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University of Calgary - Public Health and Preventive Medicine including Family Medicine - Calgary

2026 R-1 Main Residency Match - second iteration
CMG Stream for CMG

Last approved on March 05, 2026

Summary of changes

Approximate Quota:

 click here

Accreditation status : Accredited

Provincial Criteria

Dr. David Klassen
Community Health Sciences 
3rd Floor, CWPH Building 
3280 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6
uofcphpm

Program Contacts

Marlene Irving
Program Coordinator
phpm@ucalgary.ca

Important Information

The University of Calgary Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PHPM) Program was fully accredited in 2022, with the next RCPSC site visit scheduled for 2030.

See the University of Calgary Family Medicine CaRMS program description for additional information related to the Family Medicine program.

General Instructions

Program application language: English

There are two University of Calgary Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PHPM) CMG positions in this year's CaRMS match, both of which include the opportunity for joint certification in Family Medicine, typically through integrated academic coursework and clinical training completed over three years. Candidates should discuss alternate training paths (e.g. credit for previous training; basic clinical training year) with the interview committee and/or program director.   

Note: If your transcript indicates academic difficulties, please address this in your personal letter.

Supporting Documentation / Information

Canadian citizenship
CaRMS partners with third-party organizations to verify your citizenship or permanent resident status. If your status is verified by one of these organizations, you will not need to provide citizenship documents in your application. If your citizenship status is not verified, you must provide one of the documents listed below.
Document must be notarized/certified
Required
Submit one of the following documents to verify your Canadian citizenship:
• Canadian Birth Certificate or Act of Birth
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence in Canada
• Passport page showing Canadian Citizenship
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card (both sides of card)
• Proof of Protected Person / Convention Refugee Status
• Certificate of Indian Status / Aboriginal Status or Makivik Society Card
• Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card)
Language proficiency
Optional - will be reviewed
Submit one of the following documents to verify your language proficiency:
• IELTS
• Occupational English Test (OET) - Medicine
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) - General

IELTS, OET or CELPIP is required by CPSA for candidates from medical schools in Quebec except for candidates from McGill and for IMG candidates.  Please check CPSA https://cpsa.ca/ for ELP updates.

Examinations
Required
Family Medicine Professional Choices
  • Score

    • Your FMProC assessment result is sent directly to CaRMS. The FMProC assessment is only valid for one admissions cycle. If you have taken the assessment in previous years, you are expected to re-take it.

    To register for the FMProC assessment visit www.fmproc.com.

    Reference documents
    Required
    Number requested: 3

    Three reference letters are required. Letters may be from referees of the candidate’s choice. The reference letters should be as descriptive and objective as possible. It is essential that the referee describes the extent of their contact with the applicant, and candidly speak to the professional attributes of the applicant.

    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).
    Additional documents
    Required
    Medical School Transcript 

    Your medical school transcript can be submitted through one of the methods below:

    1. Obtain your medical transcript from your school and upload it directly to your CaRMS Online account. Follow your school’s policy regarding accessing or requesting your transcript;
    2. Ask your medical school to upload your medical transcript through their CaRMS Undergraduate Portal account; or
    3. International (IMGs) and United States (USMGs) medical graduates can transfer their transcript from their physiciansapply.ca account.

    Medical Student Performance Record 

    For 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 Letter 
    Word count
    Minimum : None
    Maximum : 750

    A personal letter (750 words) is required. The letter should describe your interest in and suitability for a career in Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and indicate why the University of Calgary program would be a good fit for you.

    Your personal letter must include the following items:

    • Why are you choosing public health as a career? 
    • What experiences (clinical, leadership, volunteering) will help us understand why you are suitable for PHPM?
    • Why Calgary? Please elaborate on your interest in our program and any connections to the city/province.
    • If your transcript or MSPR indicates any poor academic standing, course failure(s), leave(s) of absence, or breeches of professionalism, this must be addressed in an addendum.

    Custom Résumé / CV 

    Please provide an up to date curriculum vitae.

    Optional - will be reviewed
    Photo 
    [Note: Photograph is used as memory aid only]

    Postgraduate Medical Training Certificate 

    Document must be notarized/certified

    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 26, 2026
    Program will notify all applicants through CaRMS Online and will send email invitations directly to applicants selected for an interview.

    Selection Criteria

    Program goals

    The goal of the University of Calgary PHPM program is to graduate outstanding Public Health and Preventive Medicine specialist physicians who lead, collaborate, and innovate to maintain and improve the health and well-being of patients and populations.

    The program's mission is to provide foundational clinical, academic, and public health learning and training opportunities to develop competence in all areas of PHPM practice, and the flexibility to pursue specialized experiences and skills based on interests and desired career paths. 

    Selection process goals

    Applicants will be evaluated on their suitability for a career in Public Health and Preventive Medicine and their potential to become outstanding PHPM specialists. We seek self-directed individuals with strong leadership potential, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in teams. Prior experience in leadership roles, community engagement, and/or research productivity are considered assets.

    File review process

    Review team composition : Applications are reviewed by members of the PHPM admissions committee, including the Program Director, faculty members, and resident representative(s).

    Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 0 - 50

    Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 76 - 100 %

    Evaluation criteria :
    File component Criteria
    CV Academic background, work experience, awards, extracurricular involvement, and research.
    Electives Completion of at least one PHPM elective (encouraged).
    Examinations Not evaluated.
    Extra-curricular Contributions through leadership, advocacy, and other activities relevant to PHPM.
    Leadership skills Evidence of leadership in contexts relevant to PHPM (e.g., committee/board service, community involvement).
    MSPRs Academic standing, interpersonal skills, teamwork, and documentation of any course failures, leaves of absence, or breaches of professionalism.
    Personal letters Demonstrated readiness and motivation for a career in PHPM.
    Reference documents Assessment of professionalism, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
    Research/Publications Research experience, presentations, publications, familiarity with relevant methodologies, and applicability to PHPM.
    Transcripts Overall academic performance.

    Elective criteria

    We are looking for and rewarding applicants who have completed a broad range of electives including in our discipline.
    We do not require applicants to have done onsite electives.

    Interview process

    Interview format :



    We may accommodate requests to re-schedule interviews for applicants due to weather, technology failure, or unforeseen circumstances.

    Interview evaluation criteria :
    Interview components Criteria
    Collaboration skills Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively in multidisciplinary teams
    Collegiality Ability to work constructively with peers and other professionals, including managing conflict.
    Communication skills Clarity, effectiveness, and adaptability in written and verbal communication.
    Health advocacy Systems thinking and a demonstrated commitment to health equity.
    Interest in the discipline Understanding of PHPM and its potential career pathways.
    Interest in the program Knowledge of the program and thoughtful reasons for pursuing the specialty.
    Leadership skills Demonstrated leadership in diverse settings and/or communication style consistent with leadership potential.
    Professionalism Consistent demonstration of professional behavior and ethical standards.
    Scholarly activities Academic performance, research achievements, and teaching experience.

    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

    Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PHPM) is the medical specialty focused on the health of populations. PHPM specialists assess population health and design, implement, and evaluate strategies for health protection and promotion to prevent disease and injury.

    The primary mission of our program is to ensure that residents graduate with the generalist competencies required of Canadian public health practitioners. Clinical and academic public health training can be integrated to maximize early exposure to both domains. The program also supports residents in developing specialized competencies aligned with their individual career goals through a flexible, customizable training structure.

    Career paths and areas of focus within the University of Calgary PHPM Residency Program include:

    • Public Health Practice & Leadership (e.g., Medical Officer of Health, Health Care Executive)
    • Academic & Consulting (e.g., University, Public Health Institute/Agency)
    • Clinical & Direct Patient Care (e.g., Primary Care, Addictions Medicine)

    For Family Medicine highlights, please see the University of Calgary Family Medicine CaRMS program description page.

    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.

    Training Schedule

    Transition to Discipline and Foundations (PGY1–PGY3)

    Clinical training is completed in the Department of Family Medicine (Calgary Program), providing the opportunity to achieve certification in Family Medicine (CCFP). Clinical competencies within the Family Medicine Program relevant to PHPM will be emphasized, and training sites/rotations will be prioritized to maximize opportunities to work with structurally disadvantaged and underserved populations.

    For details related to clinical training, please see the Family Medicine website.

    Note: A Basic Clinical Training year may be completed in lieu of pursuing Family Medicine training.

    The Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) is the academic home for the PHPM program. To complete the required one year of academic coursework in core public health sciences, a customized curriculum can be developed for successful applicants, allowing clinical training and academic work to be completed longitudinally from PGY1 to PGY3. Interested residents may also enroll in a graduate degree program. More information on degree options can be found on the CHS website.

    Note: Applicants with prior clinical or academic training may request credit to reduce the length of PHPM training.

    Core and Transition to Practice (PGY4–PGY5)

    Eighteen (18) months of required core field rotations, providing the opportunity to achieve generalist PHPM competencies, are completed during PGY4 and PGY5. Residents complete urban and rural public health rotations focusing on:

    • Communicable disease control

    • Environmental health

    • Health promotion and chronic disease prevention

    • Cancer screening and prevention

    • Rural public health

    Select core rotations may be completed at external training sites, subject to Program Director approval.

    In the final year of training, residents complete the last six months of required field rotations through:

    • Senior MOH rotations – Offer opportunities to attain PHPM competencies not yet achieved and function more independently in assuming responsibilities of a Medical Officer of Health.

    • Elective rotations – At least six months of elective time for local, provincial, or international experiences, research projects, or graduate degree requirements, and to prepare for the Royal College examination.

    Training Sites

    PHPM residents at the University of Calgary have access to a diverse range of clinical, academic, and field training sites, including:

    • University of Calgary Family Medicine Program

    • University of Calgary Department of Community Health Sciences

    • Ministry of Primary and Preventive Health Services

    • Primary Care Alberta and other Provincial Health Agencies

    • Health Canada First Nations and Inuit Health Branch

    • Public Health Laboratory

    • Northwest Territories Health and Social Services

    Most residents should anticipate spending 1–3 months at rural or remote sites where commuting is not feasible. Full funding for accommodation during mandatory rotations is provided through the University of Calgary’s Distributed Learning and Rural Initiatives.

    For Family Medicine training sites, please see the University of Calgary Family Medicine CaRMS program description page.

    Additional Information

    Residents have dedicated office space in the Department of Community Health Sciences and full access to the electronic and other resources through both the University of Calgary, Government of Alberta, and Provincial Health Agencies. 

    Current certification in BLS and ACLS is a prerequisite and must be current as of July 1, 2026. Costs for successful completion of BLS, ACLS, are reimbursed if taken within 90 days of starting residency. Any other lifesaving courses required for mandatory rotations (e.g. ALARM and NRP) will also be eligible for reimbursement. CMPA & CPSA memberships are mandatory and must be in place before beginning residency.

    FAQ

    1. Does the program give preference to University of Calgary graduates?
    No, the program does not give preference to graduates of the University of Calgary.

    2. If I apply to both the Calgary PHPM (including FM) program and the Calgary Family Medicine Program, do I need to submit personal and reference letters to each program?
    Yes, each application requires a personal letter and reference letters.

    3. How will I be notified if I am chosen for an interview?
    All selected applicants will be notified by email.

    4. Can I delay my residency training start date if I am matched to the program?
    No, residency training begins on July 1, and all residents are expected to start on this date and attend orientation events in the week prior.

    5. Is a research project required during residency?
    Yes, all residents complete a research or quality improvement project during both Family Medicine and PHPM training. Support for project development, design, and ethics submission is provided by the programs.

    6. What academic degrees are offered?
    The Department of Community Health Sciences offers thesis-based graduate degrees with specializations in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Population/Public Health, Health Services Research, Health Economics, and Medical Education.

    Summary of changes

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