Education · 1 of 4

The path

You become an internal medicine doctor first, then a blood 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

   Hematology residency, then certification

   2 years

   Leukemia and lymphoma wards, clotting and bleeding clinics, the blood bank, and reading blood and bone marrow under the microscope. 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.