University of Manitoba - Adult Gastroenterology - Winnipeg
2026 Fall Subspecialty Residency Match - first iteration
Competitive Stream for All
Room 805D John Buhler Research Centre
727 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P5
Program Contacts
Important Information
Residents attending the University of Manitoba Gastroenterology Training Program will participate in a competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum. CBME is one part of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's Competence By Design (CBD) initiative, which aims to align medical education and lifelong learning with evolving patient needs while empowering learners to more fully engage in their education process.
CBD will use time as a framework rather than the basis for progression. It is not anticipated that the duration of training will change for the majority of trainees. The Gastroenterology residency program will be broken down into stages, and each stage will have a series of milestones based on required competencies. These milestones will 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.
As a CBD program, Gastroenterology training at the University of Manitoba will continue to lead to Royal College approved certification. Certification for trainees in the CBD programs will include the completion of a Royal College examination; however, residents in the CBD program will also be assessed against program milestones throughout their training. Within the new CBD program, all milestones (documented within an electronic portfolio) and the Royal College examination must be successfully completed to achieve certification.
For more information, please contact www.royalcollege.ca/cbd.
Orientation for all incoming residents
Please be advised that the 2026 PGME New Resident Orientation Day is June 26, 2026.
This Orientation is mandatory for all incoming residents.
Return of Service
All applicants with a return of service agreement must attach a copy of that agreement to their applications. The printed agreement must indicate that subspecialty training in a province different from the one to which return of service is required is acceptable.
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)
• Certificate of Indian Status / Aboriginal Status or Makivik Society Card
• Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of card)
Notarized/certified photocopied proof of citizenship must be provided. Photocopies are accepted but citizenship documents other than what is listed above are not accepted.
CaRMS is partnering with third-party organizations to automate the verification of citizenship/legal status required by postgraduate offices for entry into residency. Third-party verification simplifies the process for applicants and programs. All applicants who do not receive third-party citizenship verification will be required to upload and assign an acceptable proof of citizenship document. Please see additional information here.
Certificate of Indian Status / Aboriginal Status or Makivik Society Cards are accepted this year which must be accompanied by proof of eligibility to work in Canada i.e SIN #
• IELTS
• Occupational English Test (OET) - Medicine
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) - General
Language Proficiency
English is the language of study at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. All applicants whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency to CaRMS by the file review opening date.
CMG
- If you graduated from an English medical school in Canada , you are exempt from providing proof of language proficiency.
- Candidates who attended medical school in Canada where the language of instruction or the primary language of patient care was not English, are exempt from providing proof of language proficiency.
- Candidates are exempted from English language proficiency testing if the language of instruction and patient care throughout the entire undergraduate medical education curriculum was in English
IMG’s
- IMG applicants must fulfill the English Language Proficiency requirements.
Candidates are exempted from English language proficiency testing under the following circumstances
- Their undergraduate or postgraduate medical education, was taken in English in one of the countries that have English as a first and/or native language.
- They can provide evidence of appropriate exposure to English language in training and/or practice. Appropriate exposure is defined as the following:
- That they have taken the majority (>50%) of their undergraduate or postgraduate medical education in English, AND
- The majority (>50%) of patient care provided by the applicant has been in English,
-
OR
- Other substantially equivalent evidence of English proficiency in training and practice (e.g., significant clinical teaching, research, and/or academic experience).
All other candidates must have taken one of the following:
- the Academic Version of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 7 in each component with an overall band score of no less than 7 in the same sitting. IELTS scores will be considered valid for 2 years from the date taken
- Occupational English Test – Medicine (OET-Medicine), with a minimum grade of B in each of the four subsets in the same sitting; or
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program – General (CELPIP-General) Test, with a minimum score of 9 in each of the four skills in the same sitting
List of countries that have English as a first and native language - Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, US Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean Islands of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Grenadines, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago
Please note the following:
- Photocopies are acceptable.
- Language Proficiency Attestations will not be accepted from the candidate or a third party.
- Language Proficiency results will not be accepted by fax or e-mail.
Note
This means a total of 3 Reference Letters: one from Current PD, and 2 others.
Note
If the applicant has done an elective within the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Manitoba, the local supervisor must provide a letter of reference.
This should clearly indicate the applicant's reasons for applying, what he / she feels they can bring to the program, as well as program and career expectations. Activities, skills and characteristics that may relate to “Selection Process Goals” are evaluated. If there have been gaps in training, the applicant should explain them. At least one reference letter must be from the core IM Program Director. If the applicant has engaged in remediation for any rotations in Core IM, he/she must indicate this. If there are gaps in training, the applicant is expected to indicate this. 500 words maximum.
Custom Résumé / CVCV – Aside from what is written within the body of the CaRMS document, the applicant must include a formal Curriculum Vitae (CV) at the end of the CaRMS package. It is very important that you fill out your CV carefully and completely, because part of our evaluation process involves a "semi-blinded" assessment of your CV. There will be overlap of information recorded in the CV and in the body of the larger CARMS document. Both the CV and the main CaRMS document should include all professional and personal activities that reflect the qualities outlined in “Selection Process Goals”. The CV and the main CaRMS document should indicate which activities were/are voluntary versus reimbursed/salaried. If the activity contributed to the applicant’s growth as a physician and as a person, he/she should indicate in what way. The CV should describe any activities in academic areas including research, education, administration, advocacy and leadership. Please refer to the section on this website called "Additional Information" which provides guidance regarding how the publications within the CV should be described.
PhotoA photo is required with your application.
Interviews
Dates:
- September 11, 2025
Selection Criteria
The Section of Gastroenterology at the University of Manitoba is committed to a fair, equitable, and transparent application process. We maintain the right to choose the applicants we feel are the best candidates for our residency training program.
Our selection processes are outlined below.
Program goals
Mission: We educate the next generation of Gastroenterologists who will sustain and promote the health of those we serve through the provision of the highest quality of clinical care, research, innovation and communication.
Goals (not necessarily in order of priority):
- To train physicians who will practice in academic and non-academic settings.
- To train physicians who practice holistic care and who embody excellence in all the CANMEDS roles.
- To meet the needs of the people we serve, and the academic needs of those we choose to admit to our progams.
- To maintain and nurture excellence within our training program.
Objectives (not necessarily in order of priority):
- To develop Gastroenterologists who excel as scholars, communicators, leaders, health advocates, collaborators and professionals.
- To support and mentor our trainees.
- To foster lifelong learning.
Selection process goals
Our program values the following candidate attributes:
- Excellence in the performance of all the CANMEDS roles in all the areas of practice in Internal Medicine, including General Internal Medicine.
- Evidence of activities, whether in one’s personal and/or professional life, that contribute to the well-being of others, and that reflect drive/motivation; skills in leadership, administration, education and communication; innovation; problem-solving and resiliency.
File review process
Review team composition : At various stages of the ranking process, the file may be reviewed by the following: the Program Director, Section Members, members of the Department PGME Committee, administrative personnel and selected physicians appointed by the PGME Chair.
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 | Professional/personal activities that reflect qualities outlined in "Selection Process Goals" |
| Electives | Electives are evaluated in terms of how they relate to the above described "Selection Process Goals" |
| Examinations | We require MCCQE I scores. We also require information regarding whether the MCCQE II has ever been written, and if so, what the scores were for any time the exam was written. If the candidate is from a US institution, we require their USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores. |
| Extra-curricular | Activities, skills and characteristics that may relate to “Selection Process Goals" |
| Leadership skills | Activities, skills and characteristics that may relate to “Selection Process Goals” are evaluated. |
| MSPRs | We do not evaluate this file component. |
| Personal letters | Activities, skills and characteristics that may relate to “Selection Process Goals” are evaluated. |
| Reference documents | Activities, skills and characteristics that may relate to “Selection Process Goals". |
| Research/Publications | Peer reviewed publications, presentations, monographs, studies, awards, current work are evaluated. |
| Transcripts | Academic excellence, range of interest and study, duration and continuity/gaps are evaluated. |
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 | Demonstrates understanding of and engagement in successful teamwork. |
| Collegiality | Evidence of respect for others within and between teams/groups. |
| Communication skills | Ability to speak fluently and clearly in English.Ability to express complex ideas clearly/succinctly |
| Health advocacy | Demonstrated skills in health advocacy. |
| Interest in the discipline | Interest in sub-specialty and Internal Medicine holistic care. |
| Interest in the program | Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the Manitoba training program. |
| Leadership skills | Experience, success, and learning from failure, through leadership in professional / personal life. |
| Professionalism | Demonstration of professional behaviors and ethics. |
| Scholarly activities | Demonstrated depth of understanding of his/her academic & clinical work. |
| Other interview component(s) |
Evidence of compassion in the provision of care. If the candidate has ever been the subject of a complaint from a patient, another health care worker, or other source in their professional life, the candidate should be prepared to discuss the circumstances in the interview. This includes complaints submitted to undergraduate or postgraduate offices or departments, through evaluations and mechanisms such as "Speak Up" which is available at the University of Manitoba. |
Information gathered outside of CaRMS application
Specifically, we may consider:Ranking process
The behavior(s) exhibited below during the interview process may prevent an applicant from being ranked by our program :Program Highlights
The primary objective of the Gastroenterology training program at the University of Manitoba is to excel in the domains of patient care, research and teaching. We have a collegial and well diversified section. Our faculty are recognized experts in the fields of: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, nutrition, functional GI disorders and GI motility disorders, clinical outcomes research (colorectal cancer, GI bleeding), endoscopic ultrasound (diagnostic and therapeutic), Endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus including RFA and EMR, ERCP and spyglass pancreatoscopy, viral hepatitis, hepatic neoplasia, cirrhosis and its complications.
A summary of the highlights of our program:
- Well diversified faculty with expertise encompassing all of the essential aspects of clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Intensive, well supervised training in endoscopy as well as in-patient and out-patient Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- State of the art endoscopy equipment
- Access to state of the art endoscopic simulators
- Access to a computerized tracking system to keep track of the trainees endoscopy counts.
- Dedicated weekly ambulatory care continuity clinic (in both years 1 and 2)
- Financial support for trainee travel to GRIT & CDDW upon successful abstract submission
- Attendance at the Introductory Endoscopy Course (Year 1)
- Opportunities for development of research skills with the faculty and their extensive network of local collaborators
- Numerous teaching rounds
- Practice exams to assist trainees in preparation for certifying examinations including the Western Canadian GI sub-specialty resident's Exam
- Pure in-patient consultation service (i.e. no GI ward or Hepatology ward) which allows the trainee to focus on pertinent GI and Hepatology issues
- Access to an endoscopic simulator
- Access to current GI textbooks, endoscopy videos and teaching materials in the GI sub-specialty resident’s library
- Close collaboration with Radiologists, Pathologists and Surgeons
Program Curriculum
This residency program is for 2 years.
Program length of training does not exceed the Royal College or College of Family Physicians of Canada standard.
Curriculum
The Gastroenterology training program at the University of Manitoba is a two-year program approved and accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Our primary objective is to provide excellence in the domains of patient care, research and teaching. Intensive training in clinical Gastroenterology will enable our trainees to acquire the necessary skills to become expert GI clinicians. Trainees will also be strongly encouraged to pursue their academic / research interests. As residents progress through the program, they assume increasing responsibility under appropriate supervision with the flexibility to be self-directed in defining their own educational needs through the selection of elective rotations. Ambulatory care is emphasized in our program to expand the patient spectrum upon which to learn. Although we strongly encourage the development of research skills, we will foster and promote the career path chosen by each trainee (academic, clinician scientist, private practice [rural/urban] etc.). The program director and faculty are always available to provide support and advice to our trainees.
The 2 year training program is comprised of both mandatory and elective rotations.
Mandatory rotations
In patient GI consultation service (includes GI bleed service) 10 – 12 months
Hepatology – 3 months
Electives – 9 months
As Gastroenterology has transitioned to CBD/CBME, the Trainee's rotation related exposure will depend on their stage of training (Transition to Discipline, Foundations, Core and Transition to Practice).
The early aspects of training focuses predominantly on the inpatient consultation service and GI bleed consultation service. This enables the trainee to have an intense exposure to endoscopy facilitating the acquisition of cognitive, diagnostic and therapeutic related endoscopy skills. As well, trainees will develop a solid clinical approach to the management of patients with both acute and subacute GI illnesses. It should be noted that there is no GI inpatient ward as all patients with GI based problems are admitted to hospital under General Internal Medicine. Thus, the trainee functions exclusively as a consultant and is able to focus specifically on the pertinent GI issues. An early introductory nutrition rotation will also be part of the curriculum to ensure adequate early exposure as required by the Royal College.
As the trainee progresses, there will be ongoing exposure to continue refining their endoscopic skills with a shift of focus towards therapeutic endoscopy (under appropriate supervision). As well, developing the cognitive skill to manage more complex GI related illnesses will be emphasized. In discussion with the program director, the trainee will also be able to tailor portions of their education specifically to fit their needs (see below for a list of elective rotations). Included among the elective rotations is dedicated time for research which will ensure adequate time to prepare and complete the mandatory research project that is supervised by one of our faculty members.
Available elective rotations include:
- Endoscopy
- Grace Hospital Rotation
- Nutrition (second rotation)
- Motility
- Research
- Hepato-biliary (including ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound)
- Community based Endoscopy and Subspecialty Ambulatory care clinics (including the following clinics: GI Medical Oncology, Lynch Syndrome Clinic and Colorectal Surgery Clinic)
- GI Ambulatory Care Rotation
- Pathology
- Radiology
Each trainee will be assigned to a longitudinal clinic that will span the 2 years of GI residency training. The trainee will have one preceptor during their first year of training and a different preceptor during the 2nd year of training. This will ensure the trainee has abundant exposure to outpatient Gastroenterology while benefitting from different styles of practice.
Academic Teaching Sessions / Rounds
As part of the academic curriculum, there are several regularly scheduled rounds / teaching sessions throughout the year to further enhance the educational experience.
Fellow’s Seminar Series
Thursday mornings: Trainees are given a didactic teaching session on relevant GI topics. Both Gastroenterologists and invited external faculty (e.g. ethics, surgery, genetics, etc.) provide these lectures. Attendance is mandatory.
Clinical Case Rounds
The second and fourth Thursday of each month, the trainees will present a formal oral presentation on a focused clinical topic in Gastroenterology. Attendance is mandatory.
Journal club
An evening Journal club moderated by invited external faculty is scheduled 4-5 times per year.
Endoscopic Simulator
During their training, trainees can take advantage of our endoscopic simulators housed in the new Clinical Learning and Simulation Facility. Gastroscopy, colonoscopy and ERCP are available simulator options.
Joint GI Medicine and GI Surgery Multidisciplinary Rounds
Complicated and interesting cases involving GI Medicine and GI Surgery are discussed weekly at these collaborative rounds attended by Gastroenterologists, General surgeons and Colorectal surgeons.
Intensive 2-Day Introductory Endoscopy Education Workshop
First year trainees are expected to attend an introduction to endoscopy course. All related expenses are covered by the GI training program University of Manitoba.
GI and Liver Pathology Rounds
Twice per month (Mondays at noon) the faculty and trainees discuss their challenging cases in GI and liver pathology with our expert GI and liver pathologists.
Complicated Case Rounds
During these rounds cases with complications or unexpected outcomes are reviewed and discussed with the faculty. Each resident is required to present a complicated case rounds once during their residency training.
Radiology Rounds
Each Wednesday, Gastroenterologists, Hepatologists, Radiologists and Hepato-biliary and Pancreatic Surgeons present and discuss their challenging cases in an interactive forum.
Research Rounds
Once a month, faculty, trainees and collaborators meet to discuss ongoing research in the section of Gastroenterology.
Gastroenterology Forum
Annually, a full day conference is held at the University of Manitoba where recognized national and international GI experts are invited to speak on various topics in clinical Gastroenterology.
Western Canadian GI Exam
Annually, in collaboration with University of MB, UBC, UAB and U of C a one day comprehensive OSCE and Short answer exam is given to all trainees from the aforementioned universities.
Training Sites
The two major training sites are at the two major teaching hospitals in Winnipeg (Health Sciences Center [HSC] and St. Boniface General Hospital [SBGH]). HSC is an 800 bed quaternary referral hospital formed in 1973 through an amalgamation of the Winnipeg General Hospital, the Women's Hospital, the Children's Hospital of Winnipeg and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Manitoba. HSC is the largest hospital in Manitoba. Recently, state of the art MICU, SICU, emergency department and operating rooms were created. HSC serves as a major referral site for Winnipeg, Northern Manitoba, Nunavut, parts of rural Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. St. Boniface General Hospital is a 600 bed tertiary care center that serves as a referral site for Winnipeg and many parts of rural Manitoba. It is the second largest hospital in Manitoba. In total, the GI service serves a referral area of over 1.2 million.
During elective rotations, trainees may visit one of the community hospitals in Winnipeg, usually during their endoscopy rotation (Grace General Hospital, Concordia Hospital, Seven Oaks General Hospital, and Victoria General Hospital).
Trainees are exposed to a large volume of endoscopic procedures. All GI endoscopic procedures at HSC and SBGH are done using state of the art high definition video endoscopes complete with narrow band imaging. EUS, ERCP, Spyglass Pancreatoscopy, Endoscopic Pseudocyst Drainage, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Capsule Endoscopy, Pneumatic Balloon Dialtion, and Radiofrequency Ablation for Barrett’s Esophagus are also performed.
Additional Information
Research/Publications
The applicants must indicate which publications are in peer reviewed versus non-peer reviewed journals/publications. If the applicant has submitted an article for publication at the time of CaRMS application, the applicant must provide evidence of journal notification of submission. The applicants must indicate all presentations at local resident research day as well as national and international conferences, and any prizes awarded. If a presentation (oral or abstract) has been submitted to a conference, the applicant should include any letter of acceptance by conference organizers.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A current curriculum vitae (CV) including all relevant information required for assessment of education, leadership, administrative and research experience is mandatory. Where applicable, please document whether activities are voluntary or reimbursed. Your CV should be downloaded to the document section. For research papers that have been submitted but not yet published, please include acknowledgement of submission from the journal. See comments above under Research/Publications for information regarding how to document your work.
Other Document - Evaluation of Training - for International or US Medical Graduates Only
International or US Medical Graduates Only - you must provide a RCPSC assessment of training form from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: website: www.rcpsc.medical.org
Interviews
For the CaRMS Match which will take place annually in the Fall, all interviews will be conducted electronically. The applicant may meet electronically with a panel of interviewers, or with interviewers individually, or a combination of both.
Orientation for all incoming residents
Please be advised that the Mandatory 2026 PGME New Resident Orientation Day is Friday, June 26, 2026.
This Orientation is mandatory for all incoming residents.