Neuropathology

We offer 2 entry pathways to Neuropathology, both leading to eligibility for certification in Neuropathology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

• Pathway 1: the direct entry pathway allows candidates to enter directly after completing medial school. This program is 5 years in length.
• Pathway 2: the alternative entry pathway allows candidates to enter after completion of residency training in Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology. This program is 2 years in length. Note: the Royal College examination in Neuropathology is written after completion of the 2 years of training.

Program length of training does not exceed the Royal College or College of Family Physicians of Canada standard.

In July 2022, our Program implemented Competency Based Education and follows the Royal College Competency by Design framework.

Transition to Discipline Stage (direct entry only)

This is a 2-block training period which includes core skills and competencies needed for early residency success.  These include an orientation to Neuropathology and an introduction to laboratory services. Residents will become familiar with the autopsy suite, gross room, intraoperative consultation suite, specimen accessioning, and histology lab. Residents will have access to workstations with microscope, camera, and access to LIS. Residents will participate in multiheaded microscope teaching sessions and will learn laboratory safety policies. Observation and select participation in grossing, intraoperative consultation, specimen preparation, tissue processing and slide preparation will be expected.

Foundations Stage (direct entry only)

This training period spans 24 blocks of residency.  Residents experience clinical rotations designed to support educational opportunities including neurology, neurosurgery, pediatric neurology, neuroradiology, and internal medicine. This is followed by relevant rotations within anatomical pathology, including autopsy, cytopathology, and surgical pathology.

Core Training Stage 

This training period spans 33 blocks of training (direct entry pathway) or 21 blocks of training (alternative entry pathway).

This stage covers the core competencies that make up the majority of Neuropathology training. Core areas will include teaching in neuroanatomy, surgical neuropathology, muscle and nerve pathology, autopsy and forensic neuropathology, pediatric and perinatal neuropathology, and ancillary testing including immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and molecular pathology. Experience in digital pathology is included at multiple training sites.

Transition to Practice stage

During this time (6 blocks direct entry, 5 blocks alternative entry), the senior trainee will obtain training experiences designed to support readiness for independent practice.

Research

Research is emphasised during training and may be based on clinical material or an experimental project may be undertaken. Areas of research interest in the division include neurodegenerative diseases, brain tumours, artificial intelligence, and pediatric neuropathology at both the morphological and molecular level. Some trainees choose to pursue graduate degrees (MSc or PhD) during or after their residency training. 

Application: Direct entry pathway

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

The CaRMs website contains information on eligibility.

Application: alternative entry pathway

Apply now for a July 2026 start. Deadline for applications is April 1 of the PGY4 year. For example: April 1, 2025 to begin July 1, 2026.

You must have completed residency training in a Royal College-accredited program in Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology prior to commencing Neuropathology.  

The following documents are needed. We may request further documentation based on your individual circumstances.

• Completed online application form
• Cover Letter/Personal Statement (1,000 word maximum)
• Curriculum Vitae 
• Copy of medical degree (and translation if not in English or French)
• Three reference letters, to be sent directly via email to the LMP Postgraduate Office (lmp.pg@utoronto.ca). One letter must be from your current DMP program director.
• Letter of Good Standing from your postgraduate program with your expected completion date, to be sent to the LMP Postgraduate Office (lmp.pg@utoronto.ca) from your Program Director. 

You will submit all documentation as part of the application process.

Selection criteria 

We select trainees based upon your: 

• academic performance
• letters of reference
• performance at interview
• demonstrated interest in Neuropathology as a career.

It is encouraged, not mandatory, that you have completed at least one elective in our specialty. 

Given the large number of applicants each year, we are not able to offer an interview to all candidates. We offer personal interviews to candidates 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)