Education · 1 of 4

The path

Long, competitive, and mostly decided by exams and the match.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top marks in biology, chemistry, math and English. You need a very high average to get into a pre-med undergrad.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   3 to 4 years

   Any major works, most take life sciences. Keep a GPA above 3.8, do research and volunteer. 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%. Two years of classes, then clinical rotations. Do surgery electives in your final year to earn reference letters.

4. 4

   General surgery residency

   5 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Paid, supervised. In-hospital call from year one. You operate more every year.

5. 5

   Royal College exam, licence, often a fellowship

   1 to 2 years

   Pass the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada exam to become FRCSC (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada). Register with your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. Many add a 1 to 2 year fellowship.