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AFC Program Application
Areas of Focused Competence (AFC) programs are accredited specialty programs recognized by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada. These programs address focused areas of practice that meet specific patient and societal needs not covered by existing primary or subspecialty residency disciplines.
AFC programs are similar to clinical fellowships, but differ in that they lead to a Royal College Diploma and must meet national accreditation standards.
Submission of an AFC application to the Royal College requires formal approval from the PGME Office and the Associate Dean, PGME.
New AFC Program Application Process
AFC programs are not funded by the Ministry of Health.
Departments or Divisions proposing a new AFC program are responsible for:
- Paying an annual Royal College registration fee (approximately $2,000)
- Providing trainee funding in accordance with the PGME Program Responsibilities in Area of Focused Competence (AFC) Education Policy
- Ensuring sufficient academic and administrative support for the program
Departments or Divisions interested in establishing a new AFC program must submit a formal request to the PGME Office. The request must include:
Program RationaleProvide a clear explanation of why an AFC program is needed instead of a standard clinical fellowship. Examples may include:
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Financial and Human Resource PlanOutline the resources available to support the program, including:
The PGME Office must be confident the program can support the additional academic, accreditation, and financial responsibilities associated with an AFC program. |
Step 1: PGME Review
⇒ The PGME Office reviews the initial request to determine whether the proposal should proceed.
Step 2: Royal College Application Opens
⇒ If approved, PGME will contact the Royal College to initiate a new AFC application through the CanAMS portal.
Step 3: Department/Division Completes Application
⇒ The Department or Division prepares the AFC application. PGME does not complete the application on behalf of the Department or Division. The PGME Office will:
- Review the application
- Provide feedback and edits
- Offer guidance and support throughout the process
Step 4: Final Submission
⇒ Once finalized, the PGME Office submits the application to the Royal College. Submission represents formal approval by the PGME Office and the Associate Dean, PGME.
If significant concerns arise during application development, the PGME Office may decide not to proceed with submission until outstanding requirements are addressed.
Questions about AFC?