All Family Medicine PGY2 learners currently training in Canada, independent of residency location, are eligible to apply for any of our Enhanced Skills programs. The Enhanced Skills Program reviews applications from PGY2 residents who are registered in a Canadian Family Medicine Residency Program at the time of their application.

Residents must start their PGY3 year within 12 months of completing their PGY2 year.

Practicing physicians wishing to apply to the Enhanced Skills Program must do so through the Re-Entry Program offered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; applications made directly to the university will not be accepted. Please view information about the Re-Entry Program on the Ministry of Health website. Different timelines apply to Re-Entry Applicants.

For International Medical Graduate (IMG) applicants, please review information related to eligibility and Return of Service (ROS) here.

Category 1: Applications must be made through CaRMS. Please see the CaRMS website for more information.

Category 2:

1. Save and fill out the Category 2 Enhanced Skills Application Form (PDF)
2. Submit your completed application, along with your CV and letter of intent to fmpgy3@mcmaster.ca
3. Ensure that the subject line of your application email follows this format: “Last name, First name – 20XX/20XX Application” (please indicate the academic year you are applying for).
4. Request that your Program/Site Director and two referees send their letters directly to us at fmpgy3@mcmaster.ca. If you have any questions, please contact fmpgy3@mcmaster.ca

Checklist:

• Updated curriculum vitae – including any advanced life support courses and electives
• Completed application form
• Letter of intent, including the following:
  • Your goals and objectives for the program
  • The ways you might be better enabled to contribute to the community, the Department of Family Medicine, or the discipline of Family Medicine in general
  • For applicants to Research/Scholarship only, please describe your experience with research/scholarship thus far; an area of inquiry that interests you; and how developed your scholarly project(s) idea is at this point.
• Letter of Support from your Program Director, which speaks to your academic performance and professionalism*
• Two letters of reference from supervisor(s)*

*Please have reference letters sent directly to the following via mail or email (email preferred):

OR

Email: fmpgy3@mcmaster.ca

Do I need to have an elective in the field I wish to apply for?

Electives are not required but are strongly encouraged, where possible, to gain exposure and test your interests in a certain area of focus.

I am a practicing physician outside of Canada. Can I apply?

The Ministry of Health and Long Term care will only provide funding for residents and physicians who are either practicing in Canada or completing their residency in Canada

What is the difference between Category 1 and Category 2 – Self-Designed programs?

Category 1 programs lead to a Certificate of Added Competence, as recognized by the CFPC.

If I want to practice in a rural setting afterwards, which programs will support that goal?

Our Self-Designed programs are designed to provide a resident with the skills and experience to support a rural/regional practice. Discussions with your Program Director will help determine which experience will best suit your interests and the needs of the community in which you hope to practice.

For more information, please see our programs page or contact Fmpgy3@mcmaster.ca