McGill University - Medical Genetics and Genomics - Montreal
2026 R-1 Main Residency Match - second iteration
Regular Stream for All
Last approved on March 03, 2026
Approximate Quota:
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Accreditation status : Accredited
Provincial Criteria
McGill University
1001 Decarie Blvd, Rm A04.3140
Montreal , Quebec, H4A 3J1
Program Contacts
Important Information
| McGill Office of Postgraduate Medical Education | McGill Postgraduate Medical Education |
| McGill Department of Human Genetics | McGill Department of Human Genetics |
| McGill Residency Program in Medical Genetics and Genomics | McGill Residency Program in Medical Genetics and Genomics |
| MUHC Division of Medical Genetics | MUHC Division of Medical Genetics |
| Jewish General Hospital, Division of Medical Genetics | Jewish General Hospital Division of Medical Genetics |
General Instructions
Program application language: Either English or French
Before applying for this program, all candidates are asked to read the eligibility criteria for postgraduate medical training programs in R1 specialties offered all four Quebec faculties of medicine by clicking on this link: https://www.carms.ca/match/r-1-main-residency-match/eligibility-criteria/quebec/.
Supporting Documentation / Information
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence in Canada
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card (both sides of card)
• Valid Canadian Visa/Permit authorization
• Proof of Protected Person / Convention Refugee Status
• Certificate of Indian Status / Aboriginal Status or Makivik Society Card
• Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card)
• Canadian Birth Certificate or Act of Birth
Visa students and U.S citizens are eligible only if they are already studying in Quebec with a student permit.
NOTE: The passport is not an accepted proof of Canadian citizenship.
If you have taken the MCCQE Part I exam, please include the statement of results and supplemental information report in your application.
USMGs (including DOs from accredited Osteopathic medical schools) before July 1, 2025, do not have to complete this requirement.
USMGs (including DOs from accredited Osteopathic medical schools) on or after July 1, 2025, must complete this requirement. You must submit BOTH the MCCQE1 and the NAC, OR the LMCC, OR all 3 steps of the USMLE.
If you have taken the NAC exam, please include the statement of results and supplemental information report in your application.
USMGs (including DOs from accredited Osteopathic medical schools) before July 1, 2025, do not have to complete this requirement.
USMGs (including DOs from accredited Osteopathic medical schools) on or after July 1, 2025, must complete this requirement. You must submit BOTH the MCCQE1 and the NAC, OR the LMCC, OR all 3 steps of the USMLE.
Three letters of reference are required and should be from faculty with whom the candidate has trained. The reference letters should include comments on the candidate's academic potential, clinical skills, professionalism, and ability to work well with colleagues.
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).
A brief (no more than 300 word) personal statement. The personal statement should address why the applicant is attracted to medical genetics and the characteristics they want in a residency program.
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.
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.
For International (IMGs) and United States (USMGs) medical graduates, you can submit your MSPR through either of the methods below:
- Upload your MSPR directly into your CaRMS Online account; or
- Ask your medical school to upload your MSPR through their CaRMS Undergraduate Portal account.
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.
Custom Résumé / CVSubmission of the CV is required.
PhotoPlease provide the results of the exams that permitted you to have your medical degree recognized and approved by the CMQ.
Graduates with the diploma of doctor of osteopathy awarded by a school of osteopathic medicine situated in the United States providing that the school is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association do not have to obtain the recognition of the equivalence of the medical diploma by the CMQ. These graduates do not require the MCCQE Part I, the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC), or the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) in order to apply.
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 applicant files submitted before the deadline will be reviewed by the Selection Committee. Each file is assessed for commitment to medical genetics, academic potential, collegiality, and evidence of scholarly activity. Weight is also given to participation in extracurricular activities, strength of reference letters, and the candidate’s personal statement. Following file review, selected applicants will be offered a virtual interview. Once all interviews are complete, the candidates will be ranked according to a combination of file review and interview scores.
Selection Criteria
Our program seeks candidates with evidence of academic achievement in both basic and clinical sciences, demonstrated enthusiasm for medical genetics, and excellence in clinical reasoning. We want residents with strong intra- and inter-personal and communication skills who display compassion and cultural sensitivity in their interactions with others. Research experience is an asset, although not required. Working knowledge of French is very strongly recommended.
Program goals
The practice of Medical Genetics is based on an in-depth knowledge of basic genetic principles, an understanding of genetic disease as it affects the health of individuals of all ages, and an awareness and application of the principles of genetic counselling. The practice increasingly entails translation of rapid scientific and clinical advances in genetics to care of patients and families through diagnosis, treatment, and counselling. With this foundation, the medical geneticist provides compassionate, patient-centered, culturally sensitive care to persons with genetic disorders across the lifespan.
The McGill Medical Genetics Residency Program supports residents in their journeys to becoming expert medical geneticists. Our program is committed to promoting a collegial atmosphere where faculty and learners work together to ensure a safe learning environment in which resident well-being is of prime importance. We aim to promote the development of residents who are self-directed and committed to excellence in education, scholarship, and clinical care.
Selection process goals
The McGill University Medical Genetics Residency program seeks applicants who
- have a demonstrated enthusiasm and aptitude for medical genetics
- have strong interpersonal skills
- have excellent oral and written communication skills
- demonstrate excellent clinical reasoning
- are conscientious, motivated, passionate, and self-directed in their learning
- display cultural sensitivity and social accountability in patient care
- are compassionate and resilient
- have demonstrated academic potential
- respond well to feedback
- are committed to developing their French language skills
File review process
Review team composition : The Selections Committee consists of the program director, a medical geneticist, a clinician scientist, and the chief resident.
Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 0 - 50
Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 51 - 75 %
| File component | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CV | Research, publications, awards, evidence of leadership, extracurricular activities |
| Electives | Interest in medical genetics; rotation evaluations. |
| Examinations | Cursory review only |
| Extra-curricular | Evidence of leadership and community engagement |
| Leadership skills | Evidence of teaching and mentorship |
| MSPRs | Academic achievement |
| Personal letters | Written communication skills; experience with and enthusiasm for the practice of medical genetics. |
| Reference documents | Interpersonal and communications skills; collegiality; compassion; cultural sensitivity; professionalism; interest in medical genetics. |
| Research/Publications | Academic and research potential |
| Transcripts | Academic performance; unexplained gaps in education |
Elective criteria
We recognize that the COVID pandemic has resulted in limited availability of electives and will take this into account during file review.
Interview process
Interview format :
We routinely accommodate requests to re-schedule interviews for applicants.
| Interview components | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Collaboration skills | Ability to work well as an active member of a team |
| Collegiality | Ability to work well with others to create a productive work environment |
| Communication skills | Ability to use written and spoken language to convey ideas clearly, concisely and completely |
| Health advocacy | Understanding of the social and cultural determinants of health. |
| Interest in the discipline | Commitment to and understanding of the practice of medical genetics |
| Interest in the program | Understanding of and enthusiasm for the unique elements of our residency program. |
| Leadership skills | Ability to take initiative |
| Professionalism | Behavior and attitude in interactions with staff and residents. Capacity for self-reflection. |
| Scholarly activities | Academic potential; ability to answer questions related to oral presentation |
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 of the McGill medical genetics residency program
- Competency-based medical education.
- Broad clinical exposure to all areas of medical genetics.
- Multidisciplinary clinics: cardiogenetics, neurofibromatosis, and pediatric oncogenetics.
- Resident Continuity Clinic beginning in PGY3. Residents follow both new patients and those that they have seen previously.
- Acting staff rotations: one inpatient and one outpatient rotation.
- Coursework in Human Genetics, Laboratory Genetics and Embryology.
- Up to 6 months of electives outside of McGill.
- Biannual in-training OSCE and written examinations.
- Annual ACMG in-training exam.
- Ample opportunities for research.
- Weekly Academic Half Day:
- One-hour didactic teaching, including sessions on risk assessment and skill development.
- One-hour resident-led journal club or “Approach to” sessions.
- One-hour resident-led case review, VUS rounds, or monthly pan-Canadian video conferenced teaching session (TeleHealth for Genetics Residents and Fellows).
- Funding for regional, national, and international genetics conferences
- Funding for books and courses, including a board review course.
The Division of Medical Genetics provides bilingual genetic services to persons of all ages within the highly diverse population of Montreal and to the indigenous populations of Northern Quebec. Most faculty members speak English and French while some speak a third language as well.
In addition to the Medical Genetics residency program, McGill offers CCMG-certified training in Clinical Genetics, Clinical Biochemical Genetics, Genetic and Genome Diagnostics (combined Molecular Genetics/Cytogenetics training), and Laboratory Biochemical Genetics. Fellowships are also available in Lysosomal Disorders, Pediatric Metabolic and Genetic Bone Disorders, and Neurogenetics. The Department of Human Genetics at McGill is home to many distinguished scientists and to the MSc program in Genetic Counselling. Faculty and trainees in each of these areas interact with our residents, providing additional rich learning experiences for all.
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.
Canadian residency programs in Medical Genetics and Genomics launched Competence by Design (CBD) in July, 2022. The times listed below for each stage of training are approximate and may vary depending on the performance of a particular resident. The first two years of the residency are devoted to obtaining a solid foundation in pediatrics, internal medicine and maternal-fetal medicine. Rotations in the fourth and fifth years can be adapted to the career needs of the resident. Residents are allotted four weeks of vacation time each year.
Transition to Discipline (2 months)
- Medical Genetics, 1 month
- Pediatrics, 1 month
Foundations of Discipline (20 months)
- Pediatrics: Hematology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Developmental Pediatrics, Nephrology, Inpatient Wards, NICU, Selectives
- Internal Medicine: Cardiology (MAUDE--McGill Adult Unit for Congenital Heart Disease), Neurology, Inpatient Wards, Selectives
- Maternal Fetal Medicine (2 blocks)
- Coursework in Human Genetics (if needed) and Embryology
Core of Discipline (35 months)
- Biochemical Genetics lab and clinics, 2 months
- Cytogenetics, 2 months
- Molecular Genetics, 2 months
- General pediatric genetics clinics, 2 months
- General adult genetics clinics, 2 months
- Inpatient consultation service (pediatric and adult, general and biochemical)
- Resident Continuity Clinics, 6-10 per year
- Prenatal diagnosis, including participation in the multidisciplinary Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Group
- Cancer genetics, 2 months
- Genetic counselling, one month
- Metabolic and Genetic Bone disease clinics at Shriners Hospital, 1 month
- Medical Genetics Selectives at McGill, adapted to resident’s career interests
- Medical Genetics electives outside of McGill, up to 6 months, adapted according to resident’s career interests
- Research
Transition to Practice (8 months)
- Acting staff rotations: 1 month inpatients; 1 month outpatients.
- Resident Continuity Clinics, 6 per year
- Up to 6 months of electives, including Medical Genetics Selectives at McGill, adapted to resident’s career interests; Medical Genetics electives outside of McGill, up to 6 months, adapted according to resident’s career interests; and research.
Research
Each resident is expected to complete a scholarly project by the end of their training. Residents meet with the program's research advisor by the end of their second year of training to discuss potential topics and supervisors.
Education
- The Weekly Academic Half Day has three back-to-back sessions:
- First session:
- Didactic lectures provided by the Medical Genetics faculty or invited speakers OR
- Trainee-led ethics presentations OR
- Risk assessment session
- Second and third sessions: resident-led
- "Approach to" OR
- Journal club OR
- Case Review: discussion of interesting/instructive cases OR
- Genomics: discussion of variants of uncertain significance; use of genomics databases OR
- Resident wellness activities or role-playing/communication activities OR
- Monthly TeleGRaF lectures
- Weekly half-day teaching sessions continue throughout the summer covering approach to common metabolic emergencies, neurogenetics and other topics selected by the residents.
- Monthly Canada-wide Tele-health for Genetics Residents and Fellows (TeleGRaF) sessions, delivered by videoconference
- Biannual Pan-Canadian In-training OSCEs and written exams
- Annual AMBGG In-Training exam
- Coursework in Human Genetics (if needed), Laboratory Genetics, Embryology.
- Financial support for ACMG Medical Genetics Review course, Bar Harbor Short Course in Human Genetics and/or the SIMD North American Metabolic Academy
Training Sites
Most patient care at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) occurs primarily at a new, multi-hospital campus known as the Glen. This first-class facility provides state-of-the-art laboratories, individual patient rooms, and proximity of all genetics consultants and trainees to one another.
All pediatric training takes place at the Montreal Children’s Hospital at the MUHC-Glen, located at 1001 Decarie Blvd.
Internal Medicine rotations take place at one of three sites:
- The Royal Victoria Hospital at the MUHC-Glen site
- The Montreal General Hospital, part of the MUHC, located at 1650 Cedar Avenue
- The Jewish General Hospital (JGH), 3755 Cote Ste Catherine
Most of the remaining rotations take place at the MUHC-Glen with a few rotations at the JGH, the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1003 Decarie Blvd, or the Montreal Neurological Hospital, 3801 University. Each site provides a dedicated space for residents.
Additional Information
McGill University proudly welcomes an international cohort of residents into its Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) each year. Residents gain valuable experience serving a diverse, multicultural community in French and English. In Quebec, residents are legally required to care for patients in French and in English. Therefore, PGME provides residents with French language acquisition tools and resources to help ensure each can care for Francophone patients, as well as fully benefit from their training experience. All residents are expected to participate in the French language courses offered by the PGME Office, throughout the duration of their training at McGill, where applicable.
Faculty and Resident Numbers
The Divisions of Medical Genetics at the MUHC and JGH currently have 19 physician faculty members, 6 PhD faculty members, 24 genetic counsellors, 3 metabolic dieticians, and four nurse practitioners.
There are currently ten medical genetics residents.
Call responsibilities
- First and second year residents take call in the service to which they are assigned.
- Senior residents take call from home for general and metabolic genetics.
- Call is divided equally among the residents
- Call respects the contract of the Federation of Medical Residents of Quebec
FAQ
Montreal is a vibrant, ethnically diverse, safe city that offers excellent public transportation, abundant green spaces, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities. Affordable housing is available within an easy commute to the hospitals.