CanMEDS defines a scholar as a family physician who demonstrates “a lifelong commitment to reflective learning, as well as the creation, dissemination, application and translation of knowledge.” The Clinician Scholar Program supports this definition by:

• Assisting in the career development of family physician clinician scholars; and,

• Increasing research capacity in primary health care.

At the end of the program, you will have acquired the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed as an early career clinician investigator.

Residents will establish their own educational objectives for the research component; however, they must demonstrate competencies in the following areas to successfully complete the program:

Knowledge

Working knowledge and understanding of research methodology through formal course work or other educational activities (e.g. seminars and workshops), including:

• General principles such as basic experimental design, clinical trial design, critical appraisal of the literature, biostatistics, and medical and research ethics; and,

• Knowledge relevant to the specific research area, as well as general knowledge relating to the clinical and research aspects of the chosen field of study.

Skills

• Competence in the techniques specific to the research project; in clinical health related fields, experimental design or data analysis and population studies;

• Ability to design, plan and carry out a study and to analyze and interpret the results;

• Ability to present information in a formal setting (i.e. attendance at a national or international scientific meeting) and to defend the presentation;

• Ability to write an abstract/paper suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal; and,

• Ability to write a grant proposal for research funding.

Attitudes

• Commitment to the need to re-examine accepted beliefs through a spirit of inquiry;

• Commitment to the importance of absolute objectivity and honesty in conducting and reporting research;

• In-depth knowledge of the ethical issues relevant to conducting research in human subjects;

• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary research team; and,

• Understanding of the need for continuing self-education.

These objectives form an important part of the interim progress assessment. They also serve to verify that you have completed the program’s research component.

This innovative and results-based program gives research trainees the opportunity to integrate research and clinical care.  The curriculum design follows the accreditation guidelines of the College of Family Physicians of Canada’s Clinician Scholar Program. The two training streams are:

• Clinician Scholar Program (one year - full-time)

The Clinician Scholar Program in Primary Health Care Research or Medical Education Research is an intensive one year program. Once completed, you will obtain the designation of Clinician Scholar from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. This is a non-degree option which involves 70% research and 30% clinical practice.  A PGY3 level stipend is associated with this program.

• Pursuing a Graduate Degree (two years - part-time)

The two year CSP option may lead to a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Community Medicine or a Master’s degree in Education. Other degree options related to the Department of Family Medicine's research interests or focus on primary health and family medicine may also be considered on an individual basis. We also consider candidates who wish to pursue PhD level training.  You will also obtain the designation of Clinician Scholar from the College of Family Physicians of Canada upon completion of the Clinician Scholar Program.  This part-time graduate degree option involves 35% research and 15% clinical practice which is covered by 50% of the PGY3 stipend.  The physician is free to invest the remaining time in either independent clinical practice and or research activities.

Your time in the program will be evaluated using standardized forms from the Department of Family Medicine. If you are a re-entry candidate, we will not evaluate the clinical component of your work.

Full-time over 1 Year: We offer the PGY3 stipend equivalent to all PGY3 residents who are entering the program directly from PGY2.  70% research activities, 30% clinical activities.

Part-time over 2 Years: We offer 50% of the PGY3 stipend equivalent annually.  35% research activities, 15% clinical activities.  If you have an independent license to practice, you may invest the remaining time in independent clinical practice and/or research activities.

Re-entry:  Candidates can apply to receive similar payment via the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. 

To apply to the Clinician Scholar Program, all of the following need to be submitted before the application deadline:

• A completed Application Form
• A letter of intent 
• Updated curriculum Vitae 
• Letter of reference and general questionnaire from three references of your choosing. NOTE: You are strongly encouraged to include a reference from your Family Medicine primary preceptor as one of three references: General Questionnaire 
• Applicants must also ask their Postgraduate Program Director to complete the PD questionnaire: Program Director Questionnaire
• The letters of reference and questionnaires should be directed to: PGY3 Program Coordinator at [email protected]

The application process above is also available here.