How to Apply

For additional recruitment questions, please email: pedsneo@mcmaster.ca

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in McMaster’s Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Subspecialty Program.

We offer two Neonatal Fellowship Programs:

1. Royal College Accredited, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Subspecialty Program. A two-year program beginning each July, featuring a structured curriculum and opportunities for scholarly activity.
2. Clinical Neonatology Program. A one-year program offering flexible start dates, focusing primarily on advanced clinical training.

Royal College Accredited Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Subspecialty Program (2 YR)

Our 2-year Royal College–accredited subspecialty offers a rich blend of clinical and non-clinical rotations (including electives, research, and maternal-fetal medicine), with an emphasis on leadership development in the second year. This program accepts CaRMS candidates, sponsored and Non-Sponsored International Medical Graduates (IMG).

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Clinical Neonatal Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program (1 YR)

Our 1-year neonatal clinical fellowship focuses on advanced training and enhancing clinical skills, serving as a pathway for those with limited neonatology experience to the two-year Royal College-accredited program. This program accepts non-sponsored International Medical Graduates (IMG).

Program Application Deadlines

***NOTICE***
2026 Summer Recruitment

Now accepting applications for the July 1st, 2027 academic entry

Application deadline: JULY 5th, 2026, 12 pm (ET)

• Application Type: International Medical Graduates (IMG) 
• IMG Applicants: Apply through the two-step Application Process outlined on our website. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Application Deadline: July 5th, 2026 at 12 pm (EST)
• CaRMS Applicants: Must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents. Visit the Timelines – CaRMS for full eligibility requirements and to submit your application. 

Current Application Cycle

Academic Year:

• July 1st, 2027 – June 30th, 2028 – NOW OPEN: accepting applications

• Application Deadline: July 5th, 2026, 12 pm (EST) 

Previous Application Cycle

Academic Year:

• February 1st, 2026 – January 31st, 2027 – CLOSED
• July 1st, 2026 – June 30th, 2027 – CLOSED
• January 1st, 2027 – December 31st, 2028 – CLOSED
• July 1st, 2027 – June 30th, 2028 – CLOSED CaRMS candidates

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Application and Selection Process

We welcome applications from Canadian Medical Graduates (CaRMS) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), including externally sponsored candidates. Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents must apply through CaRMS according to CaRMS timelines. Timelines – CaRMS. 

Eligible applicants are residents who will complete their PGY-3 core pediatrics training by the end of the academic year. Those who will have finished PGY-4 before the July 1 start date are not eligible for Ministry of Health–funded positions. Both sponsored and non-sponsored candidates interested in our Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine program are encouraged to apply.

International Medical Graduates, Non-sponsored applicants may be considered for hospital-based funding, which is determined by eligibility, merit, and the availability of positions at the time of review.

International Medical Graduates (IMG) with Foreign Government Sponsorship should apply through their sponsoring agency and complete the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Program Application Form (available at the end of this page). Applications should not be submitted directly to the PGME office.

All applications are carefully reviewed by our Program Recruitment Committee through a thoughtful and competitive selection process. Each applicant is evaluated on academic performance, clinical experience, skills, and overall merit. While applying does not guarantee admission, every candidate is given full consideration throughout each stage of the review and interview process.

All International Medical Graduates must include both of the following forms:
1. An application to the Postgraduate Medical Education office.
2. An application to the Neonatal Perinatal Medicine Program.

Your complete program application should include:

1. An up-to-date CV, including the names and contact information of three referees, and three corresponding reference letters. One referee must be your current program director or supervisor.
2. Medical degree(s)
3. Specialty Certificate (MCCQE1 exam results if no specialty certificate)
4. Undergraduate Medical School Transcripts
5. Proof of English proficiency (CAEL, IELTS, TOEFL) or an official letter from your university confirming that the language of instruction is exclusively English.
6. A personal statement outlining your professional objectives and achievements, your interest in McMaster University, and any gaps in your training.

Pro-tip: Applications missing reference letters and referees, a personalized and specific letter of interest, or proof of English proficiency will be considered incomplete and will not be scored highly.

2027 Academic Entry – Recruitment Application Timeline

2026 Summer Recruitment Cycle – Key Dates