Healthcare Careers
Medicine is one of many professions within healthcare. An understanding of the wider landscape supports an informed decision, whichever direction a student ultimately takes.
Patient care in Canada is delivered by a broad range of regulated health professions, each with a distinct scope of practice, education pathway, and regulatory framework. Students considering medicine are encouraged to develop a general familiarity with these professions — both because physicians work closely alongside them, and because a student's interests and goals may in time align more closely with a different path than initially anticipated.
Pathways aims to support students in exploring the healthcare careers that interest them. At present, Pathways is able to offer general context on the professions below, with expanded information — and, in due course, mentorship drawing on direct experience in these fields — forthcoming.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists are experts in medication therapy and practise in community, hospital, and clinical settings. Entry to practice in Canada is through a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, and the profession is regulated provincially.
Nursing
Registered nurses provide direct patient care across nearly every healthcare setting, with wide scope for specialization and advanced practice. Entry to practice in Ontario is generally through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Dentistry
Dentists diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, most commonly in independent practice. Entry is through a graduate-level DDS or DMD program, with specialty training available.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists assess and treat conditions affecting movement and physical function, from rehabilitation to sport and community care. Entry in Canada is through a graduate-level Master of Physical Therapy.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists support people in participating in the activities that are meaningful to them — self-care, work, education, and community life. Entry is through a graduate-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.
Other professions
Social work, respiratory therapy, medical imaging, speech-language pathology, public health, and many other fields form part of the healthcare system. Students with an interest in a profession not listed here are welcome to raise it in a mentorship session.
Healthcare professionals
Pathways welcomes expressions of interest from pharmacists, nurses, resident and attending physicians, and professionals in other healthcare fields who would be willing to contribute their time and perspective to students. Involvement from a broad range of professions is central to the program's aim of supporting students across the full landscape of healthcare careers.
Volunteer as a Mentor
Expressing interest in volunteering
Pathways welcomes expressions of interest from individuals in medicine and other healthcare professions who would like to contribute their time and perspective to students.
To express interest- Prospective mentors must be 18 years of age or older
- Please attach a CV or résumé, where available
- Include a brief letter outlining your background and your interest in volunteering as a mentor
Mentorship is voluntary and unpaid. Pathways will follow up by email to discuss potential involvement.