McMaster University - Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology - Hamilton
2026 R-1 Main Residency Match - second iteration
Competitive Stream for IMG
Last approved on March 03, 2026
Approximate Quota:
click here
Accreditation status : Accredited
Provincial Criteria
Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5
Program Contacts
Important Information
Please refer to the CaRMS website for provincial eligibility information CaRMS Ontario Provincial Criteria. It is important to review the requirements carefully.
To learn more about the program, upcoming informational events and the McMaster PGME community please visit: https://pgme.mcmaster.ca/carms_r1_match_program_information/
Please review the General Pathology website for more program information.
Return of Service
Return of Service (ROS) Requirements:
Additional criteria for CMGs:
Applicants with a ROS agreement in another province should ensure they are aware of the commitments and requirements.
Additional criteria for IMGs:
Ontario’s International Medical Graduate (IMG) Return of Service (ROS) program is intended to improve access to physician services across Ontario, particularly in areas with limited physician supply. The IMG ROS program offers participants a postgraduate medical training position in return for a commitment to practise medicine in an eligible Ontario community. The ROS contract is between the Ministry of Health and the successful applicant, and is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm eligibility with respect to ROS requirements of other provinces. Ontario PGME offices are not involved in this process.
The Ministry requests all ROS agreements before July 1 of the year they were matched. All agreements should be returned to the Ministry prior to the start of residency training.
More information for IMG ROS can be found here: Return of Service Program
If you have further questions, please contact the Ministry of Health at PPUProgramOfficer@ontario.ca
PLEASE NOTE: APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO FULLFILL A ROS COMMITMENT IN ONTARIO IMMEDIATELY UPON COMPLETION OF YOUR TRAINING.
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)
• Proof of Protected Person / Convention Refugee Status
• Certificate of Indian Status / Aboriginal Status or Makivik Society Card
• Photocopy of Foreign Passport Showing Citizenship
• Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card)
Proof of valid current citizenship or permanent resident status must be provided by submitting one of the following verifications to CaRMS by the File Review Opening deadline. Failure to provide valid proof will result in your application being removed. No other forms of verification are acceptable:
- Notarized/certified photocopy of Birth Certificate/Act of Birth issued by an authority in Canada accompanied by photo ID (must be valid Canadian government-issued photo ID).
- Failure to provide proof of citizenship will result in the removal of your application. No other forms of verification are acceptable.
- Documents must be notarized/certified photocopies. Notarized/certified copies must be dated and not older than two years from the date of application submission deadline; otherwise, a new notarized/certified copy is required.
- Confirmation of permanent residence must be accompanied by a photo ID (must be a valid Canadian government-issued photo ID).
• 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 proficiently in the language of instruction and patient care of the matching school and training site.
CELPIP: must have minimum score of 9 in each of the four skills in the same sitting
IELTS ACADEMIC: must have minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four skills in the same sitting
Letter of language proficiency is a letter from your Dean attesting that your medical school program of instruction was completed solely in English or French.
OET MEDICINE: must have minimum grade of B in each of the four skills in the same sitting
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.
The National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is mandatory for all IMGs. The results are required by the file review opening date. For more information click on the following link National Assessment Collaboration | Medical Council of Canada
For the 2025 CaRMS match IMGs must have written and passed the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE1). Exam results must be provided by the File Review Opening Date.
Your application will not be reviewed without THREE letters of reference, and only three letters will be reviewed. References due by CaRMS document deadline.
Your application will not be reviewed without a Personal Letter. Due by CaRMS document deadline
PhotoPhoto is used as a memory aid, only
Custom Résumé / CVDue by CaRMS document deadline.
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.
Please note: Required if Medical school has been completed. Documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a notarized translation.
Ontario high school transcript or exemptionApplicants 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
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, files, late paperwork etc., submitted past CaRMS document deadline will not be reviewed, or considered.
Reference letters from the institution/ discipline will not be required for consideration of interview.
Selection Criteria
- Good academic standing
- Broad-based science background
- Genuine interest in General Pathology
- Transfers between Laboratory Medicine sub-specialties will not be encouraged
Program goals
Medical Knowledge: The resident will be knowledgeable in clinicopathological information in anatomical pathology, hematological pathology, medical biochemistry and medical microbiology. This will include the basic pathogenesis and related pathological and other laboratory investigations finding with correspondence clinical findings for different disease in variable patients population. Communication Skills: The resident will be able to function as a member of the laboratory health care team. By communicating effectively with technical staff, support staff, supervisors and colleagues. Collaborator: The resident will understand the role of the general pathologist in the health care team. This will be obtained by gaining an appreciation of the collaborative role of the pathologist with other clinical services and researchers and understands some of the issues around the use of tissues for research purposes. Manager: The resident will gain an appreciation of the laboratory management structure and they may be exposed to issues surrounding workload in the laboratory. The resident will be aware of safety and quality assurance issues as well as issues surrounding storage of material. Health advocate: The resident will understand the role of the laboratory in providing accurate information pertaining to public health issues, particularly related to infectious diseases and understand the importance of promoting and reinforcing to the public and the essential contribution of laboratory medicine to health. Scholar: The resident will be capable of self-directed study using appropriate texts and information sources, including literature and Internet searches. The resident is expected to identify gaps in knowledge and expertise. Professional: The resident is expected to perform their duties within the laboratory ethically, by showing respect to all staff, colleagues and learners. As well as responding appropriately to constructive criticism and acting in a collegial manner.
Selection process goals
Residents documents, reference letters and interview performance demonstrate:
- Good academic standing and broad based science background including basic and clinical medical knowledge. As well as, expression of genuine interest in general pathology
- Exceptional verbal and nonverbal communication skills, in addition to the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
- Ability to work adequately in a team setting, and establish relationships based on trust and respect with other team members.
- Effective personal time management skills, and ability to balance between professional and personal responsibilities.
- Active involvement within the community to advocate current and rising social and healthcare issues, and address the needs of the population.
- Active participation in enhancing the practice and advancing general pathology.
- Respect and punctuality.
File review process
Review team composition : The interview performance will be scored and conjoined with CaRMS application scores; accordingly, a ranking list will be issued. Interview members will consist of the program director, chief resident and other pathology staff members including Medical Microbiologist and Medical Biochemist.
Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 51 - 200
Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 0 - 25 %
| File component | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CV | To evaluate experience, elective and researches in general pathology disciplines. |
| Electives | Optional, could be valued, in particular those from laboratory medicine specialties and related clinical discipline, but are not mandatory. |
| Examinations | MCCQE Part 1 statement of results and NAC exam statement of results |
| Extra-curricular | Volunteering in committee service medical and non-medical. |
| Leadership skills | Positions in office, members in clubs& groups to exhibit ability to deal with challenges & conflicts |
| MSPRs | We do not evaluate this file component |
| Personal letters | To express interest in general pathology and why you are suited for General Pathology program at McMaster University. |
| Reference documents | Positive personal qualities and interactions with colleagues and patients. |
| Research/Publications | Demonstrating interest in researches particularly in pathology |
| Transcripts | Academic performance |
| Other file component(s) |
Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I. For IMG applicants: Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part II and/or National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) examination. |
Elective criteria
Interview process
Interview format :
We routinely accommodate requests to re-schedule interviews for applicants.
| Interview components | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Collaboration skills | Able to work efficiently with other health workers, patients and their families. |
| Collegiality | Working in a team sharing responsibility and authority. |
| Communication skills | Having verbal and non-verbal communication skills in dealing with patients and challenging situation |
| Health advocacy | Demonstrate an interest and ability to respond to an individual patient's diagnostic needs and gain a basic knowledge about the importance of screening in the early detection and treatment including the role of molecular diagnosis. |
| Interest in the discipline | Demonstrating genuine interest in general pathology |
| Interest in the program | Interested in living in Hamilton |
| Leadership skills | Develop a respectful relationship with other colleagues in the health care professions to promote he |
| Professionalism | Express ethical behavior with others |
| Scholarly activities | We do not evaluate this file component |
| Other interview component(s) | We may consider information gathered outside of the CaRMS application and local interview processes |
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 McMaster Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (DCP)/General Pathology Program has a stellar reputation for graduating residents who are valued for the depth of skill and expertise they provide in the wide breadth of the discipline. The Program's strengths are an organized, yet flexible curriculum plan tailored to fit each resident’s needs, a cohesive resident group, highly responsive program admin, dedicated faculty and a driven Program Director who is a previous graduate of the Program.
I. CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION OF THE PROGRAM
Please see Program Curriculum Section
II. RESOURCES
The Program provides numerous funds for residents for books, travel to conferences as well as research grants. The Program appoints academic coaches for each resident early in PGY1 to help monitor progress. McMaster Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (DCP)/General Pathology also offers a mentorship program in addition to academic coaches which allows residents to approach staff within their areas of interest for career planning advice. We are also affiliated with numerous community sites (which are reimbursed through MacCare) including but not limited to Oakville, Brantford, Kitchener Waterloo etc. The Program is also extremely proud to have liasioned with Mackenzie Health to provide residents the opportunity to be involved with Digital Pathology sign-out.
III. ACADEMIC AND SCHOLARLY ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM
Mandatory academic half days are every Wednesday morning (anatomical pathology) and afternoon session (Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (DCP)/General Pathology) . Residents also present journal clubs and interesting slide review rounds. DCP residents routinely attend Transfusion Medicine Boot camp. Furthermore, PGME McMaster has numerous sessions on career development, teaching to teach, financial planning, wellness etc.
Residents are expected to present at the Annual Residents Research Day. PGY 2 residents often work up an interesting case; however in later years they are encouraged to undertake more comprehensive projects. DCP residents present at various local, national and international conferences.
IV. EVALUATION OF RESIDENT PERFORMANCE
During rotations, residents submit relevant Entrustable Professional Activity forms (EPAs) to staff they work with. A midterm evaluation is completed by the rotation supervisor. At the end of each rotation a standard resident evaluation form will be completed by the rotation supervisor with input from other staff as appropriate. Residents will also complete an exit exam after the end of most rotations. Yearly subscription to the American Society of Clinical Pathology exam (RISE) Exam is paid for by the Program. The Program also organizes Annual in-house exams as well as May slide Exam for additional testing to help residents prepare for their Royal College examination.
The Competence Committee evaluates resident progress and provides feedback regularly to the resident and their academic coach. The CC uses numerous data to help inform decisions related to promotion including but not limited to number of EPAs generated, number of specimens seen (based on resident’s electronic log), number of successful EPAs, ITARs, Exam scores, academic coach report etc.
V. RESEARCH FUNDING
Residents have access to the Pathology and Molecular Medicine (PMM) Department Resident Research Grant to which they can submit at any given time. This is in addition to multiple different grants available through hospital services, McMaster and the Royal College.
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.
Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME):
Physician training focuses on achievement of outcomes and based on a framework of competencies (CanMEDS). The Competence Continuum divides residency training into four stages: Transition to discipline, Foundations of discipline, Core of discipline and, finally, Transition to practice.
PGY 1:
Transition to Discipline stage (TTD): 2 blocks: First block introductory Boot camp covering basics of the laboratory including normal histology followed by 1 Block Anatomical Pathology
Foundation stage: 11 blocks: Autopsy (1 block), Surgical Oncology, Hematology, infectious disease, Medical Oncology, Endocrinology, Pediatric Oncology, and remainder Anatomical Pathology blocks
PGY 2-5 :
Core stage: 46 blocks: Anatomical Pathology (including subspecialties), Hematopathology/hematology, Medical Microbiology, Medical Biochemistry, Community Hospitals and Elective/Research rotations. Royal College Examination will take place at the end of Core stage in a 2 step manner: written and practical in Spring of PGY4 and Oral exam in Fall of PGY5 unless otherwise mentioned on the Royal College website.
Transition to Practice stage (TTP): 6 blocks: Senior resident rotations in Anatomical Pathology Hematopathology/hematology, Medical Microbiology, Medical Biochemistry, and research/elective
Training Sites
McMaster University postgraduate programs are integrated in cooperation with the affiliated teaching hospitals St. Joseph's Healthcare and Hamilton Health Sciences. The regionalized laboratory services in Hamilton, one of the first in Canada, provide cost-effective patient care through 4 main hospital sites: McMaster University Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer center and Hamilton General Hospital.
Each site in Hamilton has specific areas of expertise with associated clinicopathological rounds providing a broad experience in Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (DCP)/General Pathology. Each site has designated resident spaces with full workstations and a wide resident library that is frequently updated (in addition to electronic resources access through the McMaster library). Site and rotation supervisors have clear guidelines for resident orientation, scheduling, and wellness. In addition, residents have access to a wellness coordinator and ombudsperson for support as required.
Additional Information
LIVING IN HAMILTON
Hamilton is uniquely situated in the Golden Horseshoe region – close to Toronto and all of its attractions, yet far enough away from the fast city pace of the big city. Hamilton is immersed in rich cultural activities and events. There is easy access to parks, conservation areas, walking and biking trails. For individuals with families, there are many family orientated communities with good schooling.
For more information please visit City of Waterfalls and Tourism Hamilton.