Medical School
Getting Started
Considering studying Medicine? This chapter is to help you explore, plan, and navigate the process of exploring your options and applying.
We recommend starting with the following chapter, Applying To Graduate And Professional School.
For personalized support, book an appointment with a Science Career Advisor at the Science Careers & Experience Centre (BSB 127) on OSCARplus.
Is Medicine Right For Me?
Why do I want to become a doctor?
Reflect on your motivations for pursuing a career in medicine. Are you driven by a genuine passion for science, a desire to help others through healthcare, or personal experiences that have inspired you? Are you aware of the day-to-day work-life of a doctor? If you’re not sure, get some experience! Volunteer in a medical setting, shadow or talk doctors and get some hands-on exposure in a healthcare setting.
Am I prepared for the academic, personal and financial challenges of medical school?
Consider if you’re ready to handle the rigorous coursework, long hours of study, and the emotional demands of medical training. Medical school is expensive, and it will be many years before you’re earning a good salary – consider if that timeline and financial commitment aligns with other life milestones and goals.
How do I handle stress and high-pressure situations?
Evaluate your coping mechanisms and resilience. Medical training and practice often involve high-stress environments and critical decision-making under pressure.
Do I align with the attributes and skills needed to be a physician?
Assess how well you resonate with the CanMEDS framework, which includes being a Communicator, Collaborator, Leader, Health Advocate, Scholar, and Professional. These roles are integral to the practice of medicine and your alignment with them is crucial for a successful career.
What are alternative career pathways to medicine?
Acceptance to medical school is extremely competitive, so it’s important to consider alternative Plan A’s. There are many career possibilities for everyone! Your studies at McMaster is a time of change and exploration – keep an open mind to other career possibilities. With new academic experiences, you will experience growth as a person, changing relationships with family and friends, new career interests and evolving values. If you learn something new and choose a path other than medicine, it’s normal and common! Changing your mind can be a sign of maturity and open mindedness, trust your own values and interests!
If you need more ideas on what kind of career paths your degree can lead to, we have chapters dedicated to every department of study:
- Careers in Biochemistry
- Careers in Biology
- Careers in Chemistry and Chemical Biology
- Careers in Environmental Earth Sciences
- Careers in Kinesiology
- Careers in Life Sciences
- Careers in Mathematics and Statistics
- Careers in Medical and Health Physics
- Careers in Physics and Astronomy
- Careers in Psychology, Neurosciences and Behaviour
You may want to explore our resource on other Regulated Healthcare Professions.
Canadian Medical Schools
Note On International Medical Schools
Before considering any Medical School, it is important to determine if the institution you are applying to is both recognized and accredited. The academic institution, name of your medical degree, and year of your graduation must be listed in the International Medical Education Directory to be accepted into Canada. To access this information, visit the Foundation of Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) and review the International Medical Education Directory.
General Admission Information
Every school has their own admissions process and requirements. Refer to each school’s website for more information. If you have a question regarding course equivalency, please contact the school directly. Be specific and send the description of the course (from the course calendar) identifying the prerequisite you want considered.
Reminders and resources:
- There is no specific program that is required or preferred to enter into Medical School. Students have been admitted to Medical Schools from a variety of undergraduate programs.
- The application process to Ontario’s medical schools is centralized through OMSAS.
- For other Canadian medical schools, apply directly to the University school’s website.
- For the competencies and skills you should develop as a future physician, reference the CanMEDS framework from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
- For information on medical schools abroad, consult Student Success Centre’s guide.
Resources on Multiple Mini Interviews
Some Medical School’s admission process involves participating in an MMI. Review Student Success Centre’s Tips for MMIs. Sample questions are provided by:
Organizing Your Application
- Do your research: Every medical school has different application requirements. Create a document to keep track of each school’s university study requirements, GPA calculation, pre-requisite courses, letters of reference, autobiographical sketch instructions, essays questions and standardized tests.
- Create a timeline: Develop a detailed timeline that includes all major milestones, such as MCAT preparation and test dates, course completion and application deadlines. For Ontario medical schools, the application portal opens in July and closes early October – admission requirements can change each cycle.
- Document Your Activities: Keep a record of your extracurricular activities, research experience, volunteering, paid work and other activities (including supervisors to verify your activities).
- Set Goals and Deadlines: Break down the application process into manageable tasks and set specific goals and deadlines for each step to stay on track.
- Seek Support: Attend medical school information sessions, seek support from the SCCE, talk to current medical students, or connect with peers & friends.
- Learn about Access Pathways: If you are a member of an equity-seeking group, there are supports to help you navigate the med school application process.
Extracurriculars
Building a strong profile for your medical school application involves more than academic excellence. Medical schools are assessing your application holistically and are interested in learning about your life experiences, values, competencies, interests and other non-academic traits. Consult the CanMEDs framework and engage in activities that you have a genuine interest and passion to develop your skills as a Communicator, Collaborator, Leader, Health Advocate, Scholar and Professional.
Some examples of activities you could pursue:
- Research
- Leadership (clubs, sports, working groups)
- Volunteering/community service
- Hands-on experience in a healthcare setting
- Hobbies and passion projects
- Paid work
To enhance their application profile, some students pursue graduate-level studies to gain additional research experience, professional activities and strengthen their professional relationships for references (professors/supervisors). Note: most med schools do not give a GPA boost for graduate studies.
Relevant websites
- Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada
- Canadian Federation of Medical Students
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
- Ontario Medical Association
- Canadian Association for Medical Education
- Canadian Medical Association
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- College of Family Physicians of Canada
- Association of American Medical Colleges
- Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education
Need more support with deciding if studying Medicine is right for you?
Meet with a Science Career Advisor
Book a 30-minute appointment with the Science Careers & Experience Centre (BSB 127) in advance through OSCARplus.
Design your future with SCIENCE 2DL3
Enrol in SCIENCE 2DL3: Design Your Science Career— an interactive career development course designed to help undergraduate students take charge of their future with creativity and confidence.
Explore these additional chapters:
- Applying To Graduate And Professional School
- Creating Your Résumé And CV
- Crafting Personal Statements And Letters Of Intent
- Requesting Letters Of References
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