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University of Toronto Fellowships in Dermatology
What Dermatology fellowships are available at the University of Toronto?
Currently, there are fellowships in:
Mohs Surgery (link here)
Cosmetic Dermatology (link here)
Advanced Medical Dermatology (link here)
Wound Care (link for contact here)
Pediatric Dermatology (link here)
Who can apply?
In general, you must have completed your residency training by the time the fellowship begins. Most often this means a full residency in Dermatology, but in some cases other specialists may be considered.
How do you apply for a fellowship?
Most people who are seriously interested in fellowships have either done electives, observorships or have made contact with people involved in the program. If you are interested in such an experience, you may connect with the person listed as the fellowship contact.
Once you have made contact, you will learn about any specific information the fellowship directors require in order to select candidates. Typically, these include a CV, 3 reference letters (if possible from people known to the program directors), and a short summary email or letter outlining experience in the area and plans for practice or training.
The actual application process usually involves the deliberation of a fellowship selection committee after it has obtained all the necessary information. Some fellowships, like the Mohs fellowship, coordinate the selection process centrally though a matching process.
What are the important deadlines?
Most applicants have made at least initial plans for fellowship one year before the anticipated fellowship start date. Some fellowships have rigid deadlines for application and selection, whereas others are more flexible. However, the paperwork to organize licensing in Ontario may take up to nine months for some physicians, so decisions should be made well in advance. Contact the specific fellowship for details on important deadlines.
Are there any exams that need to be taken?
In most cases, no medical competency examinations are required to apply for a fellowship. Tests of english language (such as the TOEFL) are often required for those who are not native english speakers, but this usually happens after the candidate is selected. Examinations to ensure the candidate is healthy and able to be a Canadian resident are done on a case by case basis and not required for application.
What happens once applicants are selected?
Every fellow needs to be licensed to practice medicine in Ontario before starting the fellowship. The process to facilitate this depends on the credentials of each person. For example, a graduate of an Ontario Dermatology residency already has Ontario licensure, so the process would involve ensuring this licensure is up to date and continued in the new role as fellow. For International Medical Graduates (IMG) who are not Canadian citizens, a somewhat detailed process is involved in obtaining a work permit, licensure with the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSO), malpractice insurance with the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) and an educational connection with the University of Toronto (U of T). We have administrative staff who are knowledgable in assisting potential fellows in collecting the relevant documentation to acquire the above credentials.
Here is a website used to help successful IMG candidates navigate the paperwork:
For Canadian and US residents, or those who have graduated from programs in those countries, the process is noted along the right hand links column of that website.
More Information that may be helpful:
The University of Toronto has put together an Orientation Package of information that describes the City of Toronto, and many other topics commonly of importance to trainees new to our city or country. We encourage all potential applicants to read through this document to get a sense of what it is like to live here. The document may be reached by clicking on the "Welcome New Trainees" logo near the bottom right of this page (click here)