Education · 1 of 4

The path

Every internal medicine subspecialty, from cardiology to cancer, starts with these same steps.

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. Internal medicine is the biggest block.

4. 4

   Core internal medicine residency

   3 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Wards, the ICU (intensive care unit), emergency consults and clinics. In year 3 you choose: stay general, or apply to a subspecialty.

5. 5

   General internal medicine years, then certification

   1 to 2 years

   One to two more years of broad training. 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.