Khashayar Farzam (he/him)

I decided I want to be a doctor in grade 6. Later, I was unsure during high school but ultimately decided to pursue medicine after graduating. I developed a passion for the medical sciences and loved that I could help people using my knowledge and skills.

At age 18, I began my Bachelor's degree in biology at Ontario Tech university. Upon completing my degree, I applied to Canadian and American medical schools. I was admitted to the University of New England in Maine, USA. I completed 4 years of medical school, of which 2 years is more classroom-based education. The other 2 years is clinical training in the hospital setting.

When you complete medical school, you are considered a doctor. However, you still need to do a residency to become a fully licensed and board-certified physician. I did 3 years of family medicine residency at the University of Iowa in Iowa, USA. I was at a very large academic center hospital. A large part of my training involved taking care of very complex patients in the hospital. I worked in the intensive care unit and the emergency room. I also trained in various clinics, including my own family medicine clinic.

My pathway is a very typical and standard pathway for doctors to take. Completing 4 years of a bachelor's degree is the typical minimum requirement for admission to medical school. Also, most medical schools are 4 years long. In Canada, family medicine residency is 2 years long but in USA it is 3 years. Other residencies, as pediatrics or internal medicine, are 3 years in USA as well but 4-5 years in Canada.