How to Become a Medical Doctor in Canada

Become a doctor in Canada.

Doctors are responsible for diagnosing diseases and ailments and treating injuries and illnesses. Specialty areas include family practice, surgery, internal medicine, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics and neurology. The educational and training requirements are very similar for prospective doctors in the United States and Canada. To become a doctor, you must have a strong understanding of science, be prepared for many years of schooling and pass the required examinations. Career opportunities are available in hospitals, medical clinics, private practices and research laboratories.

Instructions

1. Complete an undergraduate degree. While there are no specific undergraduate requirements, you are recommended to graduate with a science-related degree. Courses could focus on subjects involving biology, chemistry, physics and biochemistry.

2. Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The MCAT is offered twice during the year, in April and August, and is divided into four sections, Biological Sciences, Writing Sample, Verbal Reasoning and Physical Science. The scores on this test are used to help medical schools determine which applicants are accepted into their program.

3. Apply and get accepted into medical school. Medical school combines academic coursework and clinical training. The majority of your first two years are spent in a classroom learning about the different areas of medicine. The curriculum focuses on human biology, vaccinations, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, brain and behavior, nutrition, reproduction and the musculoskeletal system. The final two years are spent in a family practice clerkship, clinical clerkship and specialty clerkships.

4. Participate in residency program. This offers you an opportunity to specialize in an area of medicine. Canadian residency programs have residency requirements, which means the majority of accepted applicants are from their own province. Limited opportunities are available to candidates from an outside province.

5. Pass the medical examinations offered through the Medical Council of Canada. To become a medical doctor in Canada, you must complete the educational requirements and the two qualifying examinations. The first exam assesses your medical knowledge and clinical skills, while the second exam ensures that you have the capabilities to work unsupervised in the medical field and focuses on patient care.

References

• Canadian Careers: Job Description and Medical School for Candian Doctors
• IPAC-AMIC: MCAT
• Canada Jobs: Canadian Residency Requirements