Canadian Medical Students and Residencies Options

Becoming a doctor in Canada requires a dedication to complete the MD education and residency training needed to become a doctor.

Starting with earning a bachelor’s degree, Canadian students can follow several paths. As is true for U.S. Medical Schools, it is very competitive with only a 16% admission rate in 2021.

If you are considering pursuing an MD degree and would like to know more about different pathways and options for education, residency and practice, we have pulled together some insights to provide you with more information on your options.

Exploring the Canadian health care system

The Canadian Health Care system is facing a shortage of primary care physicians like the United States. In fact, the average age of physicians practicing in Canada is nearly 50. If you are exploring both options of practicing in Canada or the United States, we have a few posts that outline these health care systems.

• Is There a Shortage of Primary Care Physicians? Evaluating the Claims
• Comparing the US and Canadian Health Care Systems: 4 Differences You Need to Know

Applications, Grants, and Scholarships

If you are Canadian resident and not accepted to a national medical school, there are other options including the United State and other foreign school. A big consideration for attending medical school out of the country is the cost.

Aspiring doctors often seek scholarships to ease financial burdens. Those opportunities are especially important for students attending school outside of Canada. We have a few resources that outline application considerations, leadership grants and other scholarships.

• Advantages for Canadian Students Applying to Medical School
• A Look at How SGU Is Supporting Aspiring Physicians Across Canada
• A Closer Look at Scholarships for Canadian Medical Students

Residency and Medical Practice

Once you have completed your MD program, you will need to consider if you want to practice in the United States or Canada. There are several pathways to getting a great medical residency, and also options for a residency in the United States.

Are you asking, “What if I do a residency in the United States? Can I return to Canada to practice medicine?” These are common questions and concerns and have some insights from graduations and other resources.

• An SGU Grad’s Journey to Medical Practice in Canada
• The International Student’s Guide to Landing a Medical Residency in Canada
• 5 SGU Grads Who Are Back Home Practicing Medicine in Canada
• The International Student’s Guide to Becoming a Doctor in Canada

International Medical Students

Whether you are an international student that wants to practice in Canada, or a Canadian who will practice in another country, there are many options for education and residency to consider.

• Pathways to Practice Medicine in Canada for IMGs

Follow your dream

You can see that the SGU School of Medicine can offer a path back home for students interested in practicing medicine in Canada. With hard work and determination, you can achieve your goal of becoming a practicing physician.

Get more information about SGU Medical School for students in Canada.