The MD/FM is intended for candidates with a strong interest in pursuing a career in family medicine.

In addition to the core curriculum, candidates will complete an enhanced program designed to prepare them for family medicine practice.

Eligible candidates may bypass the CaRMS residency matching process and secure a residency position at the University of Ottawa Family Medicine Postgraduate Program, provided they meet the program’s established benchmarks.

We reserve up to 8 seats for eligible candidates each year, with 4 seats in the Anglophone stream and 4 seats in the Francophone stream.

To apply through this pathway, you must:

1. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) for the MD Program;
2. follow the general application process;
3. select MD/FM in your OMSAS application; and
4. submit a letter of intent (LOI) via the OMSAS application that focuses on the reasons for pursuing the MD/FM Program.
   1. The letter must be 2,000 characters (or less) and focus on the question: What excites you about Family Medicine in Canada and what experiences in your life have led you to want to be a Family Doctor?

Members of the Department of Family Medicine will collaborate with the Admissions Committee in the file review process, specifically for the LOI and in the interviews.

For more information, please see the Family Medicine Focus website.

FAQ

If I apply to the MD/FM, will my application also be considered for the regular MD Program?

Yes. Applying to the MD/FM program does not remove you from consideration for the regular MD Program.

Can I apply through both the MD/PhD pathway and the MD/FM pathway?

No. You may apply to only one of these pathways and must choose the one that best reflects your academic and career interests.

Can I apply for both the MD/Master’s and the MD/FM Focus?

No. You may apply to only one of these pathways and must choose the one that best reflects your academic and career interests.

Can I apply through both the CNFS pathway and the MD/FM Focus?

No, you cannot apply through both pathways. You must select one or the other.

The CNFS pathway is specifically intended for Francophone individuals residing outside the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Its primary objective is to encourage these candidates to return to their home province in order to serve local Francophone communities.

The MD/FM Focus is intended for applicants with a strong interest in family medicine, particularly those who are considering remaining in and practising in the Ottawa region after completing their residency.

Given the distinct objectives of each pathway, a candidate cannot be considered for both.

Can I apply through multiple pathways such as the Indigenous, the BSAP and/or SAI pathways and the MD/FM pathway?

Yes. You may apply to more than one of these pathways, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each.

The MD/Master’s is intended for candidates who wish to complete a master’s degree (1 to 2 years) in one of the available disciplines before completing the 4-year MD Program.

We reserve up to 4 seats for eligible applicants each year.

To apply to the MD/Master’s Program, you must:

1. hold or expect to hold by the time of enrollment a BSc honours or BA honours in a field related to the Master’s Program to which you are applying, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of A- or higher;
2. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) for the MD Program;
3. follow the general application process;
4. select MD/Master’s in your OMSAS application; and
5. submit the following supplemental documents:
   1. A letter of interest focused on the reasons for pursuing the MD/Master’s Program. The letter must clearly state which Master’s Program you are applying to, the project option (if applicable) and whether you have contacted potential graduate supervisors.
   2. 2 CAFs, specifically for the MD/Master’s Program. These should specifically attest to your graduate research potential (in addition to the 3 CAFs required for the MD Program).
   3. Your curriculum vitae (CV).
   4. Any additional documents required for application to the master’s degree of interest.

Consult the graduate programs available before submitting your application

For more information, please see the MD/Master’s Website.

The MD/PhD is intended for candidates who wish to complete a PhD (3-4 years) in one of the available disciplines before completing the 4-year MD Program.

We reserve up to 4 seats for eligible applicants each year.

To apply to the MD/PhD Program, you must:

1. hold, or expect to hold by the time of enrollment, a master’s degree in a field related to the PhD program to which you are applying, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of A- or higher;
2. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) for the MD Program;
3. follow the general application process;
4. select MD/PhD in your OMSAS application; and
5. submit the following supplemental documents:
   1. A letter of interest focused on the reasons for pursuing the MD/PhD Program. The letter must clearly state which PhD program you are applying to and whether you have contacted potential graduate supervisors.
   2. 2 CAFs specifically for the MD/PhD program. These should specifically attest to your graduate research potential (in addition to the 3 CAFs required for the MD Program).
   3. Your curriculum vitae (CV).
   4. Any additional documents required for application to the PhD degree or PhD program of interest.

Consult the graduate programs available before submitting your application.

For more information, please see the MD/PhD Website.

This pathway is intended for applicants who self-identify as Black and belong to one of the following groups:

• African,
• Caribbean,
• North American or
• multiracial students with Black ancestry.

The BSAP aims to increase and support the representation of Black medical students at the University of Ottawa. It reflects the Faculty of Medicine’s strong commitment to diversity.

This pathway does not have a designated quota for admission.

To apply through this pathway, you must:

1. self-identify as Black;
2. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) for the MD Program;
3. follow the general application process;
4. select the BSAP pathway in your OMSAS application; and
5. provide a letter of intent highlighting why you have chosen to apply through this program. Your letter must be 4,000 characters (or less) and must be submitted via the OMSAS application.

This pathway is available exclusively to current Regular Force members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

If you are interested in the Military Medical Training Program (MMTP), you can find more information by consulting the Specialist Officer Training Plans page on the Director Military Careers Policy and Grievances’ intranet website.

To apply through this pathway, you must:

1. be a current Regular Force member of the Canadian Armed Forces;
2. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) for the MD Program;
3. The Admissions Committee may grant flexibility for prerequisites if your combination of training and occupational experience justifies it.
4. follow the general application process; and
5. select the MMTP pathway in your OMSAS application.

You must email the Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) Attraction Cell to provide notice of intent to apply to the MMTP and to keep the Attraction Staff Officer informed of the status of your medical school application.

Additional information regarding Medical Officer recruitment, roles, responsibilities and prospective military service in the CFHS may also be obtained by emailing the CFHS Attraction Cell.

Note: This pathway is available exclusively to candidates applying to the Francophone stream.

Offered under the mandate of the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) [French link], it aims to increase access to health related postsecondary education for Francophone students from minority language communities across Canada.

This pathway is reserved for Francophone candidates from provinces other than Ontario and Quebec who wish to pursue their medical training in French. Its mission is to support the training of future physicians who are committed to serving Francophone minority communities.

Students admitted through this pathway are expected to complete clinical placements in their home or target communities, with the objective of returning to practice medicine in their province, and contribute to improved access to care for Francophone populations.

We reserve 8 seats for eligible applicants each year.

Applicants admitted through this pathway are counted outside of the Government of Ontario admission quota.

To apply through this pathway, you must:

1. be a student whose home province (permanent address for more than 5 years) is not Ontario or Quebec;
2. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) for the MD Program;
3. follow the general admission process;
4. choose French as your language of instruction. Once you submit your application and/or are admitted, you cannot switch language stream;
5. select the CNFS pathway in your OMSAS application; and
6. submit an introduction letter via SAM to indicate that you applied for admission through the CNFS.

For more information, please visit the CNFS website.

The Government of Nunavut (GN) pathway aims to increase the number of Inuit and Nunavummiut physicians in response to their underrepresentation in the Nunavut health care workforce.

The GN pathway funds a minimum of 1 seat for a qualified student each year.

This pathway does not have a designated quota for admission.

Applicants supported through the Government of Nunavut may apply through 1 of the following 2 pathways:

1. Nunavut Inuit Applicants
2. Nunavummiut (non-Inuit) Applicants

To apply through this pathway, you must:

1. be a resident of Nunavut (Inuit or Nunavummiut)
2. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) for the MD Program with the following exception:
   1. The CGPA will be calculated based on the candidate’s best 3 years of full-time university studies (both undergraduate and graduate studies);
3. follow the general application process;
4. select the Government of Nunavut Candidates pathway in your OMSAS application; and
5. submit the additional required documents.

Eligible candidates may apply to the GN for financial assistance with travel and application related costs.

IMPORTANT: A Return of Service Agreement is required for Nunavut Inuit and Nunavut non-Inuit applicants admitted through this pathway. Candidates who wish to be considered for this pathway must email Dr. François de Wet to confirm their eligibility.

1. Nunavut Inuit Candidates

Additional documents required:

1. A letter of intent (2,000 characters or less) addressing the following:
   1. Your reasons for requesting consideration under this pathway;
   2. Your connection to the community;
   3. Details of your academic and personal background; and
   4. Your reasons and motivation for wishing to become a physician.
2. A letter of recommendation from a community organization, educational institution, Inuit organization or hamlet that affirms your connection to the community.
3. A certified copy of your Inuit enrollment card issued by Nunavut, as per the University of Ottawa’s policy on Eligibility for Focused Admissions, Scholarships and Bursaries for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Nunavut Inuit candidates are eligible for enhanced application support and, if admitted, for additional ongoing educational support through:

• Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
• Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation. Email the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation for more information.

NOTE: We highly recommend that you email the Indigenous Program Coordinator prior to submitting your application to confirm the validity of your proof of indigenous identity

2. Nunavummiut (non-Inuit) Candidates

Additional documents required:

1. A letter of intent (2,000 characters or less) addressing the following:
   1. Your reasons for requesting consideration under this pathway;
   2. Your connection to the Nunavut community, as well as your status as a resident of the Territory;
   3. Details of your academic and personal background; and
   4. Your reasons and motivation for wishing to become a physician, including how you intend to give back to the Nunavut community.

Successful Nunavummiut students may be eligible for GN funding.

This pathway is intended for candidates who self-identify as Indigenous. It reflects our commitment to enhance access to equitable health care for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and to better meet the needs of our communities. Candidates applying through this pathway must provide proof of Indigenous identity.

We reserve up to 7 seats for eligible applicants each year.

To apply through this pathway, you must:

1. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic) for the MD Program with the following exception:
   1. The CGPA will be calculated based on the candidate’s best 3 years of full-time university studies (both undergraduate and graduate studies);
2. follow the general application process;
3. select the Indigenous Program pathway in your OMSAS application; and
4. submit the additional required documents.

Documents required for Indigenous candidates

• Proof of Indigenous identity, as per the University of Ottawa Eligibility for Focused Admissions, Scholarships and Bursaries for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
• A letter that addresses the following:
  • A declaration of Indigenous identity with specific information about your First Nation, Treaty, community or organizational affiliation.
  • A request for consideration under the alternative admissions process.
  • Details on your academic and personal background.
  • Your reasons and motivation for wishing to become a physician.
• A letter of recommendation from your First Nation, Band Council, Tribal Council, Treaty Organization, or your community or organizational affiliation.

NOTE: Some applications for proof of Indigenous identity may take 6 to 12 months or more to process. Contact your affiliated organization and plan your application accordingly. We highly recommend that you email the Indigenous Program Coordinator prior to submitting your application to confirm the validity of your proof of indigenous identity.

For more information, please see the Indigenous Program Website.

This pathway is intended for candidates from low socio-economic backgrounds, with the goal of reducing barriers and promoting equitable access to medical education.

We reserve 2 seats for eligible candidates each year. If there are more qualified candidates than available reserved seats, they will also be considered competitively for admission through the regular admission process.

To apply for this pathway, you must:

1. have had a yearly total parental or legal guardian pre-tax income (when you were in Grade 11 and Grade 12) equal to or less than $60,000 as per Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) data (line 150 on the income tax return);
   1. Each parental/legal guardian’s notice of assessment issued by the CRA for that period needs to be provided at the time of OMSAS application submission. These notices of assessment may be obtained through the CRA.
2. meet the general admission requirements (academic and non-academic);
3. follow the general application process;
4. select the Social Accountability Initiative pathway in your OMSAS application; and
5. submit the Social Accountability Form via SAM.

Notes

• If you are applying to another pathway, you may also be a potential candidate for the Social Accountability Initiative.
• All submitted information and documentation must be true and verifiable. Any false information will result in the application for the Social Accountability candidacy and medical school admission being denied.
• If you completed high school in Quebec, you must provide the additional financial documents for when you were in Secondary 4 and 5.
• All documents are due by the OMSAS application deadline, no exceptions will be made for late submissions.

FAQ

Why should I apply to the Social Accountability Initiative? What is the general process?

Applying to the Social Accountability Initiative (SAI) is voluntary and provides eligible candidates with additional consideration through two reserved seats. Applications are reviewed to determine eligibility for the SAI pathway.

Eligible candidates are assessed using the same academic and non-academic standards as the general admission process. If there are more qualified candidates than available reserved seats, they will also be considered competitively through the regular admissions process.

Applying to the SAI offers an additional opportunity for admission without affecting consideration in the general applicant pool.

What happens if I do not qualify for the Social Accountability Initiative?

If you do not meet eligibility criteria for the SAI, your application will automatically be considered for the general admission stream.

What if I cannot obtain my parents’ notice of assessment/proof of income statement?

The SAI pathway requires disclosure of financial information for your living parents. Unless they are deceased, this information is required regardless of your age, marital status, your parent(s) country of residence, or their willingness to provide documentation.

If you are unable to provide a parent’s Notice of Assessment (NOA), you must submit a legal document explaining the reason (e.g., divorce certificate, death certificate, or an affidavit signed by a lawyer, commissioner of oaths, or notary public).

What if my parents’ name does not appear on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tax form?

You must contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) directly to request a complete version of the document.

Where can I obtain a Notice of Assessment?

Notices of Assessment can be obtained through the Canada Revenue Agency’s My Account portal on their website.

What if my parents do not live in Canada? How do I declare their income?

If your parents lived outside of Canada when you were in grades 11 and 12, you may include a note to this effect as part of an explanatory letter to be submitted with your application. Satisfactory proof of income is still required.

Examples of acceptable documents include:

• Proof of your parents’ income from a foreign (non-Canadian) source issued by that country’s government or tax authority. Please note: working copies of tax documents or tax returns are not acceptable.
• An official document from your parents’ employer stating their gross (pre-deduction) income. This document must be on the employer’s letterhead or another official format.

In addition, please ensure that your documentation includes:

• The currency of the income
• The country of the currency
• A conversion of income for each year into Canadian dollars

Am I eligible if I was a Crown Ward of a Children’s Aid Society?

Applicants who were under the care of a Children’s Aid Society or another child and family services agency are not required to submit parental financial information. Instead, they must provide a letter from the organization confirming their status during the relevant time period.

How many years of the appropriate proof of income documents should I submit?

You are required to submit 3 years’ worth of appropriate documents. Example: If you began Grade 11 in September 2019 and ended in June 2020, then started Grade 12 in September 2020 up to June 2021, you should submit documents for years 2019, 2020, and 2021.

If you are from Quebec, you must provide income documents for the years during which you were in Secondary 4 and 5.

I came to Canada as a refugee, having lost all connection with my family. What documents should I provide as proof?

If you declare yourself independent, then proof of non-contributing parents such as an affidavit signed by yourself and a notable source (lawyer, government official, notary, notice of decision from Immigration and Refugee Board) is required and must be submitted with your application.

I am unable to retrieve one of my parent’s NOAs. What document can I submit?

If you are unable to provide one parent’s Notice of Assessment (NOA), you must submit a legal document confirming the reason (for example, a divorce certificate, death certificate, or an affidavit signed by a lawyer, commissioner of oaths, or notary public).

Where should I send my SAI documents?

All SAI documents must be submitted no later than the OMSAS application deadline, via the Secure Application Messaging (SAM) tool.

Can I apply to both the Social Accountability Initiative and the Consortium National de Formation en Santé (CNFS) program?

No, candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for the CNFS should apply to that respective pathway, as it includes its own reserved seats. Applicants considered through the CNFS are therefore not eligible for consideration under the Social Accountability Initiative.

All publicly assisted universities in Ontario are required to reserve no less than 95% of their annual admissions to medical health education programs for Ontario residents and the remaining 5% for Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons/convention refugees residing elsewhere in Canada.

For more information, consult the definition of “Ordinarily Resident in Ontario” as outlined in the OMSAS Guide, which reflects criteria established by the Provincial Government. 

Applicants will be required to indicate in their application whether they are an Ontario resident based on this definition.

Please note that the Admissions Office does not assess or confirm Ontario residency status under any circumstances. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the definition and determining their own eligibility.

To support the health needs of our local communities, approximately 70% of our seats are reserved for applicants from Ottawa and surrounding areas.

You are considered a regional candidate if:

• you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or convention refugee in Canada and
• you completed high school in Ottawa or the surrounding areas.
  • Brockville
  • Carleton Place
  • Cornwall
  • Eastern & Central Prescott and Russell United Counties
  • Hawkesbury
  • Merrickville
  • Ottawa
  • Perth
  • Renfrew County and Lanark Highlands Township
  • Rideau Lakes area
  • Rockland
  • Rural National Capital Region
  • Russell
  • Smiths Falls
  • South Leeds and Grenville United Counties
  • Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry United Counties

Regional status is determined using the postal code of your home address at the time you attended high school. We reserve the right to request that applicants invited to an interview provide their high school diploma or high school transcript in order to confirm where their secondary studies were completed.

If you did not attend high school in Ottawa and the surrounding areas but wish to be considered as a regional candidate, you may submit a brief letter explaining your rationale. Upload this letter through SAM when completing your OMSAS application.

FAQ

I did not complete high school in Ottawa or surrounding areas, (e.g., I immigrated to Canada and moved to Ottawa after high school; I completed most of my high school in Ottawa but moved away in Grade 12; I went to high school outside the Ottawa area but have lived here since starting my bachelor's degree) — do I still qualify as a regional candidate?

If you did not complete high school in one of the eligible regions, but believe there are exceptional circumstances that should be considered, you may submit a brief letter explaining your situation. This document must be uploaded through SAM when you submit your OMSAS application and will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee for a determination.