Education · 1 of 4

The path

Same road as every doctor, then a match that only a few dozen students a year win.

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. Dermatology electives and research are close to required for the match.

4. 4

   Dermatology residency

   5 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Skin clinics, skin surgery, pathology of skin, pediatric skin and hospital consults.

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.