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NOSM University - Emergency Medicine - Thunder Bay

2026 R-1 Main Residency Match - first iteration
IMG Stream for IMG

Under revision

Last approved on September 09, 2025

Approximate Quota:

 

Accreditation status : Accredited

Provincial Criteria

Dr. Jonathan Smith
Thunder Bay
Emergency Medicine Website

Program Contacts

Chelsea Mason
Program Coordinator
emergencymedicine@nosm.ca

Jonathan Smith
Program Director

Important Information

This is a new Emergency Medicine residency program at NOSM University, with our first intake of residents beginning in July 2026 in Thunder Bay, ON. As a new program, we are committed to building an innovative, supportive, and learner-centered training experience rooted in NOSM University’s social accountability mandate. 

Our program spans the geography of northern Ontario and experiences exist across all our regions. At times, residents will travel for rotations, away from their home site, to experience the breadth of the discipline. Support is provided through NOSM University for housing and travel costs.

Applicants are encouraged to attend our virtual information sessions and visit our website for updates and event details. We do not offer individual meetings with candidates to ensure a fair and equitable selection process.

Information Session (Date TBD):
An information session will be provided by the residents that describes our program highlights and gives an opportunity for candidates to ask questions.

 

Electives
While elective experiences in our discipline are highly encouraged, as this helps demonstrate your interest and aptitude in the field, it is not required. We recognize that not all candidates have the opportunity to arrange and complete electives outside of their home institution and would like to reassure you this will not negatively impact your application. 

Gaps in Training, Remediation, or Professionalism issues 

Please address any gaps in training, remediation, or professionalism issues in your personal letter as a separate paragraph. This will not count towards your maximum word count. 


Return of Service

The Ministry of Health requests all ROS agreements before July 1st 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 ROS requirements of other provinces.

More information for IMG ROS can be found here: Return of Service

If you have further questions, please contact the Ministry of Health at PPUProgramOfficer@ontario.ca 

PLEASE NOTE: YOU ARE REQUIRED TO FULFILL A ROS COMMITMENT IN ONTARIO IMMEDIATELY UPON COMPLETION OF YOUR TRAINING.

General Instructions

Program application language: English

Please ensure all required documents are uploaded by the application deadline. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Supporting Documentation / Information

Canadian citizenship
CaRMS partners with third-party organizations to verify your citizenship or permanent resident status. If your status is verified by one of these organizations, you will not need to provide citizenship documents in your application. If your citizenship status is not verified, you must provide one of the documents listed below.
Document must be notarized/certified
Required
Submit one of the following documents to verify your Canadian citizenship:
• 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)
• Proof of Protected Person / Convention Refugee Status
• Certificate of Indian Status / Aboriginal Status or Makivik Society Card
• Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card)

Canadian Citizenship:

Must be a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident. Proof of valid current citizenship or permanent resident status must be provided by submitting one of the following verifications to CaRMS by the deadline for submission and assignment of applications and documents.  Failure to provide valid proof will result in your application being removed.  No other forms of verification are acceptable. 

  1. Notarized/certified photocopy of Birth Certificate issued by an authority in Canada. Must be accompanied by a Canadian government-issued photo ID; or
  2. Notarized/certified photocopy of Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. Must accompanied by a Canadian government-issued photo ID; or
  3. Notarized/certified photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence in Canada. Must accompanied by a Canadian government-issued photo ID; or
  4. Notarized/certified photocopy of Canadian Passport; or
  5. Notarized/certified photocopy of Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card); or
  6. Notarized/certified photocopy of Canadian Permanent Resident Card (both sides of card); or
  7. Notarized/certified photocopy of Proof of Protected person/Convention Refugee Status; or
  8. Notarized/certified photocopy of Certificate of Indian Status/Aboriginal status or Makivik society card:
    • Citizens of Indigenous nations where Treaties allow individuals to work and train across the USA-Canada border are eligible to undergo postgraduate medical training in Canada once their Indigenous citizenship is verified, even if they do not have Canadian citizenship. Of note, it may be necessary to obtain a work visa prior to starting postgraduate training.
Language proficiency
Required
Submit one of the following documents to verify your language proficiency:
• IELTS
• Letter of language proficiency
• TOEFL - iBT
• Occupational English Test (OET) - Medicine
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) - General

Applicants must be able to communicate in the language of instruction and patient care of the matching school. Language proficiency documents must be valid by (not expired) up to July 1, 2026 unless otherwise indicated below.

Language Requirements

  1. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP):
    • Must have minimum score of 9 in each of the four skills in the same sitting
  2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Must have minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four skills in the same sitting
  3. TOEFL-Ibt
    • Must have minimum score of 93 with a minimum score of 24 on the speaking section.
    • The TOEFL iBT Home Edition will be accepted as a substitute for the TOEFL iBT.
  4. Occupational English Test (OET) -Medicine
    • Must have minimum grade of B in each of the four skills in the same sitting
  5. Candidates for whom their primary and secondary, or medical school education was conducted in English or French, the Ontario medical schools will accept Language Proficiency Attestations as follows:

a)Primary and Secondary Education: Mailed directly from the Senior Academic Administrators of both schools to the program confirming that all of the candidate’s primary and secondary education was conducted completely in English or French.

b) Medical School: Mailed directly from the Dean of the candidate’s medical school confirming that the language of instruction and patient care was conducted completely in English or French 

Examinations
Required
NAC examination
  • Score and document(s)
  • NAC examination - Statement of results
  • NAC examination - Supplemental Information Report

    • A passing score of NAC is required to apply. MCCQE part II passing score can be used to apply instead of the NAC passing score.

     

    Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination
  • Score and document(s)
  • MCCQE - Statement of Results

    • A passing score of MCCQE1 is required to apply.

    Reference documents
    Required
    Number requested: 3

    Nationally, EM programs have moved towards a structured reference letter to enhance our ability to review applicants more fairly. 

    Please do not submit more than 3 structured reference letters - only the first 3 will be reviewed. The references should be written by attending clinical and research faculty who are able to comment on the suitability of the candidate with respect to the published selection criteria. Having letters from Emergency Physicians is helpful but not required.

     

    Additional documents
    Required
    Personal Letter 
    Word count
    Minimum : None
    Maximum : 1000

    Your personal letter is an opportunity to tell us about yourself and explain your interest in a career in emergency medicine.  There are many paths to choosing EM and we want to read about yours!

     Your letter should outline:

    • Reasons for choosing the RCPSC EM training program
    • What experiences you have had that have helped foster your interest in EM
    • Reasons for applying to the NOSM University’s EM program
    • How your unique skill set and experiences will contribute to EM and our residency program
    • Any other information you consider relevant

    Custom Résumé / CV 

    Please keep your CV to a maximum of 4 pages.

    Photo 
    [Note: Photograph is used as memory aid only]

    Medical Student Performance Record 

    For International (IMGs) and United States (USMGs) medical graduates, you can submit your MSPR through either of the methods below:

    1. Upload your MSPR directly into your CaRMS Online account; or
    2. Ask your medical school to upload your MSPR through their CaRMS Undergraduate Portal account.

    If your MSPR is in a language other than the program language of English or French, you are required to have the document translated.

    Medical School Transcript 

    Your medical school transcript can be submitted through one of the methods below:

    1. 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;
    2. Ask your medical school to upload your medical transcript through their CaRMS Undergraduate Portal account; or
    3. International (IMGs) and United States (USMGs) medical graduates can transfer their transcript from their physiciansapply.ca account.

    Optional - will be reviewed
    Abstract/Publications 

    Review Process

    Applications submitted after file review has opened on November 27, 2025


    Supporting documents (excluding letters of reference) that arrive after file review has opened  on  November 27, 2025


    Letters of reference that arrive after the unmasking date on November 27, 2025


    Interviews

    Dates TBD. Interviews will occur during the National Interview Period January 17 - February 8, 2026. 
    Program will notify all applicants through CaRMS Online and will send email invitations directly to applicants selected for an interview.
    Candidates will participate in two virtual interviews, each 12 minutes in duration. Each interview team will consist of 1-2 faculty members. Interviews will involve standardized questions and each interviewer will score the candidate independently. Each reviewer will rate each applicant based on personal attributes and skills compatible with a career in Emergency Medicine, including:

    • Strong interpersonal skills
    • Ability to self-reflect and incorporate feedback
    • Maturity, leadership, and motivation
    • Demonstrated interest in the specialty (including but not limited to: electives, leadership,research)
    • Innovation and achievement of educational goals
    A virtual social event is held with staff to allow candidates to get to know the members of our program. Participation in these events is optional and does not contribute to the candidates total score.

     

    Selection Criteria

    Program goals

    Our goal is to train competent, compassionate, and adaptable emergency physicians who deliver high-quality, evidence-based informed care across diverse settings; this includes academic tertiary care centres, with a strong foundation in serving rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Our program will foster lifelong learning, leadership, and innovation to enhance emergency medicine practice across Canada.

    The program aims to develop physicians with strong clinical expertise, effective communication skills, and a commitment to advancing emergency medicine practices through research, education, leadership, and quality improvement. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to improving outcomes for diverse patient populations across academic and community settings.

     

    Selection process goals

    Our program is committed to selecting residents who will become competent, compassionate, and adaptable emergency physicians, aligned with NOSM University’s mission of social accountability and improving access to care across rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

    We seek applicants who:

    • Demonstrate a commitment to underserved populations and improving health equity.
    • Show excellence in clinical performance, teamwork, and communication.
    • Are self-reflective, teachable, and adaptable
    • Bring diverse lived experiences and backgrounds that enrich our learning environment
    • Exhibit interest in academic emergency medicine through teaching, leadership, advocacy, or research.
    • Are prepared to thrive in a dynamic, resource-variable, and community-engaged training environment.

    We value fairness, transparency, and equity in our selection process and are dedicated to identifying each applicant’s unique strengths and potential.

     

    File review process

    Review team composition : Review team composition:
    - Program Director
    - Faculty volunteers (all of whom are from Emergency Medicine)

    Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 0 - 50
    This is a new program and this data is not yet available.

    Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 0 - 25 %
    This is a new program and this data is not yet available.

    Evaluation criteria :
    File component Criteria
    CV Organized and professional presentation of candidate. Participation in leadership, research, advocacy, or workforce.
    Electives Evidence of an interest in Emergency Medicine
    Examinations We do not evaluate this file component
    Extra-curricular Contribution to the community, ability to maintain work-life integration
    Leadership skills Evidence of meaningful leadership activities as part of and outside of medical school
    MSPRs Will be reviewed
    Personal letters Clear, concise, well-formulated articulation of how NOSM University’s EM program aligns with your career goals
    Reference documents Successful and meaningful participation in clinical activities in the context of Emergency Medicine
    Research/Publications Evidence of meaningful scholarship during medical school in EM or related field
    Transcripts Academic performance during medical school
    Other file component(s) If your transcript/MSPR indicates academic difficulty, failure(s), repeat of a year or any gaps in your education or training history, please attach a supplementary statement to the END of your Personal Letter entitled "Transcript/CV Addendum" explaining the above. The Transcript/CV Addendum, if needed, is not included in the word limit for the personal letter. Failure to submit a transcript addendum, if the criteria apply, will result in the application not being considered.

    Elective criteria

    We are looking for and rewarding applicants who have completed a broad range of electives including in our discipline.
    We do not require applicants to have done onsite electives.

    While elective experiences in our discipline are highly encouraged, as this helps demonstrate your interest and aptitude in the field, it is not required. We recognize that not all candidates have the opportunity to arrange and complete electives outside of their home institution and would like to reassure you this will not negatively impact your application.

    Interview process

    Interview format :



    We do not re-schedule interviews for applicants after we have completed the scheduling process.

    Interview evaluation criteria :
    Interview components Criteria
    Collaboration skills Evidence of and enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration in clinical setting
    Collegiality Evidence that they engage and support colleagues, ability to discuss personal experiences
    Communication skills Evidence of excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills, able to convey thoughts succinctly
    Health advocacy Evidence of advocacy activities in patient care, the health care system, and outside of medicine
    Interest in the discipline Demonstrable interest in Emergency Medicine
    Interest in the program Demonstrable interest in NOSM University's Emergency Medicine. Interest in northern Ontario, francophone and indigenous populations is an asset.
    Leadership skills Evidence of meaningful leadership roles in medical or non-medical setting
    Professionalism Evidence of professionalism in all interpersonal interactions and behaviours on the interview day
    Scholarly activities Achievements in scholarly activities are viewed as an asset, not a requirement

    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

    The Royal College Emergency Medicine program at NOSM University offers a unique opportunity to train in diverse settings across Northern Ontario—preparing you to provide outstanding care anywhere in Canada.  Highlights include but are not limited to:

    • Enthusiastic and Engaged Faculty: Passionate teachers and preceptors committed to resident learning, mentorship, and success.
    • Strong Support Structure: Dedicated program coordinator and program director ensuring a responsive, resident-centered experience.
    • Comprehensive Assessment System: Clear, supportive, and competency-based evaluation framework aligned with national standards.
    • Exceptional Clinical Exposure: Diverse emergency care training across Northern Ontario, including urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
    • Robust Simulation Program: Regular access to high-fidelity simulation for procedural, team-based, and crisis resource management skills.
    • Longitudinal Pediatric Training: Early and ongoing exposure to pediatric emergency care in a variety of settings.
    • Unique Clinical Pathology: Broad and fulsome exposure to high-acuity and uncommon cases in both adult and pediatric populations.
    • Resident-Driven Culture: Training that prioritizes resident wellness, flexibility, and meaningful responsiveness to feedback.
    • Collaborative Opportunities: Integrated learning with NOSM University’s FM/EM program to enhance scope and depth of training.
    • Flexible and Impactful Research: Opportunities to pursue scholarly work addressing both rural and urban health system needs.

    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.

    The Emergency Medicine Residency Program is five years in duration that involves multiple training sites. Residents are assessed on an ongoing basis by means of direct observation, daily shift assessments, the annual national in-training exam and regular written and oral exams. Each resident meets with an academic advisor to review their progress on a regular basis.

    At NOSM University, our Royal College Emergency Medicine (EM) residency program offers a rich and rigorous training experience designed to prepare you for the full scope of EM practice—from rural community hospitals to high-acuity trauma centers.

    Our training spans Transition to Discipline (TTD) through Transition to Practice (TTP), following the Royal College Competence by Design framework. Here's a look at how your five years will unfold:

    Transition to Discipline (TTD)

    • 3 blocks of core Emergency Medicine (EM) to orient and immerse you in the specialty from day one.

    Foundations of Discipline (FoD)

    • 2 blocks of Emergency Medicine
    • 2 blocks of Pediatrics
    • 2 blocks of Internal Medicine
    • 1 block of Anesthesia

     You’ll develop essential resuscitation, diagnostic, and communication skills across key disciplines.

    Core of Discipline (CoD)

    • 22 blocks of Emergency Medicine (NOSM University teaching sites)
    • 2 blocks of Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM)* at Western University (London, ON)
    • 2 blocks of Community Emergency Medicine* (e.g, Kenora, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins)
    • 2 blocks of EM/ Trauma* at the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, AB)
    • 3 blocks of Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
    • 2 Selectives tailored to your interests (e.g., Diagnostic Imaging, Orthopedic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Research, Public Health)
    • Longitudinal Toxicology exposure including course work
    • 1 block each of:
      • Anesthesia
      • Cardiac Care Unit* (CCU – Sudbury, ON)
      • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
      • Elective
      • General Surgery
      • Obstetrics
      • Orthopedics
      • Plastic Surgery
      • Transport Medicine

    This stage provides diverse, high-volume exposure across urban, rural, and tertiary care centers.

    Transition to Practice (TTP)

    • 6 blocks of Emergency Medicine
    • 1 block of Community Emergency Medicine* (e.g, Kenora, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins)
    • 6 blocks in an Area of Special Interest (ASI), where you can deepen expertise in education, research, ultrasound, global health, simulation, or another field aligned with your career goals.

    *Travel required for core rotations will be spread out during training.  Housing and travel for core rotations are financially supported by NOSM University.

    This comprehensive training ensures you're well-prepared for the wide range of clinical environments and patient populations that define the Canadian emergency medicine landscape.

     

    Academic Program Overview

    Our academic program is designed to offer high-impact, practical learning that goes beyond the classroom. Residents benefit from robust point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training, integrated throughout the curriculum and reinforced by hands-on workshops in airway management, trauma care, and other essential emergency procedures. We also provide simulation-based learning, exam preparation, and structured wellness support. Additionally, our program is enriched by close collaboration with the University of Manitoba’s Royal College EM program and NOSM University’s Family Medicine/Emergency Medicine (FM/EM) program, fostering shared academic sessions, collegial exchange, and a broader community of emergency medicine learners.

    With a blend of didactic teaching, simulation, scholarly work, and protected learning time, our program emphasizes both clinical excellence and academic growth.

    Key features include:

    • Weekly Academic Full days: Protected time for high-yield, case-based, and evidence-informed teaching every Tuesday. Mornings will focus on hands-on training while most afternoon sessions will be provided virtually with the University of Manitoba. The academic curriculum is based on a three year cycle of core Emergency Medicine topics with objectives geared to both senior and junior level of learners.

    The University of Manitoba academic sessions utilize a "flipped classroom format" to make the sessions as interactive and informative as possible based on pre-reading of core Emergency Medicine topics.

    • Simulation-Based Education: High-fidelity simulation sessions to build crisis resource management and procedural confidence.  The Simulation curriculum brings residents to the Clinical Learning and Simulation Facility at least once per month for dedicated simulation training.
    • Journal Club & Research: Frequent Journal Clubs and dedicated research afternoons to support scholarship and critical appraisal skills.
    • Procedural Skills Training: Hands-on training focused on core and advanced EM procedures.
    • Wellness Curriculum: Regular sessions supporting resident resilience, reflection, and well-being.
    • Grand Rounds: Interdisciplinary rounds to sharpen diagnostic reasoning and deepen systems-based learning. These include participation from Emergency Physicians at both teaching and community hospitals as well as our urgent care facilities. Residents are expected to present at Grand Rounds throughout residency.
    • Exam Preparation: Practice oral exams, CITE sessions, and structured review to support success on RCPSC exams.
    • Multi-Day Workshops: Residents in our program will take part in multi-day workshops such as ultrasound, resuscitation, and wilderness medicine throughout training.
    • Ultrasound Training: The Ultrasound curriculum is designed so that all residents attain their Independent Practitioner status. 
    • Certifications: NOSM University covers the cost of ACLS, ATLS and PALS.

    Further to the NOSM University EM academics program, residents are required to participate in the PGY1 Core Curriculum. These are additional education activities provided by the Postgraduate Medical Education Office at NOSM University for all residents in their first year of training.

     

    Training Sites

    While most rotations will occur in Thunder Bay, ON. The program includes mandatory core rotations in community settings*, Sudbury, ON; Winnipeg, MB; and London, ON.

    *Northern Ontario communities - Kenora, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins

     

    Additional Information

    Emergency Medicine at the NOSM University is committed to a fair and transparent application process. We maintain the right to choose the applicants we feel are the best people for our residency training program.

    However, not all applicants whose files meet our minimum criteria will be offered interviews; only the top candidates will be offered an interview.