Education · 1 of 4
The path
Every doctor's road, then a surgical residency you can enter straight from medical school.
- 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. Vascular electives and reference letters decide the match.
- 4
Vascular surgery residency
5 years, or 5 plus 2
Direct entry from medical school through CaRMS (the residency matching service). The older route still exists too: a full residency in general, cardiac or thoracic surgery, then 2 more years of vascular surgery. Open operations, wire-and-stent repairs through the groin, ultrasound and imaging.
- 5
Royal College exam and licence
End of residency
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. Some add a fellowship in complex aortic work.