For parents and caregivers
Be there for the person behind the plan.
Your encouragement matters. Start conversations, compare options and find the next question together.
Explore the family guides
How you can help
Listen first. Learn alongside them.
HCD’s early focus is Black and Indigenous learners, and families are part of that circle of support.
Listen first
Make space for curiosity. Nothing has to be decided today.
Learn together
Explore programs side by side, using official sources.
Lean on community
Mentors, schools and community groups can share the load.
A resource from HCD
Parents of Future Doctors
A video for families supporting a student through the pre-med journey.
- GPA and MCAT
- Financial planning
- Mental-health support
- The pre-med journey
Family resource library
Useful things to open and use.
Each guide opens right here. No downloads needed.
Conversation guideStart with the student, not the job title.Open questions help a young person make the path their own.Read the guide
Try these for a low-pressure first chat:
- What parts of health feel most interesting to you?
- Would you rather talk to a student, a clinician or a school advisor first?
- What would make the next step feel doable this month?
Planning guideCompare programs with care.Keep official school information beside your family notes.Read the guide
A quick checklist for comparing choices:
- Note each program’s current prerequisites and deadlines.
- List tuition, living, travel and application costs separately.
- Record scholarship and financial-aid contacts to verify directly.
Support guideMake room for mentors and rest.Support can be practical, emotional and community-based.Read the guide
Ways to build a support circle:
- Ask whether the school, community or a professional association offers mentorship.
- Help your student list questions before reaching out.
- Check in about workload, wellbeing and what support feels helpful.
Good questions to have
Start with what you’re wondering.
Does a future doctor need one specific undergraduate major?
No. Canadian medical schools set their own prerequisites, and they can change. Check each school’s current admissions site.
How can we plan for the financial side?
Costs depend on the school, location and your student’s situation. Compare tuition, living and application costs, and start looking for scholarships and bursaries early.
What if our family has never navigated this path?
You don’t need every answer up front. Start with your student’s interests, keep a shared list of questions, and look for guidance from their school, community or a mentor.
How do we know whether a program or opportunity is real?
Confirm the organization, dates, eligibility and contacts on the provider’s own website before sharing documents or personal details.
Still have a question? Ask other parents walking the same path, or write to the HCD team.