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MD/PhD Student Handbook

In our pursuit of invigorating and impactful careers as clinician-scientists, MD/PhD students embark upon a lengthy and demanding training process. While this course of study can will be intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling, a variety of challenges may be encountered; these may be academic, administrative, financial, or personal in nature. Some of these challenges may be avoided or lessened by having the right information at the right time. Others may arise unexpectedly, and necessitate access to support services. 

The U of T MD/PhD student community has compiled important information regarding transitions and milestones in the program. Some of these documents have been posted on the program website, and have been very helpful for students traversing these critical checkpoints. 

The following handbook is an effort to further develop this initiative, with the ultimate goal of generating a comprehensive MD/PhD Student Handbook. Existing documents have been updated and expanded. Moreover, new sections – detailing financial issues and support services – have been created. 

Of course, it is impossible to capture all relevant information and considerations in a brief guide such as this one, and each MD/PhD educational path will be unique. Consulting with the MD/PhD administration and upper-year MD/PhD colleagues at every stage – particularly when approaching transitions – is highly recommended, and will complement the collective wisdom contained in this Handbook.

Student Handbook Contents

Community
Curriculum
Degree Completion
Fees & Funding
Policies & Guidelines
Research Pathways
Student Services
Useful External Resources

Community

The MD/PhD Program at the University of Toronto is the largest of it's kind in Canada. The MD/PhD Program is run by a dedicated team of academic administrators and administrative staff and supported by a number of committees. There are also a number of fantastic student-led associations and groups that you can become involved in.

For more information on the longitudinal mentorship program, the peer mentorship program, and the mentorship symposium, please contact the VPs Mentorship or Alumni Relations Officer, University of Toronto Office of Advancement.

Students will receive additional information about the above events and others through the MD/PhD listserv, MD/PhD Quercus page, emails and/or the MD/PhD Facebook page.

Key Program Contacts

Contact Information

MD/PhD Program

Location: Medical Sciences Building, Room 2256

Director: Dr. Nicola Jones, nicola.jones@sickkids.ca

Program Manager
mdphd.program@utoronto.ca

Temerty Faculty of Medicine Director of Enrolment Services & Faculty Registrar

Location: Medical Sciences Building, Room 2124

Director of Enrolment Services & Faculty Registrarregistrar.medicine@utoronto.ca

Faculty of Medicine Student Financial Services

Location: Medical Sciences Building, Room 2124

Student Financial Services
medicine.financeawards@utoronto.ca

Office of Learner Affairs

Location: Naylor Building, 3rd floor

Reception (General inquiries or to make appointments with counsellors):

ola.reception@utoronto.ca, 416-978-2764, or use the online booking form

Associate Dean: Tony Pignatiello, tony.pignatiello@utoronto.ca

Executive Assistant to the Associate Dean: ohpsa.admin@utoronto.ca

Foundations Directors

 Dr. James Owen & Dr. Anne McLeod

MD/PhD Class Council

See current executive on the MedSoc website

MD/PhD Class Council

The MD/PhD Class Council is the student-elected governing body that represents the interests of the MD/PhD class to the Faculty of Medicine and University of Toronto, links MD/PhD students to student-led initiatives in the Medical School and abroad, advocates on students’ behalf to the Program Director and organizes mentorship and social events for students’ benefit. The Council is comprised of MD/PhD students from all years of the program that are elected by their peers. Positions include: President, President-Elect, VPs Student Affairs (2), VPs Finance(2), VPs Mentorship(2), VPs Communications and External Affairs (2),  Junior & Senior Editors of the Newsletter (“Pair-O-Docs”), Director “Pharmacology-You-See” textbook, Medical Student Research Day representative (1), Year One Class Council representative (1), and Returning Class Council representative(1). MD/PhD students are also represented on several committees throughout the Temerty Faculty of Medicine to advocate for our specialized needs and considerations, including the MD/PhD Admissions Committee (2), the Integrated Physician Scientist Training Program’s (IPSTP) Community of Learners working group (2), IPSTP’s Curriculum Committee (2), MD Clerkship Committee (1), and the Canadian Society of Clinician Investigators’ Executive (1).

A complete description of each position’s responsibilities can be found by emailing the Class Council Presidents. Events organized by the Class Council include: a graduate award application workshop, the MD/PhD Longitudinal Mentorship Program, the annual MD/PhD Town Hall Meeting, the biennial MD/PhD Mentorship Symposium and the biennial MD/PhD program retreat.

Students are strongly encouraged to get involved with the MD/PhD Class Council and take an active role in shaping the Program by joining this dynamic team. Being involved will facilitate opportunities to meet and work alongside upper year students, whose mentorship will be an invaluable resource throughout your journey in the program. Elections typically occur during the summer and information with regards to the elections will be sent via the listserv.

Apart from the listserv, two other ways to connect with the MD/PhD class are: the MD/PhD Facebook group and our official X (@uoftmdphd).

MD/PhD Longitudinal Mentorship Program

The MD/PhD Longitudinal Mentorship Program (LMP) strives to promote and foster mentorship for MD/PhD trainees. Each academic year, interested trainees can apply and are matched with mentors including alumni of the MD/PhD program, alumni of the MD program practicing as clinician scientists, alumni of a clinician investigator residency program, or Toronto-based established clinician-scientists. The matching process ensures that mentees’ particular needs and research/career interests can be met and addressed. The trainee application deadline is typically in late August / early September preceding the mentorship program period, which is from October to April. Throughout the program period, mentees and mentors are encouraged to meet as often as possible, with a minimum of three meetings.

MD/PhD Peer Mentorship Program

Incoming MD/PhD students are encouraged to take part in the MD/PhD Peer Mentorship program. This initiative, offered to first-year students, aims to pair them to 1–2 existing MD/PhD students, ideally based upon the needs of incoming students. This information is elicited during communications between first year students and the MD/PhD Class Council in the summer prior to their entrance into the program. Upper year students volunteer to participate in the program. The goal of this initiative is to provide first-year students a personalized point-of-contact for answering questions about transitioning into the program, as students may not have pre-existing connections that would facilitate these questions otherwise. While students are encouraged to continue these relationships once that have transitioned into the program, this is not required.

Return to Table of Contents

Curriculum

Building the Core Competencies of a Clinician Scientist 

The following events, seminars, workshops, and activities are the primary vehicles for delivering learning activities centred around the nine core competencies that were developed specifically for the students of the MD/PhD program. During your very lengthy training path towards careers as physician scientists, it is imperative that you develop these competencies for a successful career as early in their training as possible.

The IPSTP Curriculum Committee, a committee solely focused on designing educational initiatives for trainees pursuing an integrated physician scientist training pathway throughout undergraduate medicine into postgraduate training, worked to identify these core competencies. To monitor the progress of implementation and learner uptake of newly introduced learning initiatives, the Committee has designed a longitudinal evaluation framework that aims to survey (and interview) students taking part in the various learning activities throughout the 2023/2024 academic year and beyond.

As an MD/PhD student, you are expected to regularly attend the following activities that develop these competencies and our community, until clerkship:

  • MD/PhD Seminars and Workshops
  • Medical Student Research Day (MSRD)
  • Annual CIP Symposium/CSCI-CITAC Meeting

CSCI-CITAC Annual Joint Meeting

The CSCI-CITAC Annual Joint Meeting (AJM) is the largest, most anticipated conference of clinician-investigator trainees from academic institutions across the whole of Canada. 

The Annual Joint Meeting between the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation (CSCI) and the Clinician Investigator Trainee Association of Canada (CITAC) is a multi-day conference for all MD+ trainees in Clinician Investigator Programs (CIP), MD-PhD and MD-MSc programs across Canada. The AJM is a unifying event, bringing trainees from all of Canada into one space for discourse, skills acquisition, inspiration, and research dissemination. 

The AJM is also an important venue for Canada’s trainees to present their cutting-edge research projects—ranging in focus from bench to bedside—through multiple poster and oral presentation sessions. Furthermore, the AJM offers attendees across all training stages unique intercollegiate networking opportunities. Finally, mentoring between trainees and faculty members pervades all aspects of the AJM, instilling our meeting attendees with insight and confidence for their continued pursuit of a dual career as a clinician scientist. 

HSR Modifications in Foundations

MD/PhD experience in HSR1

To meet the objective of greater flexibility and greater integration between the MD/PhD and MD curricula, the following changes have been made to your HSR1 content:

  • Theme 3: Searching for Evidence—Library Workshop: Searching for Clinical Questions—
    • You are exempt from attending this HSR library session as you will attend separately scheduled library sessions arranged through the MD/PhD Program.
    • You are exempt from the related Mastery Exercise (ME) questions. You will be given a separate version of the ME without these questions. If these questions appear on your ME, please contact MD course coordinators.
    • Separate MD/PhD programming will take place during this scheduled meeting time (2 hours). Content and meeting details for these seminars will be communicated by the MD/PhD office.

MD/PhD experience in HSR2

HSR2 builds upon the foundational concepts and learning objectives introduced to you in HSR1. As you are aware, HSR is an introduction to the principles of research, with a focus on ensuring that MD students develop the skills to become consumers of research, as opposed to producers of research. In contrast, as a physician scientist trainee in the MD/PhD Program you will engage in research-based doctoral studies that will prepare you to become producers of health-based research.

Non-Mandatory Requirements

In light of your research-driven career path, you are exempt from various elements of HSR2.

  • Written Practicum Exercise
    • MD/PhD students entering their PhD training after Year 2 of the MD Program can re-purpose the Written Practicum Exercise to develop their proposed work for their PhD.
    • You will need to prepare a one-page proposal of your planned scholarly activity to be reviewed and approved by the Director, IPSTP.
    • You will provide a final summary of your scholarly activity to the Director of IPSTP for evaluation prior to completion of HSR2.
  •  Oral Practicum Exercise
    • MD/PhD students present multiple times during their PhD studies at various events and occasions and will be exempt from this exercise.
    • The format of the oral presentation in HSR2 has changed to the 3MT format. MD/PhD students could participate in the 3MT competition at the graduate level if they want to.
  • Mastery Exercise
    • MD/PhD students will be exempt from HSR2 related content from “Finding the Evidence—Tutorial 2”
  • HSR2 Library Session (during “Tutorial 2: Finding the Evidence”)
    • MD/PhD students will have attended two (2) separately scheduled library sessions during HSR1 and therefore will be exempt.

Changes to HSR2 Format for the 2025 – 2026 school year

The following changes have been made to the HSR2 content: 

  • Tutorial 1 – September 10, 2025 – (1-3 pm) – Evidence informed care and introduction to HSR2 – Please attend this session.  You do not need to attend any other small group tutorials or check in sessions related to the Practicum Exercise
  • Tutorial 2: Finding the Evidence--HSR2 Library Session
    • This session will be replaced with separate IPSTP programming that will take place during this scheduled tutorial time (2 hours). 
  • Critical Appraisal – 5 Large Group Sessions – Mandatory Requirements
    • You must attend the Large Group sessions that will cover the critical appraisal component of HSR2.  Please read the articles that will be critically appraised prior to the session.  There will be activities that you will participate in during the session.  Evaluations will be through questions through Examsoft at each session.
    • The large group sessions are on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm
      • October 2, 2025
      • December 18, 2025
      • January 29, 2026
      • February 19, 2026
      • April 30, 2026
  • Tutorial April 8, 2026 – You are welcome to attend your colleagues PE oral presentations from 1 to 3 pm – voluntary not mandatory

Questions and contacts

  • For further clarification regarding HSR for MD/PhDs, feel free to contact the Director, IPSTP.
  • For questions of an administrative nature, contact the HSR Component Coordinator (hsr.ume@utoronto.ca)
  • For questions pertaining to MD/PhD workshop content and meeting details, contact the Integrated Physician Scientist Training Program office (mdphd.program@utoronto.ca).

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is an annual planning process to identify career goals, milestones and professional development needs, followed by creation of an implementation plan, including general timeframes, for achieving the identified objectives. In addition, the IDP formalizes communication between trainees, both MD/PhD and CIP, and the Director of the Integrated Physician Scientist Training Program (IPSTP), and possibly with the trainee’s supervisor/mentor(s). The IDP serves to provide an annual progress review that stimulates ongoing identification of strengths, opportunities for improvement, and strategies to optimize career success over the entire duration of physician scientist training.

IDP Goals

  • Empower the trainee to define career objectives and milestones to optimize success
  • Improve research productivity and/or the capacity towards making progress in research
  • Provide regular progress assessment on physician scientist competencies
  • Facilitate communication with the Director, IPSTP, and the trainee’s network of support, including supervisor/mentor(s)
  • Act as an informational resource for the trainee and Director, IPSTP, and possibly the trainee’s supervisor/mentor(s)

IDP Process

Development, implementation and revision of the IDP requires a series of steps conducted by the trainee and Director as an interactive effort. Thus, both the trainee and Director must participate in this process to maximize effectiveness. Trainees in the MD/PhD Program are at varying stages of their academic studies: Pre-PhD, PhD, and Post-PhD. Trainees in CIP are also at varying stages of both their academic studies and career journey: PhD or Post-PhD, while at different stages of post-graduate training. Moreover, developing the competencies of a physician scientist is expected to take place over the entire training continuum, and well into the professional years. Therefore, the IDP should be considered a tool to enable trainees to reflect on its various aspects in relation to their own stage of training.

The IDP is a relatively new addition to the MD/PhD curriculum, and it is expected to serve as a longitudinal mechanism of reflection and competency-building. As such, you may find that certain aspects of the IDP become more or less relevant as you progress through the program (I mean, what examples of grantsmanship do I have as a first-year MD/PhD student?). An intention of this exercise is to allow you to reflect on your answers to these questions throughout your duration in the program, so don’t worry if some sections are less filled out in some years, because you’ll build upon them in future years. The exercise of just thinking about these things is the true benefit, so don’t just fill out the plan as fast as possible! Take a few days to think about your answers and try to reflect on them in a meaningful way. It’ll benefit your personal and professional development in the long run!

IDP submission and feedback occurs on the Physician Scientist Training Quecus page. More details on the IPD outline and submission can be found in the portal under assignments.

Mentorship Symposium

The capstone celebration of the MD/PhD program’s various mentorship initiatives is the MD/PhD Mentorship Symposium, an event held once every two years that invites MD/PhD trainees and clinician-scientists together to celebrate, learn, and build community under the banner of mentorship. It typically occurs in late spring and often consists of a full or half days’ worth of events about mentorship spanning keynotes speakers from renowned clinician-scientists, panels of alumni, “speed-networking” sessions, and much more. The exact timing, agenda, location, and theming of the event is under the purview of the VPs Mentorship.

Medical Student Research Day (MSRD)

MSRD is an annual one-day conference that brings together students, researchers and faculty from University of Toronto and provides a platform to showcase student research during the year. There are close to 200 posters presented each year spread across 9 different categories ranging from basic and clinical science to determinants of community health. In addition to posters, there are oral presentations and keynote speeches. MD/PhD students are expected to present in their respective category and first year students may choose to present research conducted prior to entering the program. Alternatively, MD/PhD students can also help organize this event by becoming the MD/PhD student rep on the MSRD planning committee (elected as part of the MD/PhD Class Council).

Student Seminar and Workshop Series

Attendance Policy

The career development curriculum within the MD/PhD Program consists of MD/PhD seminars and symposia. Students are expected to attend at least 70% of the MD/PhD seminars, and fully participate in the MD/PhD Bi-Annual Retreat (as scheduled), the CIP Annual General Meeting and the annual MD Program Medical Student Research Day (MSRD) during the pre-clinical (Foundations) phase of the MD Program and during full-time PhD studies. Lack of engagement in these career development activities will be reviewed with the Director, MD/PhD Program. Some of the seminars are specialized seminars based on phase of training, such as supervisor selection, which is tailored to first year students. These events will be scheduled by the Program Manager, Physician Scientist Training Programs; you will receive invitation via email.

Students in clerkship are invited to participate in all MD/PhD-based events when their schedule permits.

Seminar and Workshop Format

Seminars are typically held two times per month. Seminars include workshops targeting the development of core competencies for successful clinician scientist and workshops designed to helps students through a specific transition, such as entering PhD training, returning to MD training and CaRMS. An important aspect of the seminars are students from the MD/PhD program presenting their research to their fellow trainees in an informal setting. Students will present twice over their training, generally in their 2nd and 4th years of their PhD.

In addition to attending seminars and workshops, students are expected to complete post-workshop surveys, the focus of which is to determine how to optimize content and delivery of the workshops themselves. The formative evaluation approach is focused on the utilization and value of the program’s curriculum that is centred around the core competencies of a physician scientist. Through the End of Year Survey, the MD/PhD Program is engaging in quality assessment and continuous improvement of its various learner-centred initiatives on an annual basis. Make sure you fill it in!

Information for Student Presenters - hyperlink to document

Seminar attendees are treated to a complimentary dinner (alcoholic drinks not included). For workshops and lunches, this food is catered and available at the seminar. For student presentations, attendees gather after the presentations at a reasonably priced restaurant close to campus. The dinners are social events that provide a great opportunity to meet other members of the program across all stages of training.

Traditionally, a presenting student selects the restaurant, pays for dinner, and is reimbursed by the program.  To be reimbursed, they must submit an itemized receipt and the names of the dinner guests. It is anticipated that the per person budget is $25.

Physician Scientist Competencies

Return to Table of Contents

Degree Completion

Transition from MD to PhD

This section outlines the timeline for, and key tasks related to, transition from MD to PhD for students in our program. Additional advice derived from surveying the opinions of upper-year MD/PhD students is also included.

NB: Please note the broad dates listed are a preliminary guide only. For actual deadlines, please consult the program/departmental website.

Year 1 of MD/PhD program – Fall

The following are expected outcomes

  • Arrange meeting with the Director, IPSTP to discuss research interests and potential supervisors.
  • Attend “Selecting a Supervisor” seminar organized by MD/PhD Program.
  • Start to meet with supervisors of interest to discuss:
    • Supervision – their capacity and interest in supervising your project
    • Stipends – the MD/PhD Program pays the cost of your tuition, and supervisors are expected to pay your living stipend which according to the minimum amount set by the graduate department you are interested in
    • See box below for more comprehensive list of questions
  • Spend some time in the research groups you are considering to gain perspective on the group dynamics. Do people seem to get along? In particular, we recommend speaking to current graduate students/post-docs to get multiple perspective (e.g., lab-culture, timelines, deadline policies, vacation allowances, work-from-home experiences).
  • Talk with upper-year MD/PhD students about your top picks for supervisors (they will have important and valuable input)
  • Optional: E-mail Student Financial Services (medicine.financeawards@utoronto.ca) to discuss financial planning and OSAP application (most students qualify for some kind of assistance).

In interviews with potential supervisors, these questions might be helpful:

  1. What are the available projects? (Ensure these align with your interests)
  2. Do you have an outline for the first paper you expect to be published from my potential project?
  3. What is your supervision style? (Ask graduate students as well, and former students if possible; is this a good fit for your personality/level of experience?)
  4. What support resources exist? (e.g., assistance with troubleshooting)
  5. How many/which conferences do your graduate students attend every year?
  6. What are previous graduate students from your research group doing now?
  7. Have you supervised an MD/PhD student before? (Gauge support for career path and timeline)
  8. How is the research currently funded?

Other resources that may be helpful in choosing a supervisor can be found on the MD/PhD Quercus page in the resources/files section.

Year 1 of MD/PhD program – Winter

Decide on a supervisor and graduate department

  • Investigate specific graduate departments that your supervisor is affiliated with and talk to other MD/PhD students about those departments (consider in particular the number and intensity of course requirements).
  • Consider requirements around Program Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings (e.g., frequency, number of members on committee).
  • Visit specific graduate department and SGS websites for application deadlines.
  • Submit graduate application on-line through School of Graduate Studies web site
  • Deadlines vary by department.; check your desired department’s guidelines in the fall before you apply:

Institute

Website for More Information

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

https://bme.utoronto.ca/

Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation

http://www.ihpme.utoronto.ca

Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS)

https://ims.utoronto.ca/

Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology

http://www.lmp.utoronto.ca

Medical Biophysics

medbio.utoronto.ca

Molecular Genetics

http://www.moleculargenetics.utoronto.ca/

  Immunology

https://www.immunology.utoronto.ca/
  • You must provide all information requested, including reference letters.
  • You are responsible for paying the application fee and cost of accessing transcripts
  • Many PIs are cross appointed, so you can chose the degree program with the courses that align most closely with your learning goals.
  • There are upper year students in all the departments listed above (and more). If you have questions, please feel free to contact other students in the program in your department of interest.

Year 1 of MD/PhD program – Spring

Arrangements for Leaving MD Program

  • Notify academy directors and Director of Enrolment Services & Faculty Registrar, to ensure that they are aware you will not be attending group-based learning sessions next year.
  • Interview with graduate coordinator(s) in specific department(s).
  • Confirm acceptance of offer of admission to the graduate department.
  • Contact MD/PhD office with department/supervisor decision.
  • Meet with supervisor to discuss course selection, potential timeline, and expectations.

Year 2 of MD/PhD program – Fall

  • With supervisor (as appropriate), choose members of a Program Advisory Committee (PAC). Note: In some programs, this is not done until a thesis proposal is developed.
  • Begin graduate courses
  • Respond to the re-subscription email sent by the listserv if you wish to remain on the social listserv for your MD class.

Wait… Can’t I do 2 Years of MD before entering my PhD?

You may be reading the above timeline and feel confused, saying to yourself, “I know students that have finished their full pre-clerkship studies (Years 1 and 2 of MD) before starting their PhD! What gives?!” While the timeline provided has been good advice for the majority of the years of the MD/PhD program pre-2016, the transition of the MD program to the Foundations curriculum has motivated some students to forego the traditional 1-4-3-year structure of MD-to-PhD-to-MD for an alternative 2-4-2 structure of MD-to-PhD-to-MD. There are a variety of reasons to favor one option over the other, and it is a decision that one should reflect on personally, consult their peers about, and discuss with the MD/PhD Program Director (Nicola) throughout their first year as they make their decision. Benefits of remaining in the MD program for two years before transitioning to PhD include (but are not limited to) continuity of learning across the Foundations curriculum, which is designed to function over the full two-year period; a feeling of maintained connection with your MD cohort; a more complete foundation of medical knowledge to inform the direction of your PhD work; and an increased opportunity to “trial” supervisors and choose your PhD lab. However, some consider drawbacks of frontloading with two years of pre-clerkship training to include a dramatic transition into the intensity of clerkship rotations after 4+ years out of medical training; reduced flexibility with regards to completing your PhD thesis and defense if not fully finished by the start of clerkship rotations; and fewer opportunities to interact and bond with the MD cohort into which you are transitioning for the remainder of your training due to the isolated nature of many clerkship rotations.

Also don’t forget to:

  • Contact OMA insurance to continue your life and disability insurance at the reduced rate (1.800.758.1641, info@omainsurance.com). Make sure to inform them that you are starting the PhD portion of the MD/PhD Program so that it can be cleared by their insurers.
  • Continue interest-free status on OSAP (or your province’s student loans). This is required every year and can be managed online through the OSAP website.

Health Insurance:

  • While in medical school health and dental coverage is offered under the Undergraduate Student’s Union; in graduate school health and dental coverage is offered under the Graduate Student’s Union. These plans offer slightly different coverage so it’s important to look over the policies. Students with TAships can receive supplemental insurance offered through agreements with CUPE.

Optimizing Your Time as a PhD Student

Getting Started & Important Timelines

  • Schedule and have first committee meeting (when appropriate – usually within first 6 months
  • Maintain close contact with supervisor and committee for guidance regarding project direction and troubleshooting. If feasible, secure a weekly/biweekly time to meet to go over project concerns, data analysis/presentation, scholarship/grant opportunities, and reflection on progress/goals can be very valuable!
  • If direct entry into the PhD program, SGS requires that you complete a qualifying exam in no more than 24 months following initial registration, which may be shorter depending on graduate department (e.g., IMS is 21 months). However, some departments (e.g. LMP) do not require the completion of a qualifying exam for direct entry students. It is important to check for your individual requirements within your specific department.
  • If enrolled in MSc. first, you must complete a transfer exam within 18 - 24 months. Please notify PST Program Manager when you have made this transfer into a PhD program.

Transition from PhD to MD

Requirements to Return to the MD Program

Students transitioning into the MD Program must submit a PhD Completion Form, signed by their supervisor, to the MD/PhD Program office, with the exception of those who have:

  1. Completed their PhD
  2. Have a defense scheduled

This form confirms that a complete draft of the thesis has been submitted to the supervisor. The form is due August 1. If you are planning to transition into the MD Program, and do not have a defense scheduled or a signed PhD Completion Form, you must meet with the MD/PhD Director for special permission to return to the MD program. At minimum, all of your experiments/data should be complete.

Changing Academies

Students may request a change of academies. This should be done as early as possible in the calendar year of your return. Email your request, and a brief reason why you are making this request to the MD/PhD Director, and copy the MD/PhD Program Manager. They will move the request forward, and you will be notified of the decision. According to the academy directors, your reason must show ongoing work that requires your presence in the lab. You may be asked to provide a letter of support from your supervisor.

Returning Task Timeline

A year prior to MD, one should:

  • Make sure that you talk with your thesis supervisor and supervisory committee about your plans to re-enter. It is best to have this conversation up-front with your supervisor and again at a committee meeting. This will ensure that everyone is comfortable with your plans and that they are aware of the unique deadlines that you face (medical studies/training for a new academic year resume in late August of each year).
  • Get placed on the social listserv of the class that you think you will be joining (this will require you finding out which student in your new class administers the social listserv. If you can't find this person easily, contact  ola.reception@utoronto.ca to help you to identify him/her).
  • Establish contacts with your classmates-to-be (if you choose to).
  • Once elected (May-June), establish contact with your Returning Student Representative on the MD/PhD council, who should provide you with a more in-depth list of materials and means of preparation to ensure success in your transition back to MD training
  • Talk to OLA about your re-entry plans (email Office Coordinator & Executive Assistant to Associate Dean.
  • Talk to the Director of Enrolment Services & Faculty Registrar (registrar.medicine@utoronto.ca) about your plans to re-enter.
  • Tell the Program Manager and Director, IPSTP about your re-entry plans.

February Prior to Re-entry

You are responsible for contacting:

  • Social ListServ to request to be added (meds2xsocial-l@listserv.utoronto.ca)
    • x is the final digit of the year of the graduating class (i.e. if returning to join the class of 2024 x = 4; therefore the email would be mes24social-l@listserv.utoronto.ca)
  • Your supervisor(s) in order to:
    • Review the PhD Completion Report with your supervisor to make sure that you are on track to have this form signed and submitted by your PAC, by August 1.
    • Decide on timelines for your completion of your draft and defense
    • Make them aware of your return date to class (August of that year) and the demands of SCORE (clinical brush-up)
    • Discuss the financial support they will provide in the upcoming year (if you are still working in the lab)
  • Email the grad secretary/administrator of your department to a) set up a meeting with one of the Graduate Coordinators and b) figure out with him/her all the paper work you need. This way, you avoid unpleasant surprises about degree requirements you might have missed
  • Attend “Transition to MD” seminar organized by MD/PhD Program.

The Program Manager, PSTP will provide a list of the returning students to:

  • MD Registrar who will arrange for your addition to MedSIS, academic listserv, & the appropriate class list
  • Director, Foundations: this includes notifying relevant course directors
  • SCORE Director
  • Academy Directors

Summer (General)

  • You will be provided with access to video lectures on basic clinical sciences to review before returning to class in August.
  • SCORE program will begin and the SCORE Director will set up clinical skills review sessions (you should anticipate starting these informal sessions in the spring of the calendar year that you plan to re-enter. They will progress over June and July and end before the formal second-year curriculum begins in August. In terms of time commitment, sessions occur once a week for 2-3 hours with ~1-2 hours of recommended self-study/reading to prepare prior to each session. SCORE is meant to cover all the skills covered in the first year clinical skills curriculum (ASCM I). While you will receive helpful feedback, you are not evaluated in any way during the SCORE program; it is meant to review and develop your clinical skills.
  • Contact Student Financial Services (medicine.financeawards@utoronto.ca) to discuss financial status, OSAP application, etc. (even if you do not qualify for OSAP assistance, application for OSAP/or UTAPs for out of province students is a prerequisite for consideration for internal financial aid from the Faculty of Medicine).

NB: Please ensure that you start the clinical skills review sessions in the spring - you can always drop out later if you decide to re-enter the following year.

In July prior to re-entering MD:

  • REGISTRATION: You must remain a registered Graduate Student until you defend, along with being a registered MD student. Register for both programs in ROSI/ACORN. Make sure you have completed all paperwork required for your graduate registration, such as TFoM/IMS students’ requirement to report your funding. You may also request a fee deferral. Because of your dual registration status, you may need to request a fee deferral manually with your graduate administrator by completing the “Registration without Payment” form: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/currentstudents/Pages/Student-Forms-and-Letters.aspx
  • Inform the Program Manager how much funding your supervisor will continue, come September
  • Confirm that you are receiving emails from the academic listserv AND your academy
  • Confirm that you are enrolled in a Portfolio group
  • Consider joining the closed Facebook Group for that year
    • Many academic and social benefits (i.e. notes, quizzes, review packages, reminders, etc.)
    • If you are not approved to join the Facebook Group, contact the MD Class Presidents for the year you are entering (https://www.uoftmedsoc.com/contactexec) and ask them to approve of your request. They can also confirm you are on all appropriate listserv’s and non-official means of communicating (i.e., Discord)
  • Find your medical equipment. Stethoscopes are definitely needed, and BP cuffs, reflex hammer, 256Hz and 512Hz tuning forks, penlight, and eye chart, may be needed for OSCEs.
    • If you have not already, fill in the PhD Completion Report (available on the MD/PhD portal), have it signed by your supervisor, and submit it to the MD/PhD office.
    • Contact registrar.medicine@utoronto.ca to:
  • Review your immunization record to determine if there are any outstanding requirements that need updating.
  • If you did not undergo a Police Check that included a vulnerable sector screening at the time of admission, you will need to complete a form to request this of
    • Metro Police. *Note: this can take up to 10 weeks to process; and the results must be submitted to the UME Enrolment Services by late September.
  • Ask to be provided with access to the Portal as a 2nd year medical student.
  • Get signed up to the 2nd year academic listserv (if you are not already).
    • Meet your Academy Director and his/her assistant to:
  • Introduce yourself
  • Make sure that they know that you are re-entering
  • Reassure them that you have been following the clinical skills review program with the SCORE supervisor since the spring
  • Get your hospital badge
  • Get your hospital library card
  • Get the codes/access to the hospital lounge
  • Get access to hospital bicycle room (if required)
  • Get Infection Control training and mask test fitted
    • Confirm with Program Manager, PSTP that you are re-entering (even if you are unsure, remember that you can drop out if necessary at a later time).
    • Contact Registrar to get a locker[AM1] .

In August prior to re-entering MD:

  • Notify the MD/PhD office of your defense date, submit your signed PhD Completion Report, or book a meeting with the MD/PhD Director to discuss your re-entry by August 1
  • Review the MD registration requirements: http://www.md.utoronto.ca/registration-requirements-requests
  • Pay your tuition bill (or the minimum amount to register) or arrange for fee deferral through your graduate unit or the MD Program. Deadlines: 
  • Interprofessional Education (IPE): check that you have access to the IPE portal, and that your completed core activities/electives are listed:  http://www.ipecurriculum.utoronto.ca/
    • Students who started in 2012-2014, must complete four elective IPE credits plus all of the mandatory core requirements.
    • Students who started in Fall 2015 or later must complete six elective IPE credits plus all of the mandatory core requirements.
    • The credits can be a combination of any colour
    • If you do not see any of your credits, contact Susan Rice (S.Rice@utoronto.ca) who will direct you to the appropriate IPE contacts. Having email records of the ones you have attended is helpful.
  • If your academy assigns you lockers, ask for one before the first years are assigned them.
  • Make sure that you are enrolled in your courses in MedSIS and on Portal (if you are not, return to the MD Enrolment Services).
    • Confirm that your academy appears on portal under ‘My organizations plus’
    • Confirm that you have access to MedSIS and Portal (if you do not, return to the UME Enrolment Services).
    • Confirm that you are on the second-year social listserv (if you are not, find the student listserv administrator in your class as described above).
    • Confirm that you are on the second-year academic listserv (if you are not, return to the UME Enrolment Services).
    • Try to attend the 1st year medical student Academy orientation as a way to find out all that has changed since you left

NB: If you are assigned to a larger Academy, such as WB or PB, you should introduce yourself to your site-specific administrator (e.g., you may have met with the Academy Director for WB at TGH, but you might actually be placed at Mount Sinai or TWH). By meeting with the site-specific administrator, you can rectify site-specific issues such as locker assignments, access codes and cards, Infection Control, etc.

  • Review changes in health and dental coverage (Changing from Graduate Student’s
  • Union coverage to Undergraduate Student’s Union coverage).
  • Meet with the OLA (Office of Learner Affairs) to:
  • Find out what you are missing on this list.
  • Get the class photo composite of your re-entry class.
  • Ask career counselors at the OLA about career assessment tools, resources and support, both online and by appointment
  • Consider becoming the MD/PhD representative to the second-year class council.
  • Contact MedLINKS (medlinks.utoronto@gmail.com) and let them know you will be joining the second year class. They will match you with three other student LINKS from other class years.  There is usually a welcome event during the first year’s o-week

In September, when you re-enter MD:

  • DON'T PANIC!
  • Take the time to review the MD handbook: http://www.md.utoronto.ca/student-handbook
  • Contact your Academy Med Ed office to find out your random Medical Student Number and to ask about any existing mentorship programs that exist within the academy.
    • Also check that you have keycard access to all your hospital sites and their associated study spaces
  • Confirm that you have security card access to the Medical Sciences Building, the medical student lounge in the Stone Lobby, and the medical student study space (263 McCaul St, 5th floor) (if you do not, return to the UME Enrolment Services).
  • Career information sessions will be offered throughout the fall term by your academy – attend if you can. The OLA will email the schedule to you via the listserv.
  • Consider booking an appointment with the OLA Academic Coach to help with the academic transition. Consider if you would like to continue to be registered with the OMA and CMA for associated Life Insurance.
  • Consider if you would like to continue to be registered with the OMA and CMA for associated Life Insurance.
  • Consider using Toronto Notes as a supplemental guide for your studying.
  • Make sure that you are enrolled in your courses in MedSIS (if you are not, return to the UME Enrolment Services).
  • Check the weekly schedule for your classes on MedSIS. This will tell you where you need to be for each class/seminar. Your locker information will also be posted here in case you forget it.
  • Get signed up to the MedSoc Portal group.

NB: There are many tasks, and because MD/PhD students represent such a small population when compared to the entire second-year class, there may be some bumps along the way.  Always approach these problems with tact and patience. When in doubt about whom you should contact regarding a given issue, start with the UME Enrolment Services. They are a veritable repository of knowledge about the Faculty.

FAQ’s for Returning to Year 2 Foundations

Why is my tuition different?

You are a full-time MD student and now paying MD Program incidental fees. For dual registered students, your incidental fees are based on the program where you are attending full-time. This means that your health/dental benefits have also changed, please see the UTSU website for details on the health plan for undergraduate students: https://www.utsu.ca/health/ 

I’ve been invited to present at a conference. Can I go?

The attendance policies and procedures for notifying about absences have changed. Please refer to the medicine absence policy for information about requesting an absence: http://www.md.utoronto.ca/school-absences

The New Foundations Curriculums FYIs

Note: The sections immediately below are most relevant to students that have exited the old curriculum and are re-entering into the Foundations curriculum.

Tests

Tests are taken on your personal computer using a software called Examplify. This is operated by a company called ExamSoft. The software is installed on your laptop, freezing all other processes and allows for tests to be automatically uploaded when completed. You should get in touch with Tamica Charles, who is the U of T support personnel for the company (md.examsoft@utoronto.ca). She will set up your account, linking you to the course and instructing you to download and install the software. There is a practice test you can complete to check that you can view images and attachments embedded within tests/quizzes, do this before your first quiz. You should do this before the course starts because there is a formative quiz done using this software every week. You can access high-level feedback on http://www.examsoft.com/utorontomed. There are hardware requirements to run the software which you should verify.

LearnerChart

Marks are now accessed through a program called the LearnerChart. This tracks all of your assessments and assignments. This is also viewable by your Portfolio tutor faculty member. It can be found at learnerchart.med.utoronto.ca

Clickers

Response and attendance at mandatory lectures is no longer done using iClickers and sign in sheets.  Instead, students will receive a link from Turning Technologies to register. An app, can be downloaded for your phone which prompts for a code to be entered at each mandatory class.

EEE

The new curriculum has mandatory shadowing requirements which can be found on MedSIS. Each experience requires documentation via MedSIS under EEE for Enriching Educational Experience. This needs to be completed by the end of second year.

Clinical Skills Log Book

Students are required to have their clinical skills tutor acknowledge that they have observed the student completing the components of a physical exam in a log book. It is advised that the clinical skills log book is downloaded and printed off from the ICE portal page and documentation of observed maneuvers is done from the beginning of the year. Have your ICE tutor begin to sign this during your first semester so you are not scrambling last minute.

Student Advice

  1. There are effectively two transitions: the first to MD (small group) and the second when you rejoin the class as a whole. Prepare for both.
  2. The first semester is vital in terms of content and very busy- if possible, focus entirely on school for these few months
  3. Ensure you have a good grasp of clinical skills before re-entering in January; there's a midterm test early on once you return to the large class
  4. Contact the MD/PhD program early if looking to switch academies 
  5. Engage actively in the Portfolio course- its the only class with students from the larger class in the first semester
  6. All facts on a slide are fair game on evaluations
  7. The group spends all of its time together so building a supportive atmosphere is important
  8. Get to know your class—connect with your 2nd year MD/PhD colleagues to make acquaintances!
  9. Come prepared for CBLs; active participation is a must
  10. Toronto Notes is an excellent reference resource to supplement lectures
  11. Look for ways to get involved with student clubs early on the year; there isn't a chance half way through
  12. Have fun and ask lots of questions
  13. Don’t stress out about exams. You are much smarter than you realize and exams are pass/fail.
  14. Everyone is worried about clinical skills. Don’t worry. Your classmates on average remember stuff from first year just as much as you do.​​​​​​​

Advice from upper-year MD/PhD students

NB: Expectations, values, and experiences can vary greatly between individuals entering PhD programs. These are “points to ponder” rather than definitive recommendations.

On the supervisor/research group selection process:

  • Starting with a well-defined project is advisable. When meeting with potential supervisors, be clear that this is important for you.
  • Look at the publication record of the research group (especially graduate students).
  • Find out if there are productive collaborations between research group members–bodes well for good dynamics.
  • Consider what you want out of a project, a PhD and ultimately, a career. Will joining this research group get you closer to these goals?

On the transition into graduate school:

  • It can be difficult to transition from high-volume, pressured learning in medical school to self-directed, self-motivated learning in graduate school. Set a schedule for yourself to stay on track (e.g., start experiments at the same time every day). Consider booking an appointment with the OLA Learner Life Specialist, to help with the academic transition.
  • It may be difficult to leave your medical school class. Keep in touch with good friends but remember that you will forge new relationships with people in your research group, department, and the MD/PhD program.
  • Consider setting up a monthly dinner with your MD/PhD cohort to stay connected. Your peers are an invaluable resource at this stage because they are going through a similar transition.
  • Consider how involved you want to remain in medical school activities – speak with other MD/PhDs about their experiences.
  • Consider getting involved with the MD/PhD class council to feel more connected with your peers.

Consider the above points again and make a reminder for yourself of them in 6 months’ time. There will always be responsibilities that will demand your attention, and they can easily become overwhelming and isolating. Your cohort ­– and the larger MD/PhD community – knows what it is like to pursue this niche career path, and thus can provide immense support and understanding. Stay close and talk often.

  • Make sure you are aware of the administrative details of your funding (so you get paid!). See next section for details.
  • Talk to your supervisor and committee early about the goals of your project and your desired timeline and keep the latter on the agenda at committee meetings.
  • If you are finding it challenging to get your project going, seek advice and guidance from your supervisor, committee members, and colleagues in your research group.

On accessing support during graduate school:

  • Connect with your MD/PhD Peer student mentor (assigned to you in first year).
  • MD/PhD colleagues often become an important source of peer and/or scientific support during the PhD phase. Take advantage of this valuable resource during post-seminar dinners or feel free to email upper-year students with questions or concerns.
  • MD/PhD class council (https://md.utoronto.ca/student-executive) seeks to serve the greater MD/PhD community through an array of initiatives to address student need and by providing representation in groups and committees to advocate for the interests of our program. If you feel that the council could better support your graduate training in a tangible way, don’t hesitate to reach out to them and share your ideas!
  • The Office of Learner Affairs (OLA) offers free-of-charge, confidential counseling services (personal, academic, or career-related; daytime or evening appointments). These services remain available to you throughout the graduate school phase  https://meded.temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/office-learner-affairs
  • See the “Health and Wellness” section of the resource list in this handbook for links to other services available during all phases of the program. There will also be an email with a list of resources circulated 2x a year by the VP Social Affairs.

Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS)

Year 4 of the MD degree

The focus of this section is on Year 4 of the MD degree, in which you apply for the residency match and the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE) and partake in various rituals of graduation. The information herein was primarily derived from speaking with MD/PhD graduates and colleagues. Section 8.3 provides more detailed information about required documents for CaRMS and ERAS applications.

NB: Note that every year application deadlines, program details and contact information may change, and this should be reviewed in detail from the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) website (www.carms.ca).

You are not precluded from participating in both the US and Canadian residency match processes EARLY on. There will come a time, however, when you will have to opt out of one, depending on that year’s given match cycle. Review the appropriate websites for these deadlines early.

If you are thinking about applying to the USA, please see section 8.2.

In June-August

CaRMS

You will have an official review of the CaRMS process presented by representatives from CaRMS and your Post-Graduate Medical Education Office. All of this information is available on the CaRMS website and Elantra in case you are unable to attend.

In anticipation of CaRMS, you should update your academic curriculum vitae and begin thinking about your personal statements. Samples of these documents can be found at OHPSA. You will receive a pre-assigned appointment with one of the career counselors at OHPSA – you are strongly encouraged to meet with them. They can help give you feedback on these documents, as well as practice interviews (closer to Dec-Feb). Further appointments with the career counselors can be booked by emailing ohpsa.reception@utoronto.ca. The University of Toronto Career Centre also offers similar services. These consultations will start you on the path to reviewing program details and exploring whether programs have clinician-scientist tracks or other research options that you may be interested in pursuing. This would be a good time to seek out career and research mentors (including our Program Director, Dr. Nicola Jones and/or Mentors through the Longitudinal Mentorship Program). CaRMS information nights about various disciplines usually take place at different times during clerkship, and you may wish to attend some.

If you already know what you wish to apply to, there is an option to send in letters of reference early (see CaRMS website for instructions on early letters of reference). As you are going through clerkship, it is always wise to ask your clinical supervisor whether they would be willing to write you a strong letter of reference for your program(s) of interest. If you rotate through a clinical discipline early during clerkship, have them write a ‘rough draft’ at the end of your rotation and continue to follow-up with them. Alternatively, you may wish to re-visit them and discuss your career goals during the CaRMS application process.

In September-November

You will receive many emails over the course of the year pertaining to CaRMS, MCCQE registration and graduation. Be sure that your contact information is accurately entered on ACORN, and that you are on the academic and social listservs, to avoid missing deadlines.

CaRMS

Unlike with ERAS (US residency application system), CaRMS will automatically forward you a token to access their Applicant Webstation (AWS) for the Main R-1 Residency Match through their website along with a detailed set of instructions. You are asked NOT to use your token to sign on UNTIL you are ready to pay your registration fee by credit card. Otherwise, you will have to contact CaRMS to unlock your account for access to AWS. Read the Applicant Contract carefully before accepting.

A list of documents for CaRMS includes:

  • CaRMS curriculum vitae (electronic)
  • Personal profile (electronic)
  • Reference letter (electronic or mail in option, see below for details)
  • Personal statements (electronic, see below for details)
  • Extra documents (electronic or mail in option)

For each document that you submit electronically, you will have to create a corresponding face sheet. For documents being mailed in, the corresponding face sheet MUST accompany it. This is so that CaRMS can correctly scan in each document to its assigned document number. Some documents may need to be notarized, which may be able to be done by the current registrar. It is your responsibility to ensure that CaRMS receives all relevant documents with their accompanying face sheets in notarization as needed (e.g., CV, reference letters, MSPR/Dean’s Letter, transcript, extra documents) by their final deadline.

The final CaRMS deadline is binding, which means all documents must be received by that date (rather than mailed in by then). It is to your advantage to mail documents early to meet the CaRMS milestones, as you cannot apply any document to any program unless it is scanned in. CaRMS is very busy around this final deadline. If CaRMS receives a document by its milestone due date, there is a guarantee provided by CaRMS to scan in the document to ensure your application is complete before being sent to the Program Directors for review. This is important since some programs will NOT review incomplete applications, while other programs will allow you to send in documents after the official CaRMS deadline.

You will need to submit one passport-sized photograph electronically to the CaRMS website. Note that some programs may ask you to also bring along a passport-sized photograph to their interview in addition.

Letters of reference can be written generically for each discipline (i.e., Internal Medicine versus Dermatology versus Pathology) OR specifically for a given program at each institution (i.e., Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto versus McMaster University). Some programs may require or allow a letter of reference from your research supervisor.

There is an option for referees to submit letters of reference electronically. The electronic submission option allows referees to directly upload the letters. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the CaRMS Document Section scans in the letters that are mailed in. You cannot assign a document until it has been completed and/or scanned in. Be certain to request the appropriate type of reference letter, and early.

MCCQE

The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE) Part I and II are one of the requirements for licensure in Canada. Part I is written by all Canadian medical students at the conclusion of their medical program. This exam is one day in length and takes place annually in the last week of April and the first week of May.

In November, you will receive an email over the academic listserv about registering to take Part I of the MCCQE. This will direct you to a website where you will be able to view the instructions and print the application. Have the registrar (or other notary) notarize the relevant sections of the application, photocopies of necessary pieces of identification (e.g., passport, driver’s license), and your passport-sized photograph. The legal name that appears on the MCCQE application forms must match that on your identification. Once your documents are received, you will be notified of their acceptance. You will be asked online to indicate the site you wish to write at. A letter will be mailed with instructions about the exam and your site location, and when you can login for requesting an exam date. You will also receive email notification about this. Once registered for an exard, which you will take with you to the exam. Part II of the MCCQE will take place during the first year of residency training.

CaRMS

Please note as of 2020, CaRMS interviews have been conducted online. Some of the following only applies if CaRMS chooses to return to an in-person model.

CaRMS designates a 3-week interview period between late January and early February. You should try to book your interviews during this period by region. CaRMS facilitates this as the programs do limit their interview days even within the 3-week interview period. If you have conflicting interview requests, you can always email the administrator responsible for scheduling interviews to find an alternative date, time or mode. Once you have confirmed the interview, book your transportation and accommodation immediately. Look out for emails highlighting cheap deals for flights, transport and hotels. Be sure to keep records of all of your transactions (i.e., original receipts for food, transport, gas and living costs).

In March-April

CaRMS

Following the CaRMS interview period, you will fill out a Rank Order List according to your preference of program and location. You can modify your Rank Order List until the deadline stipulated by CaRMS. You can rank as many or as few of the programs and locations as possible, where you attended an interview. You do not have to rank every place you interviewed. If you do rank a program or location, be certain that the program and/or city meet all your needs, as you will be there for at least 2-5 years.

Below is an example of what a Rank Order List may look like if you have applied to more than one program and/or location:

Rank #1 = General Surgery, University of Toronto

Rank #2 = General Surgery, University of British Columbia

Rank #3 = Internal Medicine, University of Toronto

Rank #4 = Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia

Once CaRMS has received all of the Rank Order Lists from its applicants and from the Program Directors, it uses a computer-based algorithm to match the applicants to the different programs. If a program ranks you highly, you have a good chance of being matched there. Thus, be sure to rank the program(s) you are considering seriously highest on your Rank List.

On Match Day, you will receive an email with the CaRMS website link to check your account for the match results. You will be told the program and location you matched to. Once matched, this decision is binding, and your program will send you additional information by mail to follow up on in preparation for residency.

If you go unmatched in this first iteration, you will meet at the Office of Health Professions Student Affairs at 12:30 pm on Match Day. The Associate Dean of OHPSA and representatives from Postgraduate Medical Education will be there to help you begin the second iteration of the CaRMS process.

In April-June

MCCQE

As noted above, you will be required to write the MCCQE in late April or early May. Try to write it early, so that you can enjoy the summer before residency. Convocation is traditionally during the first week of June. Try to plan your vacation either before or after Convocation. Be sure to take vacation during this time off! You may also wish to obtain your ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) or ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) training before July 1st, since you may just be on call your first day of residency and be required to participate in a code or trauma. You will also have to obtain medical (through the Professional Association of Interns and Residents of Ontario, with or without the Ontario Medical Association) and malpractice (through the Canadian Medical Protective Association) insurance, as well as register with the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Post-Graduate Medical Education office at your ultimate university of training. All of this takes time, but must be done in order for you to start on July 1st. Adhere to the deadlines for each of these items!

Other IMPORTANT but miscellaneous bits of information:

  • Be well informed about the residency programs you are considering.
    • Check out basic information from the CaRMS website.
    • Ask staff and residents during electives for additional information.
    • Speak with previous classmates or seek out other contacts.
    • Broaden your elective experiences during clerkship.
    • Meet with the Program Director to express your interest.
    • Learn if the program meets your research needs as a future clinician-scientist.
  • Be well informed about the process.
    • Know your CaRMS milestones and meet your deadlines early.
    • Attend the CaRMS information sessions.
    • CaRMS is an anxious time; seek out wellness services at OHPSA to help you stay grounded and focused.
    • Strike your own balance between useful and extraneous information.
    • Apply broadly to programs you are interested in.
    • Have a parallel specialty career plan if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
    • Base your decisions on whether the program is for you over the next 3-5 years. o Your PhD is helpful during CaRMS, but does not guarantee you your 1st choice! o Have someone read over your CV and personal statements.
    • Follow up with your referees with appropriate documentation.
  • Be well prepared for interviews.
    • Practice interviews with Career Counsellors (OHPSA)
    • Interview questions are general, program and location specific.
    • Think about broad concepts in medicine and in your programs of interest.
    • Remember details about location, location, location.
    • Some programs have scenario-based interviews.
    • Dress appropriately and professionally.
    • Give yourself enough travel and rest time between interviews.
  • Be sure to remember your unique skill set from your PhD training.
    • Focus on your independence, maturity, and interpersonal skills.
    • Highlight your critical thinking, problem solving and time management.
    • Draw on your resolve from your defense, conference or committee meetings.
    • Rely on your strong communication skills.
    • Be able to discuss your research in the context of your field.

​​​​​​​For questions related specifically to your application, please contact the UME Enrolment Services (registrar.medicine@utoronto.ca)

US Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

For the US residency application process, familiarize yourself with the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) website (www.aamc.org/services/eras) and the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) website (www.usmle.org) requirements for Canadian applicants. Note: ERAS DEADLINES DIFFER FROM CARMS DEADLINES

A handbook has been created for students interested in applying to the US for residency, including information about the USMLE requirements. The up to date information can be accessed through Portal>My Organizations>OHPSA>Career Services for MD Students> Applying to Residency> Applying to a US Residency. In this folder there is a compilation of the various information that you should know in order to apply to the US and links to various important websites. It is highly recommended that you consult this folder if you are thinking about applying to the US.

Another valuable resource for students applying to the US is the Careers in Medicine website from the AAMC (www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/cim). You should have received an access code in first year; however, if you contact OHPSA (Nancy Dunlop) they can send it to you again.

It is recommended that those students wanting to apply to the US for residency make an appointment with OHPSA to discuss the specifics as early as possible. It is also recommended that in fourth year, you meet with the Director of Enrolment Services & Faculty Registrar by September 1st (latest) because US deadlines can fall in September.

Medical Student Performance Record (MSPR)

This document summarizes your clinical competencies achieved during your third-year clinical rotations. The introductory paragraph refers to the academic period that it covers and the date on which it is produced in the fall of the year of application to CaRMS.

The Clinical Performance Evaluations section lists all competencies used by the clerkship courses. Please note that not all competencies are explicitly evaluated during each rotation (there is a notation regarding this at the bottom of the page). The Rotation Legend is at the bottom, and using the number assigned to each rotation, you can see your overall performance evaluation in all courses. Rotations of one week duration will not be recorded on the MSPR. This will also be noted in the legend.

On the second page of this document, you will see how Professionalism is documented. Narrative comments are not recorded as they are subjective and cannot be edited. Narrative comments are intended to provide the student with feedback on his/her performance. They will help you in selecting individuals for letters of reference.

Your fourth-year electives and selective components of the Transition to Residency course should be listed on your CV.

Academic Record

The document issued by the Faculty is  only to be used for the purposes of CaRMS. This document lists your courses by year with the final standing in each course and for the year.  It shows your fourth-year courses as in progress.  The Faculty of Medicine does not list any awards on the official academic record/transcript. All awards should be included by candidates in their CV module.

For all other purposes, your official transcript is that produced by the U of T Consolidated Transcript Centre, viewed in ACORN. All MD/PhD students should send an official U of T transcript.

The grading scale for the MD Program moved to Credit/No Credit beginning with the 2009/10 session. Any courses taken before this transition will be recorded on both the official academic record and on your ACORN transcript as H/P/F, and courses taken from 2009-10 onwards will be recorded as Credit/No Credit.

At the bottom of the Official Academic Record, there will be a statement indicating that you were enrolled in the combined MD/PhD Program, including the dates in which you held registration with the School of Graduate studies.

Return to Table of Contents

Fees and Funding

Please note that this information is subject to change. Speak to the Program Manager, Physician Scientist Training Programs if you have any questions about your specific funding situation.

Financial Support

All MD/PhD students receive financial support, starting in September of first year and continuing until graduation, assuming good academic standing. This comes from a variety of sources, including those arranged by the MD/PhD Program, other graduate studentships from external agencies including CIHR, supervisory and graduate departmental funds, and from several MD/PhD Program Endowments. For information on the amount guaranteed per year, please consult: http://www.md.utoronto.ca/mdphd-stipends.

There are responsibilities and expectations for MD/PhD students as part of your stipend.  These are outlined in the stipend agreement that new students are asked to sign. It is available for review in the portal. Students entering in 2017 or earlier have a research allowance of up to $1,000 per year (starting in January of first year) for purchase of research tools such as computers or software, or travel to national or international scientific meetings. Any unspent research allowance amounts are carried forward for use in subsequent years. See: Research Allowance Policy.

MD Awards and Financial Services has collected a variety of information and recorded useful webinars to address financial issues throughout medical school, including obtaining awards, bursaries, and credit lines; money management; and loan repayment in residency. They also launched Financial Resource Explorer modules in 2020:

https://md.utoronto.ca/news/md-program-financial-resource-explorer-0

See: http://www.md.utoronto.ca/financial-aid  https://vimeo.com/420454036/b0e377ae6a 

Tuition

Tuition for MD/PhD students is based on a blending of fees for the MD program plus SGS fees. The amount is determined when you enter first year and will not increase (aside from incidental fees) until you graduate. ACORN is not set up for this combined registration, so each year you will be charged either the MD fee, the SGS fee, or in many cases both. When you see this, don’t be alarmed! The correct amount must be entered manually at the fees department.

To maintain your registration on ACORN, you must either pay the minimum amount showing on your ACORN invoice or submit a request to defer your fees. If you want to pay your fees in full, estimate the amount based on your previous year’s amount.

During medical school, fees can be deferred until November if you are receiving OSAP (or other provincial student loans). Speak to the financial aid office or Finance/Student Aid class representatives if you have questions about this. If you have student loans from another province, you also need to complete the UTAPS application to qualify for any awards/bursaries. The deferral request must be entered by the financial office.

During graduate school, fees can usually be deferred until April. Check eligibility with your department and submit a Fee Deferral Request form if appropriate (online through ACORN).

OSAP (and other provincial student loans)

Students are often eligible for student loans in the first two years and the last three years of the MD/PhD Program. It is worth applying for student loans at these time points.

Awards

Award Reporting

It is important to inform the Program Manager, PSTP of any change to your funding, such as new awards, a change in program status (MSc to PHD), and other issues related to funding. For those entering the 8th year of the program, speak to the Program Manager about your tuition payments.

Students are encouraged to apply for internal and external awards, which both provide funding and help build one’s curriculum vitae. Consult your supervisor, graduate students in your research group, MD/PhD colleagues, your department, and the SGS website for specific funding opportunities. Furthermore, the MD/PhD class council hosts an annual scholarship workshop in the middle of the summer term to provide guidelines, tips, and deadlines for students hoping to apply to scholarship in the fall application cycle, including Vanier and CGS-D. While these sessions are tailored towards students entering their PhD studies, they may be useful to all of those submitting applications to these competitive scholarship committees. Awards commonly sought by MD/PhD students include:

  • CIHR Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships ($50,000/year for up to 3 years)
  • CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarships ($30,000/year for up to 3 years, +$5000/year research allowance)
  • Scholarships from charitable/non-governmental organizations
  • Departmental awards (e.g., IMS Open Award)
  • Hospital/institution-specific bursaries, scholarships, travel awards, manuscript competitions
  • Doctoral Completion Award in the final year of PhD (check eligibility)
  • Medical Alumni Association travel grants for clinical/international health electives
  • It is recommended to apply to the CIHR MSc award

TA Positions

During the PhD phase of the program, students often take the opportunity to TA courses offered through the University of Toronto. TAing provides the opportunity to gain teaching experience, to review basic concepts in your field, and to have an additional source of income. However, TA positions can also take up a lot of time.

TA positions require varying time commitments, and it is an important variable to consider when applying. Due to the time commitment, some supervisors prefer not to have their students TA during their graduate degree. Therefore, it is often a good idea to check with your supervisor prior to applying for TA positions. 

A positions can be found in several different ways:

  • TA positions are usually advertised on department websites in the spring of the previous year and individual departments will often send out an email advertising various TA positions to their own graduate students.
  • TA positions are often found through networking with professors, supervisors and/or upper year MD/PhD Students. Many of the upper year students have had TA positions and are valuable resources for advice in terms of which positions to take and how to find them.

Financial planning

MD Program Student Financial Services (medicine.financeawards@utoronto.ca) should be consulted at different stages of the program to discuss financial issues, OSAP application, etc. This includes at the beginning of your first-year to medical school and when transitioning back to medical school (around April/May).

Some students find it helpful to speak to a financial advisor for the discussion of budgeting and longer-term financial plans. The Canadian Medical Association offers free annual consultations for students through its MD Management service. Additionally, MD Financial offers free financial consulting for MD and MD/PhD students throughout their training.

Around the time of medical school graduation, Student Financial Services holds information sessions on loan repayment/deferral and debt management. These will be announced via the medical school class listserv.

See the “Financial support” section of the resource list in this handbook for links to funding/loan opportunities, teaching assistant opportunities, and financial planning resources.

Remember that you can also apply to bursaries and grants through your student unions and SGS (when you are a full-time SGS student). All have travel bursaries for conferences.

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Research Pathways

The following are the pathways you may use to engage in graduate work prior to entering full-time PhD studies. In all cases, make sure that the Director, and Program Manager are aware of your plans.

Getting a head start on graduate training as an MD student

Some students may feel an urge to start preparing for their transition into their PhD once they have decided on their supervisor before their official start date as a graduate student. While it is most important for students to focus on their medical curriculum during their MD, some learners may find that a small amount of “double-dipping” can help them hit the ground running once their PhD begins. For instance, many PhD projects include several time-consuming tasks that involve long wait periods, and early discussions with your supervisor could help you learn if there are easy paths to getting these out of the way earlier rather than having them delay your graduate work. They may include:

  • Fulsome discussion about project options / direction with supervisor and collaborating students
  • Completing animal, ethics, biosafety, and/or radioisotope training and/or certification
  • Preparing a detailed research proposal
  • Filing an REB protocol
  • Learning wet lab techniques required for your PhD project
  • Starting a literature review on the topic of the planned thesis

Once again, it is not expected of MD/PhD students to start any of these tasks before beginning their PhD, but it is always best to reflect on your personal situation and discuss with your supervisor to decide if getting a head start on any of these tasks would have an outsized benefit on your PhD experience. As always, don’t be afraid to talk to senior MD/PhD students about what has worked for them in the past!

MD/PhD CREMS Summer Research Program

If you are not certain of your plans for your PhD and prefer to use this time to explore your options, you may take advantage of the MD/PhD CREMS Program.

Advantages

  • Provides a research experience in potential PhD topic area
  • Provides a modest stipend for summer research on top of MD/Phd stipend

Process

Students are expected to seek out a mentor and project that is related to your goals as a clinician scientist. MD/PhD students can submit their project to the CREMS program for approval (crems.programs@utoronto.ca). A University of Toronto co-supervisor is required, and a Supervisor/Student Agreement Form signed by all successful participants.

Once you have found a project, please ask your proposed supervisor to complete and submit the supervisor information form and submit to the CREMS Programs Office. The proposal will be reviewed by the Director of CREMS and the Director of the MD/PhD Program for approval. Please visit the CREMS website (http://www.md.utoronto.ca/crems- office) for forms and due dates.

Take a Graduate Course as an MD student

Most graduate units will allow MD/PhD students to register for graduate courses as MD students. IMS is the exception. The Graduate Units expect that you are sincerely intending to pursue your PhD in their unit.

MD Enrolment services will mark the course as “extra” to your MD program, and it will not be included in your GPA or count towards any MD requirements.

 Advantages

  • Minimal paperwork
  • You may explore graduate-level courses in order to gauge your interest in the subject

Important Reminders

  • These courses will not automatically apply to your PhD
  • Your grade will not count towards your UG or Graduate GPA
  • The number of courses that can be transferred into a graduate program is no greater than 25% of that program. For example, if your program requires 10 courses, a maximum of 2 courses can be transferred into your program.
  • Regular doctoral stream students will have registration priority over non-degree students.
  • Initial contact with graduate units regarding this process must be initiated through the Program Manager, PSTP.
  • After the process is initiated by the Program Manager, PSTP, you should meet with the unit’s Graduate Coordinator, in order to be advised on the most appropriate courses relating to your future academic goals.

Process

Review the graduate units that you are considering and narrow them down to one or two, based on the courses that you wish to take. Once you have decided on a unit, discuss with the Program Manager, PSTP.

Please note that you must officially transfer of any courses taken as an MD student into your graduate program. Once you are admitted to a degree program, your supervisor may include any courses completed in your program plan. You must contact your graduate administrator to complete paperwork to officially transfer these courses into your graduate program. This must be approved by your supervisor and the program chair.

Policies & Guidelines

MD Program Academic Regulations
Medical Education Policies & Guidelines
Research Policies & Guidelines
Student Mistreatment Protocol

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Student Services

Crisis Resources
Student Life
Student Assistance (MD Program)
Office of Learner Affairs
Centre for Learning Strategy Support
Graduate Students' Union
Family Care Office
Anti Racism Office
Sexual Gender & Diversity Office
Sexual Violence and Prevention Centre
Community Safety Office
School of Graduate Students - Find a Supervisor
Graduate Centre for Academic Communication
Student Assistance

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Useful External Resources

Academic Support & Career Development (external)

Resource

Description

PhinisheD

Online resource/discussion forum for graduate students during thesis-writing phase

Careers in Medicine

Online career planning program developed by the American Association of Medical Colleges 

Canadian Medical Residency Guide

Online resource to assist with selection of a residency program

The Physician Scientists' Career Guide

By Mark J. Eisenberg (McGill University), 2011 

Advice and reflections on all stages of the physician- scientist career path 

Clinical Investigator Trainee Association of Canada

Literature related to clinician-scientist training and careers 

Entrepreneurship 101

Canada’s largest live and online entrepreneurship course 

Covers fundamentals of starting and building a new venture: testing the market, designing a business model, organizing finances, recruiting talent etc

 

 

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Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Varinder Randhawa for originally formulating the concept for this project and setting it into motion.

The contents of the handbook was reviewed and revised by Gemma Postill in 2024.

The handbook was migrated to online format in 2025.