Education · 1 of 4

The path

Every doctor's road, then a core specialty, then a second match into allergy.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top marks in biology, chemistry, math and English. You need a very high average for a science undergrad.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   3 to 4 years

   Any major works. Keep a GPA (grade point average) above 3.8, volunteer, do research. Write the MCAT (medical school admission test).

3. 3

   Medical school, the MD (doctor of medicine)

   3 to 4 years

   Acceptance rates are 5% to 15%. Classes, then clinical rotations.

4. 4

   Core residency

   3 to 4 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service) into internal medicine (3 years) or pediatrics (4 years). Allergists see both adults and children, so both doors lead here.

5. 5

   Clinical immunology and allergy

   2 years

   A second match near the end of core residency. Two years of allergy clinics, skin testing, food challenges, asthma, immune deficiency and drug reactions. Pass the Royal College exams to become FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada), then register with your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons.