Alberta

CRITERIA FOR ALL MEDICAL GRADUATES

To maintain the spirit of fairness and equity, PGME has zero-tolerance for submission of altered, falsified, or fraudulent information or documentation, intentionally or otherwise. Such applications will be considered void and, if discovered after the CaRMS match, may result in immediate dismissal or withdrawal of the postgraduate training position. To provide transparent access to this opportunity, the requirements set herein will not be changed mid-cycle.

All applicants must meet the criteria for registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) for postgraduate medical education, including English Language Proficiency.

Once matched, any delays in providing all required documentation to CPSA may result in a delay in the issuance of a certificate of registration and a delay in the start of postgraduate training beyond July 1.

Orientation

Please note the annual incoming PGME resident orientation typically occurs in the week prior to July 1, in accordance with Alberta’s Resident Physician Agreement. Attendance is strongly recommended for incoming residents new to the matched University.

Immunization

Please be aware that Alberta Health Services (AHS) determines immunization requirements for all healthcare workers who provide services on AHS, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Covenant Health, Carewest, and Capital Care, and other AHS-affiliated entities. This applies to resident physicians. Resident physicians matched to any University of Alberta or University of Calgary residency program must ensure they are able to comply with the AHS policy to start training July 1, 2026. Immunization requirements are subject to change as per AHS policy.

• A resident who has or will complete their Pediatrics residency in an ACGME-accredited program in the U.S. will need to complete an approved PGY-4 year in a core RCPSC Pediatrics program in Canada to be eligible to apply for subspecialty training in Canada. The RCPSC assessment of U.S. training will establish what is needed during the PGY-4 year. U.S residents interested in doing a PGY-4 year in a Canadian core Pediatrics program will need to reach out to the residency programs individually and explore if this opportunity is available.

OR

• If a resident is completing a PGY-4 chief/lead resident year in an ACGME-accredited program in the U.S., the RCPSC assessment of training will establish if the resident is eligible for the RCPSC examinations/fellowship. For more information on having your training assessed, please contact Chantal Benoit at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (cbenoit@royalcollege.ca).

Subspecialty: Pediatrics subspecialties

• Training level: Current resident
• Eligibility details:
  • Currently enrolled as a PGY-3 in a RCPSC accredited core Pediatrics residency program in Canada.
  • Currently enrolled as a PGY-3 in an ACGME accredited core Pediatrics program and have had their training assessed and deemed eligible by the RCPSC.

Subspecialty: Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

• Training level: Current resident
• Eligibility details:
  • Currently enrolled as a PGY-3 in a RCPSC accredited core Pediatrics residency program in Canada.
  • Currently enrolled as a PGY-3 in an ACGME accredited core Pediatrics program and have had their training assessed and deemed eligible by the RCPSC.
  • Currently enrolled in their second-to-last year in one of the following RCPSC accredited residency programs in Canada: Anesthesiology, Cardiac Surgery, Emergency Medicine, or General Surgery.

Note:  Subject to final confirmation by PGME, an exception to the training level and training program criteria may be made for those applicants that are acceptable for the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Program according to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Subspecialty: Pediatric Emergency Medicine​

• Training level: Current resident
• Eligibility details:
  • Currently enrolled as a PGY-3 in a RCPSC accredited core Pediatrics residency program in Canada.
  • Currently enrolled as a PGY-3 in an ACGME accredited core Pediatrics program and have had their training assessed and deemed eligible by the RCPSC.
  • Currently enrolled as a PGY-2, PGY-3, or PGY-4 in an RCPSC accredited Emergency Medicine residency program in Canada.

Subspecialty:Adult Colorectal Surgery​

• Training level: Current resident
• Eligibility details: Currently enrolled as a PGY-5 in a RCPSC accredited General Surgery residency program in Canada.

• Residents that are off cycle by more than six months are not eligible for this year’s match. This applies to current residents who will not complete their final year of primary specialty training between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
• Some programs may not be able to accommodate off-cycle start dates.
• Residents who will complete their final year of primary specialty training after July 1, 2026 (but before December 31, 2026) must declare their completion date on the application and request a late start date.
• Residents who will complete their final year of primary specialty training between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, must declare their completion date on the application and may request an early start date.
• This match cannot be used for program transfer.
• Re-entry applicants to subspecialty training are not eligible.
• Trainees currently enrolled in subspecialty Pediatrics training are not eligible.
• Individuals who are pursuing residency training in the U.S. and have an MD from a non-LCME accredited school are not eligible.
• Sponsored Visa Trainees are not eligible to apply for subspecialty training through this match.