Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology

This residency program is for 5 years.

Program length of training does not exceed the Royal College or College of Family Physicians of Canada standard.

In July 2019, our Program implemented Competency Based Education and follows the Royal College Competency By Design framework.

Transition to Discipline Stage:

This is a 1 block training period which includes core skills and competencies needed for early residency success.  These include an orientation to Anatomical Pathology and introduction to laboratory services. Residents will become familiar with the autopsy suite, gross room, intraoperative consultation suite, specimen accessioning histology lab. Residents will have access to work stations with microscope, camera and access to LIS. Residents will participate in multiheaded microscope teaching sessions and will learn laboratory safety policies. Observation and select participation in grossing, intraoperative consultation, specimen preparation, tissue processing and slide preparation will be expected.

Foundations Stage:

This training period spans 12 blocks of residency.  Residents experience clinical rotations designed to support educational opportunities including oncology, surgery and relevant subspecialties with patient contact. Residents will also participate in pathology rotations designed to allow achievement of broad-based competencies in their Anatomical Pathology training.

Core Training Stage:

This training period is expected to span 39 blocks of training. This stage covers the core competencies that make up the majority of Anatomical Pathology training. Core areas will include general surgical pathology, gross pathology, cytopathology, pediatric and perinatal pathology, neuropathology, autopsy pathology, forensic pathology, ancillary testing, molecular pathology, cytogenetics, flow cytometry, special stains, digital pathology, quality assurance and principles of lab management.

Transition to Practice stage:

During this time (13 blocks), the senior trainee will obtain training experiences designed to support readiness for independent practice.

Research

Research is especially emphasised during training. Residents are expected to give presentations of their projects at the annual Departmental Research Day. Some trainees choose to pursue graduate degrees (MSc or PhD) during or after their residency training. 

Academic Program

Seminars and an organized teaching program supplement residency training. Centralized and hospital-based seminars and rounds are held regularly, as well as graduate and joint interdepartmental seminars which residents are encouraged to attend. An academic half-day each week is an integral part of the program.

Application 

Apply through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) if you have Canadian Citizenship or Permament Residency. 

The CaRMs website contains information on eligibility.

Selection criteria 

It may be advantageous, but not mandatory, if you have previous experience or to have taken an elective in pathology. 

We select trainees based upon your: 

• academic record 
• research experience 
• references 
• a demonstrated interest in laboratory medicine as a career 

Given the large number of applicants each year, we are not able to offer an interview to all candidates. Personal interviews are offered based on the criteria listed above and are mandatory for admission to the program. 

International Medical Graduates accepted into the program will have access to the same opportunities, training and experience as Canadian Medical Graduates. 

Sponsored residencies 

The Anatomical Pathology Program is not accepting sponsored residents at this time.