University of Toronto - Medical Microbiology - Toronto
2023 R-1 Main Residency Match - first iteration
IMG Stream for IMG
Last approved on December 13, 2022
Summary of changesAccreditation status : Accredited
Provincial Criteria
1 King's College Circle
MSB, Rm 6231
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8
Program Contacts
Important Information
Please be aware that most, if not all, hospitals and Universities in Ontario have mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies in place that require, in the absence of a valid medical or human rights exemption, proof of vaccination. Acceptable vaccination must be in accordance with Health Canada. You will be required to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination to the appropriate institution if matched. Failure to comply and provide the appropriate documentation may result in the termination of the contract. These guidelines could change at any time in accordance with future direction from the Ministry of Health or the Universities based on information from Public Health.
The University of Toronto has deferred the use of the CaRMS Self-Identification Questionnaire (CSIQ) responses until the 2024 R-1 Match. PGME is seeking to learn from the experience of other schools in the 2023 CaRMS match with a view to piloting this initiative in 2024 R-1 Match.
For the 2023 R-1 Match - If you assign the CSIQ to any University of Toronto program the programs will NOT be able to view the content of your CSIQ response. There are programs which provide applicants other opportunities to self-identify as a member of an equity seeking group. Please see individual program descriptions for details.
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.
General Instructions
Program application language: English
Our program seeks to equip trainees to be the microbiology leaders of the future. Accordingly, we are looking for a cohort of residents that are committed to a career in medical microbiology, keen to advance its evolving role in patient care and are capable of learning, understanding and integrating the large volume of material required.
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 Permanent Resident Card (both sides of card)
• Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card)
Legal Status
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 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 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.
Three reference letters from teaching or attending staff are required.
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.
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.
Please outline any personal history that may be relevant to your application. Also state your reasons for choosing Medical Microbiology as a career and outline your academic and non-academic accomplishments, as well as future goals.
Maximum word count: 1000 (no minimum)
Photo- Date/milestone assessment submission required: File review opening
- Requirement: Mandatory
For more information on the MCCQE Part 1 click on the following link https://www.mcc.ca/examinations/mccqe-part-i/
NAC examination - Statement of results- Date/milestone assessment submission required: File review opening
- Requirement: Mandatory with exceptions*
* MCCQE part II can be used to apply instead of the NAC
For more information on the NAC OSCE click on the following link National Assessment Collaboration | Medical Council of Canada
If applicant is successful, ACLS is required before commencement of PGY1 clinical rotations. Please visit the PGME website for information on courses available through the University of Toronto.
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
Due to the high volume of applications we will NOT consider applications, reference letters or other supporting documents submitted after the file review has opened.
Interviews
Dates:
- February 6, 2023
- February 8, 2023
Details regarding interview dates: After review of the application files we will offer interviews only to candidates that have made the interview short list. Candidates that are not contacted either by email or telephone have not made the list. Each candidate will meet with the Program Director and members of the Residency Training Committee.
Selection Criteria
Program goals
Our program seeks to equip trainees to be the medical microbiology leaders of the future. Accordingly, we are looking for a cohort of residents that are committed to a career in medical microbiology, keen to advance the evolving role of medical microbiology in patient care and are capable of learning, understanding and integrating the large volume of material required.
Upon completion of training, a resident is expected to be a competent specialist in Medical Microbiology, capable of assuming a consultant’s role in the specialty. The resident must acquire a working knowledge of the theoretical basis of the specialty, including its foundations in the basic medical sciences and research, and be competent in clinical medicine. Residents must develop skills to be lifelong learners, be able to effectively teach others, and be capable of research in their field of interest. Emphasis is placed on effective communication in partnership with laboratory technologists, other physicians and health care providers, patients, and the other end-users of laboratory services.
Selection process goals
Applicants providing evidence of high academic achievement, a demonstrated commitment to medical microbiology and evidence of research or similar academic potential in the CaRMS application file will be prioritized for further consideration. Successful applicants will be able to further elaborate their achievements at the time of interviews.
Candidates who fail to meet the level of academic achievement required or evidence of commitment to a career in medical microbiology will not be considered further. In addition, those with incomplete applications in the CaRMS file will not be considered further. The remaining candidates will be ranked based on the scores of their application (40%), interview (30%), strength of their reference letters (20%), and general fit with the program (10%). Final ranks will be determined solely by the aggregate score as outlined above.
File review process
Review team composition : Our review team is composed of the program director, site directors, senior medical microbiology resident and designated faculty members.
Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 0 - 50
Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 26 - 50 %
| File component | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CV | We evaluate all content including research, publications, volunteer activities and interests |
| Electives | 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. |
| Examinations | We evaluate all examination scores |
| Extra-curricular | We evaluate all activities including mentoring and volunteer activities |
| Leadership skills | We evaluate leadership positions and programs that develop leadership skills |
| MSPRs | We evaluate all past performance including undergraduate and graduate studies |
| Personal letters | We evaluate interest in, and dedication to medical microbiology and our program |
| Reference documents | We evaluate all reference letters for evidence of excellence in CanMEDS roles |
| Research/Publications | We evaluate participation in, and dedication to research activities including publications |
| Transcripts | We evaluate all academic performance |
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 | We evaluate the ability to work in a team environment to provide exemplary care |
| Collegiality | We evaluate behaviour, attitudes and professionalism as demonstrated by the candidate |
| Communication skills | We evaluate proficiency in effective written and spoken English within a team environment |
| Health advocacy | We evaluate candidates' commitment to health advocacy |
| Interest in the discipline | We evaluate interest and dedication to the knowledge and skills required to practice |
| Interest in the program | We evaluate interest and commitment to our Medical Microbiology Residency Training Program |
| Leadership skills | We evaluate a commitment to developing leadership skills required for an med micro practice |
| Professionalism | We evaluate the ability to demonstrate professional conduct at all times |
| Scholarly activities | We evaluate all scholarly activity including research and teaching |
Information gathered outside of CaRMS application
We do not consider any information gathered outside of the CaRMS application and local interview processes.Ranking process
The behavior(s) exhibited below during the interview process may prevent an applicant from being ranked by our program :Program Highlights
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Large volume and wide spectrum of clinical material
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There are opportunities for interprovincial and international electives while training in our program
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There are no mandatory rural rotations
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The ratio of resident to faculty is 1 to 7
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Residents have access to electronic medical resources through the hospitals and the University of Toronto library system
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Research is especially emphasized during training. Residents may undertake research projects while on core, mandatory or elective rotations or opt for dedicated research electives of 3 to 12 months duration. Residents are expected to give presentations of their projects at the annual Departmental Research Day
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.
Medical Microbiology PGY 1
Medical microbiology is a five year program with the first year structured for successful completion of MCCQE Part II. This year consists of 3 months medical subspecialties, 4 blocks general internal medicine, 2 blocks adult infectious diseases, 2 blocks pediatric infectious diseases, 1 block general surgery, 1 block surgical subspecialty.
Medical Microbiology PGY 2 to 4
The PGY2 year is an additional year of clinical training with an emphasis on infectious diseases. The trainee then completes two years (PGY 3 and 4) of core microbiology including training in the laboratories of adult hospitals, and at the Hospital for Sick Children. This will cover bacteriology, virology, serology, mycology and molecular diagnostics. Additional training in parasitology, mycology, mycobacteriology and reference microbiology will be carried out at the Public Health Laboratory.
Medical Microbiology PGY-5
The final year of training is planned to provide further experience in microbiology and the trainee accepts a greater level of responsibility. Dedicated research experience is strongly encouraged in this year although research projects are expected at all levels of training. Major research cannot be provided within the time limits of this program and trainees are advised to consolidate and expand their research skills by additional training following completion of the program.
Medical Microbiology Research
The research interests of members of the division of medical microbiology are diverse and include: pathogenesis and epidemiology of a variety of bacterial and viral diseases, antimicrobial resistance, epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections, molecular epidemiology, malaria, etc. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in research activities and to present and publish their results.
PGCorEd
Since July 1, 2008 all University of Toronto Residents entering PGY1 are required to complete the web based PGCorEd* core competency modules as part of their residency program certification. These modules provide the foundation for non-clinical roles for the RCPSC and CFPC Programs. These modules are focused for PGY 1 & PGY2 trainees. Failure to complete the modules will delay processing of Final In-Training Evaluation Reports (FITERs) and may constitute professional misconduct.
Training Sites
Medical Microbiology Resources
There are large academic microbiology labs located at Mount Sinai Hospital, Unity Health, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the Hospital for Sick Children. As well, the Ontario Public Health Laboratory provides specialized and reference services for the entire province of Ontario. Trainees rotate at all of these centres, generally in 6 month blocks. Several community hospitals (e.g. North York General Hospital) with microbiology laboratories provide the opportunity for trainees to gain experience in a community setting.
Additional Information
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.
Additional Ontario Information:
- Permanent Residents: Successful applicants who hold Permanent Resident status in Canada will be required to disclose their Country of Citizenship to the postgraduate medical education office in order to comply with current reporting requirements of the Ontario Ministry.
- Matched applicants: CaRMS will provide their electronic data file to the matched university’s postgraduate education office. The postgraduate office will share the information as needed, but not limited to the Ontario Physician Human Resource Data Centre, Canadian Post-MD Education Registry, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, the Professional Association of Residents of Ontario, teaching hospitals and other training sites, Touchstone Institute and the Ontario Ministry of Health.
- Changes: The Ontario Faculties of Medicine and Ontario Ministry of Health reserve the right to make changes to the information published on the CaRMS website pertaining to Ontario postgraduate training without prior notice.
- Failure to meet or provide proof of any of the stated requirements may result in applicant file being removed at any point during the match.
Summary of changes
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