News

For aspiring physicians, their journey towards a rewarding career in medicine commences with a critical step: the medical school application process. This journey, stretching from the early stages of submitting the application to the crucial interview phase, can often appear complex and daunting.

We reached out to Dr Wayne Thai, a seasoned medical practitioner and consultant at Bearing Academy to help demystify this process and get some guidance. With a comprehensive academic history that includes the University of Alberta and McGill University, as well as a wealth of experience across various healthcare institutions, Dr Thai offers an invaluable perspective.

Q: Dr Thai, when does the medical school application process in Canada typically start?

Dr Thai:  The process usually starts in early July of the year prior to when you plan to start school. That is when the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) opens for submission, but the specific dates can vary from year to year.  For the rest of Canada, each university usually has its own application process, so it is best to check the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) website for the most current information.   However, preparing for the application, like gathering transcripts and recommendation letters should start even earlier.  

Q:  How can I get recommendation letters for the application? 

Dr. Thai:  Getting strong recommendation letters for your medical school application is essential to showcase your suitability for a career in medicine, especially since most medical schools in Canada require 3 reference letters.  

To obtain strong recommendation letters,  you should carefully select referees who know you well and can provide positive insights into your academic abilities, character and achievements.  Request their support early, provide them with necessary information about yourself, and send gentle reminders as the deadline approaches.  You should also diversify your referees to offer varied perspectives on your qualifications.  Don’t forget to maintain a professional approach throughout the process, and show gratitude for their assistance.  

Q: What happens after the submission? 

Dr Thai: Your applications will be forwarded to the medical schools you have selected.  They will review it, and if they find it interesting, they will send you their secondary applications, typically with a range of essay questions.

Q: How much time do students have to complete these secondary applications?

Dr Thai: Generally, you should aim to return these within two weeks. Timeliness plays a role in the admissions process, so it is essential to be prompt.  If the school remains interested, they will invite you for an interview. This typically happens between February and April, or it is subject to the medical school’s decision.   It is crucial to prepare thoroughly for these interviews as they are the primary tool schools use to evaluate an applicant's personal qualities.

Q: How should students prepare for the medical school interviews?

Dr Thai: Preparing for a medical school interview requires a combination of self-reflection, knowledge about the profession and healthcare, and understanding of the school. The interview is not only an opportunity for the school to assess your suitability for a career in medicine, but also a chance for you to demonstrate your passion for the field and understand if the school aligns with your aspirations.  I believe in 7 steps to prepare for medical school interviews. 

1. Know your application - be prepared to discuss everything you have mentioned in it, such as your undergraduate courses, extracurricular activities, clinical and research experiences etc.  Reflect on these experiences and be ready to share what you learned from them and how they have shaped your desire to pursue medicine. 

2. Understand the medical profession and healthcare issues - having a solid understanding of the medical field, current healthcare issues, and ethical considerations in medicine is essential. This might include topics such as healthcare systems, health disparities, medical ethics, medical advancements etc.  

3. Research the school – each medical school in Canada has its unique philosophy, curriculum, and student culture.  Research the specifics of the school where you are interviewing and evaluate how these align with your goals. 

4. Prepare for different types of questions – medical school interviews may involve traditional one-on-one interviews, panel interviews, or Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs).  The questions can range from personal and behavioural to ethical and scenario-based.  Practice with a variety of question types and be ready to draw on specific examples from your experiences.  

5. Demonstrate essential qualities – medical schools are not only interested in your academic achievements, but also in qualities like empathy, integrity, resilience, and communication skills.   Whenever possible, use examples from your experiences to demonstrate these qualities.  

6. Prepare questions – prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers.   This can demonstrate your interest in their program and help you gather information to make your decision if accepted. 

7. Mock interviews – consider doing mock interviews with mentors, career counsellors like the consultants at Bearing Academy, or even peers.  This can help you get used to the format and receive feedback on your answers.  Be genuine in your responses and let your passion for medicine channel through.  

Q: What is the final stage of the application timeline?

Dr Thai: After the interviews, schools will start making acceptance offers. This usually begins in May and can extend further. Once accepted, you will need to decide which offer to accept by the date agreed upon by participating medical schools to allow students to make their final decision.

Q: Lastly, any advice for prospective medical school students?

Dr Thai: The medical school application process can seem daunting, but with a timeline and proper preparation, it is certainly manageable. Every doctor has gone through this process, and there are plenty of resources and people like us at Bearing Academy to help guide you along the way.

Dr Wayne Thai is a consultant at Bearing Academy. He received his Medical Doctorate degree from the University of Alberta and completed his Family Medicine Residency at McGill University. Dr Thai works at an urgent care clinic in Toronto and is an examiner for the Medical Council of Canada. He is certified by the Canadian College of Family Physicians and holds Fellowship status. 

Learn about our pre-, ongoing and post-Medical School advisory service from here:  https://www.bearing-academy.com/Pre-and-on-going-Law-and-Medical-School-Advisory, or contact us at info@bearing-academy.com for arranging a meeting.