Medical Microbiology 

Year one (PGY 1)

Medical microbiology is a five-year program with the first year structured for successful completion of MCCQE Part II.

This year consists of: 

• Three months medical subspecialties 
• Four months general internal medicine 
• Two months infectious diseases 
• One month general surgery 
• One month surgical subspecialty 

Years two - Four (PGY 2-4)

The PGY 2 year is an additional year of clinical training with an emphasis on infectious diseases.

You then complete two years (PGY 3 and 4) of core microbiology including training in the laboratories of adult hospitals, and at the Hospital for Sick Children. 

This will cover: 

• bacteriology 
• virology 
• serology 
• mycology 
• molecular diagnostics 

You will receive further training at the Public Health Laboratory in:

• parasitology
• mycology
• mycobacteriology
• reference microbiology. 

Year five (PGY 5)

Your final year of training will provide further experience in microbiology and you will take on a greater level of responsibility.

You are strongly encouraged to gain dedicated research experience this year (although research projects are expected at all levels of training).

You cannot complete major research within the time limits of this program and we recommend you consolidate and expand your research skills by additional training following completion of the program. 

The research interests of members of the division of medical microbiology are diverse and include: 

• pathogenesis and epidemiology of a variety of bacterial and viral diseases 
• antimicrobial resistance 
• epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections 
• molecular epidemiology 
• malaria 

You are strongly encouraged to participate in research activities and to present and publish their results. 

Application 

Apply through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) if you have Canadian Citizenship or Permament Residency. 

The CaRMs website contains information on eligibility.

Selection criteria 

It is helpful, but not essential, to have demonstrated interest/experience in microbiology either as an undergraduate or during medical school.

We make decisions based on your: 

• academic record
• demonstrated commitment to the discipline of medical microbiology 
• reference letters 
• interview results 

Given the large number of applicants each year, we are not able to offer an interview to all candidates. We offer personal interviews based on the criteria listed above and they are mandatory for admission to the program. 

International Medical Graduates accepted into the program will have access to the same opportunities, training and experience as Canadian Medical Graduates. 

Sponsored residencies 

The University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine also has sponsorship agreements with various governments regarding training at the University.

If you are an applicant from one these countries, you must have the approval of the sponsor involved. Your sponsor must contact the Temerty Faculty of Medicine Postgraduate Medical Education Office (PGME) directly with approval before formally applying to a training program.  

More details on applying for residency training Post MD Education (see under International Residency Applications)