Education · 1 of 4

The path

Six years of residency after medical school, entered directly from the match.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top marks in biology, chemistry, math and English. A very high average is the entry ticket.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   3 to 4 years

   Any major, usually life sciences. High GPA, research, volunteering. 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%. Cardiac surgery electives and research in your final year are essential for the match.

4. 4

   Cardiac surgery residency

   6 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Paid, supervised. Time in general surgery, cardiology and intensive care before you spend years in the heart operating room.

5. 5

   Royal College exam, licence, fellowship

   1 to 2 years

   Pass the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada exam, register with your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. Almost everyone does a 1 to 2 year fellowship.