Education · 1 of 4

The path

Every doctor's road, then one of the newest direct-entry surgical residencies in Canada.

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. Vascular electives and reference letters decide the match.

4. 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: 5 years of general surgery, then a 2-year vascular fellowship. Open operations, wire-and-stent repairs through the groin, ultrasound and imaging.

5. 5

   Royal College exam and licence

   End of residency

   Pass the Royal College 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.