Education · 1 of 4

The path

You become an internal medicine doctor first, then a gut specialist.

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

   Internal medicine residency

   3 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Hospital wards, the ICU (intensive care unit) and clinics. In year 3 you apply to the subspecialty match.

5. 5

   Gastroenterology residency, then certification

   2 years

   Endoscopy, liver clinics, inflammatory bowel disease and hospital consults. Some programs add a third research year. Pass the Royal College exams to become FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada) and register with your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons.