Memorial University of Newfoundland - Pediatrics - St. John's
2026 R-1 Main Residency Match - second iteration
Competitive Stream for IMG
Last approved on March 04, 2026
Summary of changesApproximate Quota:
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Accreditation status : Accredited
Provincial Criteria
Medical Education Office
Room 2J061A
Janeway Child Health And Rehabilitation Centre, Newfoundland and Labrador
Program Contacts
Important Information
Accreditation
The pediatrics residency program was given the status of Accredited Program by the Royal College in November 2024.
Eligibility
Please review Memorial University's Provincial Criteria and admission requirements for postgraduate medical education. Please note that observing and shadowing does not constitute active clinical practice or training and will not be accepted when reviewing an applicant's currency of practice/training.
Orientation
Applicants who match to Memorial University must attend orientation during the last week of June. Details will be provided in April 2026.
Post Match:
Please note that Memorial University does not participate in the post-match.
Return of Service
No return of service is required.
General Instructions
Program application language: English
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)
• IELTS
• Occupational English Test (OET) - Medicine
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) - General
Applicants who completed undergraduate medical education outside of Canada, including Canadians, are considered IMGS; therefore, applicants who completed undergraduate medical education - in part or in full - in a country not recognized as having English as the first language, must provide proof of proficiency in the English language.
Other secondary/post-secondary education in English (regardless of citizenship) and medical elective rotations/experiences in English (including those in Canada) will not satisfy the language proficiency requirements.
The accepted English language proficiency exams, and the required scores, are as follows:
- International English Language Testing System - Academic (IELTS-Academic), with a minimum score of 7 in each category in no more than two combined sittings of the same language test;
- Occupational English Test - Medicine (OET-Medicine), with a minimum grade of B in each category in no more than two combined sittings of the same language test;
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program Test - General (CELPIP-General), with a minimum score of 9 in each area in no more than two combined sittings of the same language test.
Exams must be completed within 24 months of the residency start date (July 1) and results must be available by the CaRMS document review deadline.
IMGs who completed both their basic medical education and patient care experience in one of the following countries are exempt from providing proof of proficiency:
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands (United Kingdom), Virgin Islands (United States).
IMGs who are currently practicing in Canada as a family physician or Royal College specialist (must have CFPC or RCPSC certification), and are providing the majority of their patient care in English, may be exempt from providing up-to-date language proficiency testing. Any applicant in this situation should write to pgmeimg@mun.ca in advance of the application deadline, to determine if they meet this criteria for exemption. Applicants currently in a clinical fellowship program are not exempted.
Required if applicant does not have MCCQEII/LMCC
Required if applicant does not have the NAC exam.
Being a licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) will override the NAC exam and exempt applicants from this requirement. A copy of the Certificate of Registration must be submitted. Score, Statement of Results and Supplemental Information Report required if applicable.
Your referee must complete the required structured reference form. Please include this link within your reference request: Pediatrics Structured Reference Letter. Traditional letters of reference are no longer accepted for this program.
Three standard letters of reference are required; they should be completed by attending staff physicians on https://www.carms.ca/.
Consistent with the AFMC measures established in response to the Québec physicians’ strike, we will implement the following accommodations for applicants from Québec faculties of medicine and for applicants from other Canadian faculties who had planned visiting electives in Québec during this time.
- We will accept reference documents completed by any physician able to support the applicant’s candidacy.
- We will not require reference letters from physicians practising in the same discipline as the program.
- Applicants are required to submit two (2) reference documents but are permitted to submit up to the maximum of three (3).
Your personal letter should highlight why you are a good candidate for our pediatric residency program. Emphasis on choice of pediatrics, why you would like to train in our program and live in Newfoundland is advised. The ability to concisely communicate your thoughts and ideas is appreciated.
Custom Résumé / CV Memorial Declaration for InterruptionsALL applicants must submit the Declaration of Interruptions form with their application.
Consent for disclosureALL applicants must submit the Consent to Disclose form with their application.
Memorial Core Clinical Clerkship Rotation DetailsFailure to submit a completed MUN Core Clinical Clerkship Rotation Details form will render an application incomplete and it will not be reviewed.
Medical School TranscriptYour medical school transcript can be submitted through one of the methods below:
- Obtain your medical transcript from your school and upload it directly to your CaRMS Online account. Follow your school’s policy regarding accessing or requesting your transcript;
- Ask your medical school to upload your medical transcript through their CaRMS Undergraduate Portal account; or
- International (IMGs) and United States (USMGs) medical graduates can transfer their transcript from their physiciansapply.ca account.
For current year Canadian medical graduates (CMGs), there is no action required from you. Your medical school will automatically submit your MSPR to CaRMS on your behalf for you to assign.
If your MSPR is in a language other than the program language of English or French, you are required to have the document translated.
For applicants from Québec faculties of medicine, as well as those from other Canadian faculties who had scheduled visiting electives in Québec during this period, we will accept incomplete MSPRs for file review and ranking purposes.
An incomplete MSPR is one that may be missing final assessments from placements expected to be completed by the date of submission but delayed due to the strike. A complete MSPR will not be required as a criterion for file review or ranking for these applicants.
PhotoIf available.
Review Process
Applications submitted after file review has opened on March 17, 2026
Supporting documents (excluding letters of reference) that arrive after file review has opened on March 17, 2026
Letters of reference that arrive after the unmasking date on March 17, 2026
Interviews
Dates:
- March 25, 2026
Selection Criteria
Please see descriptors below.
Program goals
The mission of the pediatric program at Memorial University is to provide trainees with the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a general pediatrician or to prepare them for further pediatric subspecialty training.
The overall goal of the program is to help residents develop competency, as identified by the seven CanMEDS roles, as well as achieve the competencies for specialty training in pediatrics as outlined by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Our goals are to:
1. To provide diverse clinical exposures in a variety of environments, in combination with an academic curriculum, to give residents the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a general pediatrician or to prepare for further pediatric subspecialty training.
2. To foster opportunities to develop teaching skills and knowledge so as to enable residents to participate in medical education.
3. To understand research principles and apply these to develop and complete a scholarly project.
4. To understand the principles and develop the skills required to work with the interdisciplinary team which provides care for patients.
5. To develop management and leadership skills and apply these skills in graded clinical responsibility.
6. To develop an understanding of, and a commitment to, lifelong learning pediatric medicine.
7. To develop the ability to critically appraise medical research and literature, and apply this to clinical practice.
8. To understand the role of the pediatrician as an advocate for the needs of their patients, their families, and society as a whole, and develop the skills needed to advocate effectively.
9. To provide a positive learning environment where residents can develop an awareness and understanding of professional behavior, and apply it to daily practice.
10. To emphasize the importance of physician wellness and help develop the resiliency skills necessary for a successful career.
Selection process goals
At Memorial University we are looking for candidates who have a genuine committment to pediatrics who would thrive in a medium-sized residency program. Residents who train in our program should value enhanced opportunites for direct patient care experiences, as well as early transition to graded responsibilty, within a supported environment.
Our ideal candidates should recognize the value of educational experiences that exist in community hospital settings and be enthusiastic about undertaking rotations in rural areas. Our curriculum includes community general pediatric rotations in each of the three core years of training, with a community junior attending block in year four.
We are seeking residents with excellent communication skills who are able to work well in team settings. We value the collegial atmosphere that exists amongst our residents and faculty; residents in our program are expected to contribute to, and be supportive of, a positive learning environment. The ability to accept and respond to feedback is an important part of this relationship.
An interest in scholarly inquiry is valued. This can be shown through research, advocacy projects or patient education initiatives.
Candidates must have demonstrated professional conduct. Gaps in training must be fully explained.
File review process
Review team composition : Files are reviewed by faculty members and residents who are selected by the CaRMS selection committee. Each file is reviewed by two individuals. Interview decisions are made by the CaRMS selection committee using a scoring system.
Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 51 - 200
Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 51 - 75 %
| File component | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CV | Demonstration of an active academic life as well as involvement in non-academic activites and interests. Experiences which include successful interactions with children are valued. |
| Electives | Used to evaluate genuine interest in pediatrics |
| Examinations | We do not evaluate this file component |
| Extra-curricular | Demonstration of interests outisde of the academic environment. Awareness of the importance of work-life balance is emphasized. |
| Leadership skills | Leadership experience within and outside of the academic environment is considered. |
| MSPRs | We use this to determine unexplained gaps in training or failed rotations. Professionalism concerns are also considered. |
| Personal letters | Used to evaluate genuine interest in pediatrics and knowledge of our program's unique qualities |
| Reference documents | Ability to work in a team, accept feedback, professionalism |
| Research/Publications | Interest and experience in research particularly in pediatrics |
| Transcripts | Successful completion of MD program |
Elective criteria
Interview process
Interview format :
We routinely accommodate requests to re-schedule interviews for applicants.
| Interview components | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Collaboration skills | Able to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams |
| Collegiality | Ability to work well and be supportive of colleagues |
| Communication skills | Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively to members of the interdisciplinary medical team as well as to patients and families |
| Health advocacy | Demonstrate an awareness and interest in public health issues effecting children |
| Interest in the discipline | Genuine interest in pediatrics and awareness of the unique health care needs of children and their families |
| Interest in the program | Candidates should value training in a medium size residency program where early transition to supported independence is emphasized |
| Leadership skills | Demonstration of leadership through both academic and extracurricular activities |
| Professionalism | Able to accept feedback and interact respectfully with others |
| Scholarly activities | Genuine interest in lifelong learning and critical appraisal of research |
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 pediatric residency program at Memorial University of Newfoundland offers the opportunity to live in a vibrant east coast city, while attaining excellent pediatric training in a collegial and supportive academic environment.
Our moderately-sized pediatric residency program offers distinct advantages to learners; because we have no subspecialty residents, our pediatric residents have an early transition to independence within a supportive environment. Our program size also provides excellent opportunities for direct patient care experiences for learners in all levels of training. We have an excellent faculty to resident ratio which facilitates individualized learning and enhanced opportunities for observation and feedback. The inclusion of community rotations in all four years of training provides residents with the opportunity to experience the full breadth general pediatrics.
Our main training site is the Janeway Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre located in St. John’s - one of the oldest cities in North America. St. John’s provides amazing access to outdoor activities from hiking and biking to iceberg and whale watching. Our city also has an exceptional music and food scene, featuring award winning chefs and restaurants.
Of course, our east coast hospitality is renowned, which also makes St. John’s a lovely place to live, work and study.
Stay tuned for the dates of our upcoming virtual information sessions on CanPREPP
To learn more exciting information about our program follow us on Instagram@munpeds.
Program Curriculum
This residency program is for 4 years.
Program length of training does not exceed the Royal College or College of Family Physicians of Canada standard.
Residents receive 4 weeks of vacation per year
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PGY 1 (13 Blocks) |
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Clinical Teaching Unit (CTU) – 8 weeks Newborn Medicine - 4 weeks NICU – 4 weeks Pediatric Emergency Medicine – 4 weeks Ambulatory Pediatrics – 8 weeks Child Development – 4 weeks Subspecialty Selective – 8 weeks (Pediatric Cardiology, Genetics, Hematology/Oncology, Neurology, Endocrinology & GI/Rheumatology) Adolescent Medicine – 4 weeks Community – 4 weeks Enrichment Block - 4 weeks |
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PGY 2 (13 Blocks) |
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NICU – 4 weeks PICU – 8 weeks Clinical Teaching Unit (CTU) – 8 weeks Subspecialty Selective – 4 weeks (Pediatric Cardiology, Genetics, Hematology/Oncology, Neurology, Endocrinology & GI/Rheumatology) Elective – 8 weeks (out-of-town/province) Pediatric Surgery – 4 weeks Psychiatry – 4 weeks Anesthesia – 2 weeks Research – 2 weeks Enrichment Block - 4 weeks Community Pediatrics - 4 weeks |
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PGY 3 (13 Blocks) |
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NICU – 4 weeks PICU – 4 weeks Clinical Teaching Unit (CTU) – 8 weeks Pediatric Emergency Medicine – 4 weeks Elective – 4 weeks Ambulatory Pediatrics – 4 weeks Subspecialty Selective – 8 weeks (Pediatric Cardiology, Genetics, Hematology/Oncology, Neurology, Endocrinology & GI/Rheumatology) Child Development – 4 weeks Community Pediatrics - 4 weeks Medical Education – 2 weeks Newborn Pediatrics – 2 weeks Enrichment Block - 4 weeks |
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PGY 4 (13 Blocks) |
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Acute Care (PICU, NICU or ER) – 4 weeks Selective – 16 weeks (4 blocks) Elective – 12 weeks (3 blocks) Janeway Site Junior Attending – 8 weeks Learning and Behaviour - 4 weeks Community Junior Attending - 4 weeks Enrichment Block - 4 weeks
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Research
Research is an active component of residents’ training. All residents are required to complete a scholarly research project, during their residency, on a topic of interest. There is also a series of academic half days scheduled throughout the residency covering a range of research related topics. There is a full month of protected time divided in two parts in second and third years. Further research time can be scheduled during the third and fourth years of residency. For those who are interested in training for both a clinical and an academic career, there are a number of opportunities to further enhance a resident’s research training and experience. Faculty members are quite open to involving residents in existing programs of research. Added training is available through the Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Program or through the completion of a diploma or Master of Science in clinical epidemiology, done concurrently with one’s residency. The department also supports residents to present their work at national and international conferences and at our annual Pediatric Residents Research Day.
Seminars
Four hours per week are spent in an academic half-day which covers all required competencies in a 3 year cycled curriculum. This is protected teaching time. There are also multiple other academic rounds that occur on a regularly scheduled basis including:
- Subspecialty rounds
- Team rounds
- CPS rounds
Training Sites
Resources:
Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre
Health Sciences Centre
Western Memorial Regional Hospital
Central Newfoundland Regional Hospital
Residents may also complete rural rotations in New Brunswick and PEI.
Residents have three electives during the three years of core pediatric training. There are also elective experiences in the fourth year curriculum.
- If a resident has a recognized supervisor, and the elective is pertinent to the specialty, this may be taken in Canada, the United States or internationally.
The ratio of faculty to residents is approximately 1:1
There is a mandatory rural community rotation in each of the three core years. These are with community pediatricians in various sites in Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick. Accommodation is provided for these rural rotations in accordance with housing policies of the Faculty of Medicine. Transportation for core rotations is reimbursed as per the Eastern Health Guidelines for Travel Reimbursement.
The average patient load depends on the rotation and time of year. Over the course of the residency, each resident is involved in the care of a large number of patients. CTUs have at least two residents and clinical clerks. The senior residents assume a supervisory role.
Many of the subspecialty rotations accept one resident at a time, allowing for enhanced hands-on experience. Because we are a moderately-sized program, our residents are exposed to a wide variety and volume of clinical experiences. The inclusion of mandatory rural community rotations in our core curriculum allows for a unique opportunity to experience multiple facets of general pediatrics.
Summary of changes
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