Area of Focused Competence in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry

Areas of Focused Competence

Area of Focused Competence (AFC) programs are accredited and defined by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. 

These programs provide training in highly specialized areas of specialty medicine that builds on advanced training to meet the evolving needs of the society and patient population. 

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

The University of Toronto Area of Focused Competence (AFC) in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry is a one-year clinical fellowship program administered through the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry.

This advanced training opportunity is open to physicians with RCPSC certification, or those who are eligible for certification. Current residents in an RCPSC-accredited residency program may complete the fellowship as an elective year, with permission from their home program, typically in PGY5.

Status: As this is a new program, it is currently in the process of seeking accreditation from the Royal College.

Once accredited, candidates who successfully complete the program may apply for a diploma from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and designation as DRCPSC — Diplomate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Program Description

Our fellowship offers the opportunity to train in inpatient and outpatient Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry multidisciplinary settings. Trainees work in close collaboration with, and under the supervision of, faculty with expertise in CLP.

Clinical rotations are primarily based out of University Health Network, with a variety of training experiences and opportunities including, but not limited to, critical care psychiatry, transplant mental health, neuropsychiatry, and psycho-oncology.

Fellows participate in regular joint team rounds and journal clubs, and are supported in pursuing scholarly work. Fellows also contribute to the teaching of residents, medical students, and other healthcare providers.

Our program strives to develop advanced skills in preparation for psychiatric practice in acute medical multidisciplinary settings and in caring for patients with complex medical and mental health comorbidities. We are committed to delivering the best training experience possible.

Funding

For current domestic University of Toronto residents, funding is provided through their residency program as part of the PGY5 year.

For those who have completed a residency program, we welcome applicants who have funding from their home institution.

Eligibility

Applicants must be physicians with RCPSC certification, or be eligible for certification. Current residents in an RCPSC-accredited residency program may complete the fellowship as an elective year, with permission from their home program, typically in PGY4 or PGY5.

Applications are accepted only from physicians in Psychiatry.

Application Timeline and Process

Please contact Dr. Alan Wai at alan.wai@uhn.ca by October 15, 2026, for the 2027–2028 academic year. Candidates will be notified of the decision by early December 2026.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a letter of intent detailing their interest in this program and how it aligns with their career goals. Please also provide contact information for three references, one of whom should be the applicant’s Residency Program Director.

Current residents must submit a letter of good standing indicating their anticipated graduation date from their residency program.