Education · 1 of 4

The path

Same road as every doctor, then 5 years learning to read cells.

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. Few students see pathology unless they seek it out, so do an elective.

4. 4

   Anatomical or general pathology residency

   5 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Surgical specimens, biopsies, autopsies, cytology and, for general pathology, the blood and chemistry lab too.

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.