What is a postgraduate trainee?

Residents (PGY1-8)

Residents are those trainees, who are enrolled in programs recognized by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or The College of Family Physicians of Canada and are fulfilling the requirements for primary discipline certification, certification of special competence, or are enrolled in programs designated as accreditation without certification. It includes those who are engaged in a research experience for a part or whole year which could be credited towards the requirements of specialty or sub-specialty qualification.

Residents must register with the University Postgraduate Medical Education Office. They may hold a certificate of registration for postgraduate education (educational licence) or a certificate of registration authorizing independent practice (independent licence). A certificate would not be required if they were pursuing non-clinical or purely research experiences without patient contact. Residents must also obtain CMPA coverage and undergo a health review and annual TB test. First year residents must provide proof of ACLS certification.

Fellows

Fellows are those trainees enrolled in a Royal College specialty or subspecialty program (including programs designated as accreditation without certification) or an accredited program of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, who are gaining an educational experience beyond certification requirements. Training undertaken during fellowship appointments may not be credited toward RCPSC/CFPC certification. The fellowship must be supported by the residency Program Director to ensure availability of resources and assess potential impact on training programs.

Clinical Fellows may hold a certificate of registration authorizing independent practice or postgraduate education. Research Fellows require no certificate (licence) while pursuing non-clinical or purely research experiences without patient contact which do not impact on patient care. Both Clinical and Research Fellows must register with the University Postgraduate Medical Education Office. Fellows must also obtain CMPA coverage and undergo a health review and annual TB test.

Note: All postgraduate training positions must be submitted to the Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education for approval.