Resident status and CaRMS

[tarzi]

I have a question about residency programs in Canada - is it be the same thing as medical school admissions where programs have quota's for IP and OOP?

[andros]

Hi tarzi,

 

no, there aren't quotas for in province/oop when it comes to residency. However, I think someone definitely can have a "home turf advantage" when it comes to residency. Presumably, the people in the dept at your own school will know you better than other programs, they know if you would "mesh" with the residents/staff, if you're a team player, etc, so they might be taking less of a chance on you. Some schools/programs have reputations for "taking their own" (for example, UBC) but I think that comes down to how applicants rank the schools as well (like UBC students might be more keen on being in Vancouver than someone from MUN for example).

 

Hope that helps

[ffp]

Andros is right... being a home applicant is an advantage only in that we know you better. Often we've gotten to know the home applicants through their core rotations/electives, and have a good idea of if you'll "fit in" to the program. An OOP student who does an elective in the program can get the same sort of advantage. This is especially helpful for people who don't look so stellar on paper. If we know you are a great applicant and will mesh nicely with the program, you'll rank higher than your paper file would suggest.

 

It can also work to your disadvantage if you make a bad impression on your rotations at your home school. You can be absolutely stellar on paper and in your interview, but if people who actually WORKED with you found you lazy, annoying or dangerous, chances are you won't get a spot.