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  4. Requesting a Transfer Between Residency Programs

Requesting a Transfer Between Residency Programs

Residents currently registered at Western University may request a transfer to another residency program within Western (internal transfer) or to a program at another Canadian institution (external transfer).

All transfer requests are assessed based on three key factors:

  1. Resident eligibility
  2. Program training capacity
  3. PGME funding capacity – funding is managed centrally by PGME not by residency programs, and requests typically exceed the funding available

This ensures that all transfer decisions are made fairly and in alignment with institutional resources and priorities.

Before You Submit a Transfer Request

  • You must complete at least 6 months of residency training before requesting a transfer
  • Transfers require:
    • Acceptance from the receiving program
    • Release from your current (home) program
  • All requests must be reviewed and approved by the PGME Office
  • Transfers depend on available funding and program capacity
  • You are responsible for resolving any return-of-service commitments

How to Request a Transfer

Contact PGME

Reach out to the PGME office to discuss your interest in a transfer.

Prepare Your Application

You will be asked to submit:

  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Letter of intent

Application Review

PGME will:

  • Confirm program capacity
  • Forward your application if space is available
  • Provide evaluation reports (e.g., ITERs, EPAs)

Program Decision

Programs will:

  • Review documents
  • Conduct interviews
  • Make a selection decision

Accepting an Offer

If accepted:

  • Inform your current Program Director
  • Request formal release from your current program

Transfer Confirmation

For Internal Transfers, PGME will issue a revised Letter of Appointment once approvals are complete

Transfer Admissions Guide

  • Minimum 6 months of training required
  • Transfers are generally not permitted in the final 6 months of a program
  • You must meet the same selection criteria as CaRMS applicants
  • Some residents may be asked to meet with PGME leadership to discuss their request
  • Receiving programs review applications using their standard selection process
  • Programs are not obligated to accept transfer requests
  • Decisions made by programs cannot be appealed
  • All transfers must maintain the integrity of the CaRMS match process
  • PGY1 Residents typically re-enter at the PGY1 level after transfer
  • Credit for prior training:
    • Reviewed by the program, RCPSC or CFPC, and PGME
    • Based on relevance, recency (within 2 years), and performance
  • Family Medicine transfers:
    • Require completion of 24 months of training
    • Maximum 6 months credit for prior experience
  • Transfer discussions remain confidential within PGME
  • Your current program will only be notified:
    • If a position is available
    • AND you consent to disclosure

Important Deadlines

Resident Level Application Deadline Decision Timeline
PGY1 January 31 By March 31
PGY2+ September 30 or January 31 By Nov 30 or March 31
External Transfers Notify PGME by March 31 Reviewed after CaRMS

Transfers Outside of Western

If you are applying to transfer outside Western:

  • Requests are reviewed nationally after the CaRMS R1 Match Date
  • You must notify PGME by March 31
  • A formal release from your program and PGME is required
  • Funding does not transfer and is provided by the receiving institution

Resources

AFMC National Transfer Guidelines PARO Transfer Guide