PGME Policies

The Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Office develops and maintains policies that guide residency and fellowship education and ensure consistent, fair, and high-quality training experiences.

Policies are developed and reviewed by the PGME Policy Subcommittee. For more information on policy development and review processes, please see the PGME Policy on Policies.

Policy / Resource Description Category
Resident Assessment and Appeals Policy Defines how resident performance is assessed and outlines formal appeal processes.
Assessment & Appeals
Assessment Data Security Policy Ensures secure handling and protection of resident assessment data. Assessment & Appeals
Assessment Verification Period (AVP) Policy Describes the process for assessment of CaRMS-matched International Medical Graduates (IMGs) starting a PGY1 residency program. Assessment & Appeals
Pre-Entry Assessment Program (PEAP) Policy Outlines assessment expectations for Internationally Sponsored Residents (ISRs) and internationally-trained clinical fellows prior to program entry. Assessment & Appeals
AVP vs PEAP Comparison Chart Summarizes differences between AVP and PEAP pathways. Assessment & Appeals
Fellowship Probation/Suspension/Termination & Appeals Policy Rules for fellowship performance concerns and outcomes. Assessment & Appeals
Area of Focused Competence (AFC) Appeals Policy Outlines appeals process for AFC trainees. Assessment & Appeals
Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) Policy Defines assessment pathways for practice-ready candidates. Assessment & Appeals
Residency Leaves of Absence Policy Details types of leave available and eligibility criteria for residents. Leaves & Waivers
Leaves Process Step-by-step guide to requesting and managing a leave of absence. Leaves & Waivers
Summary of Leaves Quick reference overview of available leave types and key considerations. Leaves & Waivers
Royal College Technical Guide: Leaves Provides national guidelines on leave policies and training requirements. Leaves & Waivers
Waiver of Training Policy Explains when training requirements may be reduced or waived.
Leaves & Waivers
Program Director Appointment Policy Guideline on selection, appointment and expectations for new Program Directors. Program Directors
Program Director Job Description Template Standard responsibilities outline. Program Directors
Royal College PD Appointment Policy National expectations for program director appointments. Program Directors
Program Resourcing Guidelines Recommended staffing, time allocation, and support requirements for accredited residency and AFC programs. Program Directors
Program Responsibilities in Clinical Fellowship Education Outlines expectations for programs training clinical fellows. Fellowship & AFC
Fellowship Program Objectives Template Template for defining goals and outcomes of fellowship programs. Fellowship & AFC
Fellowship Program Assessment Template Template for evaluating fellow performance. Fellowship & AFC
Program Responsibilities in Area of Focused Competence Defines expectations for programs delivering AFC training. Fellowship & AFC
Request for Accommodations Guidelines and Process Explains how to request academic accommodations and the steps involved.
Accommodations
PGME Transfers Policy Outlines the process for transferring between residency programs. Transfers
PARO Transfer Guidelines Provides guidance on transfer processes from the resident association perspective. Transfers
AFMC National Transfer Guidelines Describes national standards and timelines for residency transfers. Transfers
Royal College Transfer Guide Details transfer requirements for Royal College programs. Transfers
PGME Safety Policy Outlines safety expectations and reporting processes for trainees. Health & Wellness
Fatigue Risk Management Guidelines Provides recommendations for managing fatigue and ensuring safe practice.
Health & Wellness
Redeployment Guidelines (Exceptional Health System Need) Describes processes for redeploying trainees during system-wide emergencies. Health & Wellness
COFM Immunization Policy Details immunization requirements for trainees in Ontario. Health & Wellness
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Guidelines Outlines expectations and procedures during public health emergencies. Health & Wellness
Faculty Teaching Feedback & Evaluation Outlines requirement for feedback on faculty teaching and supervision from trainees. Supervision
Policy on Faculty Supervision of Trainees Defines expectations for supervision and oversight of trainees in clinical settings. Supervision
Policy on Residents/AFC Trainees as Supervisors Outlines when and how trainees may take on supervisory roles. Supervision
Charter of Professionalism Defines expected standards of professional behaviour for trainees. Professionalism & Ethics
Industry Interaction Policy (Conflict of Interest) Outlines guidelines for interactions with pharmaceutical and industry representatives. Professionalism & Ethics
Learner Mistreatment Reporting Portal Provides a process for reporting concerns related to mistreatment or unsafe learning environments. Professionalism & Ethics
Western Non-Discrimination / Harassment Policy Describes institutional policies on equity, inclusion, and respectful conduct. Professionalism & Ethics
Treating Self and Family Members Guidance on ethical considerations when providing care to oneself or family. Professionalism & Ethics
Information & Privacy Explains responsibilities related to confidentiality and patient information protection. Professionalism & Ethics
Guidelines for Virtual Care Provides best practices for delivering care through virtual platforms. Professionalism & Ethics
Phone Calls from Patients Policy Clarifies expectations for managing patient phone communication. Professionalism & Ethics
CPSO Social Media Policy Outlines expectations for professional conduct on social media platforms. Professionalism & Ethics
CPSO Advice to the Profession – Social Media Provides additional guidance on appropriate online presence and communication. Professionalism & Ethics
PGME Selection Policy Outlines the official process and standards for selecting residents and trainees across programs. Resident Selection
CaRMS Match Violation Policy Defines rules during the CaRMS match process and how violations are addressed. Resident Selection
Resident and Trainee Selection Guidelines (EDID) Provides guidance to support equitable, diverse, inclusive, and decolonized selection practices. Resident Selection
Resident Moonlighting Policy Defines eligibility and guidelines for residents engaging in external clinical work. Moonlighting & Licensing
Fellowship Moonlighting Policy Defines moonlighting rules specific to clinical fellows. Moonlighting & Licensing
COFM Provisional Registration Policy Outlines registration requirements for provisional registration trainees in Ontario. Moonlighting & Licensing
CPSO Provisional Registration Program Provides information on provisional licensing through the CPSO. Moonlighting & Licensing
Provisional Registration Info (Program Directors) Guidance for program directors managing Provisional registration trainees. Moonlighting & Licensing
Restricted Registration Info (Sites/Supervisors) Information for clinical sites and supervisors overseeing restricted registration learners. Moonlighting & Licensing
Resident Electives Rotation Policy Explains requirements and approval processes for residents completing elective rotations outside of Western. Electives
CBME Policies Page Access additional competency-based medical education policies and resources. CBME