Do I have to be able to speak French and English if I come to McGill?
Yes—to different degrees, depending on the site you choose. At Montreal-based units, the language of instruction is English, and you can chart in English, but you must be able to speak French in order to communicate with patients and colleagues. The teaching units off the island of Montreal all offer teaching in French, and you must chart in French. However, English is sometimes beneficial for communicating with patients.
I am an IMG. What must I do to be eligible for application to the residency program in Family Medicine at McGill?
To gain eligibility, you must complete the provincial pre-requisites with the CMQ (Collège des Médecins du Québec), and receive recognition of equivalency of your medical diploma. Once the CMQ/BCI (Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire) confirms your status as a Contingent Régulier applicant, you will be able to submit your application in CaRMS.
For additional information about the CMQ pre-requisites and how to obtain the recognition of equivalency, please see the following:
Regular permit to practice – By recognition of the equivalence of a M.D. degree | Collège des médecins du Québec (cmq.org)
I am an IMG candidate, and I was not successful at matching through CaRMS. Can I reapply to the program?
Yes. If you applied and went unmatched, you are encouraged to submit your application to CÉDIS (Centre d'évaluation des diplômés internationaux en santé).
If I apply to the Montreal program, how do I get assigned to a teaching unit?
If you apply to the Montreal program, you will have the opportunity to learn about the teaching units in Montreal on the day of your interview, when staff and residents from all eight Montreal sites will be there to answer your questions. You will be asked to rank your top four site preferences. Once CaRMS results are released and you are matched to McGill Family Medicine in Montreal, we will then run a “mini-match” to assign you to one of your choices of Montreal sites. We make every effort to give residents their first choice. Site assignments are FINAL.
A mini-match will also be made for candidates applying to our Montérégie program.
Can I do electives outside the province of Quebec?
Yes, under some conditions. The Quebec government allows residents to do two out-of-province electives during their residency. The electives must be approved by the Collège des Médecins du Québec (CMQ), and you must be able to demonstrate that one of the two electives is not readily available in Quebec. You must apply for these electives at least three months in advance to allow time for the necessary inter-provincial paperwork. For more information, see here.
