When is the application deadline?

CIP Application Deadline:  see the Application page for the current deadline.

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Can my graduate program be course-based?

• No, at UCalgary only thesis based research programs are acceptable. The research must be related to your residency program and can be any project from clinical research to medical education to basic science research. See Graduate Science Education (GSE) for some possible graduate programs.

Are CIP trainees residents or fellows?

CIP is a RCPSC sub-specialty. Even if you have completed your clinical exams, you would still be considered a resident and not a fellow while in the CIP. 

Residents vs Fellows in PGME

Am I eligible for the CIP?

• Candidates must be eligible for Royal College certification (FRCPC or FRCSC) in a primary specialty to receive the CIP Attestation of Completion.
• Candidates in the Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program (SEAP) are eligible although they are responsible for securing their own funding. Those who meet all CIP program requirements will be recognized as Clinician Investigators, with affiliate status at the Royal College. (Updated April 2025)
• Candidates in Royal College Diplomate programs are not eligible, as these programs do not lead to Royal College certification in a primary specialty.
• Family Medicine residents are not eligible, as Family Medicine is not a Royal College–certified specialty.

To be eligible, candidates must also:

• Be a current or recent Royal College resident (prior to any paid clinical employment) and registered with the University of Calgary's PGME in a primary specialty or subspecialty program accredited by the RCPSC.
• Be eligible to apply to or already enrolled in a thesis-based graduate program at the University of Calgary (MSc, PhD, or postdoctoral program), under the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).
• Conduct the majority of their research in Calgary and devote a minimum of 80% protected time to research during the CIP.
• Have a supervisor approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Calgary.

Note: These are the general eligibility criteria. Specific circumstances may affect eligibility. For questions, contact cip@ucalgary.ca.

I'm interested, what are the first steps?

Before vetting supervisors, committee or research project, potential applicants should:

• As soon as your interest is piqued, arrange an in-person meeting with the CIP administrator by emailing cip@ucalgary.ca .
• After meeting with the CIP admin, meet with the CIP Program Director, 3 months before the application deadline. The CIP Admin will help arrange a meeting.
• Seek approval from your residency Program Director.

At what point during my residency should I apply?

• Entry is possible during your RCPSC accredited specialty or sub-specialty residency training (typically after your second residency year).
• As every program is different, with different required EPAs. Discussions with your clinical PD will help you determine the best time for your entry into CIP.
• It is possible to begin CIP after completing your residency, provided you have not started any employed clinical position. Typically this means applying to CIP no later than the application deadline prior to the end of your residency. Your RC exams can be written during your time in CIP. 

What if I already have a graduate degree? Is there a postdoctoral program?

• If you already have a thesis-based master’s degree, you are not required to complete another. If the Faculty of Graduate Studies approves your degree and permits you to pursue a PhD, you are eligible to do so within the CIP. 
• You do not have to take another graduate degree if you already have a PhD. For the postdoctoral stream, a program of individualized research training is undertaken, with appropriate scientific rigor for a resident who already holds a graduate degree. These plans require approval from the CIP Resident Program Committee and must align with the Faculty of Graduate Studies' policies.  A meeting with the CIP Director is required before you submit your application.

What about funding?

• A limited number of 2 year Ministry funded positions (at your PGY level) are available. After two years, other external funding for MSc or postdoctoral programs would have to be found. Check here for potential funding sources. 
• CIPs enrolled in a PhD program can apply for the CSM Graduate Scholarship, available for a maximum of two years beyond the initial two years of Ministry funding. This scholarship would be in addition to the supervisor's stipend.
• CIP trainees must apply for external funding as part of their training, but acceptance into the program is not dependent on securing it.

Are residents in the AFC diploma programs eligible for CIP?

• No, the Area of Focused Competence (AFC) diploma programs (e.g. Adult Cardiac Electrophysiology, Spine Surgery) are not eligible for CIP. These programs typically require more than the allowed 20% clinical time. 

Where do I start my search for the right supervisor?

• Read Standard B4 (pg 4: Research Supervisor) of the Royal College Standards of Accreditation for the CIP
• Graduate Science Education (GSE), Cumming School of Medicine, provides a list of potential supervisors here. 

This paper by Yoon et al.* discusses six specific recommendations for finding the right supervisor, compiled from CITAC/ACCFC.

•   Yoon et al.  "It begins with the right supervisor: Importance of mentorship and clinician-investigator trainee satisfaction levels in Canada." Clinical & Investigative Medicine 36.6 (2013): 269-276.

Check Institutes for potential supervisors.

• Check the membership of relevant Research Institutes such as Libin (cardiovascular), Children's Hospital, Snyder (chronic diseases such as asthma, Crohn's, arthritis etc and infectious diseases), Charbonneau (cancer), Hotchkiss (neurosciences), McCaig (bone and joint) and O'Brien (public health) .
• Research your potential supervisor. Inquiries that do not reference research by the faculty you are contacting will likely not receive a response.

Can you tell me something about the different pathways?

• Only the Continuous and Fractionated Training pathways are available at UCalgary. For more information on the CIP pathways check here.
• Other universities which offer the CIP program may have different eligibility requirements, location requirements or available pathways.

Are there any other CIP programs in Canada?

Specific eligibility rules and funding vary between universities.Please contact the relevant program directly.

• Western Canada (University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba)
• Ontario (Western University, McMaster University, University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, Queen’s University)
• Québec & Maritimes (McGill University, Dalhousie University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, Université Laval)