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Learner Assistance

Transfers

MD Program

Academy Transfers
When you are admitted to the MD Program you are assigned to an Academy. In exceptional situations, you may be better served at an Academy different from the one you were assigned. Further details about academy transfers, including an Academy Transfer Application Form, are available in the MD Program’s Academic Calendar.

Postgraduate Medical Education

Program Transfers
The University of Toronto Postgraduate Medical Education Office (PGME) tries to provide opportunities for program transfer to its trainees. At the beginning of January each year, the Postgraduate Dean sends an email to PGY1 and PGY2 residents, as well as other PGY residents who have indicated a desire to transfer, informing them of this opportunity and advising them of the principles and procedures of the transfer process, which can be viewed on the PGME website.

If you are interested in transferring external to U of T, the National Transfer Guidelines outline the transfer process and timelines. External requests are usually considered after the second iteration of CaRMS.

Helpful links:
PARO Program Transfer Guide
DFCM's Transfer of Residency Programs from program to program or school to school

After you review the guidelines, the PGME office is available to answer any questions you might have regarding the transfer process. Any queries related to transfers can be sent to pgme.transfers@utoronto.ca.

If you would like to speak to one of the Directors of Postgraduate Learner Affairs about transfers, you can contact: ola.reception@utoronto.ca or book an appointment directly. 

Postgraduate Medical Education

Program Transfers
The University of Toronto Postgraduate Medical Education Office (PGME) tries to provide opportunities for program transfer to its trainees. At the beginning of January each year, the Postgraduate Dean sends an email to PGY1 and PGY2 residents, as well as other PGY residents who have indicated a desire to transfer, informing them of this opportunity and advising them of the principles and procedures of the transfer process, which can be viewed on the PGME website.

If you are interested in transferring external to U of T, the National Transfer Guidelines outline the transfer process and timelines. External requests are usually considered after the second iteration of CaRMS.

Helpful links:
PARO Program Transfer Guide
DFCM's Transfer of Residency Programs from program to program or school to school

After you review the guidelines, the PGME office is available to answer any questions you might have regarding the transfer process. Any queries related to transfers can be sent to pgme.transfers@utoronto.ca.

If you would like to speak to one of the Directors of Postgraduate Learner Affairs about transfers, you can contact: ola.reception@utoronto.ca or book an appointment directly. 

2024 - 2025 PGME Transfer Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs have been prepared for residents registered with PGME, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Residents from other Canadian residency programs must register their transfer requests with their home PGME office – full details re: process and timelines can be viewed at the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) established National Transfer Guidelines.

This document will address the frequently asked questions and myths regarding Internal (transfer requests to UofT residency programs) and External Transfers (transfer requests to other Canadian residency programs). If you have a specific question that is not addressed below, please reach out to pgme.transfers@utoronto.ca.

  1. Why are Internal & External Transfer requests only considered once per year?
    Internal and External Transfer requests are only considered once per year to ensure it is a fair and equitable process for all residents requesting transfers. 

    The timelines also take into account the 2nd Iteration of the R1 CaRMS which residents may want to consider as another option. All residents are eligible to apply for residency positions that are available in the second iteration of R1 CaRMS. A reminder that matching to a position in CaRMS forms a legally binding contract.
  1. Are there any restrictions as to how much training I must complete before requesting to transfer?
    Residents must complete a minimum of six months of training prior to applying for consideration to transfer. This is to ensure learners have had adequate exposure to their current discipline.
  1. I’m interested in transferring Internally, how many programs can I apply to? 
    Residents can apply for up to five programs to be considered for transfer. If you are considering more than five programs, we would recommend you arrange a career advising appointment with the Office of Learner Affairs (OLA).
  2. I am currently in my first year of a five-year residency program. As I still have 4 years of funding remaining, will this improve the odds of my transfer request being successful?
    This will not increase the success rate. It is important to note that funding resides with the PGME office, not the learner, nor the residency program.
  3. Is the option to transfer available to all residents at PGME?
    Yes, all residents are eligible to be considered for a transfer except for Family Medicine PGY2s (per the University of Toronto principles & process guidelines for transfer). Residents must also complete a minimum of six months of training in their current program to be eligible.
  4. Is funding transferable between schools/institutions?
    No, funding resides with the PGME Office and is not transferable between Institutions. 
  5. How many internal transfer requests are supported each academic year?
    PGME strives to support as many requests as possible. Approximately 10 % of Internal Transfers are typically supported each academic year. 
  6. Are you able to provide me with any recommendations or tips to make my application more competitive?
    Unfortunately, PGME is not able to make recommendations or provide tips. You should review the program description available on the CaRMS website which outlines details regarding program selection criteria. We would strongly recommend learners consult with the Office of Learner Affairs (OLA) for a career advising session.
  7. Are positions reserved for specific programs?
    No, positions are not reserved for specific programs for the Internal Transfer Process. PGME asks programs to confirm capacity on an annual basis.
  8. I have successfully transferred programs once before. I am eligible to reapply?
    Yes, you are eligible to reapply for a transfer. In your personal statement, you may want to address why you are requesting to transfer for a second time.

    We would also recommend meeting with a Career Counsellor in the Office of Learner Affairs (OLA) to discuss your request to transfer to another discipline.
  1. If my transfer is successful, will I remain at my current PGY level? Or will I have to restart my training?
    It will be up to the new Program Director/Residency Program Committee to determine if credit can be given for past training. It is important to remember that each program has specific rotation objectives and evaluations; completion of a rotation within your current program may not be considered equivalent to the new program.

    Residents should assume that they will be starting at the entry level for their program. Please note that you will be registered at the level determined by the program and as such, will be paid at the level of registration.
  1. Is it possible to receive credit for my current program at a later date?
    Yes, programs may re-evaluate if credit can be received for past training towards the end of your training. 
  1. I’ve heard there is a position available in a program. Am I able to apply directly to the program without going through PGME?
    No, to ensure a fair and equitable process for all residents, all requests must be submitted to PGME. As of 2024-2025 all communication regarding transfer outcomes, including successful Internal Transfer offers, will be distributed by PGME to the applicant (not by the program).
  1. I’m unsure if transferring programs is the right option for me. What supports are available to learners?
    PGME recommends that all learners considering a transfer arrange a time to meet with the Office of Learner Affairs (ola.reception@utoronto.ca).

    PGME & OLA will be holding two joint information sessions to review the process, timelines and address questions:

    Tuesday, January 9, 2024 – 6PM – 7PM:
    https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/83826910906; Passcode: 093208

    Monday, January 15, 2024 – 6PM – 7PM:
    https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/81560073723; Passcode: 822340
  • Please note: no registration is required and sessions are not recorded.
  1. I’m interested in applying to another school. Are there any guidelines I should be review?
    The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) has established National Transfer Guidelines. Please carefully review these guidelines prior to submitting your application. All requests for transfer to other Canadian residency programs must be registered with your home PGME office (pgme.transfers@utoronto.ca).