We are a mid-sized program. This means we have opportunities for a broad spectrum of exposures, with many subspecialty clinics, together with the opportunity for a personalized program, to get to know your staff well, and to get lots of one on one training.

CHEO sees patients of all ages at one site, providing maximal exposure to all age groups equally throughout training.

Residents are involved in longitudinal Resident clinics, Northern Ontario clinics and a Genetic Counselling curriculum on top of their regular blocks.

Residents have the opportunity to speak French during many patient encounters, although knowing French is not a mandatory component of our program at all.

CHEO is the host site for Newborn Screening Ontario, and the lead site for the Care4Rare Consortium. This allows our trainees direct and early exposure to world-class research and the process of newborn screening.

The Genetics Diagnostic Laboratories are located next to the clinic.

CHEO has 9 MD Geneticists, 6 PhD Geneticists, 2 Genomic Specialists and 12 Genetic Counsellors, a Metabolics Dietitian, a Metabolics Nurse, 4 Metabolic Geneticists and numerous support staff. Our Physicians all have specific areas of expertise allowing broad exposure to trainees.

Ottawa is a city of just over 1 million people. This affords big city amenities, with the benefits of a smaller-town feel and less traffic than a larger city. Gatineau Park is a short drive away and offers an opportunity for many outdoor activities.

All candidates must meet the Ontario criteria of eligibility.

Department of Medicine 

Is Genetics a clinical or lab specialty?

Our training prepares you for a career as a clinical geneticist, who sees patients as all or part of their career. Some graduates will complete additional training to lead clinical labs on top of, or instead of their clinical practice.

What age groups do you see?

We see patients from pre-conception to old age.

What makes Genetics great?

A Our field is rapidly evolving, which allows opportunities for innovation throughout your career, in ways we can’t even picture now. Genetics is a small field, and everyone across the country knows eachother. Our clinical work often overlaps with clinical research, which we integrate into our day to day practice.

What is the job market like?

This fluctuates over time. Lately, all our trainees have easily found jobs that match their skills well, although they may need to move away from Ottawa for this.