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NOSM University - General Surgery - Northern Ontario

2026 R-1 Main Residency Match - second iteration
Competitive Stream for IMG

Last approved on March 09, 2026

Summary of changes

Approximate Quota:

 click here

Accreditation status : Accredited

Provincial Criteria

Dr. Andrew Smith
c/o Program Coordinator 
Postgraduate Education 
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1
(705) 662-7017
(807) 766-7337
NOSM University - General Surgery

Program Contacts

Dominique Boyd-Stewart
Program Coordinator
dboydstewart@nosm.ca
705-662-7174
Email is preferred as voicemail is checked a few times a week

Important Information

NOSM University General Surgery 

  • Interviews will be held virtually on the evening of Thursday, April 2nd. Connections details - coming soon.
  • No social is scheduled.
  • Candidates will undergo two interviews by groups of 2-3. The groups will be comprised of faculty and/or current residents.

 

 

Transfer Applicants

If you are a resident in a current Canadian PG position using the second iteration of the CaRMS Match as a possible route to change program or specialty, In accordance with the Ontario eligibility criteria, which references the National Transfer Guidelines, you will need to upload all in-training assessments/evaluations and a summary of your training record in addition to the other required components of your CaRMS application.

Please also provide your permission for the program to speak with your current Program Director by adding "If I am shortlisted, I give permission for the program to speak with my current Program Director," at the bottom of your Personal Letter.  We will only contact your current PD if you are shortlisted.

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
• FAIMER / World Directory of Medical Schools

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. World Dictionary of Medical Schools / FAIMER
    • If the instruction and the language of patient care at the undergraduate medical school was conducted completely in English or French, then a candidate can submit a copy, or printout, of the World Directory of Medical Schools website listing the medical school which clearly states that the language of instruction is English or French.
  6. 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

    Reference letters must be written by clinical teachers and/or faculty who have reasonable knowledge of you, either through close association in clinical training situations or as your faculty advisor. References should provide an assessment of your: medical knowledge; clinical skills; interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively; and your attitudes toward learning.

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

    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.

    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 English or French, you are required to have the document translated.

    Personal Letter 
    Word count
    Minimum : None
    Maximum : 1000

    A personal letter (maximum 1000 words) focusing on the following:

    • experiences that led to your interest in General Surgery;
    • aspects of the NOSM General Surgery program that interest you;
    • personal qualities that make you an ideal candidate for surgical practice;
    • how you anticipate this program will assist you in becoming an excellent General Surgeon;
    • your greatest challenge if you are accepted into this program;
    • additional information about yourself that should be considered by the Selection Panel.

    If your transcript/CV 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.

    Custom Résumé / CV 

    Conditionally required
    Ontario high school transcript or exemption 

    Applicants must provide an official Ontario high school transcript confirming at least two years of attendance at an accredited Ontario high school. 

    Applicants who did not attend an Ontario high school for the required duration may still qualify if their absence was the direct result of a legal guardian’s deployment or posting outside Ontario as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Diplomatic Service, or Department of Foreign Affairs (e.g., Global Affairs Canada). 

    Applicants must complete the attestation below and upload it, together with the required documents, in their CaRMS Online account to confirm they meet one of the above criteria. 

    International Medical Graduate Attestation Form

     

    Optional - will be reviewed
    Abstract/Publications 

    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


    Applications will be reviewed and scored independently by a combination of 2-4 Faculty members and residents.  Scores will be generated for each applicant and the program will offer interviews to approximately the top 30-40 candidates.

    Interviews

    Dates:

    • April 2, 2026
    • Interviews will be held virtually on the evening of Thursday, April 2nd. Connections details - coming soon.
    Program will notify all applicants through CaRMS Online and will send email invitations directly to applicants selected for an interview.
    • Candidates will undergo two interviews by groups of 2-3. The groups will be comprised of faculty and/or current residents.

    Selection Criteria

    Candidates for the General Surgery Residency Program at NOSMU are selected based on the following factors:

    • Demonstrated interest in General Surgery
    • Demonstrated interest in the NOSM U General Surgery Program and a strong desire to train in tertiary hospitals tertiary hospitals and clinical settings throughout northeastern and northwestern Ontario
    • Strength of academic record 
    • Strength of references
    • Strong interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills
    • Evidence of self-directed learning, reflective practice, a high standard of professionalism and resiliency

     These factors are assessed through the following:

    • Personal interview
    • Review of the personal letter
    • Review of performance assessments from clinical rotations in medical school, particularly during General surgery rotations and/or electives
    • Review of letters of reference

    Program goals

    Through early and intensive exposure to diverse and complex cases, personalized mentorship, and a supportive, inclusive learning environment, the NOSM U General Surgery Program aims to foster high-level competence and leadership that will transform aspiring surgeons into exceptional, practice-ready professionals.  Our program is dedicated to producing well-rounded surgeons who are prepared to meet the healthcare needs of Northern Ontario and beyond, while achieving their personal and professional goals.  We strive to redefine community-oriented healthcare by integrating a systems approach, promoting inclusivity and leveraging our unique geographical diversity.

     

    Selection process goals

    Through our selection process, our program aims to identify candidates who have a strong academic history with demonstrated competence and interest in general surgery (e.g. surgical rotations, electives, scholarly activities, conference involvement and other related work or life experiences). We are seeking candidates who possess superior clinical communication skills and can relate to patients, their families, and caregivers with compassion, empathy, sensitivity and humility.

    We are looking for candidates who possess the ability and willingness to work collaboratively (within and across professional domains) in a team dynamic to secure optimal patient outcomes, while exemplifying the highest standards of professional behavior.

    We are also looking to identify candidates who would be a good fit for our program. Candidates who are well suited to our program are

    • Those with a strong surgical and procedural aptitude
    • Those who can adapt and thrive in a hands-on, distributed residency program that requires flexibility with some travel away from their primary location of residence.
    • Those who can prioritize their personal well-being while striving for work-life balance
    • Those who are committed to self-directed learning and reflective practice, professional development, and quality improvement.

    File review process

    Review team composition : The file review team consists of program faculty and residents. Each application will be reviewed and scored independently by a combination of 2-4 program Faculty members and residents.

    Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 51 - 200
    The program receives an average of around 70-80 applications each year.

    Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 51 - 75 %
    The program offers interviews to approximately the top 35-50 candidates.

    Evaluation criteria :
    File component Criteria
    CV Highlight academic and work background/experiences, personal and professional achievements as well as awards and volunteerism.
    Electives Demonstrate a diverse range of electives relevant to the discipline of general surgery. Rural and/or northern electives an asset.
    Examinations We do not evaluate this file component.
    Extra-curricular Demonstrate work-life balance which highlight personal interests.
    Leadership skills Any leadership and positions held throughout training should be outlined in the CV
    MSPRs Review of rotation competencies as well as academic performance on rotations and any possible professionalism concerns
    Personal letters Interest in general surgery and knowledge about our program and training sites throughout northern Ontario.
    Reference documents Commitment to surgery, performance on rotations, knowledge and clinical skills and comments on character.
    Research/Publications Past achievements and/or publication and interest in participating in future scholarly activity.
    Transcripts Strength of academic record.
    Other file component(s) Transcript/CV Addendum:

    If any part of your application indicates academic difficulty, failure(s), repeat of a year or any gaps in your education or training history, a supplementary statement at the END of your Personal Letter is requested. Please entitle your statement as "Transcript/CV Addendum", explaining the above.

    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.

    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 Ability to work well in a team setting which may include other residents, faculty, allied healthcare providers.
    Collegiality Personable, respectful towards others, values the importance of a supportive and collegial atmosphere.
    Communication skills Able to reflect and communicate responses clearly and concisely as well as demonstrated ability communicate well with others.
    Health advocacy We do not formally evaluate this component during the interview.
    Interest in the discipline Genuine passion and clear understanding of General Surgery as demonstrated by past experiences and future practice goals.
    Interest in the program Knowledge about our program, training sites and northern Ontario.
    Leadership skills Expand upon leadership roles and positions outlined in the application.
    Professionalism Conducts themselves in a professional manner.
    Scholarly activities Based on CV, may ask about research plans.
    Other interview component(s) Interviews will be conducted virtually.

    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

    • Early surgical skill training
    • Individualized educational goals focused on anatomy and surgical procedures
    • Unparalleled preceptor support from knowledgeable surgeons committed to practicing in Northern Ontario
    • Early integration as a key member of a health care team dedicated to professionalism, high quality patient care and excellent medical education
    • Exposure to the culture and social fabric of Francophone and Indigenous communities
    • Opportunity to participate in research under expert guidance
    • Opportunity for learning experience in a range of Northern urban, rural and remote clinical settings
    • Funding available for research, professional development and conferences
    • Provision of financial support for resident travel to and from core clinical placements away from the home base and all mandatory educational activities at non home base locations

     

    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.

    NOSM U's General Surgery program includes core rotations and subspecialty rotations selected to incorporate a diversity of experience and proficiency in subspecialty areas integral to a future practice as a General Surgeon.

    Based on the resident’s personal learning plan, the content, sequence of training and schedule of movement between teaching sites may vary. Years one and two comprise the core program (Surgical Foundations). In the fall of PGY2, the core program residents will be eligible to take the Surgical Foundations Examination, which must be successfully completed prior to the fellowship exams.

    Residents spend the majority of their first year in either Sudbury or Thunder Bay, providing them with an opportunity to become acquainted with colleagues and to gain a foundation of skills before traveling outside of this home base. After this, there are multiple options available for ongoing training for a variety of rotations in the following communities: Thunder Bay, Sudbury, North Bay, Parry Sound, Sault Ste Marie, Huntsville and Ottawa. 

     Content of Training - sample structure 

     PGY-1

    • 6 Blocks General Surgery 
    • 2 Blocks Endoscopy
    • 3 Blocks Community General Surgery
    • 1 Block Emergency Medicine
    • 1 Block MCTU

     

    PGY-2

    • 6 Blocks General Surgery 
    • 2 Blocks ICU
    • 1 Block Trauma (Ottawa)
    • 2 Blocks Pediatrics (Ottawa)
    • 1 Block Thoracic/Vascular surgery
    • 1 Blocks Research

     

    PGY-3

    • 10 Blocks General Surgery (4 blocks at alternate site)
    • 1 Block Vascular/Thoracic Surgery
    • 2 Blocks Electives

     

    **Resident must pass the Surgical Foundations exam prior to progressing to PGY-4

     PGY-4

    • 8 Blocks General Surgery
    • 3 Blocks Community General Surgery
    • 2 Blocks electives

    PGY-5

    • 13 Blocks General Surgery (4 blocks at alternate site)

    Academics 

    Academics are delivered to the full resident group during two to three full day sessions which occur 5 times throughout the academic year. The residents will gather for these academic days during protected time from clinical duties.

    Residents in the first two years of training will attend the Surgical Foundations Program.  Around the 15th month of training, residents in the program will write a final exam set by the Royal College.  Faculty led teaching sessions will normally occur weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 1400 - 1700h.

    Residents also participate in PGY1 Core Curriculum events, local community educational rounds, presentations, journal clubs and rounds through a WebEx online classroom as well as the Ontario Telemedicine Network. 

     

     

    Research

    All residents are expected to complete and present a minimum of two research projects over the five-year program.  

    Research electives can be arranged to facilitate research goals.   



     

    Training Sites

    Residents will be based out of either Thunder Bay or Sudbury, with general surgery rotations occurring throughout NOSM U's distributed geographical area. 

    Additional Information

    To learn more about northern Ontario, please visit the "Wider Campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine" webpage. 

    Summary of changes

    SUMMARY ID Section Summary of changes Updated on NOTIFY APPLICANTS SECTION NAME Actions