Undergraduate Medicine Career Services

The Career Advising Team provides specific services to learners within the MD Program. Read each role description to understand what kind of support and perspectives you can expect.

Career Counsellors

Connect with Colleen O'Conner (left), Lucky Kalsi (centre) or Stephanie Karam (right) to start building your future in medicine through informed career decisions.

Specialty exploration and career decision making
Exploring summer research opportunities
CaRMS preparation and strategy
CV and personal statement reviews
Interview coaching
Applying to Canadian and U.S. residency programs
Exploring non-traditional career paths
Strategies and support if you go unmatched

Book via Veribook.

Writing Specialist

Connect with Dr. Michael Cournoyea (PhD) for guidance on all your important writing projects – from personal statements to scholarly essays.

CaRMS/ERAS personal statements
Scholarship applications
Early-stage writing projects and manuscripts
Patient education or outreach materials

Book by emailing michael.cournoyea@utoronto.ca.

*Between August and November, Year 4 MD learners should book via Veribook.

Physician Career Leads

Connect with Dr. Laila Premji (left), Dr. Stacey Bernstein (right) or Dr. Osman Kahiye for guidance from a clinical and professional perspective to help you navigate your career decisions.

Choosing specialties and decision making
Late specialty decision making
Networking support
Strategies and support if you go unmatched
CARMS application support

Book via the OLA Appointment Booking form or by emailing ola.reception@utoronto.ca.

Faculty Career Lead for Black Learners

Connect with Dr. Osman Kahiye for career guidance tailored to the unique experiences of Black learners.

This role is part of a broader vision to offer mentorship across the training spectrum and create space for dialogue in navigating medical training as a Black learner.

Career and specialty planning
Residency application and interview preparation
Mentorship and networking
Advice on navigating training environments

Book via the OLA Appointment Booking form or by emailing ola.reception@utoronto.ca.

Residency Application and Interview Support

From day one to Match Day, our career curriculum guides you through every phase of the residency process. OLA offers tailored services and support all season long, while Matchannel keeps you in the loop with real-time updates.

Workshops

We kick things off with a CaRMS Bootcamp to give you an overview of the residency application process. Targeted sessions through the year will help you build a standout CV, write a strong personal statement, and ace your interviews.

Matchannel Announcements

We deliver weekly updates straight to your inbox. These are designed to help keep you on top of everything related to the residency match (e.g. key deadlines, helpful tips).

Individual Appointments

Book time with a Career Counsellor to refine your CV, strengthen your personal statement, or prep for interviews. Our in-house Writing Specialist can also help you craft a strong, polished statement.

Faculty Career Advisors (FCA)

In Year 3, you'll meet with a FCA to map out your electives strategy. In Year 4, you'll be paired with an FCA for one-on-one support through the Docs-by-Docs (personal statement reviews) and Mocks-by-Docs (mock interviews) initiatives. These experienced physicians bring real-world insight to help you navigate residency preparations with confidence.

Match Day

Our support for unmatched students helps you navigate your next steps and stay on track. We offer dedicated guidance, resources, and planning support.