Education · 1 of 4
The path
Every doctor's road, then a direct-entry surgical residency.
- 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
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
Medical school, the MD (doctor of medicine)
3 to 4 years
Very competitive: most applicants are turned down. Classes, then clinical rotations. Urology electives and reference letters decide the match.
- 4
Urology residency
5 years
Direct entry from medical school through CaRMS (the residency matching service). Surgical foundations first, then kidney stones, prostate and bladder cancer, kidney cancer, incontinence, transplant and children's urology.
- 5
Royal College exam, licence, often a fellowship
End of residency, plus 0 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.