Dalhousie University - Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology - Halifax
2026 R-1 Main Residency Match - second iteration
Competitive Stream for CMG
Last approved on March 05, 2026
Summary of changesApproximate Quota:
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Accreditation status : Accredited
Provincial Criteria
5788 University Avenue
Mackenzie Building
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8
Dal DPLM EDIA
Department of Pathology - Landing page
Maritime Resident Doctors
Program Contacts
Important Information
Please note: 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 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.
If you are shortlisted, you would need to provide your permission for the program to speak with your current Program Director.
Please note that Dalhousie University offers four residency training programs in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (previously known as General Pathology) is one of the four programs. The other three are Diagnostic and molecular Pathology (previously known as Anatomical Pathology), Hematopathology, and Medical Microbiology. One (1) CaRMS CMG position for 2026 in Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (DCP) is allocated. Candidates are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the differences between these subspecialties and apply specifically to those that interest them most.
Applicants interviewed by our selection committee will be evaluated using an objective interview template that generates a quantitative score for each candidate. In addition to these scores, the committee considers the program’s mandate to train outstanding academic or community Diagnostic and Clinical Pathologists to meet the subspecialty needs of the Maritime provinces. Candidates may choose to highlight connections or a commitment to the Maritimes in their personal letter. The selection committee integrates this information with other parts of the application using objective criteria to rank candidates for our program. Priority consideration will be given to applicants with connections to the Maritime region, Indigenous ancestry, or Black identity. The following are the criteria of Maritime connections and declaration of Indigenous Ancestry or Blank Identity.
Maritime Applicant Priority
For Canadian Medical Graduate (CMG) streams in the CaRMS match, this program gives priority consideration to applicants who express an intent to practice in the region or from the Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island) in recognition of their potential to contribute to the region’s healthcare system.
An applicant is considered to have a Maritime connection if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
1. Within twelve (12) years of the date of application, the applicant has completed four (4) years of junior high and/or high school (Grades 7–12) in the Maritime provinces. Equivalent completion (e.g., homeschooling) in the Maritimes is also eligible.
2. At the time of application, and for at least the prior six (6) years, the applicant’s permanent address has been located in the Maritime provinces for the purpose of attending high school and/or post-secondary studies and/or employment.
3. At the time of application, and for at least the prior three (3) years, the applicant’s permanent address has been located in the Maritime provinces while not attending post-secondary studies (in-person or virtual).
Applicants who identify a Maritime connection in their CaRMS personal letter and who meet minimum entry requirements will be prioritized in the selection process.
To obtain a postgraduate training license after the match's conclusion, Canadian Medical Graduates (CMGs) must register and challenge the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCCQE 1) by July 1, 2026. Those who are unsuccessful in the exam are subject to the regulatory authority's decision regarding licensure.
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
• Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card)
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of application.
The Selection Committee requires three reference letters, and only three will be reviewed.
References should be from three academic physicians and/or scientists under whose supervision you have worked and who are able to attest to your professional and personal skills.
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 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.
Personal LetterA narrative (up to a maximum of 600 words) is required outlining:
- Your path to medicine (what led you to become a physician?)
- What is the most challenging non-clinical skill you will need to develop during residency and how do you plan to do that?
- What are you most excited about in your residency training? What are you nervous about?
- Why do you want to train in the Dalhousie program?
Consider commenting on any failures, leaves of absences, etc. during your previous education showing what you have learned from that experience.
PhotoDeclaration of Indigenous Ancestry and/or Self-Identification of Black Learners
Declaration of Indigenous Ancestry
We invite Indigenous candidates to voluntarily complete Dalhousie’s verification process for Indigenous identity, membership, or citizenship.
Conditionally required
Declaration of Indigenous Ancestry
If you self-identify as Indigenous, we require additional information.
Applicants shall provide a certified copy of one or more of the following documents with their application:
- A Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada, or a First Nation recognized by the Government of Canada;
- Written confirmation of membership or citizenship with a federally recognized band or tribal authority in the United States or Canada;
- Written confirmation of Inuit enrolment or a copy of an Inuit enrolment/beneficiary card issued by a modern Inuit treaty organization or government as follows:
3.1 Inuvialuit Regional Corporation;
3.2 Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated;
3.3 Makivik Corporation;
3.4 Nunatsiavut Government;
4. Written confirmation of Métis citizenship/membership or a copy of a Métis citizenship/membership card provided by a Métis government as follows:
4.1 Métis National Council governing members:
4.2 Métis Nation – Saskatchewan;
4.3 Métis Nation of Alberta;
4.4 Métis Nation British Columbia;
4.5 Métis Nation of Ontario;
4.6 Manitoba Métis Federation;
4.7 Métis Settlements of Alberta.
Applicants who do not supply any of the documents listed above shall supply a 250-word statement with applicable supporting documentation that demonstrates how they meet the citizenship or membership criteria established by the recognized Indigenous nation to which they claim membership or citizenship.
The above information is only made available to Dalhousie PGME, Program Director, and Program Manager of applicable training programs and will only be used for purposes of the CaRMS matching process.
Please see below for the certification of documents.
Certification of Documents
Documents may be certified by one of the following professionals:
1. Accountant
2. Chief of a First Nations Band
3. Commissioner for Oaths
4. Employee of a Service Canada Centre acting in an official capacity
5. Funeral Director
6. Justice of the Peace
7. Lawyer, Magistrate, or Notary
8. Manager of a Financial Institution
9. Regulated Medical or Health Practitioner
10. Member of Parliament or their staff
11. Member of a Provincial/Territorial Legislature or their staff
12.Minister of Religion
13.Municipal Clerk
14. Official of a Federal/Provincial/Indigenous Government Department or one of its agencies
15. Official of an Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission
16. Police Officer
17.Professional Engineer
18. Social Worker
19. Teacher
20. University Professor or Staff
The person certifying the document(s) must:
1. Compare the original to the copy
2. State their official position or title
3. Print their name
4. Sign their name
5. Write the date they certified the document
6. Provide their telephone number
7. Write the following statement: This is a true copy of the original document, which has not been altered in any way
If you self-identify as Black, please complete the following declaration: https://www.carms.ca/pdfs/declaration-of-black-identity.pdf.
Applicants are not required to submit the declaration to participate in Dalhousie’s selection process but, for those who feel comfortable doing so, the information received will only be used to advantage those who would contribute to the diversity of our community.
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 23, 2026
- March 24, 2026
Selection Criteria
- A favourable academic record.
- It is strongly suggested that you have references from physicians in clinical or laboratory disciplines under whose supervision you have worked and who can attest to your professional and personal qualities.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- An appreciation for the unique nature of Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology practice, preferably with prior exposure to one of the four disciplines (Anatomical Pathology, Microbiology, Hematopathology, Clinical Chemistry).
- A personal letter stating why you are interested in Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology. Please include a brief outline of your future career plans.
Program goals
Our residency program aims to train highly qualified MDs to become safe and competent Diagnostic and Clinical pathologists. Residents who complete their training will be prepared for independent practice or further subspecialty fellowship training in the Maritimes provinces, Canada and around the world. We work to help the next generation of Diagnostic and Clinical pathologists become leaders in their field and advocate for excellence in diagnostic services and patient care.
Selection process goals
- The goal of the selection process is to identify candidates with strong motivation and appropriate experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Anatomical Pathology, Cytopathology, Autopsy Pathology, Hematopathology, Medical Microbiology, and Clinical Biochemistry, ensuring they are comfortable managing the daily tasks and workloads required for DCP residency training.
- Our program and university value the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in residency education. Fostering a diverse and inclusive group of residents is a priority in our selection process.
- Preference will be given to candidates with connections to the Maritime provinces, as well as to applicants with Indigenous ancestry or a Black identity. Please refer to the file review process for more details.
File review process
Review team composition : The application file review team generally consists of several staff pathologists/ laboratory physicians, and the chief or co-chief resident of the Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology Program.
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 | Experience in one or more of the following: Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology, Autopsy, Cytopathology, Hematopathology, Molecular Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Medical Biochemistry and pathology informatics. (Candidates are not required to have all of these experiences) |
| Electives | Any elective in the following areas: Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology, Autopsy, Cytopathology, Hematopathology, Molecular Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Medical Biochemistry, and Pathology Informatics. (Candidates are not required to have all) |
| Examinations | We do not formally evaluate this file component |
| Extra-curricular | We do not formally evaluate this file component |
| Leadership skills | Not required but is an asset |
| MSPRs | Evidence of favourable performance in undergraduate training |
| Personal letters | Interested in pursuing a career in a community setting by practicing any of the following: Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology, Autopsy, Cytopathology, Hematopathology, Molecular Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology informatics. |
| Reference documents | Appropriate knowledge base in medicine and pathology, strong interpersonal skills and professionalism. |
| Research/Publications | Not required, but is an asset |
| Transcripts | Evidence of favorable performance in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine related courses/exams |
| Other file component(s) |
Maritime Applicant Priority For Canadian Medical Graduate (CMG) streams in the CaRMS match, this program gives priority consideration to applicants who express an intent to practice in the region or from the Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island) in recognition of their potential to contribute to the region’s healthcare system. An applicant is considered to have a Maritime connection if they meet at least one of the following criteria: 1. Within twelve (12) years of the date of application, the applicant has completed four (4) years of junior high and/or high school (Grades 7–12) in the Maritime provinces. Equivalent completion (e.g., homeschooling) in the Maritimes is also eligible. 2. At the time of application, and for at least the prior six (6) years, the applicant’s permanent address has been located in the Maritime provinces for the purpose of attending high school and/or post-secondary studies and/or employment. 3. At the time of application, and for at least the prior three (3) years, the applicant’s permanent address has been located in the Maritime provinces while not attending post-secondary studies (in-person or virtual). Applicants who identify a Maritime connection in their CaRMS personal letter and who meet minimum entry requirements will be prioritized in the selection process. Declaration of Indigenous Ancestry We invite Indigenous candidates to voluntarily complete Dalhousie’s verification process for Indigenous identity, membership, or citizenship. Conditionally required Declaration of Indigenous Ancestry If you self-identify as Indigenous, we require additional information. Applicants shall provide a certified copy of one or more of the following documents with their application: 1. A Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada, or a First Nation recognized by the Government of Canada; 2. Written confirmation of membership or citizenship with a federally recognized band or tribal authority in the United States or Canada; 3. Written confirmation of Inuit enrolment or a copy of an Inuit enrolment/beneficiary card issued by a modern Inuit treaty organization or government as follows: 3.1 Inuvialuit Regional Corporation; 3.2 Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated; 3.3 Makivik Corporation; 3.4 Nunatsiavut Government; 4. Written confirmation of Métis citizenship/membership or a copy of a Métis citizenship/membership card provided by a Métis government as follows: 4.1 Métis National Council governing members; 4.2 Métis Nation – Saskatchewan; 4.3 Métis Nation of Alberta; 4.4 Métis Nation British Columbia; 4.5 Métis Nation of Ontario; 4.6 Manitoba Métis Federation; 4.7 Métis Settlements of Alberta. Applicants who do not supply any of the documents listed above shall supply a 250-word statement with applicable supporting documentation that demonstrates how they meet the citizenship or membership criteria established by the recognized Indigenous nation to which they claim membership or citizenship. The above information is only made available to Dalhousie PGME, Program Director, and Program Manager of applicable training programs. It will only be used for the purposes of the CaRMS matching process. Certification of Documents Documents may be certified by one of the following professionals: 1. Accountant 2. Chief of a First Nations Band 3. Commissioner for Oaths 4. Employee of a Service Canada Centre acting in an official capacity 5. Funeral Director 6. Justice of the Peace 7. Lawyer, Magistrate, or Notary 8. Manager of a Financial Institution 9. Regulated Medical or Health Practitioner 10. Member of Parliament or their staff 11. Member of a Provincial/Territorial Legislature or their staff 12. Minister of Religion 13. Municipal Clerk 14. Official of a Federal/Provincial/Indigenous Government Department or one of its agencies 15. Official of an Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission 16. Police Officer 17. Professional Engineer 18. Social Worker 19. Teacher 20. University Professor or Staff The person certifying the document(s) must: 1. Compare the original to the copy 2. State their official position or title 3. Print their name 4. Sign their name 5. Write the date they certified the document 6. Provide their telephone number 7. Write the following statement: This is a true copy of the original document, which has not been altered in any way Self-Identification Process for Black Learners We invite Black candidates to complete Dalhousie’s self-identification process for Black identity voluntarily. Conditionally required Declaration of Black Identity If you self-identify as Black, we require additional information. Please include the following in your declaration: 1. Which category do you identify most with: 1.1. African Nova Scotian* 1.2. Black Maritimer 1.2.1. Nova Scotia without ties to a historic African Nova Scotian community 1.2.2. New Brunswick 1.2.3. Prince Edward Island 1.3. Black Canadian 1.4. Multiracial 1.4.1. African Nova Scotian and ______ 1.4.2. Black Maritimer and ________ 1.4.3. Black Canadian and _________ 1.4.4. Black and Indigenous 2. In 500 words or fewer, please speak to the self-identification category you chose above. Include things to highlight your connection to the Black community as well as your lineage. If you chose African Nova Scotian, note that Dalhousie uses the following definition from the African Nova Scotian Strategy, and we ask you to speak to your specific land-based community. * “African Nova Scotians are a distinct People who descend from free and enslaved Black Planters, Black Loyalists, Black Refugees, Maroons and other Black people who inhabited the original 52 land-based Black communities in that part of Mi’kma’ki known as Nova Scotia.” (African Nova Scotian Strategy) All self-identification documentation will be reviewed by the Black faculty leadership within the Faculty of Medicine. |
Elective criteria
Electives in at least one of the following areas are encouraged but not mandatory: Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology (Adults or Pediatrics), Autopsy Pathology (Adults, Pediatrics, or Forensic), Cytopathology, Molecular Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Hematopathology, Clinical Chemistry, and Pathology Informatics.
Interview process
Interview format :
We routinely accommodate requests to re-schedule interviews for applicants due to weather, technology failure or unforeseen circumstances.
| Interview components | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Collaboration skills | Evidence of previous collaboration in clinical service, teaching or research activities |
| Collegiality | Evidence of working efficiently and collegially as a team member |
| Communication skills | Clarity of personal letters and CVs |
| Health advocacy | We do not evaluate this interview component directly |
| Interest in the discipline | Demonstrate proper understanding of the role that Pathologists can play in patient care |
| Interest in the program | Understands the strengths of the Dalhousie Diagnostic and Clinical Residency Program |
| Leadership skills | Knowledge of different Pathology service team compositions and/or workloads |
| Professionalism | Reliability, punctuality, and self-awareness |
| Scholarly activities | Able to name a few research topics related to Pathology and/or Laboratory Medicine |
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
HIGHLIGHTS!
- The Dalhousie Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) provides precision diagnostic services to Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. The quantity and variety of the clinical material (including consult cases from the four provinces) are sufficiently large and diverse to allow adequate exposure for residents in training.
- Most teaching faculties have additional subspecialty fellowship training and function as regional consultants for the Maritime provinces. This affords an unparalleled learning environment for our residents.
- The medical staff at DPLM is well known for functioning as a collegial team. They are dedicated to resident teaching, evidenced by the EPA completion rates for the Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (DCP) Residents: 93% in 2023-2024. 91% in 2024-2025
- The current Departmental Head, Dr. Irene Sadek, provides direct support to the program and regularly meets with residents, both as a group and individually.
- A well-functioning Residency Program Committee (including staff pathologists, the chief resident and at least one resident representative) leads our residency program.
- The program is well organized. The teaching in Anatomical Pathology has been traditionally solid and effective. In addition, Medical Microbiology and Medical Biochemistry both offered minicourses for junior and senior DCP residents, which have further strengthened the program’s organization and contributed to the success of our residents.
- The Department of Pathology also sponsors other strong residency programs in laboratory medicine, including Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology (DMP), Hematopathology (HP), and Medical Microbiology (MM). Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology residents rotate through these divisions, and their successes contribute to our success.
- Since 2014, all graduates of the Dalhousie DCP Program have been successfully recruited by various institutions after completing their training.
- The DCP program is primarily based on one institution (QEII Health Science Center in Halifax, aka MacKenzie Building, home to more than 40 pathologists and laboratory scientists). This allows frequent, collegial, efficient interactions between staff pathologists and residents.
- The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Office is a state-of-the-art facility staffed by highly trained Forensic Pathologists located just across the street from the provincial police services. This affords an unparalleled learning environment for our residents in forensic pathology.
- There is ready access to high-quality multi-head microscopes (six sets, three on the 7th floor, two on the 6th floor and one on the 2nd floor of the MacKenzie building), digital cameras, and other imaging equipment such as an automated, high-capacity Digital Pathology scanner (Aperio GT450 Dx), Nikon Digital Sight 10, and the associated desktop computers that are linked with Nova Scotia Health Intranet.
- Excellent community-based rotations in several Maritime labs are an integral part of the training, with most residency training done in the Halifax area.
- The DPLM has an active green team. For example, the QEII cytopathology lab has received gold-level green lab certification. The lab reduced special waste by 75% and the energy consumption of the incubator by 70%.
- The program currently has six (6) residents representing diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds. A functional departmental EDIA committee is in place to ensure the implementation of EDIA policy. Pathology Department EDIA Committee
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.
Transition to Discipline (July of PGY1)
The first month of PGY1 is an Introductory Transition to Discipline curriculum that allows residents to obtain the Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) required by the Royal College Competence By Design training system. It is shared with Diagnostic and Molecular residents and allows students to get to know faculty, other residents, and learn the basics of microscope function, slide scanning, grossing, and photography. The program is a mixture of didactic and hands-on activities. There is an end-of-rotation slide quiz and case presentation.
Foundations of Discipline (rest of PGY1)
There are 12 blocks in the remainder of PGY1, which allow residents to complete the EPAs in the Foundations stage of training:
- Combined Endocrinology/Metabolism and Medical Chemistry (1 block)
- Clinical Hematology (1 block)
- Infectious Diseases(1 block)
- General Surgery (1 block)
- Radiation Oncology or Medical Oncology (1 block)
- Gynecological Oncology (1 block)
- Subspecialty Pediatrics (usually Pediatric Oncology) (1 block)
- Community lab rotation (1 block)
- Autopsy Pathology (1 block at the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service in Dartmouth)
- Foundations of Hematopathology (1 block)
- Foundations of Anatomical Pathology and Clinical Pathology (2 blocks)
PGY2 through PGY5 - Core, and Transition to Practice stages (five blocks are supposed to be in a community lab setting outside of Halifax)
13 blocks of Junior AP/Autopsy (including community rotations)
3 blocks of Senior AP/Autopsy (including community rotations)
4 blocks of Cytopathology (3 junior and one senior)
2 blocks of Forensic Pathology (at the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service in Dartmouth)
1 block of Pediatric AP/Autopsy (at the IWK Health Center in Halifax)
6 blocks in Hematopathology (rotating through Bone Marrow, Transfusion and Coagulation, Peripheral Smears)
5 blocks of Adult Clinical Chemistry (including community rotations) and one block of Pediatric Clinical Chemistry
6 blocks of Medical Microbiology
1 block of Molecular Pathology
1 block of Biomarker Pathology
1 block of lymph node pathology
1 block of Pre Royal College Exam (Written and Practical Part)
1 block of Pre Royal College Exam (Oral Exam Component if Written and Practical Part completed)
3 blocks of Electives
Educational Program
An academic half-day is held every Wednesday morning during which time, the residents are excused from all service responsibilities. This includes didactic and small-group sessions, as well as teaching at the multi-head microscope. Additional divisional teaching rounds include autopsy, journal club, and gross-micro rounds, as well as microtutorials on interesting cases. Several subspecialties provide regular teaching sessions at the multi-head microscope. Each resident has access to up to $ 3,000 per year to help fund a conference, which can be used up to four times during residency training. In addition, the Pathology Department reimburses residents for a Resident Review Course in PGY-4/5, up to a maximum of $500, once during training.
Research
Each resident is required to participate in at least one well-structured research project during their training. Opportunities are available in both basic science and clinical research domains. To support this endeavour, a dedicated Resident Research Coordinator is available to provide guidance and assistance throughout the process. Residents are expected to present their research at the annual Pathology Department Research Day to be considered for departmental conference funding. Additionally, they are encouraged to present their work at national and international conferences, such as the Annual Meetings of the Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP), USCAP, the European Congress of Pathology, or other relevant academic conferences, and to pursue publication of their findings. Posters are eligible for up to $150 in reimbursement for printing costs, covered by the department.
Teaching Opportunities
Residents are essential advocates and teachers for the medical students and residents rotating through the pathology department. They regularly teach their peers at the academic half-day. Additional opportunities include medical school lab instruction and Radiology-Pathology correlation rounds. Senior residents will also play a greater role in evaluating junior residents in the CBD model of assessment/evaluation.
In-house exams
There is an in-house exam every fall for PGY-2 to PGY-5 residents that includes all components (written, practical, and oral) of the Royal College exam. A second oral and practical slide exam is provided every spring. All PGY2-4 residents write the annual RISE exam, and PGY1 residents write Rise-First. The RISE exam is optional for PGY5 residents.
Training Sites
Resources
The affiliated hospitals are listed on Dalhousie University's overview page. The main site of training is the Halifax QEII Health Science Center, with some time spent at:
- The IWK Health Center
- The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service in Dartmouth, NS
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, PEI,
- The Saint John Regional Hospital in Saint John, NB
- Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, NB
- The Moncton Hospital in Moncton, NB
- The Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, NS
At the QEII hospital, residents will have access to a microscope and a computer, with connectivity to the internet, the hospital intranet, the University Libraries, and the Laboratory Information System. Residents have ready access to high-quality digital cameras, a dedicated computer, and imaging software, as well as a digital slide scanner.
All the laboratory medicine divisions and the QEII libraries contain up-to-date collections of printed and/or electronic textbooks and journals. The department of laboratory medicine offers numerous meeting rooms, equipped with computers, projectors, teleconference devices, and, in some cases, microscopes with projection software, ideal for multidisciplinary rounds or conferences. Similar equipment is also available at the University Department in the Sir Charles Tupper Building. There are an 18-head Olympus microscope and an eight-head Olympus microscope for teaching in the Anatomical Pathology Division. There is a 10-head Nikon teaching microscope (attached to imaging cameras) in the Hematopathology Division. All residents have access to reference manager software and statistical tools.
NOTE: All residency programs are required to have 10% of their residency training outside of Halifax Regional Municipality as stipulated in the most recent Academic Funding Plan set out by the Department of Health and Wellness of Nova Scotia. Please be aware that if matched to Halifax, as part of your training, you may be expected to complete rotations outside the NSH central zone (HALIFAX) but within the maritime provinces.
Additional Information
Choose a career in Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology and all the flexibility and opportunity to explore varied interests within Laboratory Medicine that it affords. Do not limit yourself to just one area of the fascinating world of Laboratory Medicine! Join a robust Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology program in one of Canada’s largest health care institutions. The well-structured teaching with dedicated and collegial faculties, abundant cases and a wide spectrum of expertise affords a rich learning environment. Institutional centralization allows for a wide breadth of cases with great diversity. Experiences in the world-leading IWK Health Centre and the state-of-the-art Medical Examiner’s Office add to the calibre of the residents’ training. The atmosphere is collegial with an emphasis on resident success. Situated in Halifax, residents of Dalhousie University benefit from the abundance of urban activities of a city with the added charm of the beautiful outdoors that the Maritimes have to offer.
FAQ
What is the length of the residency program?
The Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology Residency at Dalhousie is a five-year program accredited by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
What types of training opportunities are offered during residency?
Dalhousie’s program provides diverse training experiences across the Maritime provinces. Residents complete several community rotation blocks in addition to rotations in Halifax. The community sites include:
- Truro, NS
- Fredericton, NB
- Saint John, NB
- Charlottetown, PEI
- Moncton, NB
Residents who have a primary residence in Halifax receive free accommodation and are reimbursed for travel costs during community rotations.
Is the DCP Residency Program at Dalhousie focused on research?
Yes. Research is a mandatory and integral part of the program. All residents are expected to complete at least one research project during their training. Highlights include:
- Dedicated time and support for research
- Presentation at the Department’s annual Research Day
- Opportunities to present at national and international pathology conferences (up to $3,000 of expenses will be covered by the Department of Pathology each year per resident)
- First authorship on case reports in peer-reviewed publications
- Monthly research seminars
What are the primary responsibilities during each rotation?
Responsibilities differ depending on the rotation. In Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology (DMP), residents review slides, sign out cases with staff, conduct gross examinations, and perform autopsy procedures and reporting. During hematopathology rotations, tasks include examining and reporting peripheral blood smears, bone marrow cases, lymph node cases, and transfusion medicine. In clinical chemistry rotations, residents sign out tests and perform protein electrophoresis under the supervision of chemists. During medical microbiology rotations, residents are expected to work at various benches and participate in rounds. They also take part in frozen sections and on-call duties.
How challenging is the DCP residency?
The DCP program is more demanding than DMP alone because of its wider scope. Residents must be proficient in multiple specialties, which requires extensive study and training. However, this also makes DCP graduates highly adaptable and competitive in the job market.
What is the work-life balance like?
Generally, very good. Although the workload is intellectually demanding, residents have time to study and receive support from staff. Calls are infrequent and usually originate from home, and the program is arranged to allow for personal time and academic preparation.
What types of support are available for residents?
Residents receive funding for presenting at conferences, conducting daily teaching sessions, and mentoring. All cases are overseen by staff, providing solid guidance throughout the program. Additional support includes access to educational resources, books, and structured teaching rounds.
What is the call schedule like?
DMP calls are typically limited to weekends and tend to be more relaxed. In contrast, DCP calls, such as those in hematopathology and chemistry, occur more frequently but are usually managed remotely. Residents may also participate in frozen section assessments during DMP rotations.
Is there time set aside for studying?
Yes. The program is designed to give residents enough time for studying. Staff are understanding and supportive, especially during the Royal College Exam periods. Many rotations, such as microbiology, include dedicated educational activities and self-study opportunities.
What are the career opportunities after finishing the DCP residency?
Job prospects are excellent. DCP graduates are highly sought after, especially in community hospitals that require a broad range of skills. The flexibility of DCP training allows graduates to work across various pathology subspecialties, making them suitable candidates for many roles. DCP graduates usually have no difficulty finding employment. For details on available positions, please visit the CAP-ACP website.
What is the living situation like in the area?
Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a lively coastal city known for its high quality of life, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural scenery. Learn more:
Living in Halifax – Dalhousie University
Cost of Living in Halifax – Numbeo
How can I learn more about the Dalhousie DCP residency program?
Take a look at these helpful resources:
- Dalhousie Department of Pathology Residency Programs: https://medicine.dal.ca/departments/department-sites/pathology/education/residency-program.html
- Maritime Resident Doctors: https://www.maritimeresidentdoctors.ca/
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: https://www.royalcollege.ca/
- Royal College – DCP Specialty Information: https://www.royalcollege.ca/en/standards-and-accreditation/information-by-discipline?specialty=royal-college%3Aibd%2Fspecialty%2Fdiagnostic-and-clinical-pathology
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