The first step is to complete our online application form and upload the required documentation; Learn how to apply by clicking here. The link will take you to our application page!

While the terms "fellow" and "resident" may be used interchangeably in casual conversation, in the division of Gastroenterology at the University of Alberta, there are important distinctions.

A resident refers to a learner who has completed their internal medicine training and is in a 2-year general gastroenterology residency, where they learn and train in all areas of gastroenterology. Sometimes, to differentiate from residents in Internal Medicine training who have not yet chosen a subspecialty (PGY1-3), we might refer to a Gastroenterology resident as a "Sub-Specialty Resident". Typically, gastroenterology residents are PGY4 and PGY5.

An advanced fellow is someone who has graduated from both internal medicine and gastroenterology training, and is now undergoing specific training in one area of gastroenterology, such as IBD, Hepatology, or Advanced Therapeutics Endoscopy. Advanced fellows are typically PGY6+. 

A fellow may be referring to either a resident (PGY4-5) or an advanced fellow (PGY6+), depending on the context of the conversation. Typically, however, we prefer to use the term fellow for those in an advanced fellowship.

A limited number of funded fellowships are available on a case-by-case basis. Please be sure to indicate your funding status on the application form. International applicants must arrange institutional/sponsor funding and submit proof of such funding with their application.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) sets our requirements. You can view the requirements by clicking here.  Please read the requirements and the exemptions carefully.  The exemption for ELP states: "More than 50% of your undergraduate and postgraduate (including residency and clinical fellowship training) medical education was taken in a country where English is the first and native language."  See the website for the list of exempt countries.

Unless exempt, applicants must complete an academic version of an English Language Proficiency (ELP) test within 24 months before submitting your CPSA application. A minimum passing grade, as outlined below, in any of the following ELP exams are considered sufficient.

• The IELTS Academic – completed within the 24 months before submitting their application to CPSA, achieving a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components in a single test.

• The OET Medicine examination – completed within the 24 months before submitting their application to CPSA, achieving a minimum grade of B in each component in a single test.

• The CELPIP General examination – completed within the 24 months before submitting their application to CPSA, achieving a minimum score of 9 in each component in a single test.

You will receive a completed notification once you submit your application form and should receive an email from the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program Coordinator regarding any missing documentation. If you have not, please email megastf@ualberta.ca

If you click on this link, it will take you to the CPSA postgraduate training registration section. You will not be able to register with the CPSA until you have been accepted as a fellow at our institution and have been registered with the University of Alberta Postgraduate Medical Education office. Once accepted and registered, the U of A PGME (Postgraduate Medical Education) office will guide you with all the requirements. Contact pgfellow@ualberta.ca for further information. 

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) applications for work and study permits can take between 12-24 weeks, including processing time from both the University and CIC. You can check on the processing time by clicking this link, but these times are not guaranteed.