Application Process and Packages

1. Prepare application with your site administrator.
2. Site/program submits the completed application package through the online portal
3. Appointments Administrator reviews package for completeness and accuracy. We will return incomplete or incorrect submissions.
4. If the application is complete, it is brought to the Department Appointments Committee (DAC) for review and support (see meeting schedule and monthly submission deadlines below).
5. The application is submitted to the Dean’s Office for final approval.
   1. Clinical Full-Time promotions, status only appointments and initial Clinical Full-Time appointments at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher are also reviewed by the Faculty Appointments Advisory Committee (FAAC) (monthly meeting schedule is below).

*Please note, applications take time to process, and timelines may vary depending on date of submission, if application is complete, if DAC or the Dean’s Office request additional information, etc.

1. A Letter of Offer is emailed to the appointee and a copy is sent to the Site Head/Program Director/Division Head as well as the site or program administrator.
2. Appointee signs the Letter of Offer and uploads it to the link provided.
3. A welcome letter with information on a University of Toronto library card and email address is emailed to the appointee.
4. The appointee is entered in the DFCM faculty database and appointee email address is added to the DFCM Listserv.

All new faculty and junior promotion applications are reviewed by the DFCM Department Appointments Committee (DAC), which meets on a monthly basis from September–June. Once supported, Clinical Full Time promotions, status only appointments and initial Clinical Full Time appointments at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher are also reviewed by the Faculty Appointments Advisory Committee (FAAC) before they can be approved by the Dean.

The final deadline for faculty appointment submissions for the 2024-2025 academic year has passed. The last DAC meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2025. The DAC will resume meeting in September 2025 (see 2025-2026 schedule below). Only urgent files will be reviewed over the summer months (July and August).

Engaged in academic activities for less than 20% of his/her professional working time.

For an adjunct appointment application please complete the online application form and attach the required documentation (see below) in a single PDF at the time of submission.

Required Documents:

Use our checklist and naming conventions when attaching the following required documents to the online application form:

• Online application form
• Adjunct Letter of Support from Site/Division Head or approved Program Director
• CV
• Certificate of Professional Conduct (photocopy acceptable), received within 12 months of submission
• Adjunct Academic Position Description
  • Please note, the Professional Development Plan (MD) is no longer required as part of the application submission. However, we encourage sites/programs/divisions to use this PDP or something similar when meeting with applicants to discuss their appointment.
• Profile Form

*TAHSN Hospitals: Under the University of Toronto/TAHSN hospital affiliation agreements, clinical adjunct appointments should not be given to hospital active staff (or equivalent) at a TAHSN site.

Time Commitment: Engaged in academic activities for 20-79% of his/her professional working time.

For a part time appointment application please complete the online application form and attach the required documentation (see below) in a single PDF at the time of submission.

Required Documents:

Use our checklist and naming conventions when attaching the following required documents to the online application form:

• Online application form
• Part-time Letter of Support from Site/Division Head or approved Program Director
• CV
• Certificate of Professional Conduct (photocopy acceptable), received within 12 months of submission 
• Part-Time Academic Position Description
  • Please note, the Professional Development Plan (MD) is no longer required as part of the application submission. However, we encourage sites/programs/divisions to use this PDP or something similar when meeting with applicants to discuss their appointment.
• Profile Form

*TAHSN Hospitals: Under the University of Toronto/TAHSN hospital affiliation agreements, university clinical part time appointments for hospital active staff (or equivalent) can only be approved with an accompanying Letter of Exemption specifically outlining the reason for a part time appointment. The Letter of Exemption must be signed on letterhead and be provided with the application package.

Time Commitment: Engaged in academic activities for at least 80% of his/her professional working time and must participate in a practice plan or equivalent arrangement.

For a full-time appointment application please complete the online application form and attach the required documentation (see below) in a single PDF at the time of submission.

Required Documents:

Use our checklist and naming conventions when attaching the following required documents to the online application form:

• Online application form
• Full-time Letter of Support from the Site/Division Head or approved Program Director
• CV
• Certificate of Professional Conduct (photocopy acceptable), received within 12 months of submission
• Full-time Academic Position Description (MD)
  • Please note, the Professional Development Plan (MD) is no longer required as part of the application submission. However, we encourage sites/programs/divisions to use this PDP or something similar when meeting with applicants to discuss their appointment.
• 3 Reference Letters (may be internal or external)
  • Reference Letter template
  • Template to solicit/request a reference letter
  • Please note: the Site Head's letter may count as an internal letter. Where possible, it is encouraged to have at least one external letter.
• Profile Form

While most new DFCM faculty members are appointed to DFCM at the rank of Lecturer, some may qualify for the rank of Assistant Professor (or even Associate or Full Professor) based on their academic contributions. Applicants interested in this option should discuss with their DFCM Site/Division Head or approved Program Director.

There are two streams for applying at this level:

1) Advanced Degree with 1-2 first author, peer-reviewed publications

An initial appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor requires the successful completion of a Master's Degree, PhD, or an advanced training experience deemed to be equivalent to a Master's level program. In some cases, 1-2 years of fellowship training, including secondary level resident training (ex: PGY3 training) that is 12 months or more in duration, will be considered the equivalent to an advanced degree. 

An advanced degree alone does not qualify, it is expected that the candidate will also have at least 1-2 recently published first author peer-reviewed publications in well-regarded journals. Publications must have been completed post-MD and ideally within the last 3 years however older publications may be considered. Additionally, publications should be relevant to the field of family medicine.

OR

2) Academic Impact

The candidate must demonstrate the impact of scholarship at a local or regional level. It is expected that the candidate will have documentation demonstrating educational accomplishments in one or more of the following:

• Sustained teaching excellence (i.e. a summary of a strong teaching dossier that includes evaluations, numbers and types of trainees and evidence that the candidate has taught in a variety of teaching environments, and teaching awards)
• Design and development of curricula, educational offerings and/or educational materials
• Creative Professional Activity (CPA) in teaching/education (such as the setting of practice standards)

Transferring rank from another institution

Applications from candidates who hold an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or above at another university will be reviewed by the Faculty Appointments Advisory Committee (FAAC) to ensure that they meet the Temerty Faculty of Medicine standards for the requested rank. Rank will not transfer automatically as each institution has its own criteria.

Required Documents

Use our checklist and naming conventions when attaching the following required documents to the online application form. Ensure you are using the correct forms based on adjunct, part-time or full-time status.

• Online application form
• Letter of Support from Site/Division Head or approved Program Director
  • The letter of support must be more robust than a letter for the rank of Lecturer. It must state the rationale for the rank of Assistant Professor and discuss the applicant’s qualifications.
  • Please use the relevant letter of support template based on the applicant's proposed FTE.
• CV
  • Required to use the Temerty Faculty of Medicine Academic CV Format - Temerty Faculty of Medicine Academic CV Template
• Certificate of Professional Conduct (photocopy acceptable), received within 12 months of submission
• Academic Position Description
  • Please use the relevant APD template based on the applicant's proposed FTE.
• 3 Reference Letters (may be internal or external)
  • Reference Letter template
  • Template to solicit/request a reference letter
  • Please note: the Site Head's letter may count as an internal letter. Where possible, it is encouraged to include at least one external letter.
• Teaching Dossier
  • If the candidate is new to teaching, a Teaching Philosophy Statement and summary of proposed teaching activities is acceptable.
• If the candidate is applying based on Academic Impact, they MUST include documentation in the package that clearly demonstrates their educational and/or creative professional accomplishments (i.e. teaching dossier, curriculum design, etc).
• Profile Form

If you have questions about initial appointment ranks, please contact dfcm.facultyappt@utoronto.ca for more details.

DFCM’s Divisions provide an academic home for family physicians and other primary care providers practicing comprehensive care and enhanced skills family medicine. The DFCM has six divisions available. If you plan to be part of a division, your application must be supported by the relevant Division Head.

Please refer to and complete the application package for an adjunct, part-time or full-time appointment listed above, with the following amendments:

• Please contact the relevant division to make them aware of your intention/desire for an appointment within their Division
• Prepare the application on site with a letter of Support from the Site Head.
• Kindly submit the completed appointment application via email to the Academic Appointments Administrator for divisions, Maryam Nafari, at dfcm.academicappt@utoronto.ca  to solicit the Division Head’s signature. You may be asked to schedule a meeting with the Division Head to review your contributions.
• When the Division Head has signed off on your appointment package, you may then submit the entire application via online application form.

Division Head List, Contact Details, and Criteria

• For all Division appointment-related questions, please contact Maryam Nafari, Academic Appointments Administrator, at dfcm.academicappt@utoronto.ca
• Care of the Elderly - Dr. Sid Feldman 
• Emergency Medicine – Dr. Megan Landes 
  • The applicant is likely CCFP (EM) trained and teaching Family Medicine residents in their Emergency Rotation.
• Hospital Medicine – Dr. Hedieh Molla Ghanbari
• Mental Health and Addictions – Dr. Nikki Bozinoff 
  • The applicant must be a Family Medicine physician practising in mental health and/or substance use and be involved in DFCM activities, for example as a teacher for U of T family medicine residents.
• Palliative Care – Dr. Kirsten Wentlandt 
  • The applicant must be a Family Medicine physician practicing in Palliative Care and likely teaching Family Medicine residents in their Palliative Care Rotation.
• Public Health – Dr. Ross Upshur 

If you are interested in applying for a Department of Family and Community Medicine academic appointment under the FMLE program, contact the Maryam Nafarai, Academic Appointment Administrator at dfcm.academicappt@utoronto.ca

Who can apply?

The applicant must:

• Be in good standing with the CPSO
• Have CCFP Certification or be a member of the CFPC
• Work in a community-based clinic that is accessible by public transit or car within a 40–60 minute commute from the downtown Toronto campus or the Mississauga campus (located at 3359 Mississauga Road North) even if it is a locum practice (no extra office space required)

Transition to Residency (TTR) or Undergraduate Electives

If you are interested in applying for a Department of Family and Community Medicine academic appointment under the TTR or Undergraduate Electives program, contact Maryam Nafari, Academic Appointment Administrator at dfcm.academicappt@utoronto.ca.

Who can apply?

The applicant must:

• Be in good standing with the CPSO
• Have a CCFP Certification or be a member of the CFPC

Teaching Practices/Integrated Communities/Rural Northern Initiative Program

To apply under the Teaching Practices, Integrated Communities or Northern Initiative program please contact Maryam Nafari, Academic appointmetn Administrator at dfcm.academicappt@utoronto.ca.

Required Documents:

• Copy of CCFP/CPSO/CMPA Memberships
• Certificate of Professional Conduct (photocopy acceptable), received within 12 months of submission
• Clinical (MD) Appointment Application (ADJ/PT)
  • Teaching Practices Application Package
  • Integrated Communities Application Package
  • Rural Northern Initiative Application Package

For existing Clinical (MD) faculty who wish to change their clinical category due to an increase/decrease in time commitment or site change, a category change application is required.

Required Documents for Category Change to Adjunct, Part Time or Full Time:

Use our checklist and naming conventions when attaching the following required documents to the online application form:

• Online application form
• Letter of Support from Site/Division Head or approved Program Director (explaining change in category)
• CV
• Relevant Academic Position Description
  • Adjunct APD
  • Part-Time APD
  • Full-time APD

*TAHSN Hospitals: Under the University of Toronto/TAHSN hospital affiliation agreements, university clinical part time appointments for hospital active staff (or equivalent) can only be approved with an accompanying Letter of Exemption specifically outlining the reason for a part time appointment. The Letter of Exemption must be signed on letterhead and be provided with the application package.

What Is a University Adjunct Lecturer (Non-MD) Faculty Appointment?

*Not to be confused with Clinical Adjunct (MD) appointment type for physicians (section above).

This category is for non-MD individuals who possess specialized expertise or learning that is of value to our department. The individual must hold employment with another institution with a job description that is primarily non-academic in nature. For example, a candidate might be an employee in industry or government or a professional who has specialized qualifications for teaching purposes. It could also be an individual who works at an affiliated site but is not employed full time.

These are limited term appointments (1-3 years) and renewable upon successful re-appointment. Candidates may apply for Adjunct Professor if they can show evidence of eminence in their field. If you think your candidate may be eligible for Adjunct Professor, please contact dfcm.facultyappt@utoronto.ca.

Important note: the university does not normally allow individuals to hold more than one Adjunct (non-MD) appointment. Therefore, if you already hold an Adjunct appointment in another department/faculty, you will not be able to apply for a secondary Adjunct appointment in the DFCM unless there are extenuating circumstances.

For a University Adjunct Lecturer appointment, complete the online application form and attach the required documentation (see below) in a single PDF at the time of submission. Please use our checklist for appropriate order and naming conventions.

Required Documents:

• Non-clinical Online application form
• A letter of support from Approved DFCM Site/Division Head or Program Director (*Updated August 2022*), indicating length of term (1-3 years)
• CV
• Profile Form

What Is a Status-Only (Non-MD) Faculty Appointment?

Status-only appointments are non-salaried and normally receive no remuneration from the University of Toronto. Such appointments are normally made to allow an individual faculty member to participate more fully in an academic unit's teaching or research program. 

Individuals being considered for status-only positions should hold full time employment arrangements with another institution with a job description that is primarily academic (research and teaching) in nature. Most often, status-only appointments are granted to employees of affiliated hospitals and research institutions. Please note, per the FAAC guidelines, Research Associates are not eligible to hold a Status-Only appointment. Clinical faculty represent a special class of status-only faculty as their appointments are governed by the Policy on Clinical Faculty. University of Toronto employed faculty members appointed to other University of Toronto academic units on a non-salaried basis are non-budgetary cross-appointments, and not status-only.

For a status-only appointment application complete the online application form and attach all the completed documents listed below at the time of submission. You will be prompted to attached documents when completing the application form.

If you are a Health Professional Educator (HPE), please visit our HPE webpage for more information about the DFCM HPE community of practice and our useful HPE guidelines document.

Applicants with an Existing University Appointment:

Individuals who already hold an existing status only appointment elsewhere in the University may apply for a secondary ("concurrent") status only appointment in the DFCM.

Required Documents:

Use our checklist and naming conventions when attaching the following required documents to the online application form:

Status Only Appointment at the rank of Lecturer:

• Online application form
• Letter of Support from the Site/Division Head or approved Program Director (*Updated August 2022*)
• Letter of Support from Primary Employer (Should state the candidate's full employment/salary arrangements and their approval of the university appointment.)
• CV
• Position Description (non-MD)
• 3 Reference Letters (may be internal or external)
  • Reference Letter template
  • Template to solicit/request a reference letter
  • Please note: the Chief's letter may count as an internal letter. Where possible, it is encouraged that at least one external letter be included.

• Confirmation of good standing of a provincial/national accrediting or regulatory body (Ex: If the candidate is a registered nurse, there should be a certificate from the College of Nurses of Ontario)

• Profile Form

Status Only Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor (please discuss with Site Head to ensure candidate meets qualifications):

• Document requirements are the same as above with the addition of two items:
  • Letter of Support from the Site/Division Head or approved Program Director (*Updated August 2022*). This letter should be more robust and explain the rationale for a higher rank.
  • Statement of Research or Teaching (no template)

 *If the candidate has a PhD Scientist designation this letter must come from the VP of Research at the hospital or institution where the scientist is employed. The letter must state that the hospital or institution will provide salary and lab facilities for the duration of the academic appointment.

A cross-appointment may be given to an individual who already holds an existing appointment at the University of Toronto.

The type of cross-appointment in the DFCM is determined by the nature of the primary appointment they already hold. Please reference the chart below:

Clinical Cross Appointments

Clinical Cross-Appointments may be given to a practicing MD who already holds a primary 'clinical' appointment in another clinical department in the Faculty of Medicine. It is given to allow appointees to participate in the teaching activities of the DFCM.

For a clinical cross-appointment, complete the online application form and attach all the completed documents (in a single PDF) listed below at the time of submission.

Required Documents:

• Online Application Form

• DFCM Site/Division Head Letter of Support Template - Clinical (MD) Cross Appt (*Updated August 2022*)

• CV

• Letter from Primary Department Chair/Director supporting the Cross Appointment

• Academic Position Description

  • Clinical Adjunct
  • Clinical Part Time
  • Clinical Full Time

Non-Budgetary Cross Appointment

Non-budgetary cross appointments are given to an existing faculty member who is on paid salary in an academic unit at the University of Toronto and who is subsequently appointed to another academic unit on a non-salaried basis. These are fixed-term appointments, usually 1 to 3 years.

For a non-budgetary cross appointment, please complete the online application form and attach the required documentation (see below) in a single PDF at the time of submission.

Required Documents:

• Online application form

• DFCM Site/Division Director Letter of Support Template - Non-Budgetary Cross Appt

• Letter from Primary Department Chair/Director supporting the Cross Appointment

• CV

Concurrent Status-Only or Adjunct (non clinical) Appointments

Individuals with existing Status-Only appointments at the University of Toronto may seek a concurrent (secondary) appointment in the DFCM. These are fixed terms, the length of which should be tied to the term of the appointment in the faculty member's primary department.

For details and requirements, see the drop down section above titled "Status-Only (Non-MD) Appointment Application".

This category of appointment is used for faculty members visiting from other institutions for less than a year that require access to university services during their visit and/or require a formal relationship with the university for visa purposes. This category of appointment does not normally enable participation in clinical activities. These appointments are usually for one year or less.

If the candidate is visiting from outside Canada, an application must be made well in advance of the expected start date of the professorship (at least six months) to prepare the necessary immigration documents. The application should be arranged prior to the candidate arriving in Canada.

Please note that while we can support a visiting professorship application, our department cannot advise on immigration policy or procedure.

To find out more about a visiting professorship, contact the DFCM Academic Appointments Administrator at  dfcm.facultyappt@utoronto.ca.

Please meet with your new faculty member to review and initiate the appointment transfer from another site. A faculty transfer may only be completed if the rank and FTE remain exactly the same. If not, a new appointment application will need to be completed by your site.

To initiate a site/program transfer, please complete the online application form and attach the required documentation (see below) in a single PDF at the time of submission. For the “Appointment Type Requested,” please select “change in an existing appointment”.

Required documentation includes:

• Letter of Confirmation from Hospital Site Lead (Template letter). If transferring to a new program/division, the letter of confirmation should be from the relevant program director/division head.
  • If the faculty member is remaining at their current site/FTE and needs to be added to a division. Please have the Division Head complete the letter of confirmation and email to dfcm.facultyappt@utoronto.ca. No other paperwork is required.
• Updated CV – should include start date at new site/program/division
• Updated Academic Position Description:

• Clinical Adjunct
• Clinical Part-Time
• Clinical Full-Time

Combine documents into a single PDF, use naming convention: LastName_FirstName_Transfer_MonthYear (ex: Doe_John_Transfer_Feb2024).

Are you interested in a junior or senior promotion? Visit the links below for more information. If you have any questions, contact dfcm.promotion@utoronto.ca. 

• Junior Promotion
• Senor Promotion