University of Ottawa - Medical Microbiology - Ottawa
2026 R-1 Main Residency Match - second iteration
Competitive Stream for CMG
Last approved on March 03, 2026
Approximate Quota:
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Accreditation status : Accredited
Provincial Criteria
501 Smyth Road
Box 115, The Ottawa Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6
Program Contacts
Important Information
All candidates must meet the Ontario Criteria of Eligibility found here.
MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination) Part 1 results:
Trainees will be required to disclose their MCCQE Part 1 examination results upon entry into any of the University of Ottawa's training programs. Please note that the MCCQE Part 1 is not a requirement to begin residency. The purpose of this disclosure is to allow for resources to be provided to the few residents who would benefit from extra support early in their residency to maximize their success.
Failure to meet or provide proof of any of the stated requirements may result in an applicant’s file not being reviewed or removed from the Rank Order List.
NOTE:
Competence by Design - The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) has embarked upon an initiative to introduce competency-based medical education (CBME) in Canadian postgraduate specialty training and in professional practice in Canada. This initiative, called Competence by Design (CBD), aims to enhance patient care by aligning medical education and lifelong learning with evolving patient needs.
CBD uses time as a resource rather than the basis for progression. For the majority of trainees, it is not anticipated that the duration of training will change. Residency programs are broken down into stages, and each stage encompasses a series of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and milestones based on required competencies. These EPAs and milestones create more targeted learning outcomes and involve more frequent, formative assessments within the clinical workplace to ensure residents are developing and receiving feedback on the skills they need.
Our program has transitioned to CBD. All programs, CBD and traditional, will continue to lead to RCPSC-approved certification. Within a CBD program, all EPAs (documented within an electronic portfolio), stage promotions and the Royal College examination must be successfully completed to achieve certification. For more information, please contact cbd@royalcollege.ca.
General Instructions
Program application language: English
Our program aims to prepare and enable trainees to be future leaders in the field of Medical Microbiology. We are looking for individuals we can be confident are committed to a career in Medical Microbiology, dedicated to advancing its rapidly evolving role in patient care and can learn, understand, and apply the large volume of material required to be successful. When applying, trainees are encouraged to highlight characteristics and examples of their ability to fulfil these competencies as applications will be reviewed with these desired attributes in mind.
Candidates who have done electives in either Medical Microbiology and/or Infectious Diseases will have a better understanding of the field, however, these electives are not an absolute requirement. Basic Science/Microbiology experience or Undergraduate Basic Science/Microbiology education prior to medical school is beneficial but not essential.
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)
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 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 Canadian government-issued photo ID).
Three reference letters are required. If more than three are submitted, only the first three submitted will be considered.
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 is the first opportunity reviewers have to get a sense of your personality. We are looking to learn, based on your own words:
- why you are interested in Microbiology
- what you have done to prepare yourself for this residency
- why are you are competitive candidate and why we should pick you
- why you are interested in coming to the University of Ottawa Medical Microbiology Program specifically
Your 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.
For applicants who have completed a Bachelor's Degree, please provide the Undergraduate Transcripts.
CEGEP TranscriptIf applicable please provide CEGEP transcripts.
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
All applications are reviewed by the Program Director and the selection committee. The selection committee consists of at least two Medical Microbiologists, a Clinical Microbiologist, an Infectious Disease Physician (Adult or Pediatric ID Program Director), and the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department chair. Each member of the committee thoroughly reviews all applications and provides feedback to the group. Individuals are offered interviews based on consensus by the committee. Those offered interviews will meet with each member of the selection committee as well as other members of the Microbiology Division. Each interviewer will provide feedback to the committee that will then rank candidates.
Selection Criteria
The selection is based on:
- Academic Performance
- Prior experiences in laboratory settings
- Reference letters
- Genuine interest in Medical Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine
- Leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and communication skills
Selection Committee members will evaluate each candidate separately based on preset measures, taking into consideration both the CaRMS application and Interview process. The overall rank list is based on the ranking performed by the interviewers, and the consensus of the Selection Committee.
Program goals
After completion of training at the University of Ottawa Medical Microbiology Program residents will be high caliber Medical Microbiologists who can provide effective consultation in the specialty and fulfil clinical roles in community, public health, and academic settings. Throughout the program curriculum the residents acquire a knowledge of the theoretical basis of the specialty, including its foundations in medical science and research. They will become competent in the clinical practice of infectious disease and infection prevention and control, as they must acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes for effective patient centered care with service to diverse populations. Residents are expected to develop skills for lifelong self-directed learning and teaching. Also essential is the development of effective communication and administrative skills required for a partnership with laboratory technologists, managers and other physicians and healthcare providers.
Our program allows the resident to pursue special interests within the field of Microbiology while also ensuring success in attaining the fundamental requirements of the discipline. We aim to equip our trainees with a competitive skill set that enables them to be future leaders in the field of Medical Microbiology.
Selection process goals
The overall goal of the selection process is to identify applicants who are committed to a career in Medical Microbiology and who possess the skills and attributes essential to succeed and lead as exceptional consultant laboratory physicians in the field of Microbiology.
Specifically, we aim to identify and recruit applicants:
- Who have shown aptitude for leadership, scholarship, knowledge translation, research and continuous improvement
- Who have demonstrated exceptional professionalism and collegiality through the ability to interact and communicate with patients, colleagues, laboratory technologists and other health care providers and team members
- Who have an enthusiasm for continuous and self-directed learning and are adaptable to the various demands of residency training
- Who have demonstrated during the interview process that they are well suited for our program and department
File review process
Review team composition : The Selection Committee includes the Medical Microbiology Program Director, Medical Microbiologists, a Clinical Microbiologist, the Infectious Disease Program Director (Adult or Pediatric) and the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department Head. There will be contributions as well from other Microbiologists including the Division Head of Microbiology.
Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 0 - 50
Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 76 - 100 %
| File component | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CV | Overall content and quality are evaluated in addition but not limited to each component of education, awards, research, publications, leadership experience and volunteer activities. |
| Electives | We do consider participation in and evaluations for electives related to the field of Medical Microbiology important as it shows a true interest in the discipline. However, electives in these areas are not required to be considered for program entry. The candidate must demonstrate that their clinical experience allows them to make an informed decision about entering a Medical Microbiology residency training program. |
| Examinations | We evaluate all examinations provided for a passing score. |
| Extra-curricular | We look at these activities as a reflection of the candidate’s interests, ability to balance wellness activities and for evidence of transferable skills. |
| Leadership skills | We evaluate leadership positions and programs that develop leadership skills. |
| MSPRs | We evaluate overall clinical performance and comments looking for all aspects of professionalism, communication, leadership, collaboration, organizational, and academic skills. |
| Personal letters | We evaluate interest in and dedication to the discipline of Medical Microbiology and our program. We also evaluate creativity and ability to communicate eloquently. |
| Reference documents | We evaluate all reference letters for source, interest in Medical Microbiology, review of candidate’s character and evidence of excellence in CanMEDS roles including academic merit, collaboration, communication, professionalism, and leadership. |
| Research/Publications | Research experience, publications or presentation at conferences are not required to apply however they are an asset. We evaluate participation in research activities including publications looking for research potential and ability, scientific curiosity and interest in Microbiology or Infectious Diseases. |
| Transcripts | We evaluate all past performance including undergraduate and graduate studies for a strong academic record. |
Elective criteria
Electives related to the field of Microbiology such as but not limited to Medical Microbiology, Infectious Disease or Public Health are considered to reflect interest in and knowledge of our Specialty but are not mandatory requirements.
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 | We evaluate the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and to collaborate in multiple spheres through descriptions of previous projects or initiatives. |
| Collegiality | The ability to interact in a collegial and respectful manner is evaluated. Behaviour, and attitudes that are demonstrated by the candidate are observed. |
| Communication skills | We evaluate proficiency in spoken communication with individuals as well as within a group. Looking for clear, concise, and thoughtful answers to interview questions. |
| Health advocacy | We will evaluate the candidate’s desire to advocate for the medical community and patients. |
| Interest in the discipline | We will be evaluating for genuine interest in the field of Medical Microbiology and an understanding of Laboratory Medicine and how it differs from Clinical disciplines. We are also looking for knowledge of the role of a Medical Microbiologist and why it would be a choice for the candidate. |
| Interest in the program | We are looking for a genuine interest in the Medical Microbiology Residency Program at the University of Ottawa as demonstrated by a general understanding of the program structure and its unique elements. |
| Leadership skills | Looking for the candidate to demonstrate how they have developed leadership skills, how they have applied them, and how they aim to build on these skills. |
| Professionalism | All aspects of interactions will be evaluated for professionalism and maturity. Looking for examples of adaptability and ability to self-reflect. |
| Scholarly activities | We are looking for an understanding of any scholarly activities they have undertaken and evaluating for future research potential and interest. |
| Other interview component(s) | We will be looking for conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. We will also explore how the applicant will fit into the environment in our division. |
Information gathered outside of CaRMS application
We do not consider any information gathered outside of the CaRMS application and local interview processes.Ranking process
The behavior(s) exhibited below during the interview process may prevent an applicant from being ranked by our program :Program Highlights
Medical Microbiology training at the University of Ottawa relies on synergistic collaborations with the Adult and Pediatric Infectious Disease training programs leading to an integrated, rich academic program for residents in all three programs. Collegial relationships between the Divisions provide excellent learning opportunities in the laboratory and clinical areas while promoting good role modeling and collaboration. There are common structured and protected academic activities built into the curriculum of the three training programs, including shared City-Wide Rounds, Journal Club, Academic Half Day Lectures, Case Rounds and Plate Rounds.
Microbiology diagnostic testing is now centralized at the Regional Microbiology Reference Laboratory (EORLA) located at The Ottawa Hospital, General Campus and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. EORLA serves 18 hospitals in Ottawa and eastern Ontario resulting in a population of over 3 million being served from both community and tertiary care settings. Residents will have the opportunity to experience a large volume of complex samples from diverse patient populations and rich clinical scenarios. Current Microbiologists provide consulting services to client hospitals that can further provide experience with consultations centered around community-based medicine in community hospitals. Our general microbiology offering is at the forefront of Total Laboratory Automation with the modular BD Kiestra platform, which allows for efficient handling of the large volume of samples coming from all our client sites. During the COVID pandemic, our molecular suite has been modernized, allowing for sophisticated molecular diagnostics offering virology and, eventually, direct from sample next-generation sequencing.
The program allows for ample opportunities for clinical and basic research through collaborations with various clinical departments. In addition to our close connection with Adult and Pediatric ID, there are well established collaborations that exist between Medical Microbiology and Malignant Hematology, Orthopedics as well as Public Health.
The program is flexible, and the Program Director will work with the resident to allow each resident to attain personal goals and accommodate residents’ special interests.
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 Microbiology Training at the University of Ottawa is a 5-year program. Each year consists of 13 Blocks, each approximately 4 weeks long. A specific rotation is assigned to each block. There are exceptions where a block can consist of two rotations that are 2 weeks in length.
Medical Microbiology Transition to Discipline and Foundations of Discipline (PGY-1: Basic Clinical Training)
The majority of the first year of training is designed to give the trainee a broad base of clinical training to support an understanding of Medical Microbiology in the hospital and community and consists of medical and surgical rotations. This corresponds to Transition to Discipline and Foundation of Discipline stages of CBD. The resident will do the first three blocks in Transition to Discipline which consists of one introductory block in the Microbiology Laboratory, one Adult Infectious Disease block and one block of General Internal Medicine. The remaining blocks are selected to complete a broad exposure and therefore will include rotations in Internal Medicine or Subspecialties, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, General Surgery, and Emergency Medicine.
Medical Microbiology Foundations of Discipline and Core of Discipline (PGY-2 to 5 years):
Years two to four of the training Program encompasses the components of the Foundations of Discipline and Core of Discipline stages of CDB.
The second year is the first year of core microbiology training, however ongoing clinical exposure is provided to maintain the trainee's understanding of the role of the Microbiology laboratory in clinical medicine. The majority of time will be spent in the Microbiology laboratory. Trainees will rotate through and spend ample time in Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Molecular and Serology sections of the laboratory. Clinical rotations will include Adult and Pediatric Infectious Disease Consult services. The formal Quality and Laboratory Management longitudinal curriculum will also begin. Towards the end of the year there will be dedicated research and elective time. The resident is however encouraged to engage in research and related activities earlier. They are required to start coverage of the Microbiology Service after hours.
During the PGY-3 to 4 years and the beginning of PGY5 year the core microbiology training continues, and trainees gradually assume a more senior role and responsibilities in the laboratory and other rotations. They will lead laboratory quality initiatives, validations etc. and attend various Laboratory and Hospital Committee Meetings. Parasitology training is at Public Health Ontario Laboratories. Quality and Laboratory Management longitudinal curriculum will continue, and residents are expected to complete quality improvement projects in the laboratory. There are requirements for Clinical Rotations however in addition to Infectious Disease Consult Service, these will also include Infection Control, Antimicrobial Stewardship and Public Health. The opportunity for electives and research blocks is incorporated throughout the years as well. A longitudinal clinic will also add to the trainees’ clinical experience and give them an appreciation for longitudinal care of patients. The clinics that residents can participate in are General Infectious Disease, HIV, Travel and Tropical Medicine, Mycobacteria, Hepatitis, and Sexual Health.
Medical Microbiology Transition to Practice (PGY-5 year):
The final year of training encompasses the final components of Core of Discipline and Transition to Practice stages of CBD.
The final year of training is planned to provide further experience in microbiology and the trainee accepts a greater level of responsibility to finally perform at the level of a Junior Attending Medical Microbiologist. The final year is flexible and can be planned to take the needs and interests of the resident into account. Dedicated research experience is strongly encouraged this year although research projects are expected at all levels of training.
Medical Microbiology Research:
During their training, the trainee is expected to participate in a research project that is to be presented at the annual Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Research Day, Annual Microbiology and Infectious Disease Research Day and at an annual national or international conference. Research blocks are built into the rotation schedule and are designed to be flexible to support the opportunities that develop or emerge over the course of the training. The research interests of members of the Division of Microbiology and the Division of Infectious Diseases are diverse and include molecular diagnostics, laboratory detection and molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial resistant bacteria, epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections, viral pathogenesis and vaccine development, hepatitis, basic and clinical aspects of HIV/AIDS, tropical diseases, etc. Support is available for residents to attend meetings and present their research.
Academic Curriculum:
Weekly Academic Half Days are protected time for the residents and are combined with the Adult and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Residency Programs. Lectures run on a two-year cycle and topics encompass both Medical Microbiology and Clinical Infectious Disease. In addition to didactive lectures there is weekly Journal Club, Plate Rounds, and Case Rounds that are attended by residents and faculty. Regional City- Wide Infectious Diseases Rounds are held weekly and are also considered to be part of the Academic Curriculum.
Training Sites
Regional Microbiology Reference Laboratory (The Ottawa Hospital – General Campus)
- General bacteriology - Adult and Pediatric
- Containment Level 3 Mycobacteriology Laboratory
- Molecular diagnostics
- Mycology
Regional Microbiology Reference Laboratory (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario)
- Molecular diagnostics including laboratory developed tests and viral load testing (e.g., EBV, CMV, HBV, HCV)
- Serology
The Ottawa Hospital – General Campus
- Adult Infectious Disease Clinical Training
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Solid Organ Transplant
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Rehabilitation Center
- Cystic Fibrosis Center
- Cancer Center
- Ottawa Research Institute
The Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus
- Adult Infectious Disease Clinical Training
- Neurosurgery
- Ottawa Heart Institute
- Regional Trauma Center
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinical Training
- CHEO Research Institute
The Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA), working with 18 hospitals in Eastern Ontario, provides lab services for community and tertiary medical/surgical care. The main Microbiology Training site is the Regional Microbiology Reference Laboratory of EORLA, located at the General Campus of TOH and CHEO. The Ottawa Hospital is a multi-site hospital with 1200 beds and provides tertiary care to service. The referral area also includes patients from Eastern Quebec and Nunavut. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is located within the Ottawa Hospital Civic campus and provides tertiary level cardiac medical and surgical care including transplantation. The Civic Campus is the trauma center in Ottawa and is supported by the full complement of surgical services. The General Campus provides tertiary level care for the medical subspecialties with kidney and bone marrow transplantation, TB, HIV and HCV clinics. Services for high-risk pregnancy and a level 3 NICU are present at the General Campus. All regional pediatric services are centralized at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Additional Information
No additional information.
FAQ
What resources are available to residents?
There is a Resident’s Office which is a clean space located in the Microbiology Laboratory at the General Campus of The Ottawa Hospital. Each resident will have their own workspace and mailbox. Textbooks and other resources are also located in this area. Outside the Resident’s office is the Resident’s Microscope and Laboratory workspace. This area is used for teaching as well as for the residents to work on unknowns. Both areas are in close proximity to the Microbiologists office so as to facilitate teaching etc.
Electronic medical resources include access to the laboratory information system, digital imaging, presentation software, and related educational and research resources through The Ottawa Hospital and The University of Ottawa. The program is very flexible to resident requests with respect to learning resources and conference funding and financial support is available upon discussion with the Program Director.
What is the on-call schedule?
Call load follows the PARO agreement. Microbiology call begins in the second year of training.