Health Care
IN THIS LESSON
Introduction to the Field of Medicine
Medicine is the field of healthcare devoted to diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness, and playing a pivotal role to improve people’s health. Doctors work with individuals, families, and communities to restore health, improve quality of life, and provide guidance through some of the most important decisions people face. It is one of the most respected and demanding careers in Canada, requiring a lifelong commitment to learning and growth.
Physicians practice in many different areas of medicine - from topics as broad as family medicine to topics as niche as Interventional Neuroradiology. While the path is long, students are drawn to medicine for its blend of science, problem-solving, teamwork, and the opportunity to make a direct impact on people’s lives.
1. High School Years
During high school, the main goal is to set yourself up for admission into a bachelor’s degree program, since all Canadian medical schools require at least three to four years of undergraduate study before applying to medicine (for example, UBC requires a minimum of three years, while McGill requires four). Successful applicants at this stage excel academically, especially in science courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Math; while also showing a balance of extracurricular involvement. Medical schools value evidence of leadership, community service, and teamwork, so high school students are encouraged to take on roles in student council, clubs, or volunteer organizations. Building these foundations early not only strengthens university applications but also develops the skills and habits that will be essential later on in medical school admissions.
Recommended Courses
To stay competitive, successful university students typically take these courses:
Biology 11 and 12
Chemistry 11 and 12
Physics 11 or 12 (strongly recommended)
Pre-Calculus 11 and 12
English 11 and 12
Anatomy & Physiology 12 (where available)
It’s important to note that certain Bachelor Degree programs will have varying requirements for admission to different degrees.
Extracurricular Experiences
Early exposure matters - but is not the end or make all! Consider:
Volunteering in hospitals, care homes, or community clinics
Science fairs, research projects, or Olympiads
Leadership roles in student council or clubs
First Aid, Lifeguards, CPR certification
Early Habits
High school is also the time to build the soft skills that matter later: time management, reflection, and a healthy balance of academics with activities. Students who practice consistency now find the transition to university much smoother.
2. Undergraduate Journey
This is the most important stage in preparing for medical school, as most Canadian applicants apply after completing an undergraduate degree.
Planning Your Degree & Prerequisites
There is no single “pre-med” degree in Canada. Many students choose sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Health Sciences), but others succeed with Psychology, Sociology, or even non-science majors. What matters is completing required courses for the medical school (s) you apply to. Successful applicants typically take the following courses in their undergraduate degree:
Two semesters of Biology with labs
Two semesters of Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry
Two semesters of English
One semester of Physics
One semester of Biochemistry
One semester of Statistics
Note: Requirements vary by school! For example, UBC only requires 2 semesters of English coursework. Always check each program’s admissions website, as it varies for each of the 17 medical schools in Canada.
GPA & MCAT
Grades matter a lot for Medical School applications. Most successful applicants maintain a GPA of 3.8 or higher (85%+), with upper-year grades weighed most heavily. Admission statistics can be found for Medical Schools on their respective websites.
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required by most schools in Canada. It covers:
Chemical and Physical Foundations
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Biological and Biochemical Foundations
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations
Students usually write the MCAT after 2nd or 3rd year, preparing for 3-6 months. Some schools, like McMaster, weigh CARS heavily, while others, like Ottawa, don’t require the MCAT at all.
Extracurriculars & First-Year Focus
Strong candidates build experiences outside the classroom that show leadership, compassion, and initiative. From first year onward, look for:
Clinical exposure: hospital volunteering
Research: summer lab placements, clinical projects
Community service: volunteering mentorship, tutoring, outreach programs
Non-clinical activities: sports, music, arts, advocacy- demonstrating balance and well-roundedness
Student organizations: pre-med societies, health advocacy clubs
Depth matters more than breadth. Schools look for growth and commitment over time, not a checklist of short activities. Reflection is key: make sure to also keep a log of what you learned from each experience.
Applying to Medical School
Applications usually include:
Academic transcripts (GPA)
MCAT scores (if required)
Autobiographical sketch (ABS) or Extracurriculars activity list
Personal statements or essays
Reference letters
CASPer test (used by many Canadian schools)
Interviews (MMI or panel format)
Medical schools want more than strong academics - they want resilient, reflective, well-rounded and collaborative students who will thrive in demanding environments.
3. Med School and Residency
Medical School
Canadian MD programs are typically 3-4 years long. The first half focuses on classroom and small-group learning in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical skills. The second half consists of clinical rotations in core specialties such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, and Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Residency (CaRMS)
After graduation, students apply to residency through the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS). Training lengths vary:
Family Medicine: 2 years
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics: 3 years
Surgical specialties (Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, etc.): 5–7 years
Subspecialties: additional fellowship years
Residency is full-time paid training under supervision. Final year medical students apply to the match process for residency (known as CARMS), where some specialties have more seats and are less competitive to match (like Family Medicine), and on the other hand there are more competitive specialties (like dermatology or ophthalmology) which are amongst the most difficult to enter. Match rates can be found on the CARMS website.
Licensing & Certification
To practice independently, doctors must:
Pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exams (MCCQE I and II)
Complete residency and pass certification exams through either: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
Obtain a provincial/territorial license
Life After Residency
Doctors may work in hospitals, clinics, or rural/urban practices. Others choose global health projects, academic teaching, or government/public health roles. Many continue into fellowships to gain subspecialty expertise.
4. Career Advancement in Medicine
Advancement in medicine is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specialization, leadership, and lifelong learning. Doctors may:
Pursue subspecialty fellowships (e.g., cardiology, pediatric surgery)
Take on academic roles as faculty, supervising students and research
Lead hospital departments or contribute to health policy
Earn additional degrees such as an MPH, MEd, or MBA for broader roles in public health, education, or administration
Experience and reputation are central. Physicians grow through years of practice, building trust with patients, contributing to their field, and staying current through continuing medical education.
5. Is Medicine Right for You?
Medicine is fast-paced, demanding, and emotionally challenging. Long hours, constant learning, and high responsibility are part of the culture. At the same time, it offers deep purpose, human connection, and the ability to improve lives in tangible ways.
Ask yourself:
Do I enjoy continuous learning and problem-solving?
Am I motivated to serve others, even in difficult circumstances?
Can I balance resilience with compassion?
If these questions resonate with you, medicine may be the right path for you. The journey is long, but for many, the rewards outweigh the challenges.