CaRMS Prep Series
Saturday April 5th 2025 | 1:00 - 4:30 PM
The CFMS is proud to offer CMSC attendees our unique CaRMS preparatory series, back by popular demand! Hosted by Dr. Zachary Chuang, these sessions were a highlight at CMSC 2024 and CFMS SGM 2023. Based on exemplary feedback and attendance, these small group sessions have been transformed to a large group series, welcoming all medical students at CMSC. This is a great opportunity to get to know some current residents and ask all your burning questions!
Session 1: Building a Competitive CV (approx. 1 hour)
Your curriculum vitae (CV) is the foundation of your CaRMS application. The goal of this session is to focus on the subject matter and experiences needed to make your CV stand out - the stylistic elements; bolding, italics and indentations can come later. It is never too early to start making yourself competitive. Well-roundedness is critical, and this talk will reflect that - focusing on many areas including research, leadership, awards, community service, extracurriculars, work experience, educational experiences and more!
Join us to learn about some unique and innovative experiences that helped us and our colleagues match to our top programs. This talk is well-suited to medical students of every year.
Session 2: Strategizing the Non-CV Application Components (approx 1.5 hours)
Beyond the CV there are several elements that many argue are equally as important. This session will touch on three of the most important adjuncts: tips and tricks for personal statements (including expressing interest and individuality), a discussion on electives planning (including traveling electives) and setting the stage for strong letters of recommendation.
Each of these components provides the selection committee with a slightly different perspective on you as an applicant - each with their own unique set of pitfalls and opportunities!
Session 3: Interviews - Tips and Tricks (approx 30 min)
This session will introduce you to the structure and themes of residency interviews. We will discuss proven strategies for interview preparation, discuss approaches to some of the toughest interview questions and general tips for interview success!
There will be an additional 30 minutes remaining after this session dedicated to Q&A and networking with peers.
Featured Resident Panelists
Host: Dr. Zachary Chuang
Undergrad: Medical Sciences at Western University
Masters: Management of Applied Science at Western University
Medical School: Schulich School of Medicine, Western University Residency: Anesthesiology at the University of Toronto
Dr. Zachary Chuang is currently an Anesthesiology Resident (PGY2) at the University of Toronto. Throughout medical school, he was an engaged student leader who held various positions at local, provincial and national levels. In 2021-2022, he served as the Vice President Finance for the Ontario Medical Students Association (OMSA) where he spearheaded an overhaul of the grants marking process to increase transparency and incorporate a stronger focus on EDI. He simultaneously served as the National Officer of Services for the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) where he negotiated nearly a dozen corporate contracts including Hyundai Canada, UWorld, Osmosis, SketchyMed and AMBOSS. In 2022-2023, he served as VP Finance for the CFMS and received the inaugural CFMS President’s Award for his exemplary leadership, innovation and commitment to the Canadian medical student community. At convocation, he was inducted to the Schulich School of Medicine Honor Society and received the Meds Merrymakers of ’47 Award, at the recommendation of his peers, for academic achievement and his contributions to fellowship, pride and loyalty at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. In 2023, he was awarded the OMA Medical Student Achievement Award for a legacy of contributions that have advanced the life and/or education of all medical students. In his spare time, he is either at the gym, working on his Mustang, at all-you-can-eat sushi or on a beach (probably in Mexico).
Dr. Montana Hackett
Undergrad: Honours Specialization in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences and Biochemistry at Western University
Medical School: Western University
Residency: Family Medicine at Queens University (Kingston Site)
Dr. Montana Hackett is a current PGY2 in Family Medicine at Queen’s University. His medical school career was populated by engagement in leadership, serving as 1st year Class President, Medical Society President, CFMS Director of Government Affairs, and culminating last year as CFMS President. The majority of his focus prior to residency was on political advocacy around contraception, pharmacare, environmental protections, abortion access, Indigenous health, and more. His clinical interests include full scope family medicine, dermatology, and palliative care. In his spare time—with special shoutout to Family Medicine for the existence of spare time in residency—he is an avid painter, a lover of music, and is currently in the process of becoming a proficient salsa dancer. He also has a burning passion for spending money on travel that future staff physician Montana apparently will be able to afford and, who reportedly said quote: it's ok to go on that trip and not to worry."
