As millions of Canadians live without access to a family doctor, a transformative academic programme will address this shortage by offering Canadian students a streamlined path from high school to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
The partnership between the University of Waterloo and St George’s University in Grenada is a Canadian first. Their new 5-Year and 6-Year MD Tracks will allow aspiring physicians to begin their training earlier, moving seamlessly from pre-medical studies into SGU’s School of Medicine.
More than 6 million Canadians lack access to a family physician. A 2022 comparison of 37 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries ranked Canada 27th with 3 physicians per 1,000 people.
“This partnership is more than an academic offering — it’s a strategic response to a national healthcare challenge,” said Dr Marios Loukas, dean of the SGU School of Medicine. “By collaborating with the University of Waterloo, we’re providing a new and guaranteed pathway for driven Canadian students to begin medical training earlier, supported every step of the way.”
Programme highlights:
- Earn a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSci) from the University of Waterloo
- Secure guaranteed entry into SGU’s MD programme
- Canadian students can skip the MCAT and apply through SGU’s simplified admissions process
- Access comprehensive academic and career advising from entry to residency
Students may enter the programme directly from high school or after some undergraduate study, providing flexible on-ramps to a medical career.
“The first of its kind in Canada, this programme is a creative solution to help solve our country’s overwhelming need for more doctors and to keep up with population growth,” said Dr Chris Houser, dean of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science. “With many SGU alumni already practising in Canada, there is a clear path for graduates of this new programme to return home after their studies to provide needed medical care for Canadians.”
SGU has been North America’s largest provider of new doctors for more than a decade, placing an average of 94% of eligible graduates into residencies over the past 5 years. More than 2,100 Canadian SGU alumni are already making a difference in communities across Canada and worldwide.
The programme starts in September 2026. More details and information on applying are available on the SGU website.
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