University of Manitoba - Medical Genetics and Genomics - Winnipeg
2023 R-1 Main Residency Match - first iteration
CMG Stream for CMG
Last approved on October 24, 2022
Summary of changesAccreditation status : Accredited
Provincial Criteria
Dr. Rizqa Sulaiman-Baradien
AE 405 840 Sherbrook Street
840 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1S1
Program Contacts
Important Information
PGME Mandatory Orientation day for new trainees is scheduled for, Thursday, June 29, 2023.
“CASPer™ Test
All applicants must complete a CASPer™ (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test. CASPer is an online test which assesses for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics.
Test dates for 1st Iteration: A limited number of test dates and times will be available in December and January. Please note these are the only testing dates available and no additional tests will be scheduled.
Test date for 2nd Iteration: The test date will likely be scheduled in late Apr/early May. Please note this is the only test date available and no additional tests will be scheduled. Please refer to the following website to confirm the test dates. https://takecasper.com/test-dates/
To see an example of the test structure and schedule a test, please visit http://www.takeCASPer.com
Please direct any inquiries on the test to support@takecasper.com
General Instructions
Program application language: English
Program application language: English
The medical genetics and genomics residency program at the University of Manitoba is designed to train residents to practice as well-rounded specialists in the rapidly evolving field of clinical genetics. In addition to providing rotations in fields such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics in order to gain competencies in general medicine we train our residents extensively in Principles of Genetic Counselling, Dysmorphology, Neurogenetics, Cancer genetics, Prenatal genetics, Cardiovascular genetics, and Metabolic genetics. We also provide experience in all three major lab disciplines with a focus on genomics (molecular genetics, cytogenetics, and biochemical genetics) and flexible levels of research experience depending on the career aspirations of the resident.
You are required to fulfill ALL of the most current Provincial Criteria for Canadian Medical Graduates for Manitoba
The criteria can be found at: https://www.carms.ca/match/r-1-main-residency-match/eligibility-criteria/manitoba/
Supporting Documentation / Information
• Canadian Birth Certificate or Act of Birth
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence in Canada
• Passport page showing Canadian Citizenship
• Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card)
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card (both sides of card)
• IELTS
• Occupational English Test (OET) - Medicine
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) - General
Language Proficiency
English is the language of study at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. All applicants whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency to CaRMS by the file review opening date.
CMG/USMG
- If you graduated from an English medical school in Canada or the US, you are exempt from providing proof of language proficiency.
Candidates who attended medical school in Quebec or the University of Ottawa where the language of instruction or the primary language of patient care was not English, must fulfill the English Language Proficiency requirements.
Successfully completed English language proficiency tests do not have statute of limitations.
Candidates are exempted from English language proficiency testing if their undergraduate medical education was taken in English in one of the below countries that have English as a first and native language:
List of countries that have English as a first and native language: Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, US Virgin Islands – Caribbean Islands: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Grenadines, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago
Please note the following:
- Photocopies are acceptable.
Language Proficiency results will not be accepted by fax or e-mail.
Three letters of reference are required, and must be from a teacher and preferably a faculty member. Senior resident's reference letter is also acceptable. We prefer that the applicant not exceed the number of reference letters requested. (See selection criteria).
Your medical school transcript can be submitted through one of the methods below:
- Obtain your medical transcript from your school and upload it directly to your CaRMS Online account. Follow your school’s policy regarding accessing or requesting your transcript;
- Ask your medical school to upload your medical transcript through their CaRMS Undergraduate Portal account; or
- International (IMGs) and United States (USMGs) medical graduates can transfer their transcript from their physiciansapply.ca account.
For current year Canadian medical graduates (CMGs), there is no action required from you. Your medical school will automatically submit your MSPR to CaRMS on your behalf for you to assign.
If your MSPR is in a language other than the program language of English or French, you are required to have the document translated.
This letter should include reasons for the applicant choosing medical genetics training and a brief outline of their interests and career goals.
CASPer examYour CASPer assessment result is sent directly to CaRMS from Altus approximately one week prior to the application deadline. Please ensure that you give Altus permission to share your results with CaRMS.
The CASPer assessment is only valid for one admissions cycle. If you have taken the assessment in a previous year, you are expected to re-take it. To register for the CASPer assessment visit takealtus.com/casper.
Review Process
Applications submitted after file review has opened on January 10, 2023
Supporting documents (excluding letters of reference) that arrive after file review has opened on January 10, 2023
Letters of reference that arrive after the unmasking date on January 10, 2023
Interviews
Dates:
- February 9, 2023
Selection Criteria
Applicant files assessment criteria
The Medical Genetics training program at the University of Manitoba is committed to a fair, equitable, and transparent application process. We maintain the right to choose the applicants that we feel are the best people for our residency training program. The following criteria will be used as a baseline to determine who will be considered for an interview. However, not all applicants who meet our minimum criteria will be offered interviews; only the top candidates will be offered an interview.
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Must either be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status
- Must have a demonstrable interest in medical genetics.
- Has never had disciplinary action from a medical regulatory authority.
Program goals
Our residency program aims to train well-rounded geneticists that have experience dealing with all aspects of genetic medicine including but not limited to general genetics, prenatal genetics, biochemical genetics, neurogenetics, cardiovascular genetics, and cancer genetics. They will demonstrate exceptional communication skills, clinical skills, and academic acumen. We emphasize working in a team environment that includes other medical specialties, genetic counsellors, nurses, dieticians, and pharmacists.
Selection process goals
Identify applicants that interact professionally with patients and colleagues.
Identify applicants with excellent basic clinical skills, particularly in the realm of communication.
Identify applicants with a clear interest in clinical genetics.
Identify applicants who demonstrate an ability and enthusiasm to learn and are able to adapt to the various demands of residency training.
Identify applicants who have the potential to lead a collaborative health care team.
File review process
Review team composition : The review team consists of the program director, chief resident or delegate, and a selection of faculty members all involved in residency education. At least one faculty member is external to the genetics department.
Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 0 - 50
Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 76 - 100 %
| File component | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CV | Optional |
| Electives | Clear interest in clinical genetics |
| Examinations | We do not evaluate this file component |
| Extra-curricular | Volunteering, mentoring, non-medical experiences |
| Leadership skills | Involvement in student government or similar |
| MSPRs | Interpersonal skills, concerns raised during clinical electives |
| Personal letters | Interest in discipline and location |
| Reference documents | Professionalism, ability to interact positively with patients and colleagues |
| Research/Publications | Interest in participating in future projects |
| Transcripts | Academic performance |
| Other file component(s) | CASPer exam to assess non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics |
Elective criteria
Interview process
Interview format :
We may accommodate requests to re-schedule interviews for applicants due to weather, technology failure, or unforeseen circumstances.
| Interview components | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Collaboration skills | Demonstrate ability to work in a team setting |
| Collegiality | Behaviour, attitude and ability to work with others |
| Communication skills | Speak and write in English, ability to convey complex topics to a lay person |
| Health advocacy | Demonstrates ability to advocate on behalf of patient health |
| Interest in the discipline | Clear understanding of the discipline and demonstrated exposure |
| Interest in the program | Demonstrate an interest in program site |
| Leadership skills | Involvement in student government, interest groups, mentorship, and coaching or other |
| Professionalism | Interaction with program administrator, current residents, and interview staff |
| Scholarly activities | Public speaking in the form of 15 min presentation |
Information gathered outside of CaRMS application
Specifically, we may consider:Ranking process
The behavior(s) exhibited below during the interview process may prevent an applicant from being ranked by our program :Program Highlights
Residents may choose to take electives in other locations. Funding opportunities may be available through the Canadian College of Medical Genetics. No more than 6 months total may be undertaken outside of Manitoba.
In the 2023/2024 academic year, there will be 4 medical genetics residents, one CCMG molecular/cytogenetics fellow and 6 Genetic Counselling trainees. There are 7 MD medical geneticists.
During most medical genetics rotations, the residents function in a consulting role and not as the primary physician responsible for patients. However, during the final 3 years each resident runs their own monthly clinic under the supervision of a rotating roster of geneticists where they are responsible for all aspects of their patient’s care in order to gain experience having their own medical practice.
Program Curriculum
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.
Curriculum
Training in medical genetics fulfils the requirements noted in the training guidelines recently established by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for competency based medical education in Medical Genetics and Genomics. The successful candidate will be part of the inaugural year for introduction of this new curriculum and may have slightly different rotations compared to previous Medical Genetics residents with a new focus on growth and achieving competencies throughout the 5 yr residency. The first two years will still largely include off service rotations in pediatrics, internal medicine, and obstetrics. The next 2.5 yrs will include exposures to all the core areas of medical genetics which also include genetic counselling, general genetics, neurogenetics, cardiogenetics, prenatal genetics, cancer genetics, biochemical genetics, and laboratory genetics. The remaining 0.5 yr will focus on leadership skills to prepare for independent practice. A scholarly project of the residents choice must be completed during the residency and dedicated time and mentorship will be available.
Depending on their previous experience our residents may be asked to take credit courses at the graduate level including "Principles and Practice of Human Genetics", "Human Molecular Cytogenetics". These courses are offered through the Biochemistry & Medical Genetics and can be taken concurrently with rotations beginning in the PGY-3 year.
There are no mandatory rural rotations.
Vacation
1 period of Vacation (Vac) each year
1 period = 4 weeks
Academic Teaching
A half day of weekly academic teaching is provided throughout the year and is attended by the entire section, including trainees in lab disciplines and genetic counselling. The format varies depending on the topic however includes basic principles of medical genetics, guideline reviews, hot new topics in the field, journal club, case presentations, etc.
Training Sites
Resources
The Medical Genetics Residency program at the University of Manitoba is an interdisciplinary program with training sites at the Children's Hospital, Women's Hospital, Psych Health Centre, General Hospital at the Health Sciences Centre and the research laboratories at the Bannatyne Campus of the University of Manitoba. All of these centres are located within a four block area which is centrally located in the city of Winnipeg. A strength of our program is the integration of basic human genetics with clinical genetic sciences. The program facilitates and encourages residents to enter the graduate program towards an MSc in Biochemistry and Medical Genetics. Our centre offers modern in-patient/out-patient facilities and we have state-of-the-art diagnostic genetic laboratory. Our clinical program accommodates approximately 350 in-patient consultations and over 2000 out-patients per year.
Medical genetics residents have a dedicated office with multiple work stations. Electronic access is available via the internet through the University of Manitoba library to multiple online journals including New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, Prenatal Diagnosis, American Journal of Medical Genetics, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Annals of Human Genetics, British Medical Journal and many more. In addition, the residents will have direct access to MedLine, OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man), POSSUM (pictures of standard syndromes and undiagnosed malformations) and the London Dysmorphology Database and the teratogen inquiry system (TERIS) to name a few. There is a genetics library filled with up-to-date genetic references relevant to medical genetics.
Summary of changes
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