Can a reference letter from a physician who is also a family member/relative be used?

It is strongly recommended to avoid using reference letters from individuals who pose a conflict of interest in terms of familial and/or personal relationships as this could go against the “Failure to act in a professional or ethical manner” clause of the Match violations policy.

If a letter of reference from someone with a conflict of interest were to be used, the letter should clearly address and declare that conflict of interest.

If a suspected violation on these grounds is reported to CaRMS, it would have to be investigated as such, in line with the MVP process.