Education · 1 of 4

The path

Every doctor's road, then a direct-entry 5-year residency.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top marks in biology, chemistry, physics, 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. Do an oncology elective and find a research project.

4. 4

   Radiation oncology residency

   5 years

   Matched straight from medical school through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Cancer clinics, treatment planning, formal courses in radiation physics and radiobiology, and rotations in medical oncology, surgery and palliative care.

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. Many add a 1-year fellowship.