FAQs
What residency programs does the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine offer?
The SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine is launching its first residency program in Family Medicine in July 2027. The School will have other residency programs in the future.
Does the school offer fellowship programs?
At this time, the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine has not launched any fellowship programs. Information regarding future fellowship or subspecialty programs will be shared as these are developed.
How long is residency training at SFU?
Each residency program length is different depending on specialty. For Family Medicine, the residency is two years.
How can I apply for residency?
Applications to the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine residency programs will only be accepted through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).
Can International Medical Graduates (IMGs) apply to SFU residency programs?
Yes, the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine will have seats for IMG’s. Applicants are required to meet at eligibility requirements including completing the Clinical Assessment Program. Applicants are encouraged to visit IMGBC for more information.
Will SFU require IMG’s to complete the Clinical Assessment Program (CAP)?
Yes, IMG applicants applying to schools in BC must complete the Clinical Assessment Program. This is required for both SFU and UBC. Applicants are encouraged to visit IMGBC for more information.
What qualities are you looking for in successful applicants?
To ensure fairness to all applications, we direct all applicants to review the qualities for successful applicants outlined in the CaRMS Program Descriptions.
What is the difference between a longitudinal and a block-based schedule for residency programming?
Our Family Medicine Program will be longitudinal rather than block-based. This approach aims to reflect the diverse nature of family medicine by allowing residents to explore different areas of practice while maintaining continuity with their primary family medicine practice and grounding additional experiences through a family medicine lens.
In a traditional block-based schedule, residents spend a set period, typically a 4 week ‘block’ immersed in one area of medicine. In a longitudinal schedule, residents’ schedules are set intentionally to provide flexibility and targeted experiences to maximize learning and exposures relevant to their future family medicine practice. They will return to their primary family medicine practice each week while gaining experience throughout the week in different clinical settings such as hospitals, Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs), emergency departments, long-term care, and specialty clinics.
What kind of resident mentorship and support will be available?
Residents will receive mentorship from local family physicians who are excited to be part of this new residency program. Each resident will be paired with a ‘coach’, with regular meetings throughout training. The coach will not be involved in formal assessments but will help to identify areas for personalized growth and improvement, support learning and development, and explore opportunities for future careers.
Resident supports are also provided through our Learner Affairs Office including financial advising, career advising, and wellbeing supports. Additional resources will be available for IMGs to support their transition to practicing in British Columbia.
What should I do to prepare for the residency interview?
SFU’s Family Medicine Residency will use a multiple mini-interview (MMI) format to assess candidates. This means there will be several different stations each with a different interviewer. Candidates will rotate through the stations on the virtual platform. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the interview platform before the interview.
To perform your best, it is important to think about the criteria that have been highlighted in the program description. Practice using narrative examples that demonstrate the qualities or characters that you want the interviewers to know about you.
Who should I ask to complete my reference letters?
Applicants are encouraged to review the reference letter requirements outlined in the CaRMS program description when selecting their referees.
Reference letters are assessed based on the referee’s ability to speak to the applicant’s clinical experience, skills, and suitability for a career in medicine. A strong reference would ideally come from a physician who has directly observed the applicant’s clinical practice, preferably in a Canadian healthcare setting, as this provides insight into how they may practice within the Canadian context. References from outside Canada or other professionals can also achieve this, provided they observed the applicant in a supervisory role referee can speak meaningfully to the applicant’s suitability for medicine.
As an IMG, am I required to submit an English Language Proficiency score if I completed my studies in English?
The English language proficiency requirements for medical residency applicants are standardized across medical schools in B.C. based on the requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC).
If the primary language of your medical education was English, you may be eligible for an exemption from the English language proficiency testing requirement. However, applicants must contact CPSBC directly to confirm whether they meet the criteria for an exemption. You may contact CPSBC at education@cpsbc.ca to determine your exemption status.