How to become a physician

On September 1, 2020, Athabasca University (AU) entered into a valuable new partnership with Trinity School of Medicine (TSM), giving AU learners interested in pursuing a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree program a clear path to do so.

With 90 credit hours in a concentration in the sciences earned through AU, learners are given preference admission into the program with Trinity School of Medicine. Learners gain a high quality education that meets the requirements of Canada and the United States of America for International Medical Schools, allowing learners to obtain residencies and physician licensure in the USA and Canada.

The TSM website maintains current course requirements for all applicants into the M.D. degree program. Discover why Canadians choose TSM and the opportunities available by clicking here.

“This new partnership will help students from Athabasca University become practicing physicians. Together, we have developed a streamlined admissions process for students who meet the minimum required standards. Our partnership provides a clear path for Athabasca students to achieve a challenging goal. It also provides a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable hands-on global healthcare experience.” Trinity School of Medicine President and CEO Steve Wilson.

Trinity School of Medicine, is a highly recognized and accredited, international medical school located on the beautiful island of St. Vincent. Trinity holds itself to a special responsibility to train highly skilled physicians and to instill in them a passion and dedication to the health and welfare of the communities they will serve.

Introduction

In order to become a physician, you must complete a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree program at an accredited university, followed by residency in family medicine or specialty post-graduate training. Completion of the qualifying examinations of the Medical Council of Canada and licensing by the provincial or territorial licensing authority is also a requirement for becoming a physician. The path to becoming a doctor requires a commitment of seven to nine or more years. Some medical schools require two to three years of pre-med while others may require a bachelor's degree. After the M.D. degree, you may choose Family Practice (2 years minimum) or other medical specialties (at least 4 years) and will spend your time as a resident physician training for certification while being paid to care for patients.

Generally, the acceptance to medical school is based on the following factors:

• A high grade point average.
• Successful completion of certain undergraduate courses. The required courses vary from one institution to another. In general, courses in Biology, Mathematics, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and English are recommended. Some universities suggest studying Humanities and the Social Sciences in order to have a broad academic background. A well-rounded education helps develop desirable qualities in a physician such as an understanding of how society works and excellent communication skills.
• Results of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
• Extracurricular activities - especially those reflecting public or health-related service, volunteer work, and other evidence of your initiative.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Personal interviews with medical school admissions committees.

Nearly all pre-medical courses may be taken at Athabasca University. View a list of AU undergraduate courses.

The following is a list of individual AU undergraduate courses typically completed by AU students preparing for taking the MCAT or those trying to get into a medical school.

Suggested AU Courses:
BIOL204	Principles of Biology I
BIOL205 or BIOL207	Principles of Biology II
BIOL235 or BIOL230	Human Anatomy and Physiology OR Human Physiology
BIOL325	Introductory Microbiology
CHEM217	Chemical Principles I
CHEM218	Chemical Principles II
CHEM301	Introduction to Biochemistry
CHEM350	Organic Chemistry I
CHEM360	Organic Chemistry II
ENGL155	Developing Writing Skills (for the MCAT essay)
ENGL255	Introductory Composition (also for the MCAT essay)
PHYS200	Introductory Physics I
PHYS201	Introductory Physics II

It is often recommended that you have an alternate career in mind in case you are not accepted into a medical program as medical programs in Canada are quota programs. Although you may meet entrance requirements, you may not be accepted. Some students complete the AU Bachelor of Science (BSc) general degree or the BSc with a Major in Biological Sciences. For more information regarding the AU BSc and the various Major and Minor options, see the AU Centre for Science.

It may be possible to complete a degree in a different area of study toward medical school admission. Regardless of your undergraduate program, specific science-related courses are required for medical school admission. Again, thoroughly review medical school admission requirements before enrolling in any undergraduate program.

See the full listing of AU undergraduate degree programs.

Next Steps

1. Research career information related to careers in medicine

The following links contain information on duties, working conditions, skills, education, salary, employment prospects and opportunities. Search using key words such as physician or general practitioner. Research any specialization you might consider as part of your career:

• Alberta Learning Information Services
• Working in Canada

2. Research medical school admission requirements

Consult medical school admissions information for all the schools you would consider applying to. This step is most important to ensure your application meets requirements and is competitive (also exceeds some requirements). Determine entrance requirements and details regarding transferring credit. Determine if your undergraduate course work must be completed as full-time studies. AU allows flexibility of part-time as well as full-time studies, but the medical schools may have a requirement for full-time studies.

• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): U.S. and Canadian Medical Admission Offices
• School Finder

Additional resources

There are several internet resources available to aid your research. Here are just a few to consider:

• Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP)
• Alberta Medical Association (AMA)
• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)
• College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
• College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
• Future Doctor
• Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
• Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP)
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
• University of Toronto: Preparing for Medical School

4. Contact an AU Counsellor

A counsellor can provide you with more information on this particular career path and help you determine which AU program supports your goals. You can use the online appointment form to schedule a telephone appointment with a counsellor or call 1-800-788-9041.

5. Become an AU Student.

Once you complete these steps, you are ready to become an AU Student.

6. Contact an Academic Advisor

Once you have applied and selected an AU program of study, Academic Advisors help you select courses and develop a program plan. (For courses or programs at another institution, you must contact that institution direct for assistance.) Academic Advising Services are available by email or by phone, 1-800-788-9041.

References

Alberta Learning Information Services (2019). Alberta Occupational Profiles.
https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/family-physician/

Association of American Medical Colleges (2019).
https://students-residents.aamc.org/

University of Toronto: Preparing for Medical School.
https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers/further-education/professional-schools/medicine