Program Contacts

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Important Information

Applicants  are responsible for reviewing the University of Saskatchewan Policies for the R1 Match to determine if they meet all requirements and eligibility criteria. Failure to meet or provide proof of any of the stated requirements or documents may result in an applicant’s file not being reviewed or ranked.

CASPer Test
All applicants must complete the Casper test. More information is available under Supporting Documentation-CASPer Exam.

Licensing
Matched applicants must be eligible for an educational register license with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS) for a July 1^st start date and must maintain eligibility for an educational register license throughout their entire training program. Matched applicants who are graduating in the spring will need to provide a copy of their medical degree/diploma to the PGME office and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS) prior to the start of residency training. Any delays in providing all required documentation to CPSS may result in the following:

• delay in issuance of an educational register license and a delay in start of postgraduate training beyond July 1^st
• release from CaRMS match contract

Applicants completing medical education at the University of Montreal, Sherbrooke, Laval, and the University of Ottawa (French stream) are required to submit proof of English language proficiency before the rank order deadline to demonstrate they meet CPSS requirements. More information is available under Supporting Documentation-Language Proficiency.

NOTE: Applicants who are considering a delay to their convocation date must be aware that a medical degree cannot be issued to a student until they have convocated. CPSS bylaws require that new residents must have received their medical degree prior to the commencement of residency training. Choosing to delay convocation will affect a matched applicant’s ability to commence their residency training program in Saskatchewan on July 1. Please refer to the U of S CaRMS Deferral Policy for additional information.

Credentialing
In order to commence and continue in Postgraduate Medical Education training programs, matched applicants must be eligible for and maintain privileges within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) as determined by their credentialing process. The SHA requires successful applicants to submit a current criminal record check as part of their pre-resident application for appointment. Applicants with criminal records will be considered on a case by case basis by the College of Medicine in consultation with the SHA.

Resident Boot Camp
All matched applicants must attend a mandatory three-day Resident Boot Camp scheduled for late June. The purpose of the Boot Camp is to provide additional support to trainees as they transition to residency by introducing and consolidating baseline skills and knowledge needed to flourish during their residency years. The program will include interactive case-based and hands-on practice sessions. There will also be a social event to provide trainees with the opportunity to interact and network among themselves. Stipends will be provided to trainees.

Attendance is required and absences are only permitted in exceptional circumstances, with prior approval of PGME.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Matched applicants are required to provide proof of ACLS certification (current as of July 1, 2023) to the PGME office prior to starting their training program. The ACLS course must be endorsed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and/or the American Heart Association. ACLS training that is not certified by these two organizations and/or is completed entirely through an online course will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for all costs associated with obtaining ACLS certification.

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General Instructions

Program application language: English

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Supporting Documentation / Information

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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 are reviewed by the resident selection committee and assessed for basic qualifications, Canadian licensing examination status, pathology experience and research.

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Interviews

Selection Criteria

- An acceptable academic record which demonstrates both basic proficiency in clinical medicine, and special proficiency in subjects related to pathology.

- Previous work or elective time in pathology or related areas will be an asset.

- Experience in research will be an asset.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Program goals

The University of Saskatchewan offers a comprehensive training program in General Pathology in line with the Royal College training Standards. We are a Royal College fully accredited specialty.

We are looking for academically strong candidates, who are pro-active and self-driven. We hope that our residents will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills, research experience, and academic experience.

This is a intensive residency program in terms of learning and reading, as General Pathology is comprised of Anatomic Pathology (including Forensics and Cytology), Biochemistry, Hematopathology, Microbiology and Transfusion/Coagulation. After a work day, residents must have the self discipline to study numerous topics every evening. We place a significant emphasis on being a team player, with the ability to mesh with our current residents, staff and faculty.

Selection process goals

Applicants having a good background in histology, elective(s) in pathology and recent medical graduates will be considered first. Successful applicants must embody a passion and interest in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. They must be motivated in each subdiscipline, be academically strong, and exhibit the ability to be a team player. Finally, they must demonstrate commitment for learning and training in the province of Saskatchewan

File review process

Evaluation criteria :

Elective criteria

Interview process

Interview evaluation criteria :

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 :
Unprofessional or inappropriate behavior   
Did not attend interview   
Interview performance was not competitive   

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Program Highlights

General Pathology Introduction - Resident Dr. Karan Vats

Anatomical Pathology Video - Dr. Mary Kinloch

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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.

About the Program

General Pathology is a broad based specialty that bridges clinical and laboratory medicine, incorporating aspects of both anatomic pathology and clinical pathology. The University of Saskatchewan offers a residency training program in General Pathology which is competency based (CBD). Currently we have ten residents in our program, being one of the largest General Pathology programs in the country.  The General Pathology Residency training program aspires to educate, support, and mentor residents that are capable, confident, and competent laboratory medicine  physicians with the skills to handle the wide variety of challenges posed in General Pathology and Laboratory Medicine practice.

The General Pathology residency training program is based out of the Royal University Hospital located next to the beautiful and bustling University of Saskatchewan campus. Training occurs in both of the major centers of the Province of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Regina.  In Saskatoon, training is provided at the Royal University Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital, and Saskatoon City Hospital.  In Regina, training is provided at Regina Pasqua Hospital and Regina General Hospital. Also, our senior residents will complete a general pathology rotation in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan; they will be able to utilize their general pathology training by running the Anatomical Pathology division as well as all laboratories (Biochemistry, Hematopathology, Microbiology and Transfusion/Coagulation).

Competency by Design (CBD), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s competency based medical education framework, began July 1st, 2019. CBD places a focus on work-based assessments of key tasks of the discipline – Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) – as an indicator of a resident’s competency. Frequent evaluation of these EPAs provides numerous data points, which are used to plot resident’s progress and, in conjunction with other methods of assessment, determine a resident’s progression to the next stage.

Stages of CBD “The Competence Continuum”

1. Transition to Discipline
2. Foundations of Discipline
3. Core Discipline
4. Transition to Practice

1. Transition to Discipline

This stage will focus on establishing skills in microscopy, the basics of specimen handling and laboratory safety and the presentation of clinical information for clinic-pathologic correlations. Residents will create personal learning plans to help guide their studying, and create a log book of all procedures and cases seen. This also includes a Bootcamp. Bootcamp provides residents with a basic introduction to histology, as well as introduction to the areas of biochemistry, hematopathology, microbiology and anatomic pathology. This introduction includes the basics of specimen accessioning and sources of preanalytical error.

2. Foundations of Discipline

In this stage residents will complete a selection of clinical and laboratory medicine training blocks to gain experience in clinical assessment, procedures and laboratory diagnoses. Clinical rotations are focused on areas directly related to pathology such as surgical oncology, infectious disease, hematology etc. Laboratory medicine rotations will focus on anatomical pathology – developing basic skills in autopsy, grossing, and microscopic diagnosis and reporting. Some flexibility in the length of this stage can be accommodated if residents achieve their EPAs quickly, or need additional support. Residents will be required to take call as applicable to their rotation schedule.

3. Core of Discipline

Residents in this stage will establish and hone their skills in all areas of laboratory medicine. Anatomical pathology rotations will focus on subspecialties (i.e. dermatopathology, breast, GI, etc.). They will also progress through the clinical pathology specialties (hematopathology, medical microbiology, clinical chemistry, molecular). This stage will have the most flexibility to schedule rotations based on resident’s educational needs and goals of practice. Elective rotations at other institutions can be arranged to gain specific experiences and establish connections for possible fellowship opportunities.

4. Transition to Practice

This is the final stage of residency under CBD which occurs after a resident has passed their Royal College Examination usually in the fourth year of their training. Residents in this stage essentially work as junior attending pathologists to increase their comfort and skill at handling complex issues in laboratory medicine and prepare them for independent practice.

The program will provide educational rotation opportunities to successfully complete each of these stages of training.

Resident Research

The University of Saskatchewan has numerous pathology researchers in both clinical and basic science areas. Residents in the General Pathology residency program are encouraged to undertake at least one research project which could address research issues in any of the disciplines in our department. In this context, residents are provided with many opportunities above and beyond the minimum requirements. The Research Subcommittee of the Residency Program Committee with Dr. Pouneh Dokouhaki as Research Coordinator acts to support residents in achieving their research goals. Residents are encouraged to present at departmental research days and funding is available through the residency program and Endowment Funds to support residents attending conferences to present their research at a national or international; in accordance to the RPC policies.

For larger projects, dedicated research blocks can be scheduled if desired. Furthermore, residents are eligible to apply for the University of Saskatchewan’s Clinical Investigator Program and work towards a graduate degree (a post-doctoral stream is also available).

https://medicine.usask.ca/programs/cip.php

Teaching

Since teaching is intrinsic to the role of a pathologist, residents are given training in multiple types of informal and formal teaching. Residents at all levels are expected to present cases to their colleagues and attending staff at interdepartmental rounds.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions of research presented at regularly scheduled departmental research conferences, journal clubs, and presentations by invited speakers. These conferences offer trainees the chance to contribute to scientific critique of research, and learn about new techniques, new research directions, and application of statistical methods to laboratory analysis.

Opportunities are also provided for residents to teach medical students rotating through pathology services and to assist in the laboratory portion of first and second year undergraduate medical courses. Additional opportunities are available for more senior (third and fourth year) residents, such as  serving as a facilitator for the problem-based learning sessions for the first and second year medical school students and giving Grand Rounds. Also, with Competency By Design there are quite a few milestones which can be evaluated by senior residents. Academic Half Day sessions may also be taught by senior residents to junior residents, and possibly allied health personnel such as senior laboratory techs etc.

In addition, residents with a special interest in medical education are encouraged to explore the possibility of completing a master’s degree in medical education, which will be supported by the department for a suitable candidate.

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Training Sites

Hospital Information

Information on teaching hospitals affiliated with the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan are provided below.

Royal University Hospital (Saskatoon)

This is operated as a tertiary care hospital with a large outpatient service (160,000 visits annually). There are many specialty residents and students of all levels. The institution participates in the integrated university residency program in the following specialties: anesthesia, cardiology, diagnostic radiology, internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, pediatric neurology, psychiatry, respiratory medicine, rheumatology, general surgery, neurosurgery, obstetrics & gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, neonatal/perinatal medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and general pathology. Numerous medical and surgical electives are offered as well. Royal University Hospital has a separate emergency department and an organized facility for ambulatory care. The Royal University Hospital is the Saskatoon Trauma Centre and all pediatrics and obstetrics are based here. The hospital's functional space program allocates approximately 75,000 sq. ft. to the University of Saskatchewan to be used for research.

St. Paul's Hospital (Saskatoon)

This hospital is operated as a general hospital emphasizing community specialty and family medicine. This is a centre of family medicine and nephrology. Specialty residency training and family medicine residency training is provided as residents rotate through various services. St. Paul's Hospital has a separate emergency service department and an organized facility for ambulatory care. Clinical research is done on an ongoing basis.

Saskatoon City Hospital (Saskatoon)

This hospital is operated as a general hospital and provides training in a variety of specialty programs and family medicine. Residents from many College of Medicine training programs rotate through Saskatoon City Hospital. The hospital occupies a 500,000 sq. ft. facility. This site is the home base for the residency programs in physical medicine and rehabilitation and ophthalmology.

Regina General Hospital

The Regina General Hospital plays a key role in the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region's integrated health care system. One of the Region's two major hospitals and one of two tertiary care referral centres in Saskatchewan, the Regina General Hospital has a long history of providing progressive and innovative institutional health care to the people of southern Saskatchewan. In conjunction with many community health services in the Region, this acute care facility is a leader in providing a seamless system of health care to its clients.

As a major referral centre, the Regina General Hospital is staffed with many talented medical professionals experienced in a variety of specialties including cardiosciences, neurosciences and trauma care. Home to technologically-advanced medical and diagnostic equipment, the Regina General offers a full range of specialized acute care services. A new simulation centre, housed in the General Hospital will be opened in January 2012.

The Regina General Hospital is home to geographically based residents in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry and the Emergency Medicine R3 program.

Pasqua Hospital (Regina)

For 90 years, the Pasqua Hospital has served the health care needs of southern Saskatchewan. Formerly called the Grey Nuns Hospital, the Pasqua Hospital continues its tradition of care and community service as an integral part of the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region. The Pasqua Hospital is recognized for provision of quality health care in several specialized areas. Highly qualified physicians and staff, along with advanced diagnostic equipment, have enabled the Pasqua Hospital to stay in the forefront of many programs, such as ophthalmology, orthopedics and cancer services. The Pasqua Hospital has busy emergency and ambulatory care areas. It serves the core areas of Regina.

Victoria Hospital (Prince Albert)

The City of Prince Albert is the largest community in the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, with a population exceeding 40,000. 

Prince Albert is home to the Regional Health Centre, which includes Victoria Hospital, Herb Bassett Home, Pineview Terrace, Victoria Square, Brief and Social Detox Centre, Mental Health Inpatient (adult), Child and Youth Mental Health Inpatient, and Family Treatment Centre.

The City of Prince Albert is the largest community in the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, with a population exceeding 40,000. 

Prince Albert is home to the Regional Health Centre, which includes Victoria Hospital, Herb Bassett Home, Pineview Terrace, Victoria Square, Brief and Social Detox Centre, Mental Health Inpatient (adult), Child and Youth Mental Health Inpatient, and Family Treatment Centre.

Additional Resources

Residents have access to the internet and email from computers at their workstations in the Resident's room which is available at all hours. Residents have access to internet resources after hours through the University of Saskatchewan website. Some of the teaching material is available in electronic media format and the Department continues to expand its electronic image database (scanned paper and kodachrome images as well as a virtual microscopy system). Residents have full access to the departmental and resident library after hours. The Health Sciences Library is open until midnight and on weekends. Residents can also borrow books from the Pathologists, who often have an extensive library of their own.

Distributive Learning at the University of Saskatchewan

The College of Medicine, while physically located in Saskatoon, is a provincial resource in attitude and in practice. Postgraduate Medical Education at the University of Saskatchewan takes seriously its role in supporting quality health care to all people of the province. This means training physicians to meet the needs of, not only urban populations, but also those of rural and remote populations. In so doing, the College of Medicine has developed, and continues to develop, rotations in Regina and other communities. These rotations are designed to provide educational experiences to enhance the resident's knowledge and skills, and take maximum advantage of unique educational opportunities in a diversity of communities. All postgraduate programs are expected to develop and incorporate into their curriculum, rotations in communities other than Saskatoon. The manner in which each program does this is not strictly prescribed by the College of Medicine - but is determined by the Residency Program Committee, taking into consideration the needs of their residents, and the excellent opportunities available in other locations. These rotations continue to evolve as we seek to build stronger and better programs.

Extensive support is available for out of town rotations. The exact nature of this support varies with location and program. The communities involved, individual programs, the College of Medicine, and the Ministry of Health work collaboratively to ensure residents are not financially disadvantaged by the need to relocate. Housing is provided for residents completing short term rotations away from their home site within the province. Where necessary, every effort will be made to provide family friendly accommodations.

While all residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of educational experiences in other communities to ensure a well rounded education, the amount and format of such time is determined by the program committee. Royal College Specialty residents are expected to complete 15% - 30% of their training in Regina, or smaller centres (i.e. Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, North Battleford).

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Additional Information

Surrounded by endless fields of shimmering wheat, today’s Saskatoon is a pocket of Saskatchewan's culture, vitality, and welcoming prairie spirit. Saskatoon is a commercial and educational centre located on Treaty Six Territory and the Homeland of the Métis in what is now the province of Saskatchewan. The Saskatoon area has been inhabited for over 8000 years, first by First Nations people who have left evidence of their lives in the form of tipi rings, medicine wheels, and bison kill sites. The name “Saskatoon” comes from the Cree word misaskwatomina, which refers to a sweet, purple berry, which still grows in the area. With the South Saskatchewan River flowing through the middle of town, river life is integral to the heart of the city. Saskatoon is Canada’s “city of bridges,” thanks to the seven bridges that span the city, all of which cross the South Saskatchewan River. Almost half of the city is on each side of the river, so crossing east and west over the bridges, seeing the river, and walking the riverbank trails are all part of daily life here. Saskatoon has four sister cities – Cologne, Germany; Tampere, Finland; Shijiazhuang, China and Umeå, Sweden. Famous and/or notable people from Saskatoon include Joni Mitchell (musician), Farley Mowat (author), Gordie Howe (former NHL player), John Diefenbaker (former Prime Minister of Canada), Ray Hnatyshyn (former Governor General of Canada), Yann Martel (author of  Life of Pi – and the movie version won some Oscars), Jim Pattison (billionaire businessman) and Roy Romanow (former Premier of Saskatchewan).

When to Come: Saskatoon has become a city of festivals .With more sunlight per year than any other Canadian city (average 2,381 hours of sunshine every year), Saskatoon comes alive in summer, with celebrations like Saskatoon Blues Festival, the Fringe Festival, the Jazz Festival, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Children’s Festival, Rock the River, Exhibition and Folkfest. During winter, kicksledding and cross-country skiing are popular in Meewasin. The Potash Corp Wintershines festival takes place late January/early February, with an ice park, ice carving competitions, and soup cook-offs. Christmas lights add a festive glow to the outdoor skating rink beside the Delta Bessborough hotel. The Potash Corp Wintershines Festival features international ice carvers. During Christmas, you can also enjoy the Festival of Trees at the Western Development Museum or the Enchanted Forest at the Forestry Farm (the longest running and best light show in Canada).

What to Eat or Drink: Saskatoon is the Cree name for an edible red berry used in pies, jams, and condiments. Pick Sasaktoon berries (used in pies, jams, condiments and beverages) in season or just enjoy eating them at the Berry Barn (830 Valley Road). Diners will want to check out the Farm to Table-inspired Odla or the ambience of Calories. For warm and comfort Ayden Kitchen & Bar or sample the tacos at Picaro. Forward prairie cooking, Hearth Restaurant, accommodates everything from solo dining at the bar, to an intimate date night. Another hot spot to check out is Primal Pasta, time honoured Italian food & handmade pasta using Saskatchewan heritage grains & whole animal butchery. Amigos Cantina, a Broadway district club with Tex-Mex on the menu (amazing burritos)! And more…come and see.

Saskatoon - Wikipedia

Tourism Saskatoon