Forensic Pathology Residency Training Program - Pathology

PGY-6 forensic pathology residency training program overview

Program Length:
One year
Session Dates:
July 1 – June 30
Program Structure:
Series of mandatory and elective rotations as well as weekly didactic sessions
Evaluation Methods:
Direct Observation, Written and Practice Exams, Resident log book
Program Director:
Dr Alfredo E Walker
Accreditation:
Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada

Program structure

The residency is 13 blocks (12-months) in duration divided into rotations as follows:

One block of Transition to Discipline
Three blocks of Foundations of Discipline
Six blocks of Core of Discipline, including one funded mandatory block at the Provisional Forensic Pathology Unit in Toronto
Three blocks of Transition to Practice

Further information regarding the training experiences can be found on the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons website

The program consists of four major educational components:

performing autopsies and scene visits
observation of autopsies and court testimony
academic half-days
seminars and special events.

Applying to the program

Applicants to this program must have completed residency training in an RCPSC-accredited program in Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (General Pathology) or Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology (Anatomical pathology).

Applicants must be either a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
They must be presently enrolled in a Canadian/American residency program or have finished their residency program e.g. Diangostic and Molecular Pathology within the last academic year.

Along with the Application form, the following documents (at a minimum) will be required; applicants should anticipate that further documentation will be needed based on individual circumstances.

Application form for the residency year 2026-2027. (PDF, 492.99 KB)

Application form for the residency year 2027-2028. (PDF, 490.53 KB)

PGY6 Fellowship Dates
Item	Dates
PGY6 Residency Start Date	July 1, 2026
Application deadline	October 30, 2025

PGY6 Fellowship Dates
Item	Dates
PGY6 Residency Start Date	July 1, 2027
Application deadline	February 28, 2026

For 2028 and subsequent years, deadline for applications: June 30 of the PGY3 year. For example June 30, 2020 for training to begin July 1, 2022.

ALL documentation is to be submitted via email to:
Forensic Pathology Residency Training Program
Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
4155-451 Smyth rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5
Email: [email protected]

Cover Letter/Personal Statement
Curriculum Vitae
Three Reference Letters from your postgraduate training program or recent employment to be sent directly via email to the Postgraduate Office([email protected])
Specialty Certificate from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology (Anatomical Pathology) or Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (General Pathology). If you plan on completing your Specialty training before the session start date of July 1 in the year you are applying, please have a letter of good standing with your expected completion date sent to the Postgraduate Office ([email protected]) from your Program Director.