Western University - Obstetrics and Gynecology - London
2026 R-1 Main Residency Match - second iteration
Competitive Stream for IMG
Last approved on March 26, 2026
Summary of changesApproximate Quota:
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Accreditation status : Accredited
Provincial Criteria
London Health Sciences Centre, Room B2-416
800 Commissioners Road East
London, Ontario, N6A 5W9
Program Contacts
Important Information
The Ob/Gyn Program at Western fully implemented Competence by Design (CBD) on July 1st, 2019. We have a dedicated team of CBD leaders who are committed to support residents progression through this new model of education.
All Ob/Gyn residents are assigned to Academic Advisors, who mentor and assist residents as they navigate through residency and ensure they are achieving their personal and academic goals.
Return of Service
This program has a return of service obligation attached to it. Please review the provincial criteria for more information, found here: https://www.carms.ca/match/r-1-main-residency-match/eligibility-criteria/
General Instructions
Program application language: English
Program application language: English
All candidates must meet the Ontario criteria of eligibility.
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
• Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card)
Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of application. Proof of valid current citizenship or permanent resident status must be provided by 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 issued by an authority in Canada accompanied by photo ID (must be a Canadian government issued photo ID), or
- Notarized/certified photocopy of Canadian Passport, or
- Notarized/certified photocopy of confirmation of permanent residence accompanied by a photo ID (must be a Canadian government issued photo ID), or
- Notarized/certified photocopy of Permanent Resident Card/Canadian Citizen Card – copies of both sides of card must be provided and legible, or
- Notarized/certified photocopy of Proof of Protected Person/Convention Refugee Status, or
- Notarized/certified photocopy of Certificate of Indian Status/Aboriginal Status or Makivvik Society Card
For more information on citizenship requirements, please visit https://www.carms.ca/match/r-1-main-residency-match/eligibility-criteria/r-1-summary-of-citizenship-requirements/
Applicants must submit 3 reference letters. These letters should be submitted by faculty you have worked with who support your interest in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
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).
Curriculum Vitae should include, at minimum, descriptions of elective, research and leadership experience, and descriptions of any other areas of achievement or excellence.
Medical Student Performance RecordFor 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.
Personal LetterPersonal Letters should highlight the candidate's interest in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and the Western University Residency Training Program. Letters should describe a candidate's personal attributes and experiences which demonstrate suitability for a career in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
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.
The undergraduate transcript may be reviewed to corroborate information presented in the Curriculum Vitae.
Published manuscripts or abstracts can be submitted as separate documents. Ongoing research projects can be described in the Curriculum Vitae.
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
A selection committee reviews each of the applications in detail. After careful consideration, the committee will determine which applicants will be selected for interview. All applicants will be contacted via email.
Interviews
Dates:
- March 26, 2026
Selection Criteria
The Western University Obstetrics & Gynaecology Residency Training Program is dedicated to developing exceptional clinicians who deliver high-quality obstetrical and gynaecological care across Canada. We achieve this by adhering to the educational standards established by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Program goals
Our program offers a comprehensive clinical experience encompassing all subspecialties within Obstetrics & Gynaecology, supported by an academic curriculum led by faculty recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in the field. We are committed to fostering research and scholarly activities to inspire lifelong learning and academic engagement, regardless of residents’ future practice settings. Additionally, we provide individualized mentorship to support residents in achieving their professional and personal goals throughout and beyond their training.
Selection process goals
We seek applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, a genuine commitment to women’s health, and the potential to thrive as future leaders in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Successful candidates will typically exhibit:
Strong Academic Performance: Graduation from an accredited medical school with an exemplary academic record, reflecting the knowledge and dedication necessary for advanced training.
Meaningful References: Three letters of reference from academic specialists who can speak to the applicant’s interest in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as well as their professionalism, clinical skills, and potential for success in a demanding residency program.
Relevant Clinical Exposure: Elective experiences that highlight a clear interest in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, aligning with our program’s commitment to comprehensive clinical training and excellence in patient care.
File review process
Review team composition : Program Director, Dr. Yvonne Leong
Deputy Program Director, Dr. Ji-Hyun Jang
Competence Committee Chair, Dr. Tamara Kuzma
Resident Representatives from the Residency Program Committee (3 residents)
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 | Evidence of work experience, volunteer experience, research experience, committee work and leadership. |
| Electives | Evidence of interest in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. |
| Examinations | Completion of MCCQE Part 1 and NAC (with scores available) |
| Extra-curricular | Evidence of extracurricular activities which highlights your genuine interests and passions as well as an interest in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. |
| Leadership skills | Evidence of leadership roles, duration and accomplishments, particularly in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. |
| MSPRs | Evidence of rotational performance and evaluation. |
| Personal letters | Evidence of personal, academic, interpersonal attributes, and an interest in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. |
| Reference documents | Evidence of skills/attributes indicating suitability as an Ob/Gyn resident and evidence of interest and dedication to Obstetrics and Gynaecology. |
| Research/Publications | Evidence of publications and/or involvement in scholarly work, particularly in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. |
| Transcripts | Assess courses taken and evaluations |
Elective criteria
Interview process
Interview format :
We may accommodate requests to re-schedule interviews for applicants due to weather, technology failure, or unforeseen circumstances.
| Interview components | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Collaboration skills | Evidence of collaborative partnerships within a professional context. |
| Collegiality | Evidence of coordinated and cooperative care between providers. |
| Communication skills | Demonstration of verbal and listening skills. |
| Health advocacy | Demonstration of a genuine interest in health advocacy. |
| Interest in the discipline | Demonstration of interest in Obstetrics and Gynaecology must be provided. |
| Interest in the program | Demonstrates an interest in and knowledge of the residency program at Western University. |
| Leadership skills | Evidence of leadership experience. |
| Professionalism | Evidence of professional encounters. |
| Scholarly activities | Identified opportunities which cultivated scholarly activities and has participated in research activities. |
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 Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residency Training Program at Western University is dedicated to developing well-rounded graduates who embody the following qualities:
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Academically Accomplished: Equipped with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to deliver exceptional, evidence-based care and address the needs of patients, communities, and society.
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Surgically Proficient: Trained to perform with confidence and precision, providing high-quality surgical care while serving as mentors for future trainees.
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Leaders in the Field: Prepared to take on leadership roles in research, medical education, public health, advocacy, and healthcare administration.
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Compassionate Care Providers: Committed to supporting patients through life-changing experiences with empathy and understanding, while fostering a culture of respect among peers and colleagues.
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Collaborative Team Members: Skilled in working within interprofessional teams and building strong, positive relationships across specialties and disciplines to create supportive learning and working environments.
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 By Design (CBD)
In 2019, the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology launched a Competency by Design (CBD) curriculum, under the direction and guidance of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. More information about this curriculum is available here: Competence by Design (CBD). CBD aims to enhance patient care by aligning medical education and lifelong learning with evolving patient needs and empowering learners to more fully engage in their education process. The residency programs is broken down into four training stages, and each stage requires the successful achievement of Entrusted Professional Activities (EPA’s) based upon required competencies.
All programs implementing CBD continue to undergo the same rigorous accreditation processes and continue to lead to Royal College approved certification. Certification for trainees will include the completion of a Royal College examination.
For more information, contact cbd@royalcollege.ca.
Transition to Discipline
- OB/GYN Introductory Rotation: 2 blocks
- Formal Academic Teaching
Foundations of Discipline
- Emergency Medicine Rotation: 1 block
- General Surgery Rotation: 2 blocks
- Internal Medicine Rotation: 2 blocks
- Scholarly Project Rotation: 1 block
- Junior Gynaecologic Oncology Rotation: 2 blocks
- Ultrasound Rotation: 1 block
- Pregnancy Options Program/ STI Rotation: 1 block
- Critical Care and Trauma Center (CCTC) Rotation: 2 blocks
- Junior Obstetrics Rotation: 7 blocks
- Junior Gynecology Rotation: 5 blocks
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) ABC Rotation: 1 block
- Formal Academic Teaching
Core of Discipline
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) ABC Rotation: 2 blocks
- Community Obstetrics/Gynecology in Windsor Rotation: 2 blocks
- Senior Gynaecologic Oncology Rotation: 3 blocks
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Rotation: 2 blocks
- Urogynecology Rotation: 2 blocks
- Gynaecologic Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (GREI) Rotation: 3 blocks
- Green Gynecology Rotation: 2 blocks
- Junior Obstetrics Rotation: 4 blocks
- Colposcopy Rotation: 1 block
- Scholarly Project Rotation: 1 block
- Selective Rotations: 5 blocks
- Formal Academic Teaching & Leadership
Transition to Practice
- Senior Clinic Rotation with Chief Resident Longitudinal Clinic: 2 blocks
- Obstetrics Chief Rotation: 2 blocks
- Gynaecology Chief (Purple, Grey) Rotation: 4 blocks
- Electives: 3 blocks
- Formal Academic Teaching & Leadership
Academic Curriculum:
The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residency Program at Western provides an academic curriculum designed to support residents’ growth as clinicians, researchers, and educators.
Academic Half-Day: Held every Wednesday, Academic Half-Day is divided into sessions for junior and senior residents to ensure learning objectives are tailored to the appropriate training level. Sessions include simulation-based learning and targeted education in all areas of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, including subspecialties such as Gynaecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Gynaecologic Oncology, and Urogynaecology.
Grand Rounds & Friday Morning Rounds: These weekly sessions cover a broad range of topics across the specialty, reinforcing clinical knowledge and providing opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.
Journal Club: Held monthly, residents critically appraise literature, enhancing their ability to interpret and practice evidence-based medicine.
Research Awards Day: An annual event where residents showcase their research and quality improvement projects, fostering academic excellence and scholarly engagement.
Educational Opportunities: Funding is available, by application, to support resident attendance at conferences, educational meetings, and research presentations.
Scholarly Project:
Residents are required to complete a Scholarly Project, which may include basic science research, clinical research, qualitative research, or continuous quality improvement initiatives. Expectations include presenting a project proposal in during the first year, providing a progress update, and ultimately completing and presenting a final project.
Residents may pursue more than one scholarly project during their training if desired. Collaborative projects with other residents are permitted; however, each resident must lead at least one project.
Additionally, residents may allocate selective time for dedicated Scholarly Project blocks to support project completion.
Training Sites
London Health Sciences Centre - Victoria Campus (Primary Site)
London Health Sciences Centre - University Campus
St. Joseph's Health Centre, London
London Regional Cancer Centre
OMEGA Fertility Center
Middlesex Health Unit
Windsor Regional Hospital - Metropolitan Campus
Additional Information
All programs at Western University will commence on July 1, 2026. A Transition to Discipline schedule (2 blocks) is tailored to support on-boarding of new residents.
Further information may be reviewed on our website: www.schulich.uwo.ca/obsgyn
Education and clinical workloads comply with PARO guidelines.
What does London have to offer:
London is known as The Forest City.
In the heart of the downtown you will find art galleries, museums, historic sites and churches, shopping, sidewalk cafés and friendly nightclubs.
Excellent entertainment available at Canada Life Place, a multi-purpose facility whose focus is on both entertainment and sports and is the largest such centre in southwestern Ontario.
An abundance of dining venues throughout the city, accommodating all dietary restrictions. London is also home to several local craft breweries.
Outdoor activities - Close proximity to 2 beaches, sailing, paddling, hiking, camping, diving, swimming, biking, golfing, skiing
Music festivals, live theatre, outdoor concerts, symphony performances.
Many housing options in close proximity to work with excellent schools. A multitude of family-friendly extra-curricular activities.
FAQ
Western University has six (6) PGY-1 Obstetrics & Gynaecology positions available for the 2026 match.
The Ob/Gyn Training Program does not have any allocated International Medical Graduate (IMG) positions in the first round of CaRMS. If there are available positions for the second round of CaRMS, IMG applications will be considered. Review of Internationally Sponsored Trainees (IST) applications resulting in an added 7th PGY-1resident may be considered on an annual basis.
Summary of changes
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