtolaryngologistYears in current practice 25 2.5 31 7Type of practice Urban Urban Urban and community Urban, >20 days/year

hospital; mainly private, dedicated to teachingsolo practice with minimal reaching responsibilities

Division of time 80% clinical, 95% clinical, 90% clinical, 1–25%20% academic 5% teaching 10% teaching and research

Family status Married, children Married, children Married, 5 children Married, children

About the jobFacial Plastic Surgeon,

Pediatric Director of Facial Plastic Occupation Head and Neck Surgeon Otolaryngologist Surgery Pediatric OtolaryngologistAverage hours per week 70–80 50–70 70 51–70Three most common 1) Very demanding hours 1) Demanding on-call 1) Inadequate hospital —complaints schedule support for emergency

and elective treatmentThree most common — — — 1) Deafnesssymptoms reported 2) Cholesteotomasby your patientsAdequately paid? No No OHIP component—grossly, No

grossly underpaidLike the most? Interesting field with Variety the career offers It is a well-balanced Caring for children’s family

a variety of disciplines medical and surgicaland patients specialty

Want to improve? Better hours Less busy call To bring up the conditions More time at homein hospitals to the world standards in developed countries.

About your lifeFacial Plastic Surgeon,

Pediatric Director of Facial Plastic Occupation Head and Neck Surgeon Otolaryngologist Surgery Pediatric OtolaryngologistIn your spare time? Travelling, family Golf, family events N/A, other than during Rest

events, golf holiday time during which I ski, swim, and enjoy outdoor recreations

Does family life ever suffer? Often Sometimes Always OftenJob satisfaction (1–10) 10 7 8 5One-sentence summary An interesting and A field that mixes This is a specialty —

demanding career surgery with medicine demanding thoroughthat combines clinical and may deal with a scientific preparation, a medicine and surgery. variety of patient high level of manual skill

populations. and artistic talent, and significant patience in dealing with psychological issues.

Physical Medicine and RehabilitationAbout you

Physical Medicine Physical Medicine Physical Medicine Occupation & Rehabilitation & Rehabilitation Physiatrist Physiatrist & RehabilitationYears in current 25 23 4 4 7practiceType of practice Free-standing rehab University health Urban practice, Neurorehabilitation, Urban practice,

facility/university network 100%, teaching >20 days urban practice, teaching >20 daysfull-time professor per year teaching >20 days per year

per yearDivision of time 70% clinical, 50–60% clinical, 25–50% 1–25% 25–50%

15% teaching, 20–30% research/15% research and teaching, administration 10% administrative

Family status Married, children Married, children Married Married Married, children

About the jobPhysical Medicine Physical Medicine Physical Medicine

Occupation & Rehabilitation & Rehabilitation Physiatrist Physiatrist & RehabilitationAverage hours 50–60 50–60 51–70 N/A 51–70per weekThree most common — 1) Lack of successors 1) Lots of — —complaints as academic paperwork

careers are not 2) Too much to dolucrative. 3) Going to court

as an expert witness

Three most common — — — 1) Spinal cord injury 1) Cognitivesymptoms reported (tetra/paraplegia, impairmentby your patients spasticity, pain) 2) Post-concussion

2) MS (fatigue, syndromeweakness) 3) Behavioural

3) ALS (weakness, impairmentswallowing, andrespiratory dysfunction)

Adequately paid? Yes From an academic Yes Yes Yesviewpoint, no; however, medicolegal is adequately paid

Like the most? It’s fun and Tremendous amount Getting to know Variety— Variety with clinicalinteresting of versatility and patients well by functional/quality and research

multiple skills that following them of life approach allowed me to take my longitudinally to management of career to very high through a very diverse neurologicallevels, whatever aspect difficult time in conditionsI wanted to pursue their lives

Want to improve? — Bureaucracy in Less paperwork More support for To have all inpatienthealth services, rehabilitation beds located at one site;academic institutions, technologies; less to remove need to etc. has grown, paperwork to travel between sitesrestricting my ability insurance companiesto provide care



About your lifePhysical Medicine Physical Medicine Physical Medicine

Occupation & Rehabilitation & Rehabilitation Physiatrist Physiatrist & RehabilitationIn your spare time? Snowmobiling, Tae kwon do, kung fu, Sailing, gardening, Play basketball, kayak, Parent, coach children’s

cottage weight training, entertaining ski, international soccer and hockey, runmotorcycle riding, volunteer medical marathons andwriting, singing, work, volunteer on distance racesdancing numerous provincial

and national boards/committees

Does family life Rarely Sometimes Rarely Sometimes Sometimesever suffer?Job satisfaction (1–10) 9 8 8 8 8One-sentence A career that is PM&R is the most Great for people who PM&R allows you Predictable hours, summary great for people versatile medical like to have a broad as a doctor to make patient contact and

who want a career subspecialty I can approach to medical a positive impact great teamthat is fun, think of; it provides issues, team work, on quality of life environment to interesting, and in-depth neuro- continuity of care, for persons with work in.one where you musculoskeletal complex problems. disability, and their can change your training, as well as families, through focus of interest general medical holistic and at any time. knowledge and interdisciplinary

insight into medical psychiatric/ management.psychological domain and understanding of disability.


PsychiatryAbout you

Emergency Psychiatrist Psychiatrist Psychiatrist,(Clinician (Genetics Medical

Occupation Psychiatrist Psychiatrist Scientist) Researcher) EducationYears in current 33 27 11 5 13practiceType of practice Community Urban Urban practice; Urban practice; Urban practice;

teach students/ teach students/ teach students/residents/fellows residents/fellows residents/fellows>20 days per year >20 days per year >20 days per year

Division of time 100% clinical 70% clinical, 75–100% 75–100% 1–25%30% academic

Family status Married, children Married, children Married/partner, Married/partner Singlechildren

About the jobEmergency

Psychiatrist Psychiatrist Psychiatrist,(Clinician (Genetics Medical

Occupation Psychiatrist Psychiatrist Scientist) Researcher) EducationAverage hours 70–80 40–50 51–70 51–70 51–70per weekThree most common 1) Often no cure for 1) Shortage of services — — —complaints disease

2) Can be frustratingThree most common — — 1) Schizophrenia 1) Schizophrenia 1) Suicidesymptoms reported 2) Psychotic disorders 2) Psychosis 2) Depressionby your patients 3) Drug side effects 3) Cognitive 3) Psychosis

impairmentAdequately paid? Yes Yes Yes Yes —Like the most? Great lifestyle Variety of patients Research, novelty, Flexibility, control Variety, stimulation,

and opportunities always changing; the over time, pursuits drama, intellectual students keep me as a researcher curiosityyoung, the discoverieskeep me excited; very supportive colleagues;recognition of the fact that this research makes a difference

Want to improve? More manpower and More funding to Nothing really; it has Increase funding for Have fewer meetingsfunding improve quality of its challenges, but not research

services for psychiatric disproportionately sopatients

About your lifeEmergency

Psychiatrist Psychiatrist Psychiatrist,(Clinician (Genetics Medical

Occupation Psychiatrist Psychiatrist Scientist) researcher) EducationIn your spare time? Spend time with Movies, readings, Sail, cook, read, Nightclubs, music, Travel, film

family family events raise children photography, read,travel, party

Does family life Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes Rarely Sometimesever suffer?Job satisfaction (1–10) 8 8 9 9 8One-sentence A career that is great In most cases, The clinical neuro- My practice is not Psychiatry adds depthsummary for people who enjoy psychiatry allows me sciences in psychiatry really typical of to medicine in the

an accommodating to help improve the is at its pivotal psychiatrists since I understanding of lifestyle. lives of people junction with the mostly do research; people and their

suffering from advent of genomics basically, I didn’t enjoy illnesses. We treat thea variety of issues. and neuroimaging; constant clinical work, whole person, not

we are where the space and the lack of just a symptom or program was in the knowledge about the bodily system. It is a 1960s—don’t miss out diseases I was treating great honour to beon it. motivated me towards allowed into people’s

basic disease- inner worlds.mechanism research.


Radiation OncologyAbout youOccupation Radiation Oncologist Radiation Oncologist Radiation Oncologist Years in current practice 15 7 8Type of practice Urban, >20 teaching days per year Urban, >20 teaching days per year Urban, >20 teaching days per yearDivision of time 1–25% 1–25% 1–25%Family status Married, children Married, children Married, children

About the jobOccupation Radiation Oncologist Radiation Oncologist Radiation Oncologist Average hours per week 51–70 45, plus some work at home 51–70Three most common symptoms — — 1) Symptom palliation in lung reported by your patients cancer

2) Brain metastases3) Adjuvant pelvic radiation for

rectal cancerAdequately paid? Yes Yes Yes Like the most? Flexibility; the opportunity to do Combination of patient care, Helping patients

something that really matters for research, and teachingpatients and families; working with students

Want to improve? Better control of my own Have less hours Fewer consults and more time forschedule; group practice doesn’t teaching and researchalways allow for this

About your lifeOccupation Radiation Oncologist Radiation Oncologist Radiation Oncologist In your spare time? Kids, horse ride, play harp, Read, look after kids, paint Spend time with my kids, reading,

ceramics, read, coach sports sportsDoes family life ever suffer? Sometimes Sometimes RarelyJob satisfaction (1–10) 8 7–8 7One-sentence summary The opportunity to balance Very satisfying job with an Radiation Oncology offers great

patient care with the use of interesting combination of patient contact, research, andhigh-tech equipment in a group technology and profound human teaching opportunities, AND setting with a decent lifestyle is interaction. By and large, people you can still have a life outside probably easier to obtain in this are very happy—have not met a your job.specialty than most. grumpy Radiation Oncologist.


UrologyAbout youOccupation Pediatric Urology Urological Surgeon Pediatric Urologist Urological SurgeonYears in current practice 18 25 10 20Type of practice 60% clinical, Teaching and clinical cases Teach day, urban Urban; >20 days/year

40% administration work hospital >20 days, urban dedicated to teachingas Division Chair, Research,and Fellowship teaching

Division of time 10–15% 5% 1–25% 1–25%Family status Married, children Single Married, children Married, children

About the jobOccupation Pediatric Urology Urological Surgeon Pediatric Urologist Urological SurgeonAverage hours per week 65–70 45 51–70 71–100Three most common 1) Genital reconstruction 1) Erectile dysfunction 1) Incontinence 1) Incontinencesymptoms reported by surgery 2) Urinary tract infections 2) Infection 2) Increased PSAyour patients 2) Urinary tract 3) Prostate disease 3) Antenatal diagnosis on 3) Frequency/nocturia

obstruction ultrasound3) Urinary tract infections

as a result of vesico-ureteric reflux

Adequately paid? Yes No Yes (is it ever enough?) NoLike the most? Great mix of teaching, Work in erectile I know everything about a Training residents; patient

academically challenging dysfunction and prostate small amount satisfaction with resolutionmedical and surgical disease of their complaintscases, and research

Want to improve? Nothing, we have a Access to the OR and Better access to resources Cannot improve without wonderful work waiting lists to allow me to do what I increased manpower andenvironment in Canada was trained to do OR timecompared to many other developed countries

About your lifeOccupation Pediatric Urology Urological Surgeon Pediatric Urologist Urological SurgeonIn your spare time? Golf, tennis, travel, read Sports Exercise, read, eat out Cottage, travel, enjoy my

carDoes family life ever suffer? No Sometimes Sometimes OftenJob satisfaction (1–10) 8.5 5 6 8One-sentence summary Find something that you Great lifestyle; excellent Long haul, lots of training. Great specialty; always

love to do; every specialty mix of open and You will be old when you new innovations has its advantages and endoscopic cases. Many start your first job…but, technically; excellent disadvantages. Learn to be of cases I work on deal it is the best of a bad lot, patient satisfaction; content with what you are. with quality-of-life issues. and you will be surprised generally upbeat specialty

After surgery I see very at how rewarding the job compared to other surgical happy and satisfied is, particularly when you specialties.patients. least expect it.

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section E: Location Profiles 176

E-1 Features of the University Community 177

E-2 Provincial Residency Salaries 186

This section examines the different medical schools across the country and additional location-specific factors that may influence your decision to study in a particular area. Note that summaries for the Université deMontreal, Université de Sherbrooke, and Université Laval are not included in this section, but can be viewed in the French version of this book.

LOCATION PROFILESSection E

SOURCES:

University Profiles

http://www.aucc.ca/can_uni/our_universities/index_e.html

About the City

http://www.cic.gc.ca

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/index.html

http://www.remax.ca

DALHOUSIE UNIVERSIT Y1236 Henry Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3J5Tel: (902) 494-2450, Fax: (902) 494-1630

The University One of Canada’s leading universities, Dalhousie is widelyrecognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and abroad range of educational and research opportunities. Locatedin Halifax, Nova Scotia since 1818, Dalhousie attracts studentsfrom around the world. They inspire students, faculty, staff, andgraduates to make significant contributions to the Atlanticregion, Canada, and the world. With 11 faculties and more than3,600 courses in 180 areas of study, Dalhousie offers students awealth of choice and flexible degree programs.

The historic, tree-lined campus of Dalhousie combines thewelcoming atmosphere of Canada’s east coast with theinternational prestige of a big-name school. Located in the southend of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast, Dalhousieoccupies more than 79 acres of attractive grounds surrounded bya primarily residential area. The university also offers closeproximity to major teaching hospitals, provincial and federalresearch laboratories, and the provincial archives. Dal alsoboasts an extensive system of libraries, a sophisticatedcomputing infrastructure, and major recreation facilities.

The caliber of Dalhousie’s faculty is the key to their reputation asan academic leader. As Atlantic Canada’s leading researchuniversity, Dalhousie attracts more than $100-million in researchgrants and awards annually. Faculty members are nationally andinternationally recognized for their achievement, research, andteaching. According to a survey conducted by The Scientistmagazine, Dalhousie was named the best non-commercialscientific institute in which to work in Canada. The Scientist, aprestigious American-based science magazine, surveyed 1,623tenured or tenure-track life scientists working in academia orother non-commercial research organizations.

Dalhousie is home to more Canada Research Chairs (45) thanany other university in the region. Chairholders advance thefrontiers of knowledge in their fields, not only through their ownwork, but also by teaching and supervising students andcoordinating the work of other researchers. Research rangesfrom fundamental philosophical questioning concerning thedevelopment of new health technologies to lab research onproteins in nerve cells to understand and advance nervoussystem repair.

Dalhousie is one of North America’s most dynamic universitycommunities.

About Halifax: Facts and Figures Dalhousie is located in the heart of Halifax, a lively coastal city of 360,000, for almost 200 years. Halifax is Canada’s largest cityeast of Montreal, and is situated on the world’s second largestnatural harbour. Halifax was the site of the first British town inCanada, founded in 1749. Since then, the area has evolved to behome for a diverse mix of people. Charming fishing villages andfarming communities can be found all along the Atlantic Coast.Nature has blessed this area with sandy beaches, ruggedshorelines, and colourful gardens.

In the heart of the downtown there are art galleries, museums,historic sites and churches, shopping, sidewalk cafés andfriendly nightclubs. Lively pubs and entertainment, spectacularshows, first class sporting events, live theatre on both sides of theharbour, and scrumptious dining are all a part of the Halifaxexperience. Throughout the year there are music festivals, livetheatre, outdoor concerts, symphony performances and goodold fashioned Celtic ceilidhs. Not far from the downtown, nearbycoastal communities offer hiking, camping, and bird watching.

EmploymentHalifax unemployment rate (October 2007) 5.5%

Main language spoken in homesEnglish: 92.3%, French: 2.86%, Both: 2.85%, Other: 4.56%

Largest minority language groupsChinese, Arabic, Greek, Polish, Italian, Urdu

Aboriginal population3,525 (0.98% of the urban population)

Family and housingAvg monthly rent for a two-bedroom (2005) $762Avg residential house price (2006) $210,255

ClimateAvg January temperature (ºC) –5Avg July temperature (ºC) 18Avg annual “snow” (cm) 152Avg annual “rain” (mm) 1,356


FEATURES OF THE UNIVERSIT YCOMMUNIT Y

E-1

Section E: Location Profiles 177

MCGILL UNIVERSIT Y845 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 2T5Tel: (514) 398-4455, Fax: (514) 398-3594

The University With Mount Royal as a backdrop, McGill’s main campus is set inthe heart of the second-largest French-speaking city in the world.

The campus is a mosaic of heritage and modern buildings laid outaround an oasis of green space facing Montreal’s commercialdistrict. Founded in 1821 thanks to a generous bequest by Montrealmerchant James McGill, McGill University is one of North America’sleading research institutions. Because of our cutting-edge facilitiesand innovative research programs McGill researchers attract morefunding, publish more, and are cited more often than researchersat any other Canadian university.

With an international reputation built on strong academics,McGill’s 21 faculties and professional schools offer degrees in morethan 300 disciplines. The university has six affiliated teachinghospitals, 73 research institutes, four remote research stations, anda network of 17 libraries. It is also home to five major museumcollections, including the 600-acre Morgan Arboretum, the largestin Canada, which is located a short drive west of downtown andknown as the Macdonald Campus.

McGill offers students unparalleled opportunities to enrich theireducational experience through exchange programs, internships,and field study programs. The university recognizes and honoursacademic distinction and leadership qualities through an extensiveprogram of entrance awards and scholarships. It provides about $8million each year in undergraduate scholarships and student aid.

About Montreal: Facts and FiguresMontreal (Montréal) is unique in North America, blending abrash New World urbanity with the romantic charm of itsEuropean-flavoured historic districts and a Gallic sense of joie devivre. There is much to do in Montreal, including strolling downthe cobblestone roads in old Montreal, hiking on the city’slandmark Mont-Royal, enjoying a nice latte at one of thebeautiful cafes on St-Denis, shopping at the number of amazingstores on Ste-Catherine, enjoying a night out at the many nightclubs on Crescent, going to the many museums of Montreal,cheering on at hockey games at the Bell Centre, and much more.

Main language spoken in homesEnglish: 12%, French: 68%, Other: 19.7%


ClimateAvg January temperature (ºC) –15Avg July temperature (ºC) 26 (with humidity)Avg annual “snow” (cm) 226Avg annual “rain” (mm) 835

MCMASTER UNIVERSIT Y1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8Tel: (905) 525-9140

The University Founded in 1887, McMaster University owes its origin to thepersonal fortune of Senator William McMaster, one of Canada’smost successful entrepreneurs of the 19th century. Today,McMaster University’s beautiful, tree-lined campus bustles withmore than 20,000 full-time and part-time students and boastssome of the best facilities in Canada, including a researchnuclear reactor, an extensive library system, and one of the finestpublic art galleries in the country. These facilities support a richvariety of programs that have made McMaster one of the topteaching and research institutions in Canada. Our innovationsare many: the first medical school to train doctors using small-group, problem-based learning; unique limited-enrolmentprograms in arts and science and health sciences that promotein-depth interaction of students and faculty across thedisciplines; and programs that stress critical thinking andproblem-solving skills to give our graduates an edge in theemerging knowledge-based, global economy. In addition,McMaster offers cooperative education, internships, andexperiential education, which allows many students to combinetheir studies with employment experience.

About Hamilton: Facts and FiguresHamilton is an underrated city of 500,000 people surrounded bythe beautiful suburbs of Ancaster, Dundas, and Burlington. Thereare many houses, townhouses, apartments, and condominiums torent or buy in all price ranges. The geographical location is great,as it is less than an hour’s drive from both the big city of Torontoand the wondrous Niagara Falls. Additionally, Hamilton is close tothe United States border and Buffalo.

Transportation is not a problem in Hamilton and you can survivewithout a car, as the bus system covers the entire city and runsregularly. To travel around the province, there is a GO bus stationas well as a Greyhound bus station. A short 10-minute drive willtake you to the Aldershot VIA rail train station. Furthermore,Hamilton boasts its own international airport, saving you timewhen attending conferences or going on vacation.

There are many different entertainment venues in Hamilton;many museums, art galleries, and arenas can keep you busy.Hamilton’s largest arena, Copps Coliseum, is the place to seeconcerts as well as the Hamilton Bulldogs hockey team, andHamilton Place is the setting for comedy acts, concerts, orchestraperformances, as well as other special events. The Hamilton TiCatsplay at Ivor Wynn Stadium and the Canadian Football Hall ofFame is in the downtown core. Hamilton boasts Ontario’s third-largest art gallery, The Art Gallery of Hamilton. In terms of outdoorrecreational activities, Hamilton has several accessible golfcourses, conservation areas, bike trails and hiking trails;specifically, the beautiful Webster’s Falls. For nightlife, Hess Villageis a street downtown lined with pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs.There are many restaurants to choose from in the city servingmany different varieties of food. One place to find fresh and cheapfruit, vegetables, produce, and baked goods is the Jackson SquareFarmer’s Market.

Section E: Location Profiles 178Canadian Medical Residency Guide

EmploymentHamilton unemployment rate (2007) 5.8%

Main language spoken in homesEnglish: 98%, French: 2.0%

Largest minority language groupsItalian, Polish, Portuguese, German, Croatian, Chinese, Spanish


ClimateAvg January temperature (ºC) –5Avg July temperature (ºC) 21Avg annual “snow” (cm) 162Avg annual “rain” (mm) 765

MEMORIAL UNIVERSIT YOF NEWFOUNDL ANDPO Box 4200, Station C, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7Tel: (709) 737-8000

The University Memorial University of Newfoundland is the largest university inAtlantic Canada, with approximately 18,000 students. TheFaculty of Medicine has been producing highly qualified doctorsfor over 40 years. If you speak with Memorial residents you willfind that they are very pleased with the quality of education andvast amount of clinical experience they receive. The university issituated in St. John’s, the oldest and most easterly city in Canada.

About St. John’s: Facts and FiguresKnown for its friendly people and rugged beauty, the capital ofNewfoundland and Labrador, with a population of about180,000, offers a smaller city atmosphere with the amenities andattractions of a much larger city. There are many attractions inthe region, and the province is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.The Grand Concourse is an integrated walkway system for thecities of St. John’s and Mount Pearl and the Town of Paradise. Its120 kilometres of walkways link every major park, river, pond,and green space in the three municipalities, providing abeautiful trek for all levels of fitness. Outside of the city, the East Coast trail provides a real adventure, covering over 540kilometres. Along the way, one will see cliffs, fjords and theruggedness of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are opportunities for those interested in sports, and manymembers of the medical community take part in local leagues.Every summer, the Royal St. John’s Regatta at Quidi Vidi Lakeattracts competitive rowers from all around the world as well asover 50,000 spectators. It is officially the oldest continuingsporting event in all of North America!

Apart from its natural beauty and sporting events, St. John’s isalso known for its devotion to arts. There are countless musicand theatre festivals held throughout the year, showcasing thetalent of Newfoundland musicians. One of the most wellrecognized events is the Festival 500 “Sharing the Voices,” aninternational festival of choral music, held every two years. Thenightlife and downtown scene, including the legendary GeorgeStreet, have a reputation for being the best in the country. The

street is lined with bars and pubs and is closed to traffic duringthe night and most of the business day to allow free rein topedestrians. It actually has the most pubs per square foot of anystreet in North America, as well as having some of the latest bar-goersin Canada. The street is still busy even at five or six in the morning!

Transportation is easy, boasts an efficient bus system, and a 15-minute drive will bring you to any of the four major hospitals.There is also excellent city-wide public transit. The climate istemperate, and while St. John’s has its share of snow, the summerweather can be quite nice.

Come experience the island in the east, and you won’t be disappointed!

EmploymentSt. John’s unemployment rate (2007) 6.7%

Main language spoken in homesEnglish: 97.8%, French: 1.7%, Other: 0.5%

Largest minority language groupsChinese, Greek, Spanish, Polish

Aboriginal population655 (0.5% of the urban population)


ClimateAvg January temperature (ºC) –3Avg July temperature (ºC) 15Avg annual “snow” (cm) 322Avg annual “rain” (mm) 1,191

NORTHERN ONTARIOSCHOOL OF MEDICINEWest Campus955 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1Tel: (807) 766-7300, Fax: (807) 766-7370

East Campus935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C5Tel: (705) 675-4883, Fax: (705) 675-4858

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) opened itsdoors in September 2005 as the first new medical school inCanada in more than 30 years. NOSM is also the first Canadianmedical school hosted by two universities: Lakehead University(or the “West Campus”) in Thunder Bay and LaurentianUniversity (or the “East Campus”) in Sudbury. Despite a closerelationship with the host universities, NOSM is the onlyCanadian medical school that exists as a stand-alone not-for-profit corporation with its own by-laws and Board of Directors.In addition, education at NOSM is not restricted to Thunder Bayand Sudbury, but takes place in remote, rural, small and largeurban communities across Northern Ontario.

In 2005, the Charter Class of the NOSM MD Program began itsstudies with 32 medical students based at the East Campus and24 at the West Campus. In 2007, NOSM welcomed its firstresidents into the Family Medicine Residents of the CanadianShield program. Though communities in Northern Ontario havehosted medical residents for decades, this was the first time


medical residents were trained in a program developed andadministered in the North. This program is two years in durationand it accepts 30 residents per year. In addition, NOSM willeventually offer residency training in eight major generalspecialties: Anesthesiology, General Internal Medicine, GeneralSurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics,Psychiatry, and Community Medicine.

To connect its students dispersed across a vast geographic area andto facilitate its unique distributed learning model, NOSM is supportedby a network of broadband digital technology. NOSM also featuresa unique research program that targets topics with particularrelevance to Northern populations. In all programs there is aparticular focus on Aboriginal and Francophone populations.

NOSM seeks to develop physicians who are able to practiceanywhere in the world but who have a particular understandingof Northern and rural populations. NOSM graduates will beresourceful, have a preference for collaborative care settings, and take an interprofessional approach to practice and research. The context of the School is Northern, but the applications arenational and international.

About Northern OntarioNorthern Ontario comprises 90% of Ontario’s land area but lessthan 10% of its population. Northern Ontario spans over 800,000km2 from the Muskoka region in the South (less than 2 hours’drive from Toronto), to the Nipissing and Temiskaming regionsin the East, to the Hudson and James Bay coasts in the North, tothe Manitoba border in the West. The region is economically,politically, socially and geographically distinct from the rest ofthe province.

Approximately 750,000 people call Northern Ontario home.There is a large Francophone population especially in theNortheast, and French is widely spoken there. Aboriginal groupsare also prominent, not just in rural and remote communities,but within urban areas as well. In addition, the larger urbanareas feature even greater diversity of cultures and ethnicities.

The largest city in Northeastern Ontario is Sudbury with apopulation of 158,000, and the largest city in NorthwesternOntario is Thunder Bay with a population of 109,000. Thesecommunities serve as economic and educational hubs inaddition to hosting the two main campuses of NOSM. There arethree other urban communities: Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay andTimmins. In addition, many Northern Ontarians live in rural andremote communities stretching across the region.

Mining and forestry are the two major industries in NorthernOntario, with manufacturing, transportation and tourism alsocontributing to the economy.

Northern Ontario is a region of four distinct seasons. Summersare pleasantly warm in Northern Ontario, with cottagers fromacross North America escaping to the region for its climate andbeautiful waterfront settings. You can also expect the full winterexperience; most of the region is notorious for snow and coldtemperatures in the winter months.

All of the North features outdoor recreational opportunities in allseasons. Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing,skating, ice hockey and curling are popular in the winter; whilefishing, canoeing, kayaking, camping and hiking are popular inthe summer. In addition, communities large and small featureseasonal festivals, music and movie festivals, theatre groups,league sports, nightlife, museums, art galleries, and more.

QUEEN’S UNIVERSIT Y99 University Avenue, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6Tel: (613) 533-2000, Fax: (613) 533-6300

The University Queen’s University is one of Canada’s most prestigious post-secondary institutions, internationally renowned for fosteringscholarship, research, spirit, and diversity. Established by RoyalCharter of Queen Victoria in 1841, students have been known tobrag that Queen’s is “Older than Canada!” — founded 26 yearsbefore Confederation. Over the past 150 years of educating thebest and brightest, Queen’s has produced countless influentialCanadians who have shaped Canada’s political, cultural, andscientific landscape.

One of the characteristics unique to Queen’s is the university’scommitment to placing students at the centre of the universitycommunity. There are few places in Canada with such school prideand collegiality between the students, faculty, and community.

The campus itself is located on the shore of Lake Ontario, a scenic five-minute stroll from downtown Kingston. KingstonGeneral Hospital is located on campus, along with most of theother professional schools, including Law, Commerce, and theschool of Public Health. There are six main libraries containing2.3 million volumes and access to over 14,000 electronicjournals. The campus is an ivy-covered limestone paradise,crossed by paths and peppered with parks and public art. A particular point of pride is the Agnes Etherington Art Centre,displaying two Rembrandts alongside featured exhibits and local artists’ work.

About Kingston: Facts and FiguresFrom a city so steeped in heritage, you would expect nothing less than excellence in the arts, and Kingston doesn’t disappoint.There are 19 local galleries and museums, the Kingston HauntedWalk, and the 100-year-old Kingston Market selling the productsand produce of local artisans and farmers. The KingstonSymphony Orchestra has delighted music lovers for 51 seasons,and countless festivals run throughout the year, includingSeptember’s Jazz Festival, Chilifest, and the Reelout and KingstonCanadian Film Festivals.

The majestic lakefront location provides Kingstonians with manyopportunities for outdoor activities along the miles of waterfrontpathways. Take the ferry across to Wolfe Island for an afternoonof hiking or paddling, or spend a few hours on the ThousandIslands Boat Cruise before heading back downtown for dinner atone of the many eclectic restaurants, coffee shops, and bistros.

Kingston ranked among the best cities in Canada by CanadianBusiness magazine in 2006 for its diversity, opportunity, and qualityof life. The waterfront, architecture, urban life, and music sceneprovide a vibrant backdrop to a tolerant and welcomingcommunity.

Family and housingAvg monthly rent for a two-bedroom (2003) $768Avg residential house price (according to Canadian Businessmagazine, 2007) $207,926

12.6% of people walk to work.



UNIVERSIT Y OF ALBERTA114 St. – 89 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1Tel: (780) 492-3111

The University The University of Alberta, one of Canada’s premier researchuniversities, is situated in the heart of Edmonton on thepicturesque south bank of the North Saskatchewan River. It alsoboasts one of North America’s top libraries, with more than 9 million books and resources. Areas of established and emergingresearch excellence on a national or international scale includemedicine, chemistry, engineering, social policy, and Englishliterature. The University of Alberta has more than 3,300 facultymembers and more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduatestudents. Fifty-eight members of the Royal Society of Canada areamong a faculty that leads the country in 3M Awards forTeaching Excellence — Canada’s highest undergraduate teachinghonour. The University of Alberta’s Industry Liaison Office hasspurred development of 38 active spinoff companies and has put the University of Alberta in the number one position inCanada for licensing revenues. The main campus has more than90 buildings on 89 hectares of land in the heart of Edmonton,Alberta’s capital city, which has a population in the metro area of roughly 930,000.

About Edmonton: Facts and FiguresEdmonton, the capital city of the province of Alberta, is knownfor its extensive park system that runs throughout the city. Just ashort drive from the Rocky Mountains, Edmonton’s cold butsunny winters and pleasant summers make it an ideal place forthose looking for a city atmosphere with an abundance of naturewithin easy reach. The Banff and Jasper National Parks are just afew hours drive away, offering great skiing in winter andbeautiful hiking and sightseeing opportunities year-round.

Edmonton was rated as one of the top three places to live inCanada based on a study of North America’s cities that surveyedliving cost, transportation, job outlook, education, climate, crime,the arts, health care, and recreation. Edmonton is experiencingvery strong economic growth stemming from the oil sandsprojects in northern Alberta, which has fuelled all sectors of theeconomy including health. According to the 2005 censusEdmonton had a population of over 700,000, although the recentgrowth has certainly catapulted that number much higher.

The provincial government, in partnership with the Universityand Capital Health Region (among other partners), has recentlyinvested heavily in a number of exciting initiatives for Edmontonand the regions it serves, including:

> the Alberta Diabetes Institute, a premier research facility aimedat bringing together world leaders in the prevention,treatment, and cure of diabetes through excellence in researchand collaboration, and

> the Edmonton Clinic, the largest healthcare building project inWestern Canada, a $500 million project planned to house inter-

professional teaching and out-patient services covering manyspecialties currently available through the University of Albertaand Stollery Children’s Hospitals.

Edmonton also boasts the popular title of Canada’s Festival City,and was deemed in 2007 to be the ‘Cultural Capital of Canada.’With over 30 annual festivals celebrating music, food, culture,sports, theatre and more, there’s never a dearth of culturalactivities to enjoy. This is in addition to a variety of world-classgalleries and museums, performances at the outstanding concertand performance venues, or dining at any of the manyrestaurants representing every major culinary niche in the world.There’s something for everyone in Edmonton!

EmploymentEdmonton unemployment rate (October 2007) 4.2%


Largest minority language groupsChinese, Ukrainian, German, Polish, Spanish, Vietnamese,Punjabi, Italian, Tagalog, Arabic

Aboriginal population38,246 (4% of the urban population)

Family and housingAvg monthly rent for a two-bedroom (2003) $722Avg residential house price (November 2007) $355,622


UNIVERSIT Y OFBRITISH COLUMBIA2075 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1Tel: (604) 822-2211

The University The University of British Columbia is situated in one of the mostspectacular natural settings in North America on the western-most tip of Vancouver. UBC has a new downtown campuslocated at Robson Square and is a member of the Great NorthernWay consortium, a new downtown site for high-tech researchand development. Its strong academic and research programs,high-quality faculty, diverse student body, and proximity to thePacific Rim combine to make UBC one of Canada’s finestuniversities. UBC is a broadly based comprehensive university.Teaching and research are conducted in 12 faculties and alldisciplines, with a wide range of professional programs includinga highly regarded medical school. The university’s outstandingfaculty is recognized with many national and internationalresearch and teaching awards and prizes, including the 1993Nobel Prize for Chemistry awarded to the late Michael Smith.More than 150 UBC faculty are fellows of the Royal Society ofCanada. UBC researchers are members of 18 of the 19 networksin the federal government’s Networks of Centres of Excellenceprogram, and one network is headquartered at UBC. Theuniversity library has 21 branches and service divisions,


including three that serve off-campus, affiliated teachinghospitals and one at Robson Square. UBC’s athletics andrecreation department offers a wide range of recreational sportand fitness opportunities to more than 37,000 students annuallyand also administers one of Canada’s most successfulinteruniversity athletic programs.

About Vancouver: Facts and FiguresVancouver is the largest metropolitan area in Western Canadaand the third largest in the country. It lies sandwiched betweenthe Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Vancouver isCanada’s gateway to the Pacific Rim and its harbour, the busieston the west coast of North America, which handles nearly all ofCanada’s trade with Asia. The beautiful slopes of Whistler arewithin driving distance. The economy has exhibited stronggrowth as the region undertakes several major constructionprojects (including a new RAV line) and preparation for theOlympics in 2010.

EmploymentVancouver unemployment rate (2006): 4.8%; national average: 6.4%

Main language spoken in homesEnglish: 78%, French: 0.4%, Other: 21.6%

Largest minority language groupsChinese, South Asian, Filipino, Korean, Southeast Asian,Japanese

Aboriginal population36,855 (1.8% of the urban population as of 2001)

Family and housingAvg monthly rent for a two-bedroom (2006) $1,273Avg residential house price (2006) $518,176

ClimateAvg January temperature (ºC) 3Avg July temperature (ºC) 17Avg annual “snow” (cm) 51Avg annual "rain" (mm) 1,117/yr

UNIVERSIT Y OF CALGARY2500 University Drive North West, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4Tel: (403) 220-5110, Fax: (403) 282-7298

The University The University of Calgary is a dynamic research and teachinguniversity of growing national and international stature, with 16 faculties and 53 academic departments and major programareas. The U of C offers programs leading to undergraduate,graduate, doctoral, and professional degrees in a number oftraditional and interdisciplinary fields. With external researchfunding of $172 million, the University of Calgary is recognizedworldwide as a leading research university. The university housesmany research institutes, centres, and groups investigating a widevariety of topics such as human behaviour, institutions and cultures,energy and the environment, technologies and information, andhealth and wellness. Virtually all faculty members engage inresearch, scholarship, and creative activity. The 213-hectareuniversity campus is designed for pedestrians, with extensivelawns, flower beds, and walkways. Parking lots have beenrestricted to the periphery and visually shielded as much aspossible. The main campus features more than 20 academic

buildings — all interconnected by enclosed walkways — as wellas a modern students’ union building, a museum and art gallery,two performance theatres and a performing arts centre, a child-care centre, and residences for single students and students withfamilies. The University of Calgary’s athletic facilities include oneof only two covered speed-skating ovals in North America, twohockey rinks, tennis courts, a triple gymnasium, the city’s largestracquet centre, an Olympic-size swimming pool, weight rooms,jogging tracks, and a massive indoor climbing wall.

About Calgary: Facts and FiguresCalgary is a large multicultural city filled with diversity. There are many attractions in Calgary that you can visit, such as theCalgary Zoo, Heritage Park, Fort Calgary, and the GlenbowMuseum. Stephen Avenue and 17th Avenue provides manydifferent stores for shopping, as well as Calgary’s night life. Alsothe Calgary Stampede occurs every July, showing off Alberta’slegendary hospitality. It lies in southern Alberta close to theRocky Mountains. As such, there are many outdoor activitiesavailable like skiing, hiking, rock climbing, camping, mountainbiking, and river rafting. Calgary offers something for everyone.The city is booming right now and has opportunities availablefor everyone.

EmploymentCalgary unemployment rate (June 2001): 4.5%


Largest minority language groupsChinese, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Polish, Spanish, Tagalog, Arabic,Italian, German


Family and housingAvg rental price (2006) $960Avg house price (2007) $430,000

Climate Avg January temperature (ºC) –9Avg July temperature (ºC) 16Avg annual “snow” (cm) 127Avg annual “rain” (mm) 321

UNIVERSIT Y OFMANITOBA66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2Tel: (204) 474-8880, Fax: (204) 474-7536

The University The University of Manitoba offers a diverse range of programs,including a full range of professional programs. It offers Master’sand doctoral programs and opportunities for postdoctoraleducation in many disciplines. The university has special accessprograms for those who do not have the background required foruniversity entrance, and the continuing education division offersa wide range of professional and certificate programs.

The University of Manitoba is a research-intensive university andis home to 41 research centres and institutes ranging in scopefrom applied ethics, ageing, cell biology, and higher education to


health policy, earth observation science, and theoretical physics.These centres and institutes provide unique interdisciplinaryeducational and training opportunities and are a valuable resourcefor the community at large. An industry liaison office facilitatesthe commercialization of university research and links theresearch expertise of the university with business and industry,as well as with government agencies and other universities.

The main campus is in the Winnipeg suburb of Fort Garry, about12 kilometres from the city centre, and the medical/dentalcampus is located in central Winnipeg adjacent to the HealthSciences Centre, the province’s largest tertiary care complex.Clinical research and medical teaching are concentrated at thishospital and the St. Boniface General Hospital.

About Winnipeg: Facts and FiguresWinnipeg lies near the eastern border of Canada’s vast prairies atthe confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. Winnipeg is amulticultural city with a diversity of employment and culturalactivities. There are a number of theatre groups, a world-classballet company, a symphony orchestra, an opera, and an activeartistic base.

EmploymentWinnipeg unemployment rate (November 1998): 5.5%


Largest minority language groupsTagalog, Chinese, German, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi,Ukrainian




UNIVERSIT Y OF OT TAWA550 Cumberland St., Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5Tel: (613) 562-5800

The University Located in the heart of the national capital, at the juncture ofFrench and English Canada, the University of Ottawa holds aunique place on the academic map of Canada. The universitydistinguishes itself through its special mandate to promotebilingualism and French culture in Ontario. On campus, in whatamounts to a small city within a city, more than 25,000 studentsfrom a variety of heritages study, live, and work side by side insurroundings that foster the English and French cultures. Theuniversity’s nine faculties — arts, education, engineering, healthsciences, law, management, medicine, science, and socialsciences — offer nearly 140 undergraduate majors andconcentrations. Under the aegis of the faculty of graduate andpostdoctoral studies, they also offer graduate programs leading

to Master’s and doctoral degrees in most of those disciplines. In addition, the University of Ottawa offers an extensive array of co-op programs. Culturally, the departments of music, theatre,and visual arts provide a full program of concerts, plays, andexhibitions. Festivals, fairs, films, and public lectures of everydescription — many with an international flavour — as well as a broad spectrum of interuniversity, intramural, and recreationalsports make the campus a lively and vibrant place.

About Ottawa: Facts and FiguresOttawa has been described as one of the most beautiful capitalsin the world. Located on the banks of the Ottawa River andRideau Canal, Ottawa enjoys the attributes of a major centrewhile maintaining the accessibility, atmosphere and charm of a smaller city. With more than 29 museums, including 12 national institutions, there is a wealth of exhibitions, galleries,and historical monuments. The National Art Gallery of Canadaholds impressive collections of art ranging from Canadian toAsian to Contemporary Art. At the Canadian Museum ofCivilization, Canada’s largest and most popular culturalinstitution, you can explore the achievements of Canada’saboriginal peoples and journey through 1,000 years of history.

Located in Ottawa’s downtown, a couple of blocks away fromParliament Hill, the ByWard market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets. Within an area of four square blocks,you’ll find cafés, specialty food shops, fine dining, boutiques,galleries, and pubs.

Access to National Parks and wilderness areas are also locatedwithin and around the city. Just across the river from ParliamentHill is Gatineau Park, a recreational playground for outdoorenthusiasts. Endowed with hundreds of kilometres of trails andnumerous crystal-clear lakes, the Park is a superb place forhiking, biking and cross-country skiing. As the largest skatingrink in the world, The Rideau Canal Skateway offers a uniquewinter experience for all. After a nighttime skate you can findspecialty food shops along the canal and relax with Ottawa’sfamous Beaver Tails.

With over 60 festivals and events taking place in Canada’s Capital Region each year, Ottawa is truly a festive city. Eachsummer, The Ottawa International Chamber Music Festivalfeatures the very best musicians from across Canada and aroundthe world in acoustically perfect heritage churches. As the largestchamber music festival in the world, it is one of Canada’s mostimportant cultural events. During May, you can tiptoe throughmillions of tulips at the Canadian Tulip Festival. Every February,Ottawa hosts Winterlude, North America’s greatest winterfestival. From spectacular ice carvings to an amazing playgroundmade of snow, Winterlude is a great way to take in the best of ourCanadian winter.

Whatever your interest — tasting cuisine from around the world,appraising oil paintings, hiking through the wilderness or watchingtheatre productions — you’ll find plenty of things to do amidstOttawa’s celebrations of food, music and cultural traditions.

EmploymentOttawa unemployment rate (2007) 4.6%

Main language spoken in homesEnglish: 62%, French: 30.3%, Other: 7.7%

Largest minority language groupsArabic, Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Italian, Vietnamese





UNIVERSIT Y OFSASKATCHEWAN105 Administration Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2Tel: (306) 966-4343, Fax: (306) 975-1026

The University Since it was founded in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan hasconferred more than 113,000 degrees. With more than 900 facultymembers in 13 colleges, the university offers more than 70 specializations for undergraduate and graduate students, oneof the broadest program arrays of any university in Canada. Withhalf of all first- and second-year classes and three-quarters of thethird- and fourth-year classes enrolling 25 or fewer students,individual student attention is one of the University ofSaskatchewan’s most important features. The university is also aCanadian leader in providing support and enhancement programsfor Aboriginal students in education, law, commerce, arts andsciences, and engineering. Annual research revenues for Universityof Saskatchewan faculty exceed $100 million. The university isalso the centre of an active community of federal, provincial, andprivate research companies. The Canadian Light Source, Canada’sonly synchrotron radiation facility, which opened in 2004, isinternationally known as a leader in research and technologydevelopment. The synchrotron has attracted more than 2,000researchers from around Canada and the world, and will continueto be a magnet for top students in a variety of disciplines, includingagriculture, engineering, physics, geology, and medicine foryears to come.

About Saskatoon: Facts and FiguresA city since 1903, “Saskatoon” is derived from “mis-sask-quah-toomina,” the Cree Indian name for a local indigenous berry. As the province’s largest city, Saskatoon offers the amenities of a metropolitan city with the friendliness of a small community.The eco-friendly nature of the city protects the pristine beauty of the South Saskatchewan River, which permeates throughoutthe city, and is enjoyed by the many bridges that hover over it.Flanked by green parkland, Saskatoon offers many running trailsand parks, and is within hours of many national and provincialparks nationally known for hiking, fishing, camping, golfing, and hunting. Home to the University of Saskatchewan,Saskatoon is also the cultural centre of the province, offeringtrendy shops, art studios, casinos, pubs, and clubs. The city alsoboasts a Symphony Orchestra, and hosts many live theatre andjazz festival performances throughout the year. The diversity ofSaskatoon’s population is a great way to experience cuisine frommany parts of the world, as the city boasts many restaurants thathave earned national acclaim.

EmploymentSaskatoon unemployment rate (November 2007) 4.1%


Largest minority language groupsChinese, German, Ukrainian, Vietnamese

Population233,923 (Statistics Canada 2006)


ClimateSaskatoon experiences four distinct seasons with temperaturesranging from 30°C on the warmest summer days to -20°C on thecoldest winter days. The average annual precipitation level is347.2mm.

Avg January temperature (ºC) –17Avg July temperature (ºC) 26Avg annual “snow” (cm) 97Avg annual “rain” (mm) 347

UNIVERSIT Y OF TORONTO27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1Tel: (416) 978-2011

The University The University of Toronto is an outstanding centre ofundergraduate, professional, and graduate education. At U of T,professors of international calibre bring leading research andscholarship to bear on their teaching and provide opportunitiesfor study and discovery at the forefront of the sciences, socialsciences, and humanities. Some of the key research developmentthat U of T is responsible for includes the first cloning of T-cells,the first practical electron microscope, and the extraction ofinsulin. U of T’s 40 libraries, among them Canada’s largestresearch library and dozens of specialized facilities in thecolleges, faculties, and schools, contain more than 10 millionvolumes and a plethora of other material. The Thomas FisherRare Book Library, one of North America’s great collections,attracts scholars from around the world, and it is housed at thelargest book repository in Canada, Robarts Library. With morethan 2,000 undergraduate courses in the faculty of arts andscience alone, as well as 81 fully accredited doctoral programsand hundreds of courses in 14 professional faculties, U of Taffords its students an unrivalled education, leading torewarding careers in a vast array of exciting fields. Our students,among the most talented in Canada, benefit from programs ofstudy abroad, national and international exchanges, cooperativeeducation, and inter-instructional experiences with dozens ofaffiliated institutions, including a renowned network of teachinghospitals and community-based health units, museums, and artgalleries. U of T is world renowned academic institution and isranked by Newsweek as the best university in Canada and 9thamong all public universities in the world.


About Toronto: Facts and Figures Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is the provincial capitalof Ontario. The Greater Toronto Area has a population of over 5.5 million according to the 2006 Census. A city of diversity andmulticulturalism, Toronto is the commercial, industrial, andfinancial centre of Canada. Toronto is known as “a city ofopportunity” that attracts visitors and new residents from allcorners of the globe. Forty-nine per cent of the Torontopopulation was born outside of Canada. This city is ranked asone of the world’s most livable cities by the EconomistIntelligence Unit due to its high standard of living, cleanenvironment and low crime rates. Downtown Toronto consists ofdistinct neighbourhoods, which include the Entertainmentdistrict, the Fashion district, the Business district, Little Portugal,Little Italy, Little India, Greektown, and three Chinatowns.Toronto is also the home of the world’s longest street, Yonge Street.

EmploymentToronto unemployment rate (June 2001): 6.0%

Main language spoken in homesEnglish: 75.6%, French: 0.5%, Other: 24%

Largest minority language groupsChinese, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Greek, Arabic,Korean, Somali, Tamil, Tagalog, Farsi, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi


Family and housingAvg monthly rent for a two-bedroom (2003) $1,040Avg residential house price (2003) $291,000


UNIVERSIT Y OFWESTERN ONTARIO1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7Tel: (519) 661-2111

The University London’s University of Western Ontario is one of Canada’s oldest,largest, and most beautiful universities. Together with 3,000faculty and staff, our students enjoy a diversified academic andsocial life. In its size, cohesiveness, and diversity, Western boastsmany of the best features of both a small town and acosmopolitan city. Like much smaller universities, Western hasan excellent faculty-to-student ratio of 1:18. There are largerlecture classes, but the average first-year class size is 80, few aremore than 150, and senior classes are substantially smaller. Inaddition, at Western, lectures are complemented by labs andtutorials of about 30 students. It is Western’s way of assuring thatdialogue and an interactive learning environment are as much apart of the academic experience as the lectures.

About London: Facts and FiguresLondon is a diverse city, which boasts a population of 350,000and is growing. It offers a wide variety of restaurants, includinggreat Middle Eastern, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Finedining. London is also known for its lively afterlife with dozens ofbars and clubs frequented by both undergraduate andprofessional students. In the summer and spring you can enjoyLondon’s beautiful parks and trails and understand why it isreferred to as the “Forest City.”

One great benefit of living in London is getting the advantages ofa big city but still getting that hometown feel.

EmploymentLondon unemployment rate (June 2001): 6.3%


Largest minority language groupsPolish, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Italian





The following information was collected in April 2009.

The following information has been abridged from material from the Professional Association of Interns and Residents ofNewfoundland. For further information, see http://www.med.mun.ca/pairn.

Newfoundland and LabradorGross annual PGY-1 salary $42,781 Gross annual PGY-2 salary $46,854 Gross annual PGY-3 salary $50,924 Gross annual PGY-4 salary $55,001 Gross annual PGY-5 salary $59,073 Gross annual PGY-6 salary $63,150Conference leave 7 days/pd Annual vacation 4 weeks/year Meal allowance $105/month Frequency of call Excess in-house call > 7/28

weekday $225, weekend $360Home Call > 7/21, $75 per call

Maternity/Paternity leave Up to one year Provincial health insurance Contact Provincial ResidentAssociation directly

Provincial dues (% of salary) 1% Extended health insurance Yes, mandatory—employee pays50%

CMPA dues 100% reimbursement Dental plan Optional—employee pays 100% Statutory holidays 1-1/2 x pay or paid day off Long-term disability insurance Group paid by employee—non

taxable Life insurance Yes, mandatory Sick leave Yes

—employee pays 50% Parking charges $5.00 per annum LMCC Cost of examination reimbursed

upon successful completion Resident student Full-time status effective to

July 1, 2004 (pending approval by Senate)

Maritime ProvincesPGY-1 salary $50,045 Gross annual PGY-2 salary $57,520 Gross annual PGY-3 salary $61,483 Gross annual PGY-4 salary $65,610 Gross annual PGY-5 salary $70,082 Gross annual PGY-6 salary $74,867 Gross annual PGY-7 salary $78,262 Gross annual PGY-8 salary $83,740 Educational leave Yes Annual vacation 4 weeks Call stipend Yes Frequency of call l in 4 in-hospital and for home call Maternity leave after 17 weeks with top-up Provincial health insurance Yesone year’s service (up to a year total) Provincial dues (% of salary) 1.3% Extended health insurance Yes CMPA dues paid Yes Dental coverage Yes Statutory and floating holidays Paid Long-term disability insurance 66-2/3 salary up to age 65 Life insurance $100,000 of insurance Sick leave Yes

Visit the PARI-MP website: http://www.parimp.ca/

QuebecGross annual Resident 1 Salary* $40,544 Gross annual Resident 2 Salary $44,492 Gross annual Resident 3 Salary $49,064 Gross annual Resident 4 Salary $53,613 Gross annual Resident 5 Salary $57,252 Gross annual Resident 6 Salary $60,126 Gross annual Resident 7 Salary $63,135 Resident Coordinator $483/month Assistant Resident Coordinator $352/month Annual vacation 4 weeks Statutory and floating holidays 13/year Conference leave 10 days pd/year Study leave 7 days pd/year Exam leave Day (s) of the exam Wedding leave 7 days Resuscitation courses Day of the course and of the exam

and exam leave Leave for death in family From 1 to 5 days depending Sick leave 9.6 days pd/year And

on the family member reimbursement of days not takenLeave of absence without pay 12 months maximum Maternity leave Provincial 21 weeks(exceptional measure) Program (RQAP**) and FMRQ *** 95% of salaryPaternity leave Provincial 1 week, 100% of salary Parental leave (time sharing 25 to 32 weeksProgram (RQAP) and FMRQ 3 to 5 weeks (two options) between parents) 55 to 75% of salary Adoption leave 28 to 37 weeks 55 to 75% of salary Stationnement 1⁄2 of doctor’s feeTéléavertisseur Provided by the establishment Free during on-call duty


PROVINCIAL RESIDENCY SAL ARIESE-2

Quebec Health Insurance Program / RAMQ**** Yes Extended health insurance Yes Dental plan Yes, for McGill only Professional Liability Insurance

(CPMA not applicable)***** Yes (free) Long-term disability insurance Yes, until 65 years old Meals Reduced fee

Free during on-call duty Life insurance Yes Superior financial programs Yes

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONSULT THE FMRQ WEBSITE AT: http://www.fmrq.qc.ca* The Fédération des médecins résidents du Québec’ collective was imposed by law until March 31, 2010. An annual 2% raise is to be added for years 2007–2008 and 2009. ** RQAP: Régime québécois d’assurance parentale (Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave Provincial Plan) *** FMRQ: Fédération des médecins résidents du Québec (Québec medical residents’ union) **** RAMQ: Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (Québec Health Insurance Plan) ***** In Québec, professional liability insurance is entirely assumed by l’Association québécoise des établissements de santé et de services sociaux (AQESSS) — Québec’s hospital association,as detailed in the FMRQ’s collective agreement. Medical residents have no fees to disburse and need not take additional insurance with CPMA.

Ontario Gross annual PGY-1 salary $46,017* Gross annual PGY-2 salary $53,715 Gross annual PGY-3 salary $56,978 Gross annual PGY-4 salary $60,838 Gross annual PGY-5 salary $64,877 Gross annual PGY-6 salary $68,675 Gross annual PGY-7 salary $71,388 Gross annual PGY-8 salary $75,428 Educational leave 7 days/year Annual vacation 4 weeks Meal allowance NO Frequency of call 1 in 4 in-hospital, 1 in 3 home Pregnancy leave 17 weeks Provincial health insurance Yes Parental leave 18 weeks Extended health insurance Yes Provincial dues (% of salary) 1.7% Dental plan 100% paid CMPA dues paid No Long-term disability insurance Yes — 70% of salary Statutory and floating holidays 5 days plus 2 personal floater Life insurance Yes. 2 x salary Sick leave 6 months Call stipend $100 in-hospital; $50 home call

* As of July 1, 2006. Visit the PAIRO website: http://www.pairo.org/

ManitobaGross annual PGY-1 salary $46,707* Gross annual PGY-2 salary $50,678 Gross annual PGY-3 salary $55,197 Gross annual PGY-4 salary $59,443 Gross annual PGY-5 salary $63,690 Gross annual PGY-6 salary $67,937 Gross annual PGY-7 salary $72,099 Gross annual PGY-8 salary $76,261 Educational leave Yes Annual vacation 4 weeks Meal allowance $8.50/day Frequency of call 1 in 4** Maternity leave 26 weeks max Provincial health insurance Yes Provincial dues (% of salary) 1% of salary Extended health insurance Available CMPA dues paid Partial Dental plan $3.99/month Statutory and floating holidays Paid days Long-term disability insurance $2500 to $3500 per month

mandatory, employee pays, non taxable

Life insurance $120,000 ma ndatory, employee pays Sick leave 30 days/year

* Effective July 1, 2007. ** 1:4 call averaged over four-week period. Exception: 1:4 for vascular, MICU, SICU, general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery (all call over 1:4 is paid). 1:3 weekend off.

SaskatchewanGross annual PGY-1 salary $47,117* Gross annual PGY-2 salary $51,385* Gross annual PGY-3 salary $55,649* Gross annual PGY-4 salary $59,894* Gross annual PGY-5 salary $64,108* Gross annual PGY-6 salary $68,312* Educational leave 7 days with pay Annual vacation 4 weeks Meal allowance Yes, when on in-house call. Frequency of call 1:4 in-house; 1:3 out-of-house

Eliminated effective January 1, 2008.

Maternity leave/paternity In conformity with Sask. Labour Provincial health insurance Yes, if registered with Sask. Health Standards Act — 18 weeks max. maternity leave and up to34 weeks parental leave. 5 paid days paternity

Supplemental Maternity Leave 15 weeks when eligible for Extended health insurance Blue Cross family coverage, Benefits Employment Insurance if registered with a Provincial

Health Plan CMPA dues paid 100% Dental plan 100% (6 mo. waiting period) Statutory and floating holidays 1⁄2 pay & day off, or 11⁄2 x pay, Long-term disability insurance Paid premium cost for Basic

plus 6 days at Christmas Disability Insurance Life insurance Pay maximum of $67.50 per Sick leave 11⁄4 days per month to maximum

year towards cost of first $70,000 75 days coverage (voluntary plan)


Provincial dues (% of salary) 1 % Employee Assistance Program On-call stipends Effective Oct. 1, 2006:

$60 for in-house $30 for home call Effective January 1, 2008: $100 for in-house $50 for home call No conversion from home call to in-house call.

* As at January 1, 2007. Term of Collective Agreement—January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008—visit http://www.usask.ca/hrd/docs/pairs_ca_2005-2008.pdf for contract details/conditions.

AlbertaGross annual PGY-1 salary $50,957 Gross annual PGY-2 salary $56,602 Gross annual PGY-3 salary $60,927 Gross annual PGY-4 salary $65,357 Gross annual PGY-5 salary $70,896 Gross annual PGY-6 salary $75,327 Gross annual PGY-7 salary $81,457 Gross annual PGY-8 salary $88,091 Educational leave 5 days paid leave Annual vacation 4 weeks/yr Call stipends Weekday in-house — $109.20 Frequency of calls In-house call: 7/28. 2/4 weekend

Weekend in-hous/holiday — $144 2/4 weekend call. Home call: 9/28.Weekday home call — $54.60 2/4 weekend call Weekend home call/holiday — $72 *A Resident scheduled on home

call but who is required to workmore than four hours in hospitalduring the call period, of whichmore than one full hour is past12:00 a.m. and before 6:00 a.m.,shall be remunerated at the ratefor in-house call.

Practice stipend $1740 Provincial health insurance 75% premium paid Provincial dues (% of salary) .95% Extended health insurance 75% premium paid $330 per year

Health Spending Account* CMPA dues paid No. Required & tax deductible Dental plan 75% premium paid Course costs ACLS 100% paid Long-term disability insurance 100% paid for 2/3 gross income Statutory holidays Paid days. Additional days off Maternity leave 18 weeks total (17 weeks paid to

are given if resident works the match 90% of salary when day before and part of a named combined with EI) holiday.

Life insurance 100% towards $50,000 coverage

* Effective July 1, 2008

British ColumbiaGross annual PGY-1 salary $48,565.20 Gross annual PGY-2 salary $54,177.71Gross annual PGY-3 salary $59,038.36 Gross annual PGY-4 salary $63,549.53Gross annual PGY-5 salary $68,642.43 Gross annual PGY-6 salary $72,965.18Gross annual PGY-7 salary $77,758.74 Educational leave Yes Annual vacation 4 weeks Meal allowance $12.69/day Frequency of calls l in 4 onsite/1 in 3 offsite Maternity leave 17 weeks, plus 35 weeks Parental

Leave Provincial health insurance 100% Provincial dues (% of salary) 1.65% Extended health insurance 100% CMPA dues paid Yes*Dental plan 100% Statutory holidays 2 x pay plus extra day with payLong-term disability insurance 100% Sick leave YesLife insurance 100% toward $50,000

* Effective April 1, 2009** Only if required by hospital. Hospitals provide liability insurance.

Membership in the Professional Association of Residents of BC (PAR-BC) is mandatory. Visit http://www.par-bc.org.


Section F: Program Directors Survey 189Canadian Medical Residency Guide

PROGRAM DIRECTORSSURVEYSection F

F-1 Program Directors Survey 190

F-2 Electives Statistics 191

F-3 Reference Letters Statistics 191

F-4 Research Statistics 192

F-5 Applicant Information Statistics 192

F-6 Personal Attributes Statistics 193

F-7 Interview Statistics 193

F-8 Academics Statistics 194

This chapter is a summary of a survey that was sent to the Program Directors inToronto. The majority of the questions focused on what the directors werelooking for and what they deemed important and unimportant.

Step 1 – Item GenerationContent experts and medical students generated items that werefelt to influence a candidate’s application to a residencyprogram. These included aspects that may have had a positive ornegative impact on the application. In addition, items wereadded that described the lack of attribute or accomplishment todetermine what effect this had on an applicant’s candidacy.

Step 2 – Item ReductionThe 72 items were formatted into a survey structure by linkingthem to a seven-point Likert-type scale (A – seriously threatensentire application, B – strongly negative impact for section, C – negative impact for section, D – no impact on section, E – positive impact for section, F – strongly positive impact forsection, G – virtually assures position in program). The initialquestionnaire was piloted among four University of TorontoProgram Directors for clarity and comprehensiveness of theitems. Respondents were invited to add additional items. Minorwording changes were suggested for a few of the items, andsubsequently adopted.

Some of the Program Directors felt the survey was too long andwould limit the response rate of future respondents. In order toremove the least important items from the pool, 16 third-year,volunteer University of Toronto medical students were given the72-item questionnaire and each asked to rate which 10 itemswere the most important and which 10 items were the leastimportant. An item was given a score of -1 if it were rated leastimportant and +1 if it were rated most important. Any item witha cumulative score of less than or equal to -4 following analysisof the surveys was removed. Through this item reductionprocess, 20 items were removed, leaving a survey of 52 questions.

Step 3 – Questionnaire TestingThe 52-item questionnaire was circulated to all ProgramDirectors (n=64) at the University of Toronto. Items wereanchored by the seven-point Likert scale described above, inaddition to a response category indicating that the item was notclearly worded. The number of respondents who rated each itemwere counted and simple proportions calculated. ProgramDirectors were not asked to identify themselves on thequestionnaire. Global consent was obtained from thePostgraduate Medical Education Committee prior toquestionnaire distribution. Individual written consent wasimplied by the return of a completed survey.

WHAT WE FOUNDForty-six (72%) of the Program Directors returned thequestionnaire by mail. No follow-up reminders were sent. Theclarity of all items was greater than 94%. The results are reportedin the following section under the seven domains of importancegenerated by medical students like you. The full numericalresults are reported in the tables.


PROGRAM DIRECTORS SURVEYF-1

BackgroundCareer selection has long been a source of stress and anxietyfor medical students. In addition to worrying about whichspecialty to apply to, many medical students also believe thattheir specialty choice is final once they have been matched to agiven specialty and program. As a result, students feel theyneed to select a career specialty early in their medical trainingand invest heavily in the pursuit of that specialty. Hence,performing numerous electives, volunteering for researchprojects, and job “shadowing” to get more exposure to aspecialty and its members have become a critical aspect ofmedical student life. However, students’ heavy time investmentin one specialty may come at the expense of exploringalternative career selections and improving their candidacy inthese, if even as second choices.

Certainly, one source of student anxiety derives from a lack ofevidence in directing career selection. As a result, medicalstudents are unclear about what qualities and experiences aremost important for their acceptance to the programs of theirchoice. Certainly this has been the case when all of us were inyour position. One seemingly authoritative mentor would offercareer advice but it would sometimes conflict with anothermentor’s advice — who do you believe?

Due to the lack of current, reliable, and relevant information,we set out to survey Program Directors from all Canadianmedical schools about how various aspects of an applicant’scandidacy would rate for their programs. In order to ensure itsrelevancy to medical students and improve our confidence inthe results, we first developed a questionnaire observing theprinciples of measurement theory. This questionnaire was thenpiloted with the Program Directors at the University of Toronto,which embodies the largest and most diverse group of ProgramDirectors at any Canadian medical school.

A Word About Study MethodologyTo reassure you that this information is reliable, we would liketo outline the steps taken to ensure the highest qualityevidence for you to use in your decision-making. The basis forour recommendations are the results of a questionnaire thatwas developed and tested in three stages, observing theprinciples of measurement theory. This will be discussed belowunder the terms “Item Generation,” “Item Reduction,” and“Questionnaire Testing.” Members of the Medical ServicesCommittee (MSC) oversaw the development and testing of thequestionnaire, and the Postgraduate Medical EducationCommittee at the University of Toronto approved this survey ofits Program Directors. All respondents were students or facultymembers of the Faculty of Medicine. The survey wasadministered in 2000. Although the data is out of date and onlysamples the University of Toronto, we feel that it is stillvaluable in capturing perceptions of the Program Directors.Please be careful in generalizing the findings to other schools.


Completing an elective in the specialty to which the candidate isapplying is very important. The majority of responding ProgramDirectors (74.5%) felt that an application would be negativelyaffected if the student did not complete a formal elective in thespecialty to which they were applying (by formal, we mean morethan two weeks in length). Doing an elective at the centre atwhich you plan to apply to and doing well during that rotationwas viewed favourably by 97.7% of Program Directors, but youonly have so many electives, so how do you choose? Do you putall of your eggs in one basket by doing electives in your firstchoice of specialty, at the expense of other specialties?

First of all, doing multiple electives (at other centres) does nothelp you that much for the centres where you didn’t do theelectives — and it didn’t hurt you much, either. Only 14% ofprograms felt this would undermine your chances. One solution?If you are able to rotate with a well-recognized name in thespecialty, generally a strong letter of support from that individualwill carry a lot of weight (see the next section for more details).

However, if you decide do to an elective in which you hope to beconsidered for a residency position, be prepared to put in astrong effort. Sixty-five percent of Program Directors felt thatnegative feedback from an elective at the site to which theapplicant was applying would have a strongly negative impacton the candidate’s application or threaten the entire application.


Electives TableThreatens Entire Strongly Negative Negative No Impact Positive Strongly Positive Virtually Assures

Question Application (%) Impact (%) Impact (%) (%) Impact (%) Impact (%) Position (%)

No electives in specialty 16.3 23.3 34.9 23.3 2.3 0 0

Single elective 2–4 weeks in specialty 0 0 11.6 16.3 67.4 4.7 0

Single elective >4 weeks 0 0 2.3 9.3 58.1 30.2 0

Electives with recognized names in specialty 0 0 0 4.7 55.8 34.9 2.3

Elective at your centre with poor feedback 25.6 39.5 32.6 2.3 0 0 0

Elective at your centre with good feedback 0 0 0 2.3 18.6 72.1 7.0

Did not perform elective at your centre 0 2.3 11.6 72.1 14.0 0 0

Reference: Wagoner N. and Suriano R., 1999.

Specialty-specific reference letters are also important. Ninety-five percent of responding Program Directors felt that having aletter from a Clinician in the specialty would positively affect theapplication, and 65.1% of Program Directors felt that the absenceof a letter by a Clinician in the specialty would negatively affectthe application. An excellent letter from a referee who isrenowned in the field has a strongly positive effect on the

application. Letters from outside the specialty can complementyour application and do not have a negative effect. For example,if you are applying to Ophthalmology and your supervisor inGeneral Surgery felt that you had really strong surgical skills, or ifapplying to Radiation Oncology and your Family Medicinesupervisor felt that you have very high interpersonal skills, thismay also help your application.

ELECTIVES STATISTICSF-2

REFERENCE LET TERS STATISTICSF-3

Reference Letters TableThreatens Entire Strongly Negative Negative No Impact Positive Strongly Positive Virtually Assures


Has reference letter from a Clinician* 0 0 0 2.3 74.4 20.9 0

No reference letter from Clinician* 9.3 11.6 44.2 34.9 0 0 0

Multiple references from Clinicians* 0 0 0 0 53.5 44.2 2.3

Excellent letter from a recognized name* 0 0 0 0 7.0 90.7 2.3

Good letter from a recognized name* 0 0 2.3 0 83.7 14.0 0

Letter of reference from a Clinician outside* 0 0 0 51.2 41.9 0 0

Maximum letters you would accept 3 letters 21.4% 4 letters 38.1% 5+ letters 40.5%

*in the specialty


Just under half (47.5%) of the respondents felt that having noclinical or basic science research would harm one’s application(keep in mind this is a survey from University of TorontoProgram Directors and may not be as high in other lessacademically focused universities). Experience in clinical orbasic science research had a positive impact in almost allsurveyed programs. A publication in a respected journal had apositive impact on the application according to almost all

respondents (97.5%), with 45% feeling this would have a stronglypositive impact. Multiple publications do not seem to have agreater impact than publishing one, so don’t attempt to publishyour third article at the expense of other aspects of yourapplication where you are not as strong. Formal researchtraining in the form of an M.Sc. or a Ph.D. was felt to have apositive impact with 87.5% of respondents.

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section F: Program Directors Survey 192

Research TableThreatens Entire Strongly Negative Negative No Impact Positive Strongly Positive Virtually Assures


Did basic science research that is 0 0 0 2.5 42.5 52.5 2.5applicable to the specialty

Did unrelated basic science research 0 0 12.5 75.0 12.5 0 0

Did clinical research applicable 0 0 0 0 42.5 57.5 0to the specialty

Did unrelated clinical research 0 0 5.0 80.0 15.0 0 0

Did no clinical or basic science research 5.0 42.5 47.5 5.0 0 0 0

Has paper published in any journal 0 0 15.4 76.9 5.1 2.6 0

Has paper published in a respected 0 0 2.5 52.5 42.5 2.5 0journal

Has more than one paper published 0 0 0 2.6 6.2 46.2 5.1in any journal

Has formal research training 0 0 0 12.5 35.0 42.0 10.0(M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Perhaps a little more mundane, but still helpful in yourapplication, is a well-presented personal letter, as is a well-organized CV. A small percentage of the Program Directors (10%)felt that personal anecdotes have a negative impact. Dean’s

letters are also important but perhaps not as much as refereeletters. However, a below-average Dean’s letter/report would stillnegatively reflect on your application according to the vastmajority of respondents (90%).

RESEARCH STATISTICSF-4

APPLICANT INFORMATION STATISTICSF-5

Application Information TableThreatens Entire Strongly Negative Negative No Impact Positive Strongly Positive Virtually Assures


Personal letter flows logically 0 0 0 16.7 66.7 14.3 0

Personal letter addresses criteria in 0 0 2.3 38.1 45.2 7.1 0CaRMS handbook

Personal letter includes personal anecdotes 0 2.5 7.5 60.0 22.5 5.0 0

CV is well organized 0 0 0 14.3 69.0 14.0 2.3

CV containes personal interests 0 0 2.4 40.5 47.6 9.5 0

Has an exemplary Dean’s letter or report 0 0 0 15.0 67.5 17.5 0

Has an average Dean’s letter or report 0 0 17.4 75.0 5.0 0 0

Has a below average Dean’s letter or report 25.0 27.5 37.5 10.0 0 0 0

PERSONAL AT TRIBUTES STATISTICSF-6

An important trend that we noticed from surveying theseProgram Directors is the importance of a well-balancedapplication. A majority (67-1/2%) of the respondents felt that ifyour application does not seem well rounded, this would have anegative impact. Medical school is full of life-changingopportunities — don’t be afraid to participate in a club or group

to enrich your experiences. Ultimately it will make you a betterperson and a better doctor. As icing on the cake, it may also helpyou in your application for residency; leadership experience inone of these groups was felt to positively affect an application byalmost all surveyed.

Personal Attributes TableThreatens Entire Strongly Negative Negative No Impact Positive Strongly Positive Virtually Assures


Did not seem well rounded 0 12.5 55.0 32.5 0 0 0

Seemed interested in things other thanmedicine 0 0 0 25.0 67.5 7.5 0

Enjoys sports 0 0 0 72.5 22.5 5.0 0

Participated in volunteer groups 0 0 0 47.5 50.0 2.5 0

Had experience in leadership roles 0 0 0 7.5 75.0 17.5 0

Did not participate in group activities 0 10.0 22.0 65.0 2.5 0 0

INTERVIEW STATISTICSF-7For candidates who appear comfortable answering questionsand who developed good rapport during the interview, morethan 90% of respondents felt this would have a positive impact.Only 13% of respondents felt that a nervous-appearing candidatewould have a negative effect, so don’t worry that yournervousness will undermine your application. Just try to beyourself. Those appearing insincere were deemed highlyundesirable — 95% of Program Directors felt this would

negatively affect the interview and 25% felt it would threaten theentire application.

What we found interesting was that simply stating your interestin attending the program would be considered positively by57.5% of respondents, and this increased to 80% if you couldstate why you wanted to enter the program. Furthermore, 55% felt that candidates not stating why they wanted theprogram would have a negative effect.

Interview TableThreatens Entire Strongly Negative Negative No Impact Positive Strongly Positive Virtually Assures


Answered questions comfortably 0 0 0 10.0 65.0 22.5 2.5

Candidate appeared nervous 0 0 12.8 84.6 0 2.6 0

Established rapport with interviewers 0 0 2.5 2.5 75.0 17.5 2.5

Stated that s/he wanted to come to 0 0 40.0 50.0 5.0 2.0 5.0program

Did not state why s/he wanted to come 2.5 7.5 45.3 5.0 2.5 0 0to program

Explained why s/he wanted to come 0 0 0 17.5 72.5 5.0 2.5to the program

Reinforced why s/he wanted to come 0 0 0 10.0 67.5 20.0 0to program

Appeared insincere 5.0 40.0 30.0 0 5.0 0 0

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section E: Program Directors Survey 193

Academics TableThreatens Entire Strongly Negative Negative No Impact Positive Strongly Positive Virtually Assures


Achieved honours or “A” average 0 0 0 15.0 45.0 35.0 2.5in pre-clerkship

Achieved pass average in 0 5.1 25.6 64.1 2.6 0 0pre-clerkship

Failed one or more courses 12.5 37.5 37.5 10.0 0 0 0in pre-clerkship

Achieved honours or “A” average 0 0 0 10.3 43.6 41.0 2.6in clerkship

Achieved pass average in clerkship 0 5.0 12.5 65.0 10.0 2.5 0

Failed one or more rotations 25.0 45.0 22.5 5.0 0 0 0in clerkship

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section F: Program Directors Survey 194

Is it important to have straight A’s or honours? Certainly it’shelpful, as nearly 90% of Program Directors felt high markswould have a positive effect. However, only 30% and 17% ofProgram Directors felt that having a pass average during yourcourse blocks and clerkship rotations, respectively, would countagainst you. If it’s going to take all your time to achieve honoursstatus and it will come at the expense of other aspects of yourapplication, consider the specialty that you are thinking aboutapplying to and make sure that you haven’t left yourselfvulnerable in other areas. Only you will know this as you

research the specialties that you are interested in and considerhow suitable you will be for that specialty.

It is probably not surprising that the majority of respondents(87.5%) indicated that failing a course in pre-clerkship orclerkship would have a strong negative impact. Failing aclerkship course seriously threatens the entire application (25% of cases) with 95% of Program Directors claiming thiswould have a negative effect for the academic section. Nearly all(89.7%) of responding Program Directors felt that an A grade orHonours average in clerkship has a positive effect.

CLOSING REMARKSCareer selection is a significant source of stress and anxiety for medical students. Previously, it was unclear which parts ofthe application were most important and how students shouldinvest their time to maximize their chances of securing theprogram of their choice. The data that we have just presented to you should be helpful to maximize your chances at getting the residency of your choice but should serve only as guidingprinciples.

Future surveys are under way that will offer a breakdown ofthese kinds of questions by specialty so that you can furthertailor your application. But it still doesn’t replace the researchthat you have to do in the specialties that you are mostinterested in, and the introspection that you must do to ensurethat there will be a good fit between you and your future career.Ultimately, you have to be happy with what you’ve worked sohard to achieve.

ACADEMICS STATISTICSF-8

Section G: Other Considererations 195Canadian Medical Residency Guide

G-1 Choosing the Right Environment 196

G-2 Balancing Family and Medicine 197

G-3 Pursuing International Health 198

This section describes additional factors that may strengthen or weakenyour decision to select a given program, including choosing the rightenvironment, balancing family and medicine, and pursuing internationalhealth.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONSSection G

TERTIARY CENTRE

Dr. Ally Prebtani, BScPhm, MD,ABIM, FRCP(C)

Assistant ProfessorDepartment of MedicineEndocrinology and Metabolism

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENTG-1

Medicine is a broad field and the work experiences of physicianscan vary from one to the next. To provide some perspective onthe benefits and challenges of practice in rural, urban-based,

and tertiary medicine, we collated comments from physicianswith specific experiences in each of these settings.

RURAL

Dr. Karl Stobbe, MD, CCFP (EM)

Rural Program CoordinatorDepartment of FamilyMedicine, McMaster University

GPs require a broad range of skills and interests:office work, inpatient care, ER, OB/GYN, OR assists,nursing home.

Rural physicians often provide care that wouldotherwise be offered by specialists in an urbansetting, e.g., neonatal resuscitation, palliative care,trauma stabilization/transport.

Opportunity to receive additional training, such asanesthesia, surgery, C-sections, GI endoscopy,coroner.

Increasing use of the Internet and teleconferencingto communicate with distant physicians and forcontinuing education.

Increasing opportunities for research and teachingaffiliation with academic medical centres.

More time spent on call.

Proximity to nature provides easy access to outdooractivities, e.g., skiing, fishing, sometimes while oncall. Establishing friendships and businessrelationships with patients, e.g., car mechanics,plumbers.

Being a “celebrity” — known by most people intown.

Crime rates lower in rural communities.

Schools: Rural communities tend to have fewerresources to offer student with special needs, andhigh school science education may be higher qualityin urban schools, leading some rural physicianparents to arrange enrichment opportunities fortheir children.

URBAN-BASED

Dr. David Price, MD, CCFP

Assistant Professor & Director of Stonechurch Family Health Centre

Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University

Practice Lifestyle

Must be familiar with and direct patients to

available heath resources in a larger community

because services are often not centralized at one

main centre.

Intermediate-size population served.

Opportunity to see the general scope of health care

problems within any given specialty.

Heavy clinical demands, although there are

opportunities to serve on hospital boards.

Being the main provider of care allows doctors to

build rapport and be involved in patients’ lives on

a continuing basis.

Increasing opportunities for research and teaching

affiliation with academic medical centres.

Call duty can be heavy depending on specialty.

Patient care often involves complex and rareproblems; based on referral.

Much emphasis on promoting ongoing learning ofresidents, students, and colleagues.

Requires patience and flexibility due to wide rangeof knowledge base and competence among learners.

Involvement in various committees, e.g., academicjournals, business, education.

Research-oriented, e.g., clinical, basic science, health policy.

Accessibility to new knowledge and innovativetechnology.

No in-house call required as a staff person.

Non-clinical responsibilities provide a break fromclinical demands.

Requires living close to a large city.

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section G: Other Considerations 196

Issues of BalanceIt’s no surprise that residency life is challenging. Limited freetime, chronic sleep deprivation, and the concurrentresponsibilities of research, teaching, and reading areundoubtedly magnified in the context of marriage and children.The issue of balancing family life and medicine is a complex oneand varies widely from one individual to the next. However, anawareness of some common issues can be helpful in formulatingexpectations and decisions about your training and career path.

In this section, an informal survey of residents (in FamilyMedicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Psychiatry)was done to provide a cross-section of opinions and experiencesin these areas.

Scheduling electives without call responsibilities can make theworkload more manageable for residents who are pregnant.Lindsey from Case 1 may be interested in this advice.


BAL ANCING FAMILY AND MEDICINEG-2

Strategies/Resources for ManagementChallengesCommon Themes in Residency

Pregnancy “Finding time during work to have proper mealbreaks.”

“Physical demands, especially during longprocedures/surgeries.”

“Dealing with fatigue, especially in the thirdtrimester.”

Flexible Scheduling“It’s been tremendously helpful to be able to schedule elective timeat the end of my pregnancy that did not involve call responsibilities.”

“It was difficult to ask for time off during my residency, especiallyaround the time of delivery. No one else was around to cover if Iwas gone.”

Program Support“The support of my Program Director has been wonderful. I hadincredible assistance with moving scheduled blocks around toensure I was on holiday around the time my wife’s delivery.”

“In some programs, academic time is permitted without question,so that gives some flexibility around the time of childbirth.”

“After Hours”Academics

“Work often doesn’t end after you leave thehospital. It’s a challenge to balance my familyresponsibilities at home with additional programcommitments after work, e.g., reading, research,preparing presentations.”

Support from Extended Family“Having a network of family and friends close by has taken off a lotof the pressure for me to be at home. It’s nice to know your child istaken care of, even when it’s on short notice!”

“Hiring a good nanny is expensive but it has meant that I have moreopportunity to get things done without worrying too much that mychild’s care is being compromised.”

Couple Time “Fatigue from long work — hours and familyduties often left very few opportunities to spendtime with my partner.”

—

Burden on Spouse

“Being a resident makes it difficult to splitparenting 50:50, especially during exam times.”

“Can be difficult for my spouse at times, gets‘burnt out’ with little support.”

—

Helpful Advice“Having my own family during residency has been challengingbut very rewarding. My wife and kids make me look forward tocoming home. The key is giving some serious thought ahead oftime as to whether you want to start a family and how you’regoing to go about doing it.”

“For female residents, I don’t think there is ever a good time toconsider pregnancy. People often say put it off to after you finishmed school or residency or after getting a staff position. Startinga family is an intensely personal decision — do it when you feelit’s right for you!”

“For male residents, try to plan your schedule ahead of time so thatyour schedule is relatively flexible around the time of your child’s

birth. It will certainly be one of the busiest times in your life, so youwant to make sure you have enough uncommitted time to spendwith your baby and spouse.”

ReferencesLund A. “Dr. Mom and Dr. Dad – Issues in becoming a parent during residency.” Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine 2002; 4(4): 298–30.

Myers MF. Doctors’ marriages: a look at their problems and solutions. 2nd ed. New York:Plenum Medical Book Company, 1994.

Lindsey from Case 1 was interested in ways to make it easier togo back to work after maternity leave. Building a strong familyrelationship and hiring a nanny, as well as training part time andstarting with lighter rotations, are strategies residents have citedin easing the trasition back to work.

IntroductionAs members of the medical profession, we have the uniqueopportunity to extend our responsibilities to marginalizedpopulations across the globe. This section was created inresponse to the growing awareness and interest in internationalhealth (IH) issues. We highlight different ways that residentsacross the country have pursued their passion in IH throughouttheir training. We hope that this introduction will both inspirethose who had never considered international medicine before,and encourage others who wish to seek out residency programsthat are amenable to IH training. Feedback from residentsinterviewed for this section indicates that faculties acrossCanada are becoming more aware of IH issues, and areinterested in becoming more involved. While there are currentlyfew formal centres for IH across the country, interest andsupport generated at the faculty level in recent years have madeIH training a definite reality.

While traditional interest in international medicine has beenthrough Family and Community Medicine, Infectious Diseases,and Pediatrics, IH is not limited to these particular areas. Thereis potential to pursue rewarding international experiences infields as diverse as Ophthalmology, Neurology, Psychiatry, andOncology, as there is a need for all kinds of medical expertise inunderserviced areas. The spectrum of “international health” isquite large, and encompasses public health, human rights, peace

activism, health economics, health policy, occupational health,environmental medicine, and rehabilitation medicine.

We have profiled four residents from different Canadianinstitutions about their experiences in international medicine,and provided a number of resources on international healthprograms around the world.

It’s important to recognize that “international health” is notlimited to practising medicine in the developing world. Rather,this is an area concerned with the health of especiallydisadvantaged populations — whether in Canada (inner-citypoor, aboriginal populations, refugees/immigrants, and cases ofimported emerging infectious diseases) or abroad. We hope thatthis section will serve as a gateway to exploring opportunitiescurrently available both within Canada and beyond.

Educational Programs and CoursesMost of the programs listed below are offered in schools ofpublic health (SPHs) and medical schools. Wherever possible, aURL is given for direct access to the school’s IH program. BostonUniversity and Johns Hopkins SPHs have the largest IH Master’sand doctoral programs in IH, though many other schools offerstrong IH programs. The University of Arizona offers a three-week summer program designed to prepare clinical medicalstudents and residents for an international assignment. TheASPH listing provides access to all SPHs.

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section G: Other Considererations 198

PURSUING INTERNATIONAL HEALTHG-3

International Health Centres in CanadaCentre WebsiteDalhousie International Health Centre http://iho.medicine.dal.ca

McGill University Centre for Tropical Diseases http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/tropmed

University of British Columbia Centre for International Health http://www.cih.ubc.ca/

University of Alberta International Intercultural Health Initiative http://www.ih.ualberta.ca

University of Calgary International Centre http://www.ucalgary.ca/ic

University of Manitoba Office of International Health N/A

Université de Montréal Santé Internationale N/A

University of Toronto Centre for International Health http://intlhealth.med.utoronto.ca/

Canadian International Health AgenciesCentre WebsiteCanadian International Development Agency http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca

Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research http://www.ccghr.ca

Canadian Institutes of Health Research http://www.cihr.ca

Canadian Society for International Health http://www.csih.org

Global Health Education Consortium http://www.globalhealth-ec.org/

Student University Network for Social and International Health http://www.sunsih.ca

Key WebsitesAssociation of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) has links with itsmember schools, has a student page, describes the field of publichealth, describes opportunities for IH study and careers, and listsschools with IH Master’s-level programs. — http://www.asph.org

Postgraduate Training Programmes in IH — This extraordinaryWebsite, developed by Swiss institutions, provides access todetailed descriptions of a wide variety of p-g programs. Thedatabase allows searches by topic, institution, country, and typeof program. — http://www.healthtraining.org

Boston Univ. SPH. BU has a Department of IH and offers short duration certificatecourses in IH. — http://www.bumc.bu.edu/ih

Brown Univ. Office of International Programs —http://www.brown.edu/Administration/OIP

Columbia Univ. SPH — http://www.mailman.hs.columbia.edu/— The University Medical Centre is located athttp://cpmcnet.columbia.edu. See alsohttp://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/bgcu-md/ for a descriptionof a collaborative MD degree program in International Healthand Medicine with the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev(Israel). This program also provides opportunities for summerexternships for 4th year medical students at BG Univ.

Emory Univ. SPH— http://www.sph.emory.edu

Fogarty International Centre for Advanced Study in the HealthSciences offers a variety of training, research and fellowshipgrants as well as international services. — http://www.fic.nih.gov

George Washington Univ. SPH— http://www.gwumc.edu/sphhs

Gorgas Courses in Clinical Tropical Medicine (sponsored by U ofAlabama) – an annual course in the Tropics of Peru in theAmazon. — http://info.dom.uab.edu/gorgas

Harvard Univ. SPH http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/Academics/pih/index.html. For the Takemi Program in International Health,for midprofessionals, see http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/takemi/.

Johns Hopkins Univ. SPH— http://ih.jhsph.edu/. JHU has theoldest and likely largest department-level IH programs in theUnited States.

Kigezi International School of Medicine, located in Uganda, nowoffers a program with a focus on global health care.

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine —http://www.lshtm.ac.uk

Michigan State Univ.— http://www.msu.edu/unit/iih/. This is theglobal health Website of the Institute of International Health atMichigan State University. See also http://globalmichigan.com/theme/health/ for MSU’s Global Access Website. This URLprovides a searchable database of over 5,000 links to informationabout health conditions in other countries, the location ofmedical centres, details of countries, health care systems, andaccess to international organizations involved in health-relatedissues.

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School —http://rwjms.umdnj.edu/student_affairs/international/

Supercourse in Epidemiology, the Internet and Global Health (atU of Pittsburgh) — This course has over 1,600 lectures online bymore than 1,000 faculty, grouped into various categories; a richsource of materials and ideas. — http://www.pitt.edu/~super1/

Tulane Univ. SPH — http://www.som.tulane.edu/departments/StudentAffairs/INTHEALTH.HTM for IH electivesopen to Tulane and other fourth-year medical students in ninedifferent countries.

Univ. of Arizona (College of Public Health) —http://www.globalhealth.arizona.edu (for the InternationalHealth: Clinical and Community Care program that is held everysummer)

Univ. of California at Berkeley SPH — http://sph.berkeley.edu/

Univ. of California at Davis — http://www.ucdavis.edu/index.html

Univ. of California at Los Angeles SPH — http://www.ph.ucla.edu

Univ. of Florida— http://www.med.ufl.edu/international

Univ. of Maryland, summer research program — N/A

Univ. of Michigan SPH— http://www.sph.umich.edu/. See UM’sPopulation Fellows program at http://www.sph.umich.edu/pfps

Univ. of Nebraska Medical Centre — Offers Spanish/International Health/Wilderness & Tropical Medicine (Belize)courses in Guatemala that integrate individual Spanish languageinstruction, lectures and field trips, and a Wilderness & TropicalMedicine course. — http://www.unmc.edu/

Electives in Belize — http://www.unmc.edu/isp

Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill SPH —http://www.sph.unc.edu

Univ. of Pennsylvania —http://www.med.upenn.edu/globalhealth/

Univ. of Pittsburgh SPH— http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu

College of Public Health at the University of South Florida — Forstudies, see: http://health.usf.edu/publichealth/globalhealth.html

Univ. of Texas at San Antonio — See especially the four-weeksummer elective/rotation (“STEER”) held at the border cities ofLaredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and focusing oninternational health, environmental health, public health, andborder health issues. — http://steer.uthscsa.edu

Univ. of Toronto — See: Centre for International Health at:http://intlhealth.med.utoronto.ca/

Univ. of Washington — IH program, including a China exchangeprogram that is sometimes open to non-U of W students —http://depts.washington.edu/ihg/

Yale University, SPH — http://publichealth.yale.edu


Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section G: Other Considererations 200

University of Alberta University of CalgaryName Lynora Saxinger Lindsay RyersonOccupation Infectious Diseases PediatricsYears in practice 2 years (graduate fellowship, 2001) PGY3Type of practice 85% clinical, 15% research Starting Pediatric Cardiology in July 2004Time in research None NoneFamily status Married SingleAverage hours per week 51–70 >100Funding to pursue IH training Travel expenses through Dept. of So far, adequate through Canadian

Medicine and Infectious Diseases Paediatric SocietyWhat do you like most It’s the most interesting area of Patients, procedures, colleaguesabout your job? medicine!What would you improve? Time demands Less bureaucracySpare time Gym; painting Running, mountain biking, skiing,

readingDoes family life suffer? Sometimes Quite oftenJob satisfaction (rated 1 to 10) 9 8When did you become interested During ID fellowship in Zimbabwe During medical school in IH?IH work prior to residency None NoDid interest in IH influence choice No, but it influenced my choice of Noof residency program? subspecialtyIH training during residency PGY5: IH fellowship in Zimbabwe None Do you plan on continuing IH work I want to integrate IH training at I would like to keep working in IH in into the future? work at the U of Alberta, and a teaching capacity.

continue going overseas. Balancing interest in IH with Shorter trips, more limited Take them with me!family life commitments, get spouse involved

Careers in International Health — Profiles: University of Alberta, University of Calgary


University of Ottawa University of TorontoName Heather MacDonnell Barry PakesOccupation Pediatrics Family Medicine residentYears in practice Fellowship year PGY2Type of practice Academic Pediatric MedicineTime in research Yearly IHMEC conference; one-month Not as much as desired: more time spent

elective per year in IH; residency preparing for experience than doing it!representative on the IH section of Go to as many conferences as possiblethe Canadian Paediatric Society

Family status Single MarriedAverage hours per week 51–70 Variable with rotationsFunding to pursue IH training Use of residency conference allocation, Adequate funding from Medical Alumni

but funding is not secured for Associationfuture interests

What do you like most Working with children and their Appreciation for non-medical aspects about your job? families, variety of clinical scenarios, of community care, including

professional and congenial hospital epidemiology and philosophical environment practical/political aspects of

humanitarian interventionWhat would you improve? Long hours So far, so goodSpare time Travel, competitive tennis, language Co-chair of Residents Without Borders,

classes reading, travellingDoes family life suffer? Sometimes Not yetJob satisfaction (rated 1 to 10) 8 9When did you become interested During residency through vaccination During high school while travelling in IH? program in Papua, New Guinea through Middle East; during medical

school in Eastern Europe and AfricaIH work prior to residency Not specifically 1st year med: with youth in Ukraine

and Belarus; 2nd year med: primarycare in Ethiopia and relief work inKenya

Did interest in IH influence choice No, but Ottawa Paediatrics is amenable Yes — Family Medicine has a broad of residency program? to IH electives. scope and flexibility of practice, and

possibility for further training.IH training during residency Elective in Pediatric Tropical Medicine PGY1: travel medicine clinic; rural

in Rajasthan, India elective in Zimbabwe. Master’s at Harvard School of Public Health

Do you plan on continuing IH work Further training (Diploma in Tropical Humanitarian disaster management;into the future? Medicine), volunteering as pediatric teaching, and ethics

educator, participate in international adoption clinics, continue attending IH conferences

Balancing interest in IH with Participate in at least one IH program It won’t always be easy.family life per year, and hopefully family will

share these interests.

Careers in International Health — Profiles: University of Ottawa, University of Toronto

Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section H: The Application Process 202

THE APPLICATIONPROCESSSection H

H-1 Making the Choice and the CaRMS Match 203

H-2 Electives 204

H-3 The Master Application 205

H-4 Preparing for the Interview 219

H-5 Matching Information and Strategy 223

H-6 The Couples’ Match 225

H-7 Other Considerations 226

This section provides a broad introduction to what CaRMS is all about and will orient you to the process. Furthermore, it takes you through yourmedical school years, providing some advice on what you can do to maximize your chances of matching to the residency of your choice.

It also takes you through the application process step by step. It providesdetailed information on each component of the application process, including:

> Transcripts> Dean’s report> Reference letters> Personal statement letters> Curriculum vitae> The interview

This information will give you guidelines on how to put your best foot forward, including how to:

> Provide great references> Write the “perfect” personal letter> Provide a clear and concise curriculum vitae that highlights your strengths> Impress the panel of interviewers at your personal interview

What Is CaRMS? CaRMS is a not-for-profit, fee-for-service corporation that worksin close cooperation with medical schools and students toprovide a computer match for entry into postgraduate medicaltraining. A board of directors governs CaRMS and represents allstakeholders in Canadian medical education.

Member organizations on the Board of Directors include:

The Association of Faculties of Medicine in Canada

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Canadian Medical Association

Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada

Canadian Federation of Medical Students

Canadian Association of Interns and Residents

Association of Canadian Teaching Hospitals

The College of Family Physicians of Canada

CaRMS provides an efficient way for applicants to decide whereto train, and allows Program Directors to decide whichapplicants they wish to enroll in postgraduate medical training.

The matching system guarantees that decisions about residencyselection will be made by both applicants and Program Directorsby a specific date without pressure being placed on applicants tomake decisions before exploring all options.

The CaRMS handbook, which is published annually, containsinformation for students registering for the match. It coverseligibility, procedures, statistics on the previous year’s match,CaRMS policies, and the timetable for the current year (seehttp://www.carms.ca).

How CaRMS WorksThe following is an outline of the information that can be foundin the CaRMS handbook:

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE MATCH> Basis for eligibility

> Students graduating from Canadian medical schools

> Students graduating from medical schools in the United States

> Physicians who graduated prior to the current Match year inCanada and the United States

> Physicians who have graduated from international medicalschools

> National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) applicants

> Applicants to Obstetrics/Gynecology programs in the UnitedStates

FIRST ITERATION OF THE MATCH> Timetable for the first iteration of the match

> Registering with CaRMS (including students funded byNational Defence and couples)

> CaRMS Applicant Match Contract

> Application for postgraduate medical training

> Applicant’s Designation List

> Curriculum vitae

> Fees

> Late application

> Supporting documents

> Medical school transcript

> Dean’s letter/report

> Reference letters

> Personal statement letters

> Interviews

> Applicant’s Rank Order List

> Confirmation of rankings on computer

> Address changes

> Withdrawal from CaRMS

> Match-results delivery system

> Matched applicants

> Unmatched applicants

> Additional services

> Education receipts

> Important addresses

> CaRMS policies

> Statistics of the previous matches

> The computer matching process explained

General Information on PostgraduateTrainingPostgraduate graduate training is the training you receive afteryou have received your MD. Residencies range from two to sixyears and are university-based (compared with U.S. residencyprograms, which are hospital-based). After residency, you cango for further training by completing a research or clinicalfellowship in a specific area (one to two years). There are several ways to find places to do your postgraduate training.

In Canada:1. via the Canadian Residents Matching Service (CaRMS) —

largest

2. via the Department of National Defence (DND) — for Family Medicine only

3. via Les Universities francophones au Quebec

In the U.S.:1. via the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)

2. via positions found outside of this service

We focus on the CaRMS pathway because it is the one mostfrequently followed.


MAKING THE CHOICE AND THECARMS MATCH

H-1

The CaRMS Application Timeline(Sample only — may change from year to year)

The CaRMS application calendar begins in July of your third year.

July> CaRMS packages are distributed.

> Write to individual programs requesting additionalinformation or check the CaRMS Website.

August> Update your CV and start working on your personal letters.

> Consult resident and staff physicians for tips.

> Contact referees about writing you a reference letter.

September> Ensure all references have been contacted and finalize your CV.

September 30 — Deadline> Application form and CV must be sent to CaRMS.

November 1 — Deadline> Transcripts are forwarded by Student Affairs Office to CaRMS

with Dean’s report.

Mid-November> CaRMS mails your file to programs.

November and December> Start arranging interviews (most programs will contact you).

November — February> Interviews (most occur during the first three weeks in January).

February> Begin thinking hard and carefully about the order you will

rank programs.

Mid-February — Deadline> Deadline for Rank Order Lists.

> Deadline for withdrawal from CaRMS.

March> Unmatched Day — students are informed whether they are

unmatched a few days prior to Match Day, and begin applyingto the second iteration of the match.

Mid-March> Match Day

Late March> Second Match Day (for the second iteration).

Mid-May> LMCC Part I Exam (two days).

Mid-June> Convocation for graduates.

July 1> Residency begins!

Section H: The Application Process 204Canadian Medical Residency Guide

ELECTIVESH-2

The BasicsIt’s commonplace to hear first- and second-year medicalstudents talk excitedly about their “elective” experience duringtheir summer months or school year. Their experiences ofteninvolve shadowing a physician around the wards in the earlyhours of the morning, attending noon rounds with the hospitalresidents, and staying up in the late hours with the team that’son call. While these medical students have had valuableexperiences, it cannot be stated that they have done an elective.What these students did, in fact, was an “observership.” So, whatexactly is an elective?

By definition, an elective is a rotation during clerkship wherebythe student has the choice of learning about a particular field ofmedicine (Research, Rural Medicine, Emergency, Surgery, etc.).The number of elective rotations and the total number of weeksdedicated to electives can vary between medical schools. Duringthis time, the student will undergo an evaluation of his/herknowledge, skills, and behaviour similar to that in the coreclerkship blocks and, thus, obtain credit for their work, whichwill be recorded on their academic transcript.

Maximizing Elective ExperienceWHEN SHOULD I DO AN ELECTIVE?It is a matter of personal choice when one does medicalelectives. In making this choice, keep several things in mind inorder to make an accurate and complete decision. Some people

like to start their electives after completing many of their corerotations. The advantage of this decision is that they have moreexperience in different areas of medicine prior to choosing anelective interest. However, some students argue that it is betterto choose an elective earlier on in the year just after summerbreak, when they have more energy. Again, it is a personaldecision. The approach to making elective choices, both intiming and in type, depends upon what information the studenthopes to obtain from the elective. Is the elective for careersampling or is it to make contacts in a specific discipline? Wouldhaving more clinical skills and confidence work to the student’sbenefit in a specific elective?

IN WHAT SHOULD I DO AN ELECTIVE?This can be a difficult decision. Some students take the elective asan opportunity to learn about a field of medicine that differs fromtheir core clerkship rotations, such as Neurology or Anesthesia.Other students feel compelled to take on an elective in their fieldof interest as proof to residency directors of their interest andcommitment to their specialty. Other students are more interestedin academic careers and may decide to complete a researchelective. Again, choose a rotation that you are interested in.

WITH WHOM SHOULD I DO MY ELECTIVE?Many students, unfortunately, do not give this much prioritywhen deciding their elective of choice. Your elective supervisorcan very often determine the quality of your experience from the

elective. Common sense states that one should ask the physicianwho has the time to teach and enjoys teaching. The best adviceon finding an excellent teacher who is not too busy would comefrom students and residents who have done electives withvarious supervisors. Some students decide that teaching qualityis not so important as the position of their teacher. Staff on theresidency program committees are often popular choices forelective teachers. Again, what you look for in an elective teacherreally depends on your priorities.

WHERE SHOULD I DO MY ELECTIVE ROTATION? This depends on what you are looking for. If you are interested inlearning about a foreign culture, then an international medicalelective would be ideal. If your interest are in rural Canadianmedicine, then perhaps one the Northern Medical Electivesmight be the right choice.

WHAT IF I WANT TO DO A RURAL ELECTIVE?A variety of opportunities are available for medical students toexperience medicine in northern rural communities. Medicalpractice in the north is quite different than the south due toextreme distances from larger medical centres. A medical studentwho has not done core clinical rotations in Internal Medicine,Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Family Practice is not likely to be ableto obtain maximum learning from well-planned electives.

The Northwestern Ontario Medical Programme (NOMP) wasdeveloped in 1972 as a collaborative venture by the Thunder BayMedical Society, the Northwestern Ontario Medical Society, theOntario Ministry of Health, and McMaster University. The mainobjective of NOMP is to provide a variety of northern urban,rural, and remote clinical education opportunities inNorthwestern Ontario for undergraduate medical students,interns, and residents in settings ranging from Wawa on the eastto Kenora on the west.

NOMP — Health Sciences North955 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay ON P7B 5E1Tel: (807) 343-2101, Fax: (807) 343-2104

The Northeastern Ontario Electives Program (NEP) wasdeveloped in 1995 as a collaborative venture among theNortheastern Ontario Family Medicine Program (NOFM), theUniversity of Ottawa, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry ofNorthern Development and Mines. NEP has similar objectives asNOMP. Sites for elective range from Hearst to Parry Sound. Forinformation regarding this program, contact the

Northeastern Ontario Electives Program1942 Regent Street South, Unit G, Suite 127, Sudbury ON P3E 3Z9Tel: (705) 688-0200, Toll Free: (800) 461-8777, Fax: (705) 671-1688Email: [email protected]


THE MASTER APPLICATIONH-3

This next section gives tips, suggestions, and examples on how tocreate the most effective application.

There are five components of the CaRMS application. Theinterview will be covered separately in the next chapter.

> Transcripts

> Dean’s letter/report

> Reference letters

> Personal statement letters

> Curriculum vitae

TranscriptsThe Office of Student Affairs (Registrarial Section) willautomatically forward your transcript to CaRMS. The transcriptis not automatically forwarded to NRMP in the United States.Students will need to complete a Document Order Form (seeyour Medical Education Dept.) to request that a transcript isforwarded directly to the Program Directors at the medicalschools you indicate.

Dean’s Letter/ReportThe Dean’s letter/report is a combination of transcriptinformation and comments from the evaluations of yourclerkship rotations and electives. It is automatically forwarded bythe Undergraduate Medical Education Office to CaRMS.

Prior to forwarding to CaRMS, a copy is provided to each studentto check for errors. If errors are found, students must make themknown to the Clerkship Administrator.

1. Make sure you have proofread the Dean’s report carefully andcorrected all factual or spelling mistakes.

2. Depending on what you are applying for, you may not wantcertain comments included, even if they are positive. (e.g.,three of six comments state you are an excellent Surgerycandidate when you are applying to Psychiatry).

3. If you have kept your evaluations you will be able to chooseother comments and confirm the correctness of the commentsalready included.

Reference LettersAs the CaRMS handbook outlines, obtaining letters of referenceand all follow-up is the responsibility of the applicant. CaRMS isnot involved in collecting, tracking, or copying your referenceletters.

CaRMS has developed guidelines for referees on the content of agood reference. CaRMS advises that applicants provide eachreferee with a set of preprinted mailing labels to assist in thepreparation and accurate delivery of your reference letters.

Applicants should refer to individual programs in the CaRMSProgram Directory to determine specific requirements, such asthe number of letters of reference required, who is qualified towrite a reference, what qualities the referee should comment on,and when references should be at the program office. Thisprogram-specific information can be found under the headings“Reference Letters” and “Selection Criteria” on each programdescription page.

After reading the program requests regarding referees, choose areferee who has supervised your clinical performance for not lessthan three or four weeks.

Referees send the letters directly to the programs you specify,using the labels or the pre-addressed envelopes you provide. Thereference letters must arrive at the programs by theirindividually set deadlines.

WHO TO ASK: THE IDEAL REFERENCE> According to the Program Directors Survey, letters that carry the

most weight are from Clinicians that the program knows andrespects. This includes experts in the specialty but also theClinicians who are working in the program you are applying to.You will need at least one letter from a Clinician in the specialty.

> Don’t forget about asking other credible references who thinkyou are a superstar, no matter what specialty or researchbackground they are from. The people you ask will depend onthe program(s) that you are applying to and any uniqueattributes that you bring to the table. No Program Directorwould hold this against you and it may help “round out yourapplication” in about 40% of programs. If you have done formaltraining in research and your research supervisor can attest toyour scientific genius, ambition, and determination, then thisis also helpful. Just remember to get the core references fromthe physicians in the specialty you are applying to.

> Ensure that you follow the directions regarding referenceletters outlined by each Program.

> People who are not credible references may detract from yourapplication (e.g., friends, relatives).

> If you are applying to several specialties, strategize on thespecificity of your referee letters. You may decide to sendcertain letters of reference only to certain programs. It isessential in these cases that you make time to meet with yourreferees and talk with them about your career plans. You wantto avoid general statements like “John is destined to become asuperior academic surgeon” if you are also sending thisreference to Internal Medicine programs.

> One option is to request that referees individualize each letterfor specific programs. Another option is to inform the refereethat you are applying to more than one specialty and that youwould appreciate it if they refrained from making specificrecommendations about certain specialties or programs.

WHEN TO ASKDon’t be afraid! If you want a letter from a particular individual,ask for one. But ask for it at the right time and in the right way.If you are on a clinical service with the individual, ask while youare on the service, or soon afterwards. No matter how wonderfulyou are, the faculty member’s memory of you will fade. Ask if theletter can be drafted now and say that later you will give him orher the list of programs it should be sent to.

HOW TO ASKAsk for the letter directly. However, make sure you phrase yourrequest in such a way that you will not be saddled with anegative or neutral letter. One way of doing this is asking theindividual if he or she would feel comfortable writing you astrong letter of support. If the answer is anything but a strongyes, go elsewhere.

WHAT TO GIVE THEM> Give your reference person some information to make the

task easier.

> Areas the letter should address

> Past evaluations

> Curriculum vitae

> Personal statement

> Deadline of when the letters have to be submitted

> List of names and addresses that the letters need to be sent to

WHAT THEY SHOULD SAYBelow are some suggestions about what your referees shouldinclude. After they have agreed to write a letter of reference foryou, send them a letter with the above information, thankingthem again for the reference, and asking them if in their letterthey could also address the following points.

The specific points that you want emphasized will depend on thereason that you have asked this person to be a referee and thespecialty you have applied to. Some ideas are listed below. Younow know from your research of the specialty exactly whichattributes they are looking for and on which ones this referee willbe best able to comment. Keep a copy of the formal evaluationsthat you get after your electives and rotations — they can be veryhelpful for predicting who will be best at singing your praises.

GUIDELINES FOR REFEREESIn general, reference letters should include

> The type and duration of the referee’s contact with theindividual student

> Whether or not the student has seen or will receive a copy of the letter

> Appropriate comment on the student’s

– cognitive skills and knowledge

– problem-solving and patient management

– behaviour and attitudinal skills

– communication skills and working relationships

– ability to work in a team

If the referee is unable to comment on a specific component ofthe student’s performance in any of the above categories, he/sheis asked to indicate that he/she did not observe or haveknowledge of that particular component. Referees areencouraged to comment on any special qualities they noted orunique contributions of the applicant.

Areas to address in a letter of reference: Tips fromother schools:*A) Scholastic Record> Standing in graduate class

> Honours/commendations in courses

> Other honours

B) Medical Abilities> Interaction with patients

> Diagnostic ability

> Physical examination ability

> Laboratory use and interpretation

> Use of pharmacological agents

> Clarity/completeness of chartsSection H: The Application Process 206Canadian Medical Residency Guide

> Clarity/completeness of oral presentations

> Knowledge of medical literature

*From “The CaRMS Process Explained,” Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa.

C) Personal Characteristics> Relations with peers, faculty, ancillary staff

> Willingness to assume responsibility

> Dependability

> Integrity—moral and ethical qualities

> Industriousness

> Initiative

> Motivation

> Interest

> Maturity

> Flexibility

> Sense of humour

Personal Statement LetterINTRODUCTIONDifferent programs have different requirements for personalletters. It may be necessary to write a different personal letter foreach program, depending on the selection criteria. Most of theprograms state that the personal letter is an important factor intheir choice of candidates. Your letter may get you an interview,and it can work to confirm the impression you make in theinterview. For maximum impact, write clearly. Keep the letter tothe maximum length stated in the program-specific instructions.

THE SIX KEY COMPONENTS OF A GOOD LETTERBE FOCUSED. Don’t waste the readers’ time. Take your first cuefrom the program self-description in the CaRMS ProgramDirectory. Study the specifications for the personal letter, and lookalso at the rest of the page, reading between the lines as necessary.Does the program stress public service, research, or breadth? Doesthe main requisite seem to be maturity, interpersonal skills,and/or academic ability? Does the text suggest concern aboutlevel of commitment, ability to handle pressure, communicationskills? Decide accordingly what main overall point you want tomake — that you are a potential researcher, that you are eager togain broad experience, that you work well on a team, and/or thatyou have special sensitivity to patients’ needs.

BE LOGICAL. In the letter format, the opening and the conclusioncan briefly express polite sentiments of gratitude, hope,enthusiasm, etc. But the body of the letter needs to support thekey point: I’m the right person for your program. To meet theinevitable resistance in the readers’ minds, the most logicalstructure will state the inclusive answer succinctly (as above), andthen give evidence in a set of paragraphs. Choose the aspects youdiscuss according to your analysis of the program; then set outevidence from your past experience to develop each point.

BE COHERENT. Being “together” is a quality of writing as well asof character. Be sure that all of your ideas relate to your overallpoint, and that you show their relationship to each other. A keyediting tactic is to check the topic sentences of each paragraphto see that they signal steps along the overall path. At thesentence level, don’t rely on vague linking words such as “also,”“however,” and “thus.” More precise subordinating terms like“because” and “although” give a firmer sense of internal logic.Take the time to work out exact relationships. Ask a friend ormentor to give you an opinion on the quality of your letter.

BE INTERPRETIVE. You need to make a clear impression ofyourself, so don’t use your letter just to repeat the facts set out inthe CV and transcript. Provide explicit answers for the questionthat arises in the mind of any reader facing a pile of similardocuments: “So what?” Use nouns and adjectives that namedesirable qualities (sensitive, flexible, mature) and verbs thatshow relevant actions (coordinated, investigated, maintained).Start with the words in the program description, and then findmore exact terms to fit the evidence you are offering. Be specific.There’s no point making claims unless you can back them up.Refer to the fact listed in other parts of your application (“as myacademic record shows”), but be sure to offer enough examplesin your letter that it can stand on its own. Say that they are justinstances, not your whole proof (“An incident from my Pediatricselective is an example....”). The concrete language you use forthese specific references will also balance the generalizing wordsof your interpretive points. Beware of overworked andunconvincing openers such as “I have always wanted to be apathologist” or “When I had the measles, I realized I shouldbecome a pediatrician.” Select only the most relevant aspects ofthe stories, and make sure they are clearly related to the analyticpoint about your suitability for the program.

BE PERSONAL. Your letter is a preliminary interview. In effect,the readers have asked you to tell stories, mention details, andexpand on facts they already know. They want to know that youare strong enough to look at yourself analytically. You canmention things you might not have put into the rest of theapplication — your family circumstances, ethnic background, or political interests. Don’t be afraid to mention problems ordifficulties; stress how you overcame them. Use “I” rather thanstuffy phrases like “this writer” or “my experience” or “wasexperienced by me.” To avoid monotony, start some sentenceswith a subordinate clause such as “While I washed test tubes” or “Because of my difficulties” — then go on to “I did” or “I learned.”

STYLE. Don’t give your readers any excuses to eliminate yourletter. Be concise — don’t dilute your effects. Proofread carefullyfor missing details, as well as errors in grammar or punctuation.Get other people to check, too. Aim for clarity and logic ofsentence structure. Avoid overloading the prose with jargon orpretentious words — your letter should demonstrate your abilityto communicate with patients as well as colleagues. To sounddynamic, use active verbs (“I want to treat patients”) rather thanpassive verbs or abstract nouns (“My wish is to be engaged in thetreatment of patients”).

FOOD FOR THOUGHTPrior to entering medical school your autobiographical letterrequired information from you about the following topics:

> What have you done? Why? What have you gotten out of it?

> Who are you?

> Where are you going? How are you going to get there?

Now that you are about to finish medical school, your personalletter may be similar in style. Think about yourself as the medicalstudent looking back at the overall accomplishments of your lifeexperiences.

CLEARLY STATE YOUR OBJECTIVES> Think about your attributes, experiences, contributions, and

strengths over the years, and particularly in medical school —creativity, challenge, research work (if any), problem-solvingand/or analytical skills, strengths, etc.


> Speak about your personal qualities as a well-rounded studentwho enjoys life and academics.

> Go through the directory and review and outline eachinstitution’s unique requirements and goals.

> Follow all pertinent deadlines as outlined in the CaRMSHandbook.

> Organize your thoughts based on the requirements outlinedby each program.

> Build a database of program-specific requirements.

Curriculum VitaeDEVELOPING A CVWhile you may not yet have had the experience of preparing a formal curriculum vitae (“course of life”), you are alreadyfamiliar with its function and the type of information neededfrom your applications for employment, college or, for thatmatter, medical school. Indeed, one of the primary functions of a CV is to provide a succinct chronicle of your past experiencesand training.

In a sense, a CV is a multipurpose, personal application form foremployment, educational opportunities, honours and awards, ormembership or participation in an organization.

Learning to prepare a good CV now will aid you throughout yourprofessional life. It is a living, not static, document that needs tobe updated continually as new experiences or accomplishmentsare completed. Despite its multiple purposes, your CV must berestructured and rewritten, or at least reviewed, for each specificpurpose for which it is to be used. It might be entirelyinappropriate to include a lengthy list of publications in a CVyou are submitting as application for membership in a volunteerorganization. On the other hand, it might be imperative to includethis information, if not in the body of, at least as an appendix to,a CV you are submitting to obtain an academic position.

Some experts recommend maintaining two versions of your CV— one, a short summary of your training and experience, andthe other, a longer version with more detailed information aboutyour publications and presentations. In general, however, no CVshould be lengthy. No matter how many accomplishments youlist, you won’t impress anyone who can’t quickly pick out two orthree good reasons to choose you over someone else. Let yourCV help you put your best foot forward.

When applying to residency training programs, a chronologicalformat is very appropriate for most medical students. Here aresome tips to help you get started:

GENERAL TIPS> A chronological CV should be arranged in reverse

chronological order. It should be immediately apparent whereyou are presently. It may be difficult to decide at first what isappropriate to include in your CV. It may seem that theresidency application forms have already captured everythingyou have to say about yourself. Try to remember that anapplication form is limited to the few things that a particularinstitution wants to know about everybody. A CV lets you giveinformation that is unique to you. Try putting in everythingyou can think of at first. Pull it out later if it doesn’t seempertinent.

> The appearance of your CV is extremely important. When youhave finished designing the content and format, considerhaving it reproduced by a commercial printing service usingan offset printing method. Alternatively, you can produce ityourself providing you have an excellent letter-quality printer.

Use standard size 81⁄2 by 11-inch paper in a white or verylightly coloured stock.

> The language of a CV is abbreviated and succinct. Resist thetemptation to append explanatory sentences or language thatwill distract the reader from the basic information beingpresented. When applying for residency training, you will havethe opportunity to express yourself in a personal orbiographical statement. In the future, when applying for a jobor some other type of position, you will want to include anappropriate cover letter with your CV to explain yourparticular qualifications and strengths for the position.

> Everybody’s CV is different. Even using the same formatsuggested in this section, your CV will not look the same asothers around you because it doesn’t have the same content.Don’t despair if you discover that your CV is not done in thesame way as a friend’s applying to the same residencyprogram. There is enough variation in format that noResidency Program Director is looking for a specific style.

> Be honest. If you haven’t accomplished anything in aparticular category, then leave it out. Don’t create things to fillin the spaces. You can be specific about your level ofparticipation in a project or activity, but don’t be misleading.

BASIC CV OUTLINEPersonal DataGive your full name. Make sure you can be reached at theaddress, telephone number, and email address that you list. Youshould check each on a frequent basis. Include hospital pagingphone numbers, if appropriate. Indicate if there are certain dateswhen you can be reached at other locations. You may includesome personal information, such as date of birth and maritalstatus, at the beginning of your CV, or you may summarize it allin one section, if you choose to add it at all.

Keep in mind that, by federal law, employers are prohibited fromdiscriminating on the basis of age, race, sex, religion, nationalorigin, or handicap status. Therefore, you do not have to providethis information. Discrimination on the basis of sex includesdiscrimination on the basis of child-rearing plans (i.e., numberof children or plans to have children).

Although the following items appear quite frequently, they areprobably not necessary and may be unwise to include in a CV.These items include social insurance numbers, license numbers,and examination scores. If this information is pertinent to yourcandidacy, it will be asked for on the application or at some laterpoint in the application process.

EducationList your education in reverse chronological order, starting withyour current place of learning. Include the name of theinstitution, the degree sought or completed, and the date ofcompletion or date of expected completion. Remember toinclude medical school, graduate education, and undergraduateeducation. Omit high school. Later, you will add separatecategories for “Postgraduate Training” (includes residencies andfellowships), “Practice Experience,” “Academic Appointments,”and “Certification and Licensure.”

Honours and AwardsAny academic, organizational, or community awards areappropriate, but use your own judgment as to whether anachievement that you value would be valuable to the personreading your CV.


Professional Society MembershipsList any professional organizations to which you belong and theyears of your membership. Include leadership positions held, if any.

Employment ExperienceList the position, organization, and dates of employment foreach work experience. Try to confine this list to those experiencesthat are medically related (med tech, nurse’s aide, researchassistant, etc.) or that show breadth in your work experience(high school teacher, communications manager, etc.).

Extracurricular ActivitiesList your outside interests or extracurricular activities. It willhelp to develop a broader picture of your personality andcharacter. Also, any special talents or qualifications that havenot been given due recognition in other parts of the CV shouldbe highlighted here or in a separate section. For example, you’llwant to include things like fluency in other languages, or a certification, such as a private pilot’s licence.

Publications/PresentationsList any papers published or presented by title, place, and date of publication or presentation. If this list is very lengthy, you maywant to append it separately or note “Provided Upon Request.”

ReferencesYou may be asked to provide both personal and professionalreferences. These names may be included in the CV, appended as part of a cover letter or application form, or noted “ProvidedUpon Request.”

WHAT PROGRAM DIRECTORS WANT AND DON’T SEEENOUGH OF IN CVs> Include all academic and non-academic (music, sports, etc.)

accomplishments.

> Do it in reverse chronological order — last activitieshighlighted first.

> Don’t embellish your resume.

> Avoid gaps — periods of time on your resume when the readerwill not be sure what you were doing.

> Include community work, research, hobbies, teachingexperience, etc.

> Include previous medical experience, electives, subspecialties,publications, etc.


Jane Doe

21 Major StreetToronto, Ontario

M5S 2G6(416) 515-9494 (home)(416) 790-0776 (pager)[email protected]

EDUCATION

2003–present Doctor of Medicine, University of Toronto

2001–2003 Master of Science in Aquatic Ecology, University of Toronto

1996–2000 Honours Bachelor of Science in Ecology, University of Toronto

AWARDS, HONOURS

2003–present Honours Standing, Years I, II, III, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

2003 Alex G. Climans Scholarship High academic standing on admission to medical school

2001–2003 NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship, NSERCResearch funding awarded to high-calibre graduate students

2000 High distinction, University of Toronto Graduation

1998–2000 Later Life Learning Scholarship, University of TorontoAwarded to Innis College students for outstanding academic performance

1999 Edward Murton Walker Scholarship, University of TorontoAwarded to a Zoology student in recognition of academic achievement

1999 NSERC Undergraduate Summer Research Award, NSERC

1998 John D. Schultz Scholarship, Ontario Heart and Stroke FoundationAwarded based on academic performance and research potential in cardiology

Example #1 of a successful CV

Jane Doe (2)

MEDICAL ELECTIVES

2007 Rotating Primary Care and HIV/AIDS (5 weeks, proposed)Dr. Larry Gelmon, Nairobi, Kenya

2006 Rural Obstetrics and Gynecology (4 weeks)Ambulatory Community SelectiveDr. Sharon Laval, Timmins, Ontario

2006 Rural Family Medicine (2 weeks)Dr. James Noiles, Medical Associates Clinic, Nelson, British Columbia

2006 General Internal Medicine (2 weeks)Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

2006 Internal Medicine Consults (2 weeks)Dr. Valerie Palda, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

2006 Family Medicine (3 weeks)Dr. Naveed Nawab, Parkdale Community Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario

2006 Emergency Medicine (3 weeks)Dr. Laura Hans, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

RESEARCH

2004–2005 Assessing need and follow up for STI testing and ongoing contraception in users of emergency contraception.Dr. Sheila Dunn, The Bay Centre for Birth Control, Toronto, Ontario

2001–2003 Minimizing the influence of sampling variation in ordination and in the field for lake fish communities.Dr. Donald Jackson, Department of Zoology, University of Toronto

1999–2000 Benthic carbohydrates and proteins as a potential food source in the littoral zone of freshwater lakes. Dr. Helene Cyr, Department of Zoology, University of Toronto.

1999 Sediment mixing patterns in the littoral zone of freshwater lakes.Dr. Helene Cyr, Department of Zoology, University of Toronto

1998 Effect of a sodium-hydrogen exchange inhibitor on cardiac recovery.Dr. Morris Karmazyn, Department of Physiology, University of Western Ontario

PUBLICATIONS

Doe J, Jackson DA. Multivariate community ecology: interactions between sampling error, gradient length, and ordinationmethod (submitted to Ecology)

Haist JV, Doe J, Karmazyn M. 2003. NHE-1 inhibitor cariporide exerts full cardioprotection under ischemicpreconditioning blockade. American Journal of Physiology Heart and Circulatory Physiology 284: H798-H803.

Doe J, Cyr H, Jordan IA. 2003. Distribution of exopolymeric substances in the littoral sediments of an oligotrophic lake.Microbial Ecology 46(1):22-32.

Karmazyn M., Doe J, Haist JV. 2000. Na+-H+ exchange inhibition is superior to ischemic preconditioning and fully protectsthe ischemic reperfused rat heart under preconditioning blockade. Circulation supp 102(18): II-137.


Jane Doe (3)

PRESENTATIONS

Doe J, Jackson DA. 2003. Optimizing sampling methods in lakefish communities. Presentation at the 56th annual meetingof the Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research (CCFR), Ottawa, Canada.

Doe J, Jackson DA. 2002. Improving sampling protocol for nearshore lakefish communities. Presentation at the 132ndannual meeting of the American Fisheries Society (AFS), Baltimore, U.S.A.

Doe J, Cyr H. 2000. Exopolymeric substances in the benthic zone of freshwater lakes. Presentation at the 10th annualmeeting of the Great Lakes Research Consortium (GLRC), Syracuse, U.S.A.

LEADERSHIP AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

2005 Interviewer for medical school applicants, University of Toronto.

2004–2005 Coordinator, Books With Wings project, Faculty of Medicine. Directed an initiative that sent >1,800 medical textbooks and laboratory equipment to Al-BeerunyMedical School in Gul Bahar, Afghanistan.

2003–2005 Program Director and Mentor, the St. Felix Mentorship Program, University of TorontoA program coordinated by medical students to mentor underprivileged children in the Alexandra Parkhousing project. Encouraged self-confidence and self-esteem through fun and activities, and facilitatedpositive one-on-one and group interactions.

2004 HIV/AIDS Clinic Volunteer, Familias Saludables, Roatan, Honduras A non-government agency that offers HIV education, testing and counseling, as well as support for HIVpositive individuals, in Honduras’ Bay Islands.

2003–2004 Therapeutic Listener, Therapeutic Communications Program, University of TorontoA Department of Psychiatry program where a medical student joins in weekly sessions with someonefrom the community who wants to discuss an issue in his/her life.

2001–2003 Telephone Volunteer, Toronto Distress CentreProvided emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention to people who called inrequesting help.

2000–2002 Teaching Assistant, Departments of Zoology and Statistics, University of TorontoWorked as a teacher, laboratory demonstrator, and evaluator in three courses and was commended asan outstanding instructor, based on student reviews.

2000–2002 Volunteer, “Out of the Cold” program, Calvary Church, Toronto A volunteer service that prepares and serves meals to the homeless and under-housed.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Cycling Street cycling, and an enthusiastic beginner on trails.

Aquatics Long-distance swimming, and scuba diving with PADI open water certification.

Gardening Particularly keen on herbs, heritage vegetables, and organic methods.

Spanish Speak intermediate-level Spanish.

Backpacking Peru, Ecuador, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Europe, and others


John Doe [email protected] Lippincott St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 2T8 (416) 978-0164

EDUCATION

2003–2005 Enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program, University of Toronto.Expected graduation: May 2007

2002–2003 Enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry program, University of Waterloo.Withdrew to pursue medical studies

1998–2002 Bachelor of Science, Queen’s University.Honours Life Sciences

CLINICAL ELECTIVES

2007 Nephrology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario (proposed)Supervisor: Dr. Sheldon Tobe

2006 Critical Care, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario (proposed)Supervisor: Dr. G. McGuire

2006 Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario (proposed)Supervisor: Dr. Peter Glazier

2006 Anesthesia, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario (2 weeks)Supervisor: Dr. Ken Lin

2006 Geriatric Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia (3 weeks)Supervisor: Dr. Roger Wong

2006 Anesthesia, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia (3 weeks)Supervisor: Dr. Jon Harper

2006 Anesthesia, Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario (2 weeks)Supervisor: Dr. Desiree Persaud

2006 Anesthesia, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario (2 weeks)Supervisor: Dr. Rooney Gverzdys

2005 Anesthesia, St Joseph’s Health Centre, London, Ontario (3 weeks)Supervisor: Dr. John Parkin

2005 Intensive Care, University Hospital, London, Ontario (1 week)Supervisor: Dr. Jeff Granton

2004 Rural Family Medicine, New Liskard, Ontario (4 weeks)Supervisor: Dr. Peter Hutton-Czapski



John Doe Page 2 of 4

HONOUR AND AWARDS

2003–2006 Honours Standing, Years I, II, IIIFaculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.

2005–2006 Class of 1999 James Paul Marois Memorial Award. Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Awarded for academic excellence and promotion of social justice, humanitarianism, andcommunity involvement.

2002 First Class Honours, Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Queen’s University.Convocation.

1998–2002 Dean’s Honours List, Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Queen’s University.

RESEARCH

2003 Research Assistant, Department of Vision Science, University of TorontoSupervisor: Dr. John Flanagan“The role of NOS-2 in the development of glaucoma: an in-vitro stretch model.”

2002 Research Assistant, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard UniversitySupervisor: Dr. Jake Kushner“The relationship between PTEN and insulin growth factor in regulating pancreatic isletfunction using a knock-out mouse diabetic model.”

2001 Research Assistant, St Joseph’s Health Centre, UWOSupervisor: Dr. Tom McDonald“Database development for a thyroid cancer registry.”

PRESENTATIONS

Doe J. Therapy for weight loss in olanzapine treatment of schizophrenia. University of Toronto Family Medicine ClerkshipPresentations. March 22, 2006. St. Michael’s Hospital.

Doe J, Nyhof-Young, J, Halpin P. Evaluation of a medication safety pamphlet at the University Health Network.Determinants of Community Health 2 Project Presentations. April 21, 2004. Toronto General Hospital.

Doe J, MacIntosh B. Why the Ontario government should ban block fees: presentation to The Standing Committee onJustice and Social Policy. Monday February 23, 2004. Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Toronto, Ontario.

Doe J. PTEN knockout rescues pancreatic islet function in IRS-2 deficient mice. Joslin Diabetes Center LaboratoryPresentations. August 9, 2002. Harvard University. Boston, Massachusetts.



COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

A) Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

2005–2006 Elected representative, Financial Aid Committee, Faculty of Medicine. Class of 2007representative to committee that investigates current guidelines of bursary allocation

2005 Speaker, Faculty of Medicine, Wightman-Berris Academy Clerkship Information Session

2003–2006 Chair and Founder, Student Medical Reform Group, University of Toronto

Founded organization to promote social justice within the framework of the Canadianhealthcare system

2004–2005 Volunteer researcher, Medical Students for Injured WorkersInvestigated medical claims for a legal aid law firm

2004–2005 Director for Medicine, Student Administrative Council, Board of DirectorsRepresented the Faculty of Medicine to the SAC at the University of Toronto

2004 Reviewer, Admission Selection Committee, Faculty of Medicine

2004 Student Representative, Ontario Medical Association, Queen’s Park Medical Day

B) Miscellaneous

2005 Medical student volunteer, Buduburam refugee camp, Ghana, West Africa. Performed vision assessment and ocular pathology screening for 6 weeks

2004–2005 Volunteer, Out of the Cold Program, Faculty of Medicine. A service organized by medicalstudents to prepare and deliver food to the homeless in downtown Toronto

2004 Volunteer, The Great Sleepout, Queen’s Park Legislature. Program to raise awareness abouthomelessness in Ontario

2003–2006 Steering committee member, Medical Reform Group of Ontario. Physician organization thatpromotes health equity and policy on a national level

2002–2003 Class president, Optometry, University of Waterloo

2001–2002 Volunteer, Martha’s Table Community Soup Kitchen, Kingston. Biweekly preparation of mealsfor those in need

1998–2002 Executive Member, Queen’s Amnesty International. Involved in organization andadministration of Kingston chapter of Amnesty International

1998–2002 Mentor, Kaleidoscope Child Mentoring Program. Academic and non-academic guidance forchildren from disadvantaged background

1997–1998 Volunteer, Mt Hope Hospital and Home. Recreational program for geriatric inpatients

1995–1996 Volunteer, Dept. of Radiology, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Centre



INTERESTS AND ATHLETICS

2005 Ottawa Marathon

2005 Hamilton 30 Km Around the Bay run

2004–2006 Rock Climbing

2004 Forest City Half-Marathon

2004 Medgames Participant, University of Montreal

2003, 2006 World Crokinole Championships, participant. Tavistock, Ontario

1996–2006 Scuba Diving. PADI certified. Various locations including Caribbean, Red Sea, Southeast Asia

1996–2006 Travel. Various locations including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Spain, England, Italy,Ghana, Israel, Jordan



Peter Piper742 Bay Street, #912

Toronto, Ontario

M5G 2H4

416-352-7195

[email protected]

Education

2003–2007 Doctor of Medicine, University of Toronto(Expected)

2000–2003 Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Life SciencesQueen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

Awards and Honors

2006 Elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, University of Toronto. In recognitionof academic excellence

2005, 2006 Dr. C.S. Wainwright Memorial Scholarship, University of Toronto. High academic standing ineach of the second and third years of medical school

Peter Piper – Page 2

2004 Walter F. Watkin Scholarship, University of TorontoHigh academic standing in the first year of medical school

2004 Summer Student Research Scholarship, University of Toronto. Funding for medicalstudent summer research in the medical sciences

2003 Drs. Ann and Carl Witus Award, University of TorontoAwarded to students with high academic standing in their premedical studies

2003 John D. Schultz Science Student Scholarship,Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Summer research funding awarded tostudents with high academic standing

2001–2003 Dean’s Honor List with Distinction, Queen’s UniversityRecognizing students ranking in the top 3% of the Faculty of Arts and Science

2002 Queen’s Appeal Undergraduate Scholarship, Queen’s University. Awarded for academicexcellence

2001, 2002 James H. Rattray Scholarship in Science, Queen’s University. In recognition for high academic standing in a science program

Medical Electives

2007 Nephrology (3 weeks – proposed)Dr. Sheldon Tobe, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

2007 Internal Medicine (3 weeks – proposed)University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario

2006 Gastroenterology (2 weeks)Dr. Robert Goodacre, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario

2006 General Internal Medicine (2 weeks)Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

2006 Family Medicine (2 weeks)Dr. Audrey Karlinsky, Wellpoint Family Practice, Toronto, Ontario

2006 Emergency Medicine (3 weeks)Dr. Dan Cass, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

2006 Internal Medicine – Consultation Service (3 weeks)Dr. Yuna Lee, Dr. Ophyr Mourad and Dr. Peter KopplinSt. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

2005 Team Internal Medicine (3 weeks)Dr. Kumanan Wilson, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

2005 Neurology – Inpatient/Consultation Service (2 weeks)Dr. Marika Hohol, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario



Research Experience

2005–Present The attitudes of physicians and medical students towards working through arespiratory tract infection. Role: Primary ResearcherSupervisor: Dr. Allan Detsky, Physician-in-Chief, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto,Ontario

2004–2005 The barriers to stroke survivors accessing ambulatory stroke rehabilitation services inthe greater Toronto area.Role: Determinants of Community Health 2 ProjectSupervisor: Mary-Ann Neary, Clinical Director, Krembil Neuroscience Program,University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario

2004 The role of toll-like receptor convergence signaling proteins MYD-88 and IRAK-4 inviral myocarditis leading to heart failure.Role: Summer Medical Student ResearcherSupervisor: Dr. Peter Liu, Division of Cardiology, Toronto General Hospital ResearchInstitute, Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, Toronto, Ontario

2003 Development of a candidate polyvalent DNA vaccine against Coxsackievirus Binduced myocarditis.Role: Summer Student ResearcherSupervisor: Dr. Peter Liu, Division of Cardiology, Toronto General Hospital ResearchInstitute, Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, Toronto, Ontario

Abstracts and Presentations

Piper P, Fuse K, Liu Y, Chan G, Liu P. The role of toll-like receptor convergence signaling proteins MYD-88 andIRAK-4 in viral myocarditis leading to heart failure (abstract). University of Toronto Medical Journal 2005; 82:S15

• Poster presented at Medical Student Research Day, University of Toronto, 2005

• Poster presented at the AHA Scientific Session, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2004

Fuse K, Liu Y, Piper P, Wen WH, Chen M, Richardson C, Liu P. Protection of mice against Coxsackievirus B3myocarditis by priming with polyvalent DNA-based vaccine followed by boosting with killed vaccine (abstract).Journal of Cardiac Failure 2004; 10(S1): S55

• Poster presented at the AHA Scientific Session, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2004

Piper P, Neary MA, Willems J. The barriers to stroke survivors accessing ambulatory stroke rehabilitation servicesin the greater Toronto area (presentation). SCRIPT Oversight Committee. Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.Toronto, Ontario. April 26, 2005

Publications

Fuse K, Liu Y, Chan G, Piper P, Chen M, Wen CY, Husain M, Sakira B, Liu P. Myeloid differentiation factor-88 playsa crucial role in the pathogenesis of Coxsackievirus B3 induced myocarditis and influences type I interferonproduction. Circulation 2005; 112: 2276-85



Other Employment Experience

2002–2004 Instructor, Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’Canadian Lifesaving Society

2002–2004 Instructor, Basic Cardiac Life SupportHeart and Stroke Foundation

2000–2004 Aquatic SupervisorTown of Richmond Hill

1998–2004 Lifeguard/Swimming InstructorTown of Richmond Hill

Leadership and Community Involvement

2005 Director, Cardiovascular Seminars, UofT Summer Mentorship Program

2005 Director, Saturday Program Medical Workshops, University of Toronto

2004, 2005 Mentor/PBL Leader, Summer Mentorship Program, University of Toronto

2004, 2005 Tutor, Saturday Program, University of Toronto

2004, 2005 Volunteer, Mini-Med School, University of Toronto

2003, 2004 Volunteer, Daily Bread Food Bank

2003, 2004 Volunteer, Toronto International Heart Failure Summit

2004 Volunteer Guest Teacher, Glamorgan Junior Public School. Led a session for grade 5students on the human body, health and medicine

2004 Interview Group Leader, University of Toronto

2000–2004 Volunteer Examiner, Canadian Lifesaving Society

2003 Charity Runner, Salvation Army Christmas Charity Run

Athletics and Interests

Aquatics

• Captain, Division 1 Intramural Waterpolo Team, 2004 and 2005

• Championship team in 2004 and 2005

• Competitor, Lifeguard Competitions, Canadian Lifesaving Society, 2000–2002

• Competitive Swimmer, North York Aquatic Club, 1989–1999

Intramurals and Clubs

• Captain, Division 2 Intramural Football Team, 2004

• Division 2 Intramural Soccer Team, 2004

• Rock Climbing Club, 2003–2004

• Vice-President and Member, Queen’s University Tae Kwon Do Club, 2000–2003




Other Sports

• Avid golfer and tennis player

Arts

• Principal Cast Member, “The Foreigner” Stage Production, 1999

• Piano, Royal Conservatory of Music, 1990–1999

Travel

• United Kingdom, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Trinidad

Interviews will be held between mid-November and late January.There is no specific interview period. Some programs interviewapplicants from within their province at times different fromout-of-province applicants. Some of the interviews are self-initiated and the program initiates others. Pay close attention toinstructions in the CaRMS book so that you do not miss a self-initiated interview. Most programs will contact you in the lastweek of November and the first half of December. Some maycontact you by phone so it is important to have an answeringmachine at that time. Other programs may contact you by emailor by mail.

Goals of the InterviewThe residency interview is a critical stage in the process ofresidency selection. All the months of tedious paperwork andpreparation finally reward you with the chance to find out howthe programs on your list actually compare with one another.

The purpose of the interview from the perspectives ofboth the residency candidate and interviewer(s) ismulti-fold:> You are attempting to assess how compatible you are with the

program, how comfortable you feel, and how well the programmeets your stated goals.

> You are also trying to convey your sense of compatibility withthe program to your interviewers. This goes beyond justmaking a good impression. In a sense, during your interviewyou are “trying the program on” or demonstrating to thefaculty and residents of the program that you would be awelcome addition to their ranks. Indeed, you may want tothink of your interview as an exercise in role-playing, with youin the role of a recently matched resident in that program.

> Role-playing is not the same as acting. In your eagerness tocharm and impress your interviewers, you must be careful toavoid insincerity. Your interviewers want to find out who you

really are. It doesn’t serve anyone’s purpose for you to leave a false impression. It simply makes the interview a waste ofeveryone’s time, including yours.

> You are also trying to assess the program’s relative strongpoints and weak points so that you will be able to structure awell-founded Rank Order List for the Match. Be careful not to let your attention to this last purpose obscure the need to attendto the first two. The residency candidate who has completed allthree purposes has had a very successful interview.

> Your interviewers also have several purposes in mind duringthe course of an interview. They seek to confirm and expandon the information you provided in your application. They arealso trying to determine how compatible you would be withthe residents and faculty in the program. Just as you are tryingto put your best foot forward, the representatives of theresidency program want to show you their program in the bestpossible light. However, again, it is ultimately not in the bestinterest of the program to paint a misleading picture. Lastly, likeyou, your interviewers are attempting to develop some criteriaor create a Rank Order List of their candidates for the Match.

In short, the residency interview is a delicate and complicatedinteraction that adds substance to the selection process for boththe candidates and programs.

Interview “Musts”Your CV and covering letter got you an interview. Now what? Ifyou’re lucky, you’ll have some time to prepare, but even if you onlyhave a few hours before the interview, don’t panic! Reduced to theessentials, interview preparation consists of just three things:

1. Know yourself. Know what you have to offer. Your education,your interests, and your experiences have given you a widerange of skills. Be able to articulate the skills you have, howyou developed them, and how you have used them.

2. Know the position you are interviewing for. Be able to relateyour skills to the duties and responsibilities of the job.

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEWH-4

3. Know the organization. Research! Research! Research! Try togo beyond the obvious, easy-to-find information about theorganization and its needs. Here are some guidelines to helpyou in your research:

> What options does the hospital offer?

> What have they done? (get a sense of its history)

> Where are they headed? (objectives, strategy)

> How would this hospital define success?

> What are the organization’s values? (look for their missionstatement)

> What is the outlook for the future?

> What things affect the practice of medicine?

Once you have done the research, prepare for the interview byanticipating the sorts of questions you may be asked andrehearsing your responses.

Interview Preparation PearlsJust before the interview, take the time again to review theinformation you’ve received from the program and any materialyou may have gathered from other sources.

Write down the “facts” that you want to double-check as wellas any initial impressions you may have formed based on thewritten material. Pay special attention to the names andpositions of people you are likely to meet. You can actually findout a fair amount about the surrounding community before youarrive by checking some resources in your current location suchas your local library. Newspapers from that community can tellyou about job opportunities for your spouse/significant other,cultural offerings, the housing market, community problems,etc. Local telephone directories may give you a better idea ofavailable support services. Check your local bookstore, travelagency, and auto club for guidebooks on the area.

Remind yourself of the specific questions you had about thisprogram and write them down in a convenient place so that youwill be sure to ask them. It’s a good idea to have some interestingquestions prepared ahead of time to let your interviewers knowthat you’ve really given some thought to the qualities of theirparticular program. Interviewers get tired of answering the samequestions, just as you do, so try to think of a few that reflect yourown special interests.

You may have already formulated a list of standard questionsthat you want to ask every program for comparison, or you mayhave developed a checklist of program characteristics to fill outin each interview.

Format of the InterviewInterviews don’t come in one standard format. There are panelinterviews, stress interviews, interviews over meals, telephoneinterviews. Ask what format your interview will follow and whowill be conducting it. In most interviews, however, regardlessof the format, there is a common underlying structure andthe questions you may be asked tend to fall into one of severalgeneral categories. It’s not possible to list all potential interviewquestions, but here are some examples of the types of questionsyou may encounter:

A) The Icebreaker and IntroductionGood interviewers want you to be comfortable and relaxed. To establish this sort of atmosphere, they will ask you a fewrapport-building or “small talk” questions (the weather, parking

difficulties, current events in the news). For example, “Did you have any trouble finding our offices?”

B) Questions About YouYou will be asked general questions about your skills andexperiences. For example:

> How would you describe yourself?

> Why did you choose this specialty?

> Why did you apply to this residency program?

> What are your major strengths/weaknesses?

> What kind of environment do you work best in?

> Where did you do your electives and why?

> What did you like best about your summer job at XYZCompany?

> What are your career goals?

> What do you think it takes to be successful in a job?

> Do you work well under pressure?

> Why are you interested in doing your residency here?

> Do you consider yourself a team player? Give us anexample.

> What do you do in your spare time?

> How do you feel the present political situation will affectyour future?

> What skills do you have that will contribute to thisprogram?

> What will you do if you don’t get into...?

C) Actual Interview Questions(*= most frequently asked)

1. *Why do you want to go into this specialty?

2. *Why did you become a doctor?

3. *Tell me/us about yourself. *How would you describeyourself?

4. Describe your personal interests.

5. *How would your friends describe you?

6. *List your strengths.

7. *List your weaknesses.

8. *Tell us about your research.

9. Tell us about a situation in which you overcame adversity.

10. *Tell us about an interesting case you have seen.

11. *Describe a patient who influenced you in school/a patientyou learned the most from.

12. What is your inspiration?

13. *Whom do you depend upon for support?

14. *Why are you interested in this program?

15. *Why did you not rotate here?

16. *Tell me/us a joke.

17. *What are your overall career goals/where do you seeyourself in 10 years?

18. Do you think this particular field is overloaded?

19. What are the negative/positive features of this specialty?Challenges faced by the specialty?

20. *What do you think you can contribute to this program?

21. *What do you want to know about this program?

22. *What do you do in your spare time?


23. What was the last book you read that wasn’t a medicalbook?

24. How will you balance your professional/personal life? Do you perceive any problems?

25. *Why should we pick you?

26. *Do you want to do research? A fellowship?

27. What is one event you are proudest of in your life?

28. How would you redesign the health-care system?

29. What do your think is the future of medicine?

30. Be prepared to discuss ethical issues/political issues/evidence-based issues (i.e., you are on call and yourattending, who is scrubbing in, is drunk)

31. How will you deal with the possibility of being sued?

32. What was your most difficult situation in medical school?

D) Questions to Ask During Interviews1. What paths have most of your recent graduates taken

following completion of their training?

2. What are you looking for in a candidate (and how might Ifit into your program)?

2. Do you feel that the volume of patients seen on theinpatient and outpatient basis provides an appropriateload per resident?

3. Can you describe the structure of your clinics and theresidents’ role?

4. How did your residents do on this year’s in-serviceexamination?

5. What major changes are anticipated in the departmentand/or medical centre, and in what direction is theprogram headed?

6. How would you assess the level of camaraderie among theresidents?

7. What elective opportunities are available to your residents?

The bottom line in the interview is that you have to sellyourself. Key personality traits sought by interviewers to keepin mind: drive, motivation, communication skills, energy,determination, confidence, reliability, honesty/integrity, pride,dedication, analytical skills, listening skills. You can includethese “key words” in your personal statement and in yourresponses during the interview.

Before you answer each question, take a moment to composeyourself and think about what skills the interviewer is reallylooking for (they may not always ask direct questions). Whenyou answer the question, try to offer an example of a situationin which you have had to use or develop that skill. If you lackdirect experience, think of other situations in which you havehad to use related skills. No one expects a recent graduate toknow it all. Demonstrating related experience you can drawfrom and build on will leave a good impression.

Remember, interviewers are also looking for things such as confidence and poise, personality traits, presentation, the ability to think quickly, level of energy and drive,resourcefulness, and so on. Those other critical aspects will helpthem determine your suitability or “fit” with the organization.

A very easy way to convey your interest in the program is to sayso. Program Directors who are told that you want to come totheir program rank you favourably. Reinforcing your interestand suitability for the program puts you in even better stead.

E) Behavioural QuestionsThis type of question is asked more frequently in interviews.Interviewers will want to determine how you react in certainsituations—situations that could occur in the position you are interviewing for. As more and more organizations movetoward employees working together in teams, you likely also will be asked to describe situations in which you havedeveloped or used teamwork skills.

You can be certain to encounter one or two of these types of questions. Sometimes whole interviews revolve around this style of questioning.

F) ClosureAfter the interviewers have asked all of their questions, theywill give you a chance to ask some of your own. This is yourchance to ask thoughtful, intelligent questions that involvethe interviewers in discussion and reflect how in-depth yourresearch has been, and a further opportunity to articulate whyyou are the best person for the position. Be sure to have somequestions in mind before the interview in case you can’t thinkof one during the interview.

Structure and ContentOften, the residency program will have prepared an itinerary foryou listing the names of the people you are going to talk to andhow much time is allotted for each person, which is generally 20 to 30 minutes. In addition to the Program Director, you wantto have a chance to talk with other faculty members, residentsfrom different levels of training, and any other individual withwhom you would have significant contact as a resident in thatprogram. In terms of location, you want to have a chance to see both the hospital and clinic facilities during your interview. If there is free time, it would be in your best interest to spend itin places where there are residents, so you can get a better feelfor the actual working environment.

Decide ahead of time which questions you want to ask of whichtype of person (e.g., a question about the details of the callschedule might be reserved for the chief resident). On the otherhand, there may be some questions you will want to ask ofeveryone to see if there is any discrepancy, such as a questionabout the attending and resident interactions.

Avoid dominating the conversation, but try to be an activeparticipant in the interviewing process so that your interviewerwill have a sense of your interest in the program and your abilityto formulate good questions. Be prepared for differentinterviewing styles and adjust accordingly.

Prohibited QuestionsThere are certain questions that you do not have to answer byprotection of federal law. It is illegal to make employmentdecisions on the basis of race, colour, sex, age, religion, nationalorigin, or disability. To avoid charges of discrimination based onany of these protected classes, many employers do not askquestions during an employment interview that would elicit thistype of information.

Discussion of Parental Leave, Pregnancy, and Child-Rearing PlansA frequent area of concern during the interview process isquestions related to parental leave, pregnancy and child-rearingplans. The prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sex includes discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and


child-rearing plans. You do not have to answer questions relatedto marital status, number of children, or plans to have children,but you may want to prompt a discussion of the provisions formaternity/paternity leave and/or child care responsibilities inthe residency program.

SchedulingYou will hear some differences of opinion as to whether it isbetter to be one of the first candidates a program sees, in themiddle, or one of the last. Since there is no reliable data toconclude that interviewing order makes a difference, and sinceyou don’t have complete control over when you interview, try notto worry about it.

There is general agreement, however, that you should schedulethe interview for your most highly valued program after you havehad some experience with one or two interviews in otherprograms.

It’s a good idea to call to confirm your appointment about aweek before your scheduled interview. This will give you anopportunity to reconfirm the place and time of your meeting,who you are going to meet first, and perhaps some other detailssuch as where you should park, etc.

Generally speaking, an interview will take one full day. If yourtravel schedule permits, try to allow some time to tour thecommunity outside the program and/or spend some informaltime with residents or faculty.

If your spouse or significant other will be accompanying you onyour interviews, you may want to schedule additional time toassess other aspects of the program and community importantto him/her. In general, spouses and significant others arewelcome to participate in the interview process, but you shouldclarify this with the program ahead of time so that the schedulecan be structured to accommodate this. Some programsspecifically provide for the participation of spouses andsignificant others with organized tours of the community, etc.

AttitudeTry to keep in mind your goals for the interview in order toestablish the right frame of mind. Again, you want to project apositive, confident, and enthusiastic demeanour without beingoverbearing or insincere.

If you keep in mind that the interviewers have their own agendasto fulfill, you won’t be dismayed or intimidated by the tougherquestions that try to find out more about you. In fact, if you’vethought about what the interviewers are trying to get out of theinterview, you will have already anticipated their questions andhave a well-thought-out answer ready.

Try to be open and honest. It’s okay to be nervous, just don’t letyour nervousness hide your personality.

Other Tips> In terms of appearance, the general advice is to be neat and

comfortable. Use your own judgment as to whether anexpensive suit would add to your confidence level or competewith your personality.

> Be on time. Better yet, be early. Allow yourself time for findinga parking space, getting to know your surroundings, catchingyour breath, and arriving in place before the appointed hour.

> Before you leave the house, make sure you have everything youneed for the interview, such as your notes, paper and pen, andan extra copy of your CV, personal letter, etc.

> Do a practice interview first with someone you know acting asthe interviewer. This will give you a chance to rehearse possibleanswers.

> During the interview, you will be judged on your presentationskills and how effectively you communicate. Make frequent eyecontact, smile, and dress appropriately.

> Talk with residents at various institutions about the programs.Here are some key topics to ask them questions about.

– Would you choose this program again?

– Level of spirit and camaraderie? Competition amongresidents?

– Faculty?

– Is conference leave funded, is there support for research, etc.?

> Have questions to ask them at the end of your interview, such as:

– What are the strengths and weaknesses of this program?

– What path do the majority of your graduates take after theirtraining: Urban? Rural? Academic?

– What changes do you anticipate in the next five years?

– What are the opportunities for research?

– Is there protected academic time (a Royal College requirement)?

– What is the size, diversity of case mix, and type of patientpopulation?

> Remember to send thank-you letters to the directors within48 hours. Keep them business-like and brief. Some suggestsending a picture with the card. Add any relevant informationthat you forgot to mention in the interview.

> In order for you to rank the institution best suited to you, take notes of the strengths and weaknesses of the programsand what impressed you. Would you enjoy spending two to fiveyears there? You will find your notes helpful in completing yourranking for the Match.

About the Match The matching process (both Canadian and American) is a comparison — using a computer program — of applicants’ranked choices of programs and Program Directors’ rankedchoices of candidates. The ranking forms are the onlydeterminants of offers and acceptances of postgraduate year 1(PGY1) spaces. Each registrant submits a list of preferredprograms, while each Program Director submits a list ofpreferred candidates. These lists are entered into the CanadianResidency Match (CaRMS) or the National Residency MatchProgram (NRMP) computer in the United States, which perform“the Match” based on a mathematical algorithm. There are someAmerican positions that fall out of the Match, and we willprovide you with further information later in this chapter.

An applicant may be matched with the highest choice on his/herFinal Ranking Form, provided the program also chooses thatapplicant before its spaces are filled by applicants whom itranked higher.


The results of the matching process are released by mail toapplicants and Program Directors in March. All rankingssubmitted by applicants and programs are confidential.

Applicants who remain unmatched after the first iteration of the Match are eligible to be registered in the second iteration at no charge. However, applications to the second iterationprograms must be resubmitted when the positions available are announced.

In early June, the Office of Student Affairs will provide you with application material for the Canadian Residency Matchforwarded by CaRMS to all medical schools. Student Affairs will also request information on the NRMP Match for thoseinterested in applying to the United States. About 10% ofstudents apply to both matches, as a back-up plan forcompetitive programs such as Dermatology, Neurology,Ophthalmology, and Surgery specialties that offer one to threespots in their programs.

Common MistakesCommon mistakes that students make when going through theMatch process include the following:

> Not understanding the details of the Match for a particularspecialty

> Starting the application process too late

> Applying to or ranking too few programs to ensure a match

> Letting the application paperwork overwhelm you

> Not paying attention to deadlines

> Submitting a weak personal statement and CV

> Not knowing what to look for in a residency training program

> Preparing inadequately for residency interviews

> Ranking programs on the basis of probability of acceptancerather than desirability

> Panicking after failing to match, rather than strategizing duringthe second iteration

Principles of the MatchThe following example illustrates how the Match may best beused by all parties to prepare Rank Order Lists, and how thematching algorithm works.

Applicants’ Rank Order ListsEight applicants are applying to four programs. After consideringthe relative desirability of each program, the applicants submitthe following Rank Order Lists to CaRMS or NRMP:

Anderson 1. City

Brown 1. City 2. Mercy

Carpenter 1. City 2. Mercy

Davis 1. City 2. Mercy3. General 4. State

Eastman 1. City 2. Mercy3. State 4. General

Ford 1. City 2. General3. Mercy 4. State

Goodman 1. City 2. Mercy3. State 4. General

Higgins 1. State 2. City3. Mercy 4. General

Applicant Anderson makes only a single choice, City, because he is under the impression from remarks made by the ProgramDirector that he would be ranked very highly, and he had in turnassured the director that he would rank City number one. It isacceptable for programs to express a high level of interest inapplicants to recruit them into their program and for applicantsto say that they prefer one program to others. The applicant,however, should not consider such expressions as commitments.

Applicant Brown ranks only the two programs that were desiredby every applicant — Mercy and City. He is considered top of his class, and feels that he is a most desirable applicant.However, he has not been assured of a match with either of theseprograms. Applicants should consider ranking all programs thatthey are willing to attend to reduce the likelihood of not beingmatched. It is better to accept a less desirable choice and matchto it in the first round than take your chances of beingunmatched and then have to pick from what’s left over for thesecond Match. What’s more, you will be competing for thoseleftovers with foreign students and re-entry applicants. If,however, you are also applying to the NRMP, then only rankingthose programs you really want to go to and “falling back” on the U.S. Match is an appropriate strategy.

Applicant Carpenter ranks City, which she prefers, and Mercy.Standing first in her class in her junior year, she knows that she is a desirable applicant, and she has been assured by the ProgramDirector at Mercy that she will be ranked first. She is certain Mercywill, in fact, rank her first, and therefore believes there is little riskof her being left unmatched even if she does not rank additionalprograms. Again, although she is certain, there is little risk toranking programs that she still finds acceptable unless she hasbetter programs ranked in the United States.

Applicant Ford would be very pleased to be at State, where shehad a very good clerkship, and feels that they will rank her highon their list. Although she does not think she has much of achance, she prefers City, General, or Mercy, so she ranks themhigher. There is no risk ranking programs that you want most at the top of your list, even though you feel you may not have an excellent chance. You will be ranked to the highest rankedprogram that also has a position for you.

Applicant Higgins is equally sure he will be offered a position at State, but he prefers the other programs. He ranks State firstbecause he is afraid that State might fill its positions with othersif he does not place it first on his list. Applicants should rankprograms in order of preference. Their choices should not beinfluenced by speculations about whether a program will rankthem high, low, or not at all. The position of a program on anapplicant’s Rank Order List will not affect the applicant’s positionon the program’s Rank Order List, and therefore it will not affect


MATCHING INFORMATIONAND STRATEGYH-5

the likelihood of the applicant’s receiving an offer from theprogram. During the Matching process, an applicant whoreceives an offer from a program that the applicant has ranked isremoved from that program’s roster of filled positions only if amatch to a program higher on the applicant’s Rank Order Listbecomes available. Therefore, rank number one should be theapplicant’s most preferred choice.

Applicants Davis, Eastman, and Goodman have interviewed atthe same programs. Like the other applicants, they desire aposition at City or Mercy and rank these programs either first orsecond, depending on preference. However, since they are notassured of a match to either of these desirable programs, theseapplicants also list State and General, which they are willing toattend if matched, lower on their Rank Order Lists. They areusing the computer match well.

Programs’ Rank Order ListsTwo positions are available at each program. The four programs,having determined their preferences for the eight applicants,also submit Rank Order Lists to CaRMS or NRMP.

The Program Director at Mercy Hospital ranks only twoapplicants, Carpenter and Goodman, for his two positions,although several more are acceptable. He has insisted that allapplicants tell him exactly how they will rank his program, andboth of these applicants have assured him they will rank hisprogram very highly. He delights in telling his peers at nationalmeetings that he never has to “go far down his Rank Order List”to fill his positions. The advantage of a matching program is thatdecisions about reference can be made in private and withoutpressure. Both applicants and programs may try to influencedecisions in their favour, but neither can force the other to makea binding commitment before the Match. The final preferencesof Program Directors and applicants as reflected on thesubmitted Rank Order Lists will determine the offering ofpositions and the placement of applicants.

Mercy City General State1. Carpenter 1. Goodman 1. Brown 1. Brown2. Goodman 2. Higgins 2. Eastman 2. Eastman

3. Eastman 3. Higgins 3. Anderson4. Anderson 4. Anderson 4. Carpenter5. Brown 5. Carpenter 5. Higgins6. Carpenter 6. Davis 6. Ford7. Davis 7. Goodman 7. Davis8. Ford 8. Goodman

The Program Director at State feels that his program is not mostdesirable to most of the applicants, but that he has a goodchance of matching Ford and Higgins. Instead of ranking thesetwo applicants at the top of his list, however, he ranks otherapplicants higher. He also ranks all of the acceptable applicantsto his program. He is using the Match well.

The Program Directors at City and General have participatedin the matching process before. They include all acceptableapplicants on their Rank Order Lists with the most preferredranked highest. These Program Directors are not concernedabout filling their available positions within the first two ranks.They prefer to try to match with the strongest, most desirablecandidates. They are using the Match to maximum advantage.

The Matching AlgorithmThe matching algorithm simulates the offer and acceptanceprocess based on the Rank Order Lists submitted by programsand applicants. Each program first makes offers to the applicants

ranked as most preferred on the program’s list, up to the numberof positions available in each program. If the applicant alsoranks the program on his or her Rank Order List, a “tentative”match is made. Any applicant who receives multiple offers istentatively matched to the offering program ranked as mostpreferred on the applicant’s list, and any offers from lesspreferred programs are rejected. Any programs that receive suchrejections then make a corresponding number of additionaloffers to applicants, in the order of preference indicated on theprogram’s Rank Order List, to fill available positions. Again,applicants with more than one offer tentatively accept the mostpreferred offer and reject any less preferred. The process repeatsuntil all positions are filled (there are no rejections) or all offershave been made. Each program thus offers positions “down” itsRank Order List until its positions are filled or there are no moreacceptable applicants. Each applicant accepts positions “up” hisor her Rank Order List until the applicant is matched to the mostpreferred program that offers him or her a position.

Through matching, applicants would match into the programlisted highest on their lists that had available positions. Thepositions in each program are first offered to those applicantswith the highest rank.

Match Strategies> It is possible not to get the position you want; however, there

is an excellent chance that you will get one of your top threechoices. In 2000, over 80% of Canadians were matched to one of their top three choices of programs. It is possible not tomatch after the Match (6% of Canadian grads), but there aresome simple guidelines that can help to ensure the best possiblematch for you.

> Don’t overestimate yourself. No matter how sure you are thatyou will match with your top choice, you cannot be penalizedfor listing additional programs. Those applicants who list onlyone or two programs are much more likely not to match.

> Don’t underestimate yourself. Again, you are not penalizedfor listing programs that you consider a long shot. Even if you don’t think you have much of a chance, if you really wantto go somewhere, go ahead and rank it first.

> Remember, when first weighing the programs in terms of your preference, some may seem fairly equivalent to you. Ifyou take the time to evaluate these carefully, you may discoverreasons why you should rank one program over another. TheMatch computer is fair, but it is also ruthless. If you rank oneprogram above another, it will put you in the first program itcan without stopping to consider that maybe geographiclocation is more important to you than a higher faculty-to-resident ratio.

> Program Directors violate residency rules if they coercestudents to rank a program first or attempt to force the signing of a contract prior to the release of Match results.

> Failure to list enough choices on the Rank Order List is by farthe most common reason why a student will fail to match. Do not accept oral statements from programs that they willrank you highly as proof that you will match to them. Theymay have more highly competitive candidates than they haveslots to fill. Take all such pre-Match assurances from programswith a grain of salt. The question of whether or not you willmatch is usually on the minds of all senior medical studentsuntil Match day. The following information is provided in theevent that this should happen.

> Written offers are sometimes made. It contravenes CaRMSrules to make such an offer for Ministry of Health–funded


This information is helpful to couples applying to CaRMS or the NRMP.

Applicants who wish to match to the same geographic locationcan link their program choices together as a couple so that theycan be matched into a combination of programs suited to theirneeds. In creating pairs of program choices on their Rank OrderLists, couples can mix specialties and geographic locations.

Applicants should seriously consider the career implications ofsubmitting a couple’s Rank Order List before signing the couplescontract. By pairing their choices, couples are restricting theirindividual chances of a successful match to their career preferencesby making it conditional on their partners’ Match results.

Applicants notify CaRMS that they are participating as a couple bycompleting the reverse side of both partners’ Student Agreement.The decision to participate as a couple need not be made untilthe time of the submission of the Rank Order List; however, bothparties must contact CaRMS to get the appropriate instructionsand Rank Order List by February 1. Whether applicants areapplying as a couple may not influence the selection decisionsmade by Program Directors. Neither CaRMS nor NRMP willidentify couples to Program Directors.

Each member of the couple signs up for the Match individually,but instead of submitting a Rank Order List in March with singleentries on it, the couple submits a “Paired Choice List” with thepreferences of each partner tied together. This way, the couplecan correlate their preferences; both partners’ first choices canbe in Halifax, their second choices in Toronto, and so on. Inorder for the couple to match successfully, both partners’preferences have to match. For example, if “Partner A” of thecouple matches with her first choice program but “Partner B” doesnot, the computer program throws out the couple’s first-choicegrouping and moves down the paired list to the next rankedgrouping. This process continues until both partners match.

Some couples try to match for the same geographical area, somefor the same hospital, and some even for the same specialty. Thisneed not only be restricted to couples who are married butanyone who wants to link up with someone else. This mayinclude friends, kin, or others in serious relationships.

The first step is to decide to what programs you and your partnerwant to apply. If one of you is more or less competitive for yourrespective specialty choice than the other, then this must betaken into account, especially when applying to the morecompetitive residency programs. You should also apply to agreater-than-average number of programs, both to increase your

chances of finding the perfect residency, and your chances ofmatching. Keep in mind that with a larger number of programsto choose from, it may be easier for you to find a placeacceptable to both you and your partner.

Arranging for an interview for two can be a difficult, expensivehassle, but it does not have to be. Ideally, you should both haveobtained a list of interview dates offered by your respectiveprograms. Some programs have no specific date, and you canarrange a visit on any day within a specific time frame.Interviews can be arranged so that you can interview atinstitutions at the same time, thereby saving money. You mayhave to visit some programs separately. If your respectiveprograms do not have the same interview dates, call the programsecretary and try to set up a special interview date that coincideswith your partner’s. Some will allow this, while others may not. Itdoes not hurt to try, and it could save you some money.

Talk to the program secretary and make sure that she/he is awareyou are in the couple’s Match. You should also let yourinterviewers know that your partner is applying to a residency atthe same institution. If a program wants you, being in the couple’sMatch should not affect their ranking of you one way or another.In fact, if you are a desirable candidate, the Program Director willsometimes put in a good word to the director of your partner’sprogram, giving you both a better chance of selection.

Further Thoughts> Check out the contract in your package for the Couples’ Match.

> Apply individually to the program you are both interested in.You complete separate applications, with separate resumes, etc.

> To obtain your match as a couple you both have to apply to your respective specialties. You naturally will have to beaccepted into each program to make it through the Match.

> It gets trickier if you are both applying within the samespecialty because the various programs rank you as a couplefor their program differently. The CaRMS/NRMP computersenter your Rank Order Lists, and you both have to make thecut-off to get one of your choices. You rank the programs andthe programs rank who they want. The computer then figuresout the highest combination. This is where you end up beingmatched. But the programs can shuffle around how they rankthe two of you to suit their needs before they submit their ranklist of candidates to CaRMS. For example, if the University ofToronto Pediatrics wants the two of you in their program, theytake the lower of the two candidates and raise their score/rankup to that of the higher partner.

> Don’t turn down interview invitations because both of you didnot get an interview at a particular medical school.

The Couples’ Match is a useful strategy that any two people, likeLindsey and Rob from Case 1, can use to try to match to thesame location.

positions, but sometimes spots can be specially funded byexternal bodies, such as Cancer Care Ontario for a RadiationOncology position. This circumstance is certainly an exception

and you should take whatever steps necessary to protectyourself. Have your lawyer review the contract to ensure that itis legally binding before you pull yourself from the Match.


THE COUPLES’ MATCHH-6

National Defense — The U.S. IndependentMatchCaRMS matches applicants funded by National Defense throughthe regular matching process. Students who have a contractualarrangement with National Defense must identify themselves onthe Application for Postgraduate Medical Training. Applicantswho are funded through the Medical Officer Training Plan or theMilitary Medical Training Plan can apply only to FamilyMedicine programs that are listed on the Applicant’s DesignationList as being for National Defense–funded applicants only.

Earlier Matches in the United StatesFor U.S. programs, several fields select residents in January.These fields are Neurology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology,Otolaryngology, and Urology. The surgical subspecialties arehighly competitive; therefore, a large percentage of applicantsgo unmatched. However, because the deadline for applicationsthrough the National Residency Matching Program is not untilFebruary, there is still time for the unmatched applicant toobtain a position through the NRMP.

Early matches for U.S. programs in Neurology, Neurosurgery,Ophthalmology, and Otolaryngology are coordinated by a singleagency in California. Your careful attention to deadlines is amust, as they differ from program to program.

The category of “independent applicants” includes severaldifferent groups: non-sponsored U.S. graduates, Canadianstudents/graduates, osteopathic students/graduates, andinternational medical graduates (IMGs). For information,contact the NRMP at (202) 828-0566 during the summer beforethe Match to receive the NRMP Handbook for IndependentApplicants. To enrol, submit a completed Independent ApplicantAgreement to the NRMP. The NRMP might also independentlyverify or request your credentials in order to approve your Matcheligibility status. For example, some schools require results of theUSMLE steps 1 and 2.

Following registration, you will be assigned an NRMP ApplicantCode, which you will use to identify yourself on residencyapplications and in correspondence. You will also receive aconfidential personal identification number (PIN). If you matchat a program, your PIN will appear in the USA Today newspaperon Unmatch Day (the day before Match Day). The registrationdeadline is in October before Match Day. Consult the currentedition of the NRMP Handbook for Independent Applicants forfurther details.

Like the NRMP Handbook for Students, this publication from theNRMP is a must-read for independent applicants. You can get acopy by calling the NRMP at (202) 828-0566. The version forindependent applicants covers the same topics as the generalstudent handbook. In addition, the NRMP Handbook forIndependent Applicants contains guidelines for verification ofcredentials for Match eligibility, a NRMP publication order form,and match dates for specialties covered in the NRMP’sSpecialties Matching Services (e.g., Dermatology). The NRMPDirectory is a catalogue of residency programs, participating in

the Match. Part I of the directory organizes the programs byhospital. Use this section to see what other specialty trainingprograms are offered at the hospitals you’re interested in. Part IIlists programs by specialty type and is much more useful. Youshould receive the edition for the previous Match at no cost onregistration. You will also receive a revised edition for your Matchlate in the fall.

Going UnmatchedThis is a devastating and anxious time of a student’s academiccareer, so please choose your specialties wisely to avoid theheartache of being unmatched.

Every year, there are a small number of students who do notmatch. If this happens to you, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean thatyou’ll never be accepted to a residency program. As you probablyread earlier, there could be many reasons you didn’t match and,frankly, you’ll never know what they are so it’s not worth dwellingon. You do have to take immediate action, though.

If your Canadian selections don’t match, you’ll be notified on“Unmatch Day,” around Monday of the second week in March.Students will be paged to meet with the Associate Deans fromStudent Affairs and Postgraduate Medical Education. In the case ofthe U.S. Match, the results come out around the third week in March.The Office of Student Affairs will notify you if you are unmatched.

With the aid of the faculty, the student will receive a list ofunmatched positions and will begin to apply to the Match (thinkof yourself as a brand new applicant; students will have theopportunity to update their CVs, reference letters, and personalstatements). You may choose to include old references sent byCaRMS to the Office of Student Affairs. Interviews are normallyconducted between March 9 and 18. You may interview on thephone or meet the interviewer in person, giving you anopportunity to sell yourself.

In the case of the U.S. match, the unfilled lists will be sent tothe Office of Student Affairs, and students begin to contact theprograms directly. After some deliberation, a program willnormally accept a student over the phone. Most students arematched within 24 hours of the starting time. It is rare that astudent remains unmatched unless he/she chooses.

The CaRMS application files of all students not matched in thefirst iteration are sent to the Office of Student Affairs. Studentsnot matched in the first iteration are automatically registered(without cost) in the second iteration. To help students considertheir choices and apply for the second iteration, CaRMS willsend each student, through the school, a list of vacanciesavailable in the second iteration and a Rank Order List for thesecond iteration.

Rank the programs you have contacted and to which you wouldlike to be matched. They must be listed in order of priority, asyou painstakingly did in the first iteration.


OTHER CONSIDERATIONSH-7

Switching ResidencyYou may not have made the right career choice or not havematched to your preferred choice of specialty. Relax. There isroom to make switches once the Match is over.

The first thing you need to do is contact the Postgraduate Officeat the respective university you matched to. Note that counselingis held strictly confidential. Each school arranges for bothinternal matches (within the university) and external matches(Canada-wide). Check with the postgraduate office for respectivedeadlines.

In a survey on transfer options in postgraduate training, CaRMSidentified that all 16 schools have official procedures at thepostgraduate office to allow residents to transfer betweenresidency programs. Twelve of the 16 medical schools also offer to arrange transfer to other medical schools. Saskatchewan andthree of the Quebec schools (other than McGill) declared that theyhad no procedures to transfer residents to other medical schools.

Medical schools will try to accommodate transfers betweendisciplines at any training level. Ottawa, Queen’s, and Torontorestrict transfers to PGY1 or PGY2 levels where possible.Manitoba also offers transfers to PGY1 or PGY2.


Canadian Medical Residency Guide Section I: Case Studies with Answers 228

CASE STUDIESWITH ANSWERSSection I

I-1 Case 1 – Having a Baby During Residency 229

I-2 Case 2 – Overwhelmed with Debt 231

I-3 Case 3 – Who Has More Debt? 232A Comparison of Two-Year, Five-Year and Seven-Year Residency Programs

I-4 Case 4 – Training Beyond Residency 233

I-5 Case 5 – The Reality of Disability Insurance 235

I-6 Case 6 – Tailoring Lifestyle and Pursuing a 236Subspecialized Internal Medicine Career

I-7 Case 7 – Alternative Career Choices 237

I-8 Case 8 – Starting Your Own Practice 238

I-9 Case 9 – Pursuing a Competitive Residency Program 239

This chapter offers practical advice and case studies to help you set up arealistic budget, manage your money, select insurance, and balance yourpersonal and professional goals.


Lindsey and Rob are fourth-year medical students who plan to get married before starting residency. They want to attendprograms in the same location, but don’t know if this is possible.They are both 26 years old and are also thinking about havingchildren. They’ve been to information sessions with residentswho have children and heard their classmates talking about thechallenges of parenting during residency. Lindsey and Rob bothhave some questions.

Are there any strategies for a couple to match toresidency programs offered at the same location? Lindsey and Rob are excited to read about the Couples’ Match on the CaRMS website: http://www.carms.ca/eng/r1_ranking_couples_e.shtml.

This match is not restricted to people who are married, butanyone who wants to be with someone else — a friend, relativeor serious relationship partner — during residency. Uponcompleting the Rank Order List, applicants can designatethemselves as part of a couple by emailing CaRMS and notingtheir status in the Applicant Webstation. This distinction is notpermanent; applicants can later remove themselves from theCouples’ Match. A complete set of instructions on participatingin the Couples’ Match, as well as match statistics, can be foundon the CaRMS website.

How will Lindsey manage to do call in her first and thirdtrimesters?During the first trimester, pregnant residents may struggle withmorning sickness, making call responsibilities tougher.

Residents who had children in residency suggested trying toarrange for rotations with light call duties during both the first andthird trimesters, avoiding such rotations as ICU and Team Medicine.

In some provinces, a pregnant resident is exempt from callduring the third trimester after 31 weeks. This may be earlier in some residency programs, such as Obstetrics. However, thisexemption can occur earlier in the pregnancy if the resident’sphysician deems it necessary. Even though duties may be lighter,residents who had babies cited that a lack of sleep even withoutcall affected their abilities to function at work.

How much time can Lindsey take off work if she has ababy? Can Rob take paternity time when their child isborn? Parental leave time for residents varies from province toprovince. The time allowed for maternity leave is as follows:

Maximumlength of

Required length pregnancyProvince of pregnancy leave leave

Newfoundland N/A Up to and Labrador one yearMaritime Provinces 17 weeks 1 yearQuebec 15 to 18 weeks 1 yearOntario 17 weeks 1 yearManitoba N/A 26 weeks Saskatchewan 18 weeks 1 yearBritish Columbia 17 weeks 1 year

The decision to take more time than required is up to theindividuals, although they may feel pressure from their staff,because they want to prepare the resident for boardexaminations, and their fellow residents, because they want the resident back on the call schedule.

Paternity leave ranges from five days in Saskatchewan to three tofive weeks in Quebec. Rob could talk with the program directorand arrange vacation around the expected due date so that hecan spend some time at home once the baby is born.

Will having a baby during residency mean that it will take Lindsey longer to finish her residency program? In general, residents are forgiven the required pregnancy leavelength but are expected to make up any extra time taken.However, residents may feel pressure from the Royal College andtheir program directors to make up all time in order to be bestprepared for board examinations.

What are some advantages to having a child while inresidency rather than while practising? There are a number of advantages:

> Financial. Residents are paid 75% of their pay through Post-graduate Medical Education and Employment Insurance(EI) during the first six months of leave. After six months, theyreceive only EI. In practice, there are programs like the OMAPregnancy and Parental Leave Program, where a physician canbe paid up to 50% of average fee for service billings or $1,000per week, whichever is higher, for a maximum of 17 weeks.

> Finding a replacement. Residents do not have to worry aboutfinding coverage for their practice, whereas practisingphysicians will need to find someone to care for their patients.

> Maternal age. Residency is now longer. Postponing pregnancyuntil you finish may mean the pregnancy is not as safe formom and baby.

> Guaranteed time off in residency. In residency, provincialcontracts dictate how residents are paid and how much timeoff they can take. In practice, these decisions may need to benegotiated with colleagues, and you will be at the mercy oftheir decision.

> Career planning. When residency is completed, newphysicians may want to establish their practice. This wouldbe difficult if they wanted to take time off at the beginningof their career.

What are some options to make return to work easier? Some suggestions include:

> Part-time training: work one month, take one month off.

> Start with lighter rotations.

> Hire a nanny.

> Build a strong support system at home.

CASE 1 – HAVING A BABYDURING RESIDENCY

I-1

Section I: Case Studies with Answers 230Canadian Medical Residency Guide

Should Lindsey factor pregnancy into the decision ofwhat residency program she chooses?Some residents feel that non-surgical specialties are moreaccommodating of having children in residency. However,other residents feel that any residency program is manageablewith pregnancy, and this should not be factored into careerplanning decisions.

In particular, provincial agreements differ, so it may be helpfulto review which provinces are more supportive of pregnantresidents in choosing the location of the residency program.

How can Rob and Lindsey prepare financially so thatthey can take as much leave as possible?As parents, Rob and Lindsey may qualify for a number ofbenefits and tax deductions available from the federalgovernment. These include:

> Universal Child Care Benefit. This federal payment of $100per month is paid to every Canadian family for each childunder the age of six. Payment is not automatic; they willneed to apply for it.

> Canada Child Tax Benefit. This monthly non-taxable benefitis available for families with low and moderate incomes (lessthan $40,726 in 2009). The maximum benefit is $111.66 permonth for each child under the age of 18 in all provincesexcept Alberta, where it is $102.33 for children under seven.If a couple’s income is less than $23,710, they’ll also qualifyfor the National Child Benefit Supplement, which is amaximum $173.00 per month.

> Child care expenses. In addition, their child care expenseswill be deductible, to a maximum of $7,000.

So the tax breaks will provide some relief and, as mentionedabove, Lindsey will be able to receive Medical Education andEmployment Insurance payments, to make up for some of herlost income.

If they have personal resources, they could tap into those aswell. For example, if Lindsey has been saving in an RSP, shecould take money from there. While withdrawals are taxable, if she has little other income her marginal tax rate should bequite low. Withdrawals from her spousal RSP are anotheroption, but only if Rob has not made any spousal contributionsin the year of the withdrawal or the two preceding calendaryears. Otherwise, the withdrawals would be attributed to himfor tax purposes.

If Lindsey and Rob have an investment portfolio or own real estate, they could consider selling assets to generate cash flow. However, any capital gains resulting from the sales wouldbe taxable.


Ruth, a third-year medical student, sits down one night to openher mail. She opens her bank statement. She can’t believe thatafter three years she’s already accumulated $120,000 of debtand has heard rumours of unforeseen costs in fourth year. Thereality of having $150,000 in debt sinks in. She is feelingcompletely overwhelmed by debt.

Are the rumours that Ruth has heard true? What are the unexpected costs that she may need to cover infourth year? Yes, there are some extra costs associated with completingfourth year. Extra costs of fourth year can include applications,travel, and housing associated with electives, the CaRMSapplication, and writing the MCCQE Part 1. Costs associatedwith electives and CaRMS vary widely, depending on how manyelectives are chosen and the number of programs to which aperson applies. A breakdown of extra costs accrued in fourthyear is as follows:

Electives

Highly variable expense. Need to consider cost of applicationto do elective, housing if not at your university, and travel costs.

CaRMS

Registration Fee + 4 Programs (tax not included) $205Each Additional Program $20Packages for References $100Interviews (Flight, Hotel, Food, etc.) $3,000

$3,265

MCCQE Part I (Licensing Exam Part I)Registration Fee $680

Total = $4,000 + cost of electives

What steps/plans/budgeting should she do now toensure minimal addition to her debt load?Ruth needs to remember that her situation is not exceptional.Almost all medical students acquire debt as they get theeducation they need to become qualified. Before heading intofourth year, she should apply for any bursaries andscholarships for which she’s eligible. Even if the amount issmall, it’s still beneficial.

To ensure she adds as little as possible to her existing debt load,she would be well advised to sit down with a professional, suchas an RBC Student Champion, to create a personal budget thatmakes the most of her unique situation and that reflects hercurrent expenses and any income. This will give her anopportunity to spot possible areas where she could beeconomizing. Once she knows what her fourth-year costs are going to be, she can amend her budget accordingly.

One of the easiest ways to go astray is to get caught up in creditcard debt. If Ruth is carrying a balance on her credit cards, shecould be paying interest as high as 28% a year. A much moreeffective solution is to take out a loan or line of credit at a

much lower interest rate, pay off the credit cards, and thenfocus on reducing the loan or line of credit.

In fact, most financial institutions have special lendingprograms for medical and dental students, which have highlimits and low interest rates. This should be the first option forfinancing, but any existing loans that are outstanding willreduce the available credit for studies, so by combining theminto one credit line borrowing costs and monthly payments canbe reduced.

How will she afford to repay her loans during residency?While Ruth is a medical student, and for 12 months aftergraduation, she will likely only have to pay the interest costs onher loan, under a special arrangement that most financialinstitutions have with students.

As a resident, with income coming in, Ruth should be able to start chipping away at her accumulated student debt. Again, the best way to determine what she can comfortably pay is to track all her expenses and income and create apersonal budget.

Once she knows how much she can afford to dedicate to debtrepayment every month, she should set up automatic transfersso that amount is automatically moved from her bank accountto her outstanding debt.

She overheard some classmates mentioning somethingabout saving receipts for income taxes. Why would theydo this? As a student, Ruth can claim tuition, education, and textbooktax credits. However, she may not have sufficient income to beable to use up all the credits to which she’s entitled. She cancarry forward up to $775 in combined federal credits and usethem to reduce her income tax in a later year.

CASE 2 – OVERWHELMED WITH DEBTI-2


Tyler, a fourth-year medical student, is still undecided about hisfuture career choice. He’s thinking about Family Medicine,Endocrinology specializing in Pituitary and Thyroid Disorders,or General Obstetrics. He accumulated $160,000 of debt over thecourse of his medical training. Coincidentally, this is the averageamount of debt acquired by Canadian Medical School Graduates.He heard that some of his classmates were considering FamilyMedicine because of the shorter training time to pay off theirdebt more quickly.

What would his financial situation look like if he did a five-year residency plus a fellowship, a five-yearresidency, or a two-year residency program? The answer depends largely on how much debt Tyler already has, where he does his residency and fellowship, and what hisexpenses are during those years.

Residency and fellowship salaries vary from province to province.But if we assume that Tyler will be doing his residency andfellowship in Ontario, here is what he can expect in terms of pay:

Residency salaries in Ontario

Effective April 1, 2009PGY1 $46,017PGY2 $53,715PGY3 $56,978PGY4 $60,838PGY5 $64,877

A fellowship in Ontario would pay about $70,000 per year, butthat figure can vary depending on the field in which Tyler wouldchoose to work.

If Tyler were to enter into practice after a two-year residency, for instance, he would begin earning more than a third-yearresident. However, if he were to choose a specialty that requireda five-year residency, and also did a fellowship, his eventualearning power would likely be higher than if he had done just a two-year residency.

As you can see, there is no simple answer as to which pathwaywill be the most financially rewarding for Tyler.

Similarly, there is difficulty generalizing Tyler’s situation tomedical students nationwide. However, three factors have beensuggested that that may contribute to the rate at which one’sdebt load can be cleared. In order to identify the impact thesefactors can have on making a comparison between length ofresidency programs, a thorough analysis is suggested. RBCStudent Champions are able to help with such an analysis.

Lastly, this case is an example of the importance ofunderstanding the relative importance of each key factorrelevant to making your own career decision.

CASE 3 – WHO HAS MORE DEBT? A COMPARISON OF TWO-YEAR, FIVE-YEAR AND SEVEN-YEARRESIDENCY PROGRAMS

I-3


Alex has just started his residency in Ophthalmology and isconsidering subspecializing in treating Glaucoma. Alex is excitedabout starting his residency but wonders what is required tosubspecialize within a given specialty.

What are the steps he needs to take to specialize inGlaucoma?Alex goes to talk to the Program Director of Ophthalmology andlearns that he will need to do a fellowship in Glaucoma. Throughthis conversation, he learns that a fellowship is a way to obtainfurther training within a given area of specialization.

Fellowships are usually associated with a decision to practiseacademic medicine in most cases. In some programs, such asvascular surgery, a fellowship is required in addition to finishingan accredited residency program. However, in Alex’s case,completing a fellowship may allow him to choose an area ofspecialty. For example, new Radiologists may enter fellowshipsbased on anatomical divisions (e.g., Abdominal Radiology) ortechniques (CT or MRI) that may not offer an accreditation orcertificate, but rather allow them to practise in a morespecialized field. In addition, by doing a fellowship in Glaucoma,Alex can tailor his practice to treating glaucoma and providingmore specialized care.

From a practical standpoint, new graduates may discuss jobopportunities at an academic centre and decide to complete afellowship in that area. For example, a new ENT resident maydiscover that the department he is interested in working in isinterested in hiring a specialist in endoscopic skull-base surgery.The resident may pursue a fellowship in endoscopic skull-basesurgery and return to that academic institution for employment.

There are research fellowships and clinical fellowships as well asfellowships that combine both research and clinical work. Ingeneral, fellowships can take from a few months (in FamilyMedicine) to three years.

In order to begin a clinical fellowship program, such as aGlaucoma fellowship, Alex must have a certificate authorizingpostgraduate education as well as a source of funding. Someinstitutions provide funding while others expect applicants tofind their own. Alex may have to submit an application duringthe summer or fall (depending on the program) the year beforehe intends to start the fellowship. Alternatively, a fellowship maybe arranged based on a phone call or matching service.

Will Alex be in a different city for his fellowship?Alex could be in a different city, depending on where there areopenings for Glaucoma fellowships the year he finishes theOphthalmology program. He’s best advised to attend the bestGlaucoma fellowship program, no matter where it is located, in order to make him a competitive job candidate uponcompletion of the fellowship.

CASE 4 – TRAINING BEYONDRESIDENCY

I-4


Andy is a third-year medical student. His wife is a third-year lawstudent who will be entering the workforce next year. They havetalked about having a family but have decided to wait until theyare more established in their careers. Andy has gone to manyinformation sessions about various types of insurance he shouldlook into, but didn’t really think he needed any of it. Andydecides he’d rather not obtain any disability insurance becausehe is young and healthy and thinks the chances of himbecoming disabled are small. Andy does an Internal Medicinerotation and unfortunately sticks himself with a needle that heused to inject an HIV-positive patient. What should he do?

First, Andy should immediately speak to the doctor in chargeand explain what happened. He should tell the doctor thepatient’s name so the doctor can proceed with getting consentfor a blood sample to determine HIV and hepatitis serology. Thedoctor will also consult an Infectious Disease physician.

Within two hours of the needlestick, Andy should go toOccupational Health (if the event occurred during the work day)or the Emergency Room if the event occurred after hours. Bloodwill be drawn to test for HIV or hepatitis serology.

Infectious Disease will perform a risk analysis to determine thelikelihood of infection transmission, taking into account suchfactors as the depth of the needlestick, the bore of the needleand patient characteristics. If there is a high risk of HIVinfection, Infectious Disease may recommend a post-exposureprophylaxis cocktail; however, it is up Andy to decide whether ornot to take it. The cost of the cocktail is covered by Worker’sCompensation. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting,and diarrhea, which may make it necessary to take one to threeweeks off work. If the patient is known to have HIV/AIDS, theInfectious Disease physician may prescribe their treatmentregimen to Andy.

Blood will be drawn over the next six months to ensure Andydoes not seroconvert.

If the patient has Hepatitis B, Andy should be protected throughHepatitis B immunizations. To ensure Andy has an appropriateimmune response, antibody titres may be drawn. A boosterimmunization may be given to prime the immune response ifthe titre is low.

The time following a needle-stick injury can often be anemotional one. Andy may receive support from OccupationalHealth or the Education Assistance Program. A referral to animmuno-compromised clinic is another potential source ofsupport.

Will Andy be able to work if he is HIV- or Hepatitis B- orC-positive?Andy will be able to work; however, in some provinces he has an ethical obligation to inform the Provincial College of hisstatus if he performs high-risk procedures. These include digitalpalpation of a needle tip or sharp object in a body cavity (e.g., major abdominal, vaginal, cardiothoracic or orthopedicoperations), repair of major traumatic injuries or cutting/manipulation in the oral cavity. The college would then review

whether any practice modifications are necessary. Failure tonotify the college would be considered unprofessional. In mostcases, the physician will decide to practise a different area ofmedicine. Further information can be found athttp://www.cpso.on.ca/Policies/bloodborne.htm.

Will he still be eligible for disability insurance?After being stuck with a needle, there may be a waiting periodprior to Andy’s being approved for coverage. The insurer will also need reassurance that he is not HIV positive.

What happens if he is diagnosed with a serious illness during his residency or career? Is there a type of insurance that would allow him to pay off hisstudent debt?If the insurance was purchased prior to becoming ill (and priorto the needle incident), he could pay off his student debt underthe RBC Insurance “student limits.” Critical illness insurancewould provide a lump sum benefit if Andy is diagnosed with a serious illness; this is paid regardless of whether or not Andycan work/earn an income. Disability insurance would provide a percentage of income replacement if the serious illnessprevented Andy from working.

What if Andy dies unexpectedly after his first child isborn? Is there any insurance to ensure his child and wifeare looked after financially?Again, if Andy had purchased life insurance prior to the needleincident, his wife and child would receive the benefits.

CASE 5 – THE REALIT Y OF DISABILIT YINSURANCE

I-5


I-6CASE 6 – TAILORING LIFEST YLE ANDPURSUING A SUBSPECIALIZEDINTERNAL MEDICINE CAREER

Sunny, a second-year medical student, obtained a Master’sdegree and worked in a lab before he started medical school.One day in class he looks around at his classmates and realizesthat he is a bit different than them. At 28, he’s a few years olderthan the average student, he’s married to a woman with anestablished career, he has a two-year-old daughter at home and,on top of his $18,000 tuition, has a mortgage to pay. Sunny startsto think about his future and wonders.

What is the best way for him to manage the debt he willacquire? Although he is older than his fellow students and has theresponsibilities of a child and mortgage, Sunny has an advantagein that his life partner has an established career and is earning a salary.

Sunny and his wife would be well advised to sit down togetherwith an RBC Student Champion and create a personal budgetthat makes the most of their unique situation.

One of the best ways to tackle debt is to pay less tax and, as acouple, there may be many opportunities for Sunny and his wifeto reduce their overall tax bill through effective tax planning.

For instance, if Sunny is unable to use all the education, tuitionand textbook tax credits to which he is entitled, up to $775 ofunused credits can be transferred to his wife.

They will also want to speak to a tax specialist about effectiveways to split their income — that is, to shift taxable funds toSunny, who pays tax at a low marginal rate, from his wife, whohas a higher income and therefore pays a higher rate. Onesolution is for Sunny to invest any income that he earns, whilethey rely on his wife’s income to cover all the householdexpenses — including his loan repayments. Any incomegenerated by the invested funds would be taxable to Sunny, at his low marginal rate.

He’d love to be a Cardiologist, but wonders how newphysicians arrange their workload. Is it possibly for himto arrange a 50-hour workweek as a Cardiologist?In general, most new physicians should be able to find a nichewithin a specialty that will accommodate the hours they wouldlike to work. There are some specialties that are not soaccommodating of flexible schedules. Some factors that maylimit Sunny’s ability to choose the number of hours he worksinclude taking an academic position with extra responsibilities,taking care of in-patients, choosing a specialty or area of interestthat requires call duties or practising in a situation where thereare no other Cardiologists (i.e., he has greater responsibilities).

Factors that may promote flexibility include taking a positionwhere he can network with other Cardiologists and share theworkload, working in an outpatient setting, and spending sometime in non-patient situations (reading echocardiograms).Although not applicable to Sunny, shift work can alsoaccommodate a flexible schedule.

In summary, Sunny is wise to consider the number of hours he is willing to work when making career decisions, as it is notpossible to limit hours in all areas of each specialty.

He’s quite aware of how expensive school is and wants to save for his daughter’s education. What should heinvest in? What about for his retirement? For long-term goals like these, Sunny has an opportunity to take advantage of tax-deferred compound growth by opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for his daughter’seducation and a registered Retirement Savings Plan for himself.In addition, his wife could contribute to a spousal RSP on hisbehalf.

RESPs. RESPs are subject to a lifetime contribution limit of$52,000 per beneficiary (i.e., the future student). There is noannual limit. All money in the plan grows on a tax-deferred basisuntil withdrawn. When earnings are withdrawn to pay for hisdaughter’s post-secondary schooling, the withdrawals will betaxed in her hands and are likely to attract no tax.

In addition, the federal Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)will top up his RESP contribution by 20% on the first $2,500contributed every year. Maximum CESG over the life of the planis $7,200.

RSPs. To save for his retirement, Sunny can contribute amaximum of 18% of his previous year’s earnings. Thesecontributions are tax-deductible. Earnings are tax-deferred aslong as they stay in the plan. His wife can contribute all or anyportion of her annual allowable RSP contribution to a spousalplan for Sunny.

What residency program should he enter to get into a Cardiology program? What is the application like?Sunny should apply to Internal Medicine residency programs.After completing three years of Core Internal Medicine, he willthen apply to subspecialties of interest. Subspecialties availableinclude Cardiology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, ClinicalPharmacology, Endocrinology and Metabolism,Gastroenterology, General Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine,Hematology, Infectious Disease, Medical Oncology, Nephrology,Occupational Medicine, Respirology, and Rheumatology.

Third-year Internal Medicine residents apply for thesefellowships through the R4 match. The match process wasrecently changed in 2009 to a match system similar to CaRMS.More information about the R4 match can be found athttp://carms.ca/eng/r4_about_intro_e.shtml. In the past, moststudents will get the subspecialty of their choice, but may not getthe location of their choice. In 2007, 96% of applicants receivedtheir first choice of specialty; 85% got their first choice specialtyat their first choice location. Similarly, in 2006, 97% of applicantsreceived their first choice of specialty, 80% at their top location.Competition for specific locations tends to change from year toyear as levels of interest and availability fluctuate.


In late September and early October, candidates will find outwhether they have been offered an interview from programs they applied to. All subspecialties (except Cardiology, whichorganizes a centralized interview day) require candidates totravel to interviews.

There is a match day in early November. On this day, candidateswill receive phone calls or faxes from programs with an offer ofacceptance. After receiving an offer, a candidate can eitheraccept, decline, or hold the offer. Offers can be held for amaximum of two days and a maximum of two offers can be heldat the same time. If an offer is declined, that program will thenoffer acceptance to another candidate in the applicant pool.

This process continues for two weeks, when all offers heldbecome firm. There is a website that becomes active on theMatch Day where candidates can keep track of offers declined,accepted, and held. Few candidates will go unmatched, but thereis a second iteration for those that do. Some Core InternalMedicine programs may offer unmatched candidates a spot intheir General Internal Medicine program.

Most students will get the subspecialty of their choice, but maynot get the location of their choice. In 2007, 96% of applicantsreceived their first choice of specialty; 85% got their first choicespecialty at their first choice location. Similarly, in 2006, 97% ofapplicants received their first choice of specialty, 80% at their toplocation. Competition for specific locations tends to change fromyear to year as levels of interest and availability fluctuate.


Jaime, a fourth-year student, comes home from a long day of dealing with patients and realizes he doesn’t enjoy patientcontact. He hasn’t enjoyed the past year of clerkship and doesn’twant to spend the rest of his life tending to patients in a hospitalor clinical setting. However, he doesn’t want to throw the pastfour years of education down the drain (not to mention thedrain on his bank account) and plans to graduate. He knowsvaguely that there are opportunities for MDs that don’t revolvearound the traditional physician’s role, but doesn’t know whatthey are or where to start looking. He thinks there must beoptions available for medical students in his position.

What are some career options available to Jaime thatmake use of his medical degree but do not require him topractise medicine?Jaime might want to consider:

> Working for a consulting firm, such as McKinsey Consulting.

> Getting involved in health policy (through CommunityMedicine Residency training).

> Focusing on the financial aspects of hospital or health centermanagement (e.g., CEO of a hospital).

> Moving into biotechnology.

In addition to the above list, Jaime may also consider specialtieswith little patient contact, such as Radiology or Laboratory Medicine.

Do the alternative careers require additional training or schooling? Sometimes consulting firms will require an additional course. If Jaime is interested in financial aspects of medicine, he mayelect to do an MBA. Some students who find themselves in this position may have already completed training beforemedical school, such as a law degree or financial training, givingthem the capacity to go back to those fields and function in aspecific niche.

What is the starting salary for these careers? The starting salary at a major consulting firm is around $150,000a year.

Should he apply to CaRMS?Anecdotally, most students will come back to medicine, making the completion of a residency program highly valuable.Counselors will often advise students to apply for a residencyprogram in case they change their mind at a later date.

If he does not apply to residency, how will his governmentloan and line of credit payments be affected? If he goesfor further schooling, will his government loan paymentbe deferred? As long as Jaime is enrolled as a student in full-time studies asdefined by Human Resources and Social Development Canada(generally, a full course load), his government-sponsored studentloans will remain in Class A, “in-school” status and the monthlyinterest will be paid by the government.

Private debt, such as Jaime’s personal line of credit, will varyaccording to the issuing financial institution. In most cases, thedebt will continue to require interest-only payments until 12months after he graduates or withdraws from school. Note,however, that depending on the field of study (if other thanmedical/dental) the limit maybe capped and no further advancewill be made unless a suitable co-signor is provided.

CASE 7 – ALTERNATIVE CAREERCHOICESI-7


Sanjay is a second-year medical student who isn’t sure whatcareer option he’d like to pursue, but knows he doesn’t want towork in a hospital or academic setting. Opening up a privatepractice in his hometown is looking very attractive but he hasheard that start-up costs and overhead can be very steep. Heplans to stay in the same location until he retires but worriesthat with his financial debt after medical school, he will not beable to pursue his ideal practice for many years.

What specialties would be feasible in a private practicesetting? The majority of physicians will spend part of their time in aprivate practice setting. A list of specialties that wouldaccommodate Sanjay’s independence includes Anesthesiology,Community Medicine, Dermatology, Diagnostic Radiology,Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Adult Neurology,Occupational Medicine, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, andPsychiatry. Sanjay could potentially open a clinic with training inany of the above specialties, but in some cases the procedures orconditions he could treat or manage would be limited comparedwith what he could do in a hospital setting. For instance, ifSanjay trained in Ophthalmology, he could do LASIK surgery, butperhaps not be involved in Neuro-Ophthalmology cases.

Surgical specialties may not be so appealing to Sanjay becausesurgery requires an operating room in a hospital; however,surgeons may have private offices outside of a hospital for theirclinics. In some cases, surgeons may be able to operate outsideof the hospital setting; facial plastic surgeons are an example.Pathologists require access to laboratories and usually work inconjunction with hospitals, making private practice unattainable.Pediatric Neurologists may have private practices, but they areusually associated with a hospital because of the rarity ofpediatric neurological conditions. Physical Medicine andRehabilitation is generally practised in hospital. RadiationOncology and Nuclear Medicine require access to technologyusually owned by hospitals, making private practice unrealistic.

Sanjay had questions about whether he’d be able tofinance a practice and wondered if this career path waseven worth pursuing. What are financial options availableto physicians opening practices?Term loans, operating lines of credit, and business overdraftprotection are financing options available to tailor to the needsof physicians with their own offices. Sanjay might also beinterested in the process of incorporating private practices.

More detailed information on these options can be found inSection B-5.

What are some costs associated with opening a clinic besides the obvious costs of an office space and equipment? Aside from equipment and rent, there are other costs involved instarting your own practice, depending on the size of the practiceand what type of medicine you’re practicing.

Here are a few:> Fees for a contract lawyer to develop partnership or group

agreements if you are working with other people.

> Fees for an accountant to set up an efficient accounting systemand file your income tax returns.

> Fees for a bookkeeper to formulate and report on monthly,quarterly, and annual finances.

> Fees for a real estate broker to find an appropriate practicelocation for you.

> Fees for an interior designer/contractor to design your officespace.

> Payments to support staff, such as a nurse or receptionist.

How would he obtain equipment and hire staff? Most physicians need to borrow money to start up their practices.Young doctors like Sanjay can often barely purchase a newcomputer without a loan, let alone hire staff and equip an officewithout some sort of financial assistance.

Equipping and furnishing an office can be very expensive. Sanjay will need to examine his financial resources and whatfurnishings and equipment has to be purchased before seeinghis first clients, and what he may require for future expansions.

He should discuss with his advisor whether leasing or purchasingequipment outright is the best option for him. He will also needto decide what is needed before opening his practice versus whatcan wait until after opening his practice. He should do pricechecks and use supplier competition to his advantage, checkguarantees and warranties, and ask other professionals in hisfield about suppliers’ customer service record, equipmentmaintenance, and client satisfaction.

When it comes to hiring staff, Sanjay will probably find that staffcosts can comprise up to 50% or more of total office expenses.That alone should prove the importance of keeping excellenthiring practices.

Here are some of the greatest mistakes that professionals makewhen hiring:

> Hiring too quickly (i.e., the first person interviewed or the bestof a “poor lot”).

> Hiring staff who aren’t qualified or who don’t have thecharacteristics needed for the job so that lower rates of pay can be offered.

> Hiring staff who lack initiative or who aren’t interested inhelping the practice to grow.

Good hiring practices start with careful planning by:

> Listing all the tasks that will have to be done within the office,from opening mail to greeting clients and handling finances.

> Assessing the experience needed by staff members to be able to do the work efficiently and assigning each task to certainpositions, such as receptionist, nurse, technician, legalsecretary, etc.

> Assessing how much time each task will take on a daily, weekly,or monthly basis; and assessing which positions should be hired on a full-time basis and which can be hired on a part-time basis, bearing in mind the importance of havingcontinuity throughout the day.

CASE 8 – STARTING YOUR OWNPRACTICEI-8


I-9 CASE 9 – PURSUING A COMPETITIVERESIDENCY PROGRAM

Mambo and Adil are third-year medical students who have justfinished their second clerkship rotation in Surgery. Mambo wasnot particularly interested in Surgery before his clerkshiprotation but is now keen on Plastic Surgery. He has heard fromAdil that it’s difficult to get into a Plastic Surgery residencyprogram. Adil has shown interest in ENT since first year. Adilshadowed ENT surgeons regularly throughout first and secondyear and also pursued ENT research in both summers.

Mambo is very worried that it is too late for him to pursuePlastic Surgery, especially when other students, like Adil, havedemonstrated interest in competitive surgical programs bycommitting their summers to research and shadowing surgeons.

Mambo seeks advice from Adil about how to best pursue PlasticSurgery. During this conversation, Adil starts to wonder whatwould happen if he changed his mind about ENT.

Mambo and Adil both have some questions about pursuingcompetitive surgical residency programs.

Is research necessary? Does it matter if research is inthat particular field? For a student like Mambo, are there any opportunities to complete research in the fieldduring clerkship? Research is highly recommended, particularly for programslocated at centres with a strong academic focus. It is helpful forresearch to be in the particular field, in this case, Plastic Surgery,as it demonstrates genuine interest in the specialty.

There are always opportunities to be involved in research at any stage. Projects can range from writing up an interesting casereport, to clinical research, to basic science research, dependingon the time that you have available. For example, a first- orsecond-year student might be able to devote a summer to full-time basic science research, whereas a third- or fourth-yearstudent might have time to work on a case report or small clinicalresearch project.

Is it discouraged to show interest in other specialties, for example, doing summer research in ENT in first-yearlike Adil, but then realizing you want to do Ophthalmologyin third year?Most people on residency committees are reasonable and don’texpect students in first-year medical school to know with 100%certainty what specialty they will choose for their career. At thatpoint, many students will not have had direct clinical exposureto any specialty. It can be a positive quality to demonstrate thatvarious surgical subspecialties were considered and explored,and that an informed decision was ultimately made to pursue a particular subspecialty.

Should all fourth-year electives be in that field? If not,how many should? What’s the best way to set upelectives?All fourth-year electives do not need to be in that particular field, but at least one should be. The best way to set up electivesis to speak to residents in the program of interest, and find outfrom them who they recommend for elective experiences.Although many people focus on the importance of working with

a program selection committee member, another important thing to consider when choosing an elective is what exposureand insight you will gain from the experience.

Should students like Adil who are interested in surgeryfrom first year pursue surgical shadowing and research in first and second year?These are good ways to explore an interest in surgery. For onething, you may meet surgeons in the department to which yousubsequently apply for residency. More important, however, is that these activities give you early, direct exposure to thespecialty before clerkship rotations begin. Shadowingexperiences may be helpful in ruling in or out surgicalsubspecialties that you want to pursue further in the form ofclerkship electives. The pre-clerkship schedule may also allowyou to take on a larger research project.

However, there are many valid ways to spend the “extra” timethat you have in pre-clerkship. Some people do internationalelectives, travel for pleasure, play sports, and pursue other non-academic activities. It is important to be well-rounded and balanced, too.

Is it too late for Mambo to realistically pursue PlasticSurgery? What should he do to be a competitiveapplicant?It is not too late for Mambo. He should spend some of hisremaining elective time doing Plastic Surgery, and considergetting involved in a research project.

Is there anything else that someone interested in acompetitive surgical residency program should do inorder to be a successful applicant?Besides demonstrating interest in the particular field by takingelectives or participating in research projects, it is important tobe well-rounded and have interests outside of medicine.

Other advice would include being a “team player” and workinghard on all of your clerkship rotations, not just the surgical ones,and being yourself. If you are genuinely interested in a particularsubspecialty it will be clear to program committee members. Aswell, remember that during your electives and residencyinterviews, you are also evaluating the specialty and program todecide if it suits what you are looking for in your career. Finally,there is no one single formula of electives or research projectsthat will guarantee a residency spot; everyone knows of peoplewho did many electives and projects right from first year and didnot get their first choice, as well as people who decided “late”and ultimately got into a competitive program.

(01/2010) 21440

2010 Canadian Medical Residency Guide

Documents

Transcript of 2010 Canadian Medical Residency Guide