McMaster University - Neurology - Hamilton
2023 R-1 Main Residency Match - first iteration
IMG Stream for IMG
Hamilton General Hopsital
237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 2X2
Program Contacts
Important Information
Please refer to the CaRMS website for provincial eligibility information CaRMS Ontario Provincial Criteria. It is important to review the requirements carefully.
To learn more about the program, upcoming informational events and the McMaster PGME community please visit: https://pgme.mcmaster.ca/carms_r1_match_program_information/
Return of Service
The Ministry requests all ROS agreements before June 1 of the year they were matched. All agreements should be returned to the Ministry prior to the start of residency training. It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm eligibility with respect to THE ROS requirements of other provinces.
Information about the Ministry’s ROS programs is available at the Return of Service Program
A letter of release from existing return of service agreements must be submitted as part of the application.
IMGs must be graduates of an acceptable medical school on the World Directory of Medical Schools list. Candidates must submit to the Program a copy or printout of the website listing the medical school which clearly states that the language of instruction is English or French.
All IMGs need to have their documents verified through physiciansapply.ca. This process can take several months to complete. Individuals are advised to visit physiciansapply.ca at the point of application.
Documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a notarized/certified translation. Students applying in the last year of medical school will need to submit their most recent marks/transcripts and will need to provide proof of their MD to CPSO prior to the start of residency training.
Pre-residency Orientation Programs
All IMG candidates accepted to all residency programs will be required to complete either the Pre-Residency Program (PRP) or the Pre-Residency Program for Family Medicine (PRPFM) prior to entering into a residency program. Matched IMGs will be expected to attend these programs in Toronto, several weeks in advance of the start of their residency program. In some cases, this may result in a delay of the start date of the residency. Additional information on the PRP and PRP FM programs can be found at the following link: Touchstone Institute.
Assessment Verification Period
All IMG candidates accepted to residency training programs will be required to undergo an Assessment Verification Period (AVP). This assessment period is normally 12 weeks in length and is required by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to obtain an educational license to enter a residency program. CPSO – International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
IMGs that have failed an AVP and are reapplying through CaRMS are ineligible to apply for training in the same specialty in Ontario but may apply to a different specialty in the first and/or second iteration. IMGs who have withdrawn from a program prior to completion of an AVP must declare so upon application.
General Instructions
Program application language: English
The aim of the program is to produce a physician-specialist with the competence to effectively diagnose and manage the care of patients with neurological diseases.
The objectives of our Residency Training Program outlined are provided in the CanMEDS format. The CanMEDS roles for physicians (and trainees) define wide range knowledge, attitudes and skills required in order to be an effective, competent, knowledgeable and professional physician. The CanMEDS roles also provide the framework by which you will be evaluated during your residency training.
Residents must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes relating to gender, culture and ethnicity pertinent to neurology. In addition, all residents must demonstrate an ability to incorporate gender, cultural and ethnic perspectives in research methodology, data presentation and analysis.
Provide scientifically based, comprehensive and effective diagnosis and management for patients with neurologic disorders.
Communicate effectively with patients, their families and medical colleagues (particularly referring physicians), and other health care professionals.
Counsel patients and others on aspects of prevention of neurological disorders, including risk factors, and genetic and environmental concerns.
Maintain complete and accurate medical records.
Effectively coordinate the work of the health care team.
Be an effective teacher of other physicians (including medical students and house officers), other health care personnel and patients.
Be proficient in professional and technical skills related to the specialty.
Demonstrate personal and professional attitudes consistent with a consultant physician role.
Be willing and able to appraise accurately his or her own professional performance.
Be willing and able to keep his or her practice current through reading and other modes of continuing medical education.
Be able to critically assess the neurological literature as it relates to patient diagnosis, investigation and management.
Be able to participate in clinical or basic science studies as a member of a research team.
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)
Proof of valid current citizenship or permanent resident status must be provided by submitting one of the following verifications to CaRMS by the File Review Opening deadline. Failure to provide valid proof will result in your application being removed. No other forms of verification are acceptable:
- Notarized/certified photocopy of Birth Certificate/Act of Birth issued by an authority in Canada accompanied by photo ID (must be valid Canadian government-issued photo ID).
- Failure to provide proof of citizenship will result in the removal of your application. No other forms of verification are acceptable.
- Documents must be notarized/certified photocopies. Notarized/certified copies must be dated and not older than two years from the date of application submission deadline; otherwise, a new notarized/certified copy is required.
- Confirmation of permanent residence must be accompanied by a photo ID (must be a valid Canadian government-issued photo ID).
CaRMS is partnering with third-party organizations to automate the verification of citizenship/legal status required by postgraduate offices for entry into residency. Third-party verification simplifies the process for applicants and programs. All applicants who do not receive third-party citizenship verification will be required to upload and assign an acceptable proof of citizenship document. Please see additional information here.
• IELTS
• Letter of language proficiency
• TOEFL - iBT
• Occupational English Test (OET) - Medicine
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) - General
Language assessment document accepted: TOEFL-iBT
- Document validity (not expired) by: Must be valid up to the assignment of applications and documents deadline
- Minimum score: 93 with a minimum score of 24 on the speaking section
Language assessment document accepted: IELTS Academic
- Document validity (not expired) by: Must be valid up to the assignment of applications and documents deadline
- Minimum score: 7 in each component
Language assessment document accepted: Occupational English Test (OET) -Medicine
- Document validity (not expired) by: Must be valid up to July 1, 2023
- Minimum score: Minimum grade of B in each component
Language assessment document accepted: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – General
- Document validity (not expired) by: Must be valid up to July 1, 2023
- Minimum score: Minimum score of 9 in each component
Language assessment document accepted: Letter of language proficiency*
*Alternatively, candidates can submit a printout from the World Directory of Medical Schools which clearly states that the language of instruction is English or French.
The IELTS Indicator will be accepted as a substitute for the Academic Version of the IELTS.
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition will be accepted as a substitute for the TOEFL iBT.
Applicants must be able to communicate proficiently in the language of instruction and patient care of the matching school and training site. Please review specific program descriptions for more information.
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 International (IMGs) and United States (USMGs) medical graduates, you can submit your MSPR through either of the methods below:
- Upload your MSPR directly into your CaRMS Online account; or
- Ask your medical school to upload your MSPR through their CaRMS Undergraduate Portal account.
Tell us why you're interested in neurology, our program in particular and why you would be a good fit. Please include anything you feel we should know about you. 1000 word maximum.
PhotoThe National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is mandatory for all IMGs. A pass result is required on the NAC OSCE. The results are required by the file review opening date. For more information click on the following link National Assessment Collaboration | Medical Council of Canada
MCCQE Part I - Statement of ResultsFor the 2023 CaRMS match IMGs must have written and passed the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE1). Exam results must be provided by the File Review Opening Date.
MCCQE Part I - Supplemental Information ReportPlease submit MCCQE1 supplemental information report (Preferred)
Please note: Required if Medical school has been completed. Documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a notarized translation
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
All applications will be reviewed by a minimum of two file reviewer. Each review will follow a standardized format. The Committee will decide on shortlisting based upon reviewers scores, individuals performance in medical school and testimonials. Research experience and neurology rotations will be an asset but are not mandatory.
Reference letters from the institution/discipline will not be required for consideration of interview.
Interviews
Dates:
- February 22, 2023
Each candidate will be interviewed twice, once by members of faculty and once by current residents in our program. The first interview will be immediately be followed by the second interview. You may expect to be fininished approximately fourty minutes from the time you are scheduled.
Selection Criteria
Candidates must meet the published requirements for applications (available at McMaster University Overview and through CaRMS)
Preference will be given to candidates who have been evaluated by one of the provincial evaluation programs, within the last two years and who can provide documentation of the assessment results.
Graduation from medical school within the past 3 years OR graduation from medical school within the past 8 years AND active medical practice within the past 3 years (please note that observerships do not count as recent medical practice). Candidate should have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, including above average performance on Canadian qualification examinations. Research background will be taken into consideration.
Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate familiarity with the Canadian or North American health care system. Examples include formal medical training or practice in a Canadian or American jurisdiction (Canadian experience preferred). Research experience in Canada and clinical observerships are an asset, but considered less valuable than training or work experience.
Demonstrated proficiency in English.
Program goals
The aim of the program is to produce a physician-specialist with the competence to effectively diagnose and manage the care of patients with neurological diseases.
The objectives of our Residency Training Program outlined are provided in the CanMEDS format. The CanMEDS roles for physicians (and trainees) define wide range knowledge, attitudes and skills required in order to be an effective, competent, knowledgeable and professional physician. The CanMEDS roles also provide the framework by which you will be evaluated during your residency training.
Provide scientifically based, comprehensive and effective diagnosis and management for patients with neurologic disorders.
Communicate effectively with patients, their families and medical colleagues (particularly referring physicians), and other health care professionals.
Counsel patients and others on aspects of prevention of neurological disorders, including risk factors, and genetic and environmental concerns.
Maintain complete and accurate medical records.
Effectively coordinate the work of the health care team.
Be an effective teacher of other physicians (including medical students and house officers), other health care personnel and patients.
Selection process goals
To match candidates with great potential who will both benefit from and contribute to our training program.
To be fair, transparent and accountable with respect to our selection process.
To involve as many faculty members and residents as possible in the file review and interview process.
For the interview experience to be pleasant and memorable for all candidates.
To provide a welcoming venue the evening before the interview with the oportunity to meet as many faculty and residents as possible as well as provide information regarding our program and living in Hamilton.
File review process
Review team composition : Applications are distributed for review between Residency Program Committee Members as well as residents. Each application is reviewed by a staff member and a current resident. The Program Director reviews all files and monitors for discrepancies in scoring.
Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 51 - 200
Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 0 - 25 %
| File component | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CV | evaluated |
| Electives | evaluated |
| Examinations | exams listed under required documents |
| Extra-curricular | evaluated |
| Leadership skills | evaluated |
| MSPRs | evaluated |
| Personal letters | evaluated |
| Reference documents | evaluated |
| Research/Publications | evaluated |
| Transcripts | evaluated |
| Other file component(s) | We have a file review sheet that each reviewer completes to ensure consistency. |
Elective criteria
We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted candidates' opportunities to arrange and complete electives and would like to reassure you that a lack of elective activity this year will not negatively impact your application to our program
Interview process
Interview format :
We routinely accommodate requests to re-schedule interviews for applicants.
| Interview components | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Collaboration skills | evaluated |
| Collegiality | evaluated |
| Communication skills | evaluated |
| Health advocacy | evaluated |
| Interest in the discipline | evaluated |
| Interest in the program | evaluated |
| Leadership skills | evaluated |
| Professionalism | evaluated |
| Scholarly activities | evaluated |
| Other interview component(s) | Interviewers have set questions to ensure consistency in interviews. |
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 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.
Residency Goals
We will facilitate the career development of neurologists in training. McMaster draws from a population base of over two million, and has a rich clinical load in all aspects of Neurology with full supporting services in neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropathology, and neuropsychiatry. We encourage the full growth of residents, including the development of skills beyond clinical neurology, especially in those areas for which McMaster enjoys a significant reputation. Thus, we would welcome residents with an interest in educational methodology, educational research, epidemiology and biostatistics and clinical trial design, population health, pharmacoepidemiology, and many aspects of basic neurosciences. We believe that there should be an excitement to education, in a collegial and supportive atmosphere.
Educational Program
The Residency Program extends over a period of five years. We have fully adapted a CBME curriculum. If you require more detail, please email us.
There will be ample opportunity for independent and group learning throughout, for undertaking clinical and basic research initiatives should this be desired and in assuming sequentially more responsibility for the clinical supervision and education of more junior trainees. The University has an excellent library and most of the journal subscriptions are now accessible by electronic means.
Evaluation
Evaluations include EPA's, OSCE and half day exams. Informal evaluation are done part way through each rotation (depending on the length), and a formal evaluation will occur after each rotation. In addition, the Program Director will review with each resident progress at quarterly intervals. Residents from PGY2 will be expected to sit a written practice exam on a yearly basis to assess knowledge progression. They will also write the American Academy of Neurology yearly practice examination funded through the program. They will be expected to undertake a witnessed history and physical and oral exam with each one of the Adult Neurology rotations. Feedback by the residents is encouraged to improve the educational experience. The residents are also encouraged to evaluate each rotation.
Educational and Research Opportunities
Residents will have mandatory educational rounds.
Research is a must while in the program. Each resident is assigned a mentor who will guide them towards opportunities.
Specialty Clinics
-Epilepsy - Dr. Michelle Shapiro, Dr. Stephen Thompson
-Neuromuscular Disease - Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, Dr. Steven Baker
-ALS Clinic - Dr. Marvin Chum, Dr. Matthew Gladman
-Behavioural Neurology - Dr. D. J. Sahlas, Dr. Eliza de Freitas
-Neuro-oncology - Dr. Navya Kalindindi
-Stroke - Dr. Mike Sharma, Dr. D. J. Sahlas, Dr. Jamie Silva, Dr. Aris Katsanos, Dr. Kanjana Perera, Dr. Kelvin Ng, Dr. Ashkan Shoamanesh, Dr. Luciana Catanese, Dr. Raed Joundi
-INR - Dr. Brian van Adel
-Multiple Sclerosis - Dr. Suresh Menon, Dr. Eslam Shosha
-Movement Disorders - Dr. Barbara Connolly, Dr. Devin Hall
-Neurogenetics - Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky
-Neuro-rheumatology - Dr. Perera, Dr. Legault
Training Sites
Teaching Hospitals
The Hamilton General Hospital
The Hamilton General Hospital is the designated stroke centre for the region and site of the Neuro CTU. Outpatient clinics involve stroke prevention, movements disorders, MS, epilepsy, and behavioural neurology. It is also the regional referral centre for Adult Neurosurgery. Cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology services are carried out at this site.
The Juravinski Hospital
The Juravinski Hospital is the site of the Regional Oncology Clinic, and home for Neuro-oncology and Pain Centre.
McMaster University Medical Centre
McMaster University Medical Centre is a tertiary and quaternary referral centre. With respect to the Neurology Program, the chief strengths are its outpatient clinical activities (including the ALS Clinic, Neuromuscular Disease Clinic, Neuropsychiatry Clinic). In addition, all of the basic science laboratories in Neurology are located at this site). This site also houses the Children's Hospital, and Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery.
St. Joseph's Hospital
St. Joseph 's Hospital is a busy general hospital with expertise in nephrology, respirology, and psychiatry, and is the site of a new institute of brain and behaviour.