Education · 1 of 4

The path

Same road as every doctor, then 5 years learning to control breathing, blood pressure and pain.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top marks in biology, chemistry, math and English. Physics matters more here than in most specialties.

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. Most students meet anesthesia during their surgery block.

4. 4

   Anesthesiology residency

   5 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Operating rooms, obstetrics, the ICU (intensive care unit), pain clinic and pediatric anesthesia.

5. 5

   Certification and licence

   End of residency

   Pass the Royal College exam to become FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada), then register with your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons.