Admissions
Program Inquiries
Interested in a particular program? Visit the program website to learn more:
Application Inquiries
Inquiries related to the online application can be directed to SGPS at:
Email: gradapps@uwo.ca
Phone: 519-850-2341
Fax: 519-661-3730
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Meet Milica Krstic, PhD candidate in Pathology

Supervisors: Dr. Ann Chambers and Dr. Alan Tuck
Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
Lots of impressive research is being conducted at Western University, so this was the biggest driving force. What also helped was that I liked the city of London, having visited my friend here for years, and it is not very far from my hometown!
Describe your research in 100 words or less.
I study a transcription factor whose overexpression has been implicated in several cancers – I study what it does in breast cancer. I’ve shown that this protein promotes progression in a model of early breast cancer. I’m zoning in on the pathways that are implicated in this progression. Our aim is to stratify breast cancer patients into low-risk and high-risk groups. This would allow for the targeting the high-risk lesions for more aggressive therapy and avoiding over-treatment of low-risk patients.
What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
Do a lot of research before you choose a lab to join. Lots of details must be taken into account: your interest in the research and the way this potential supervisor runs the lab and interacts with lab members are the most important. If there is a lot of independent work or few/no students to help you in your growth, then that lab may not be the best fit for you. Alternatively, if you’re a good independent learner this may be a great environment for you. I would also advise you to talk to current students in the lab and ask them questions after the interview process.
Where’s your favourite place on campus to work?
As my lab is located in Victoria Hospital I only come to campus for either classes or seminars. Us off-campus graduate students like to hang out and get a coffee at the UH cafeteria between classes.
What is your “dream” career?
My dream career would be working as a clinical molecular geneticist.
What’s your favourite music?
I like all sorts of music – Beirut, Elliott Smith, and Neutral Milk Hotel have been my favourites for a long time. I also really like anything with piano and accordion, and Yann Tiersen is great for that.
What one thing would you like people to know about you?
I travelled to eight countries in three weeks during the past summer.
What idea, suggestion, or comment would you like to share with the Western graduate community?
Although I am off-campus and working at Victoria Hospital, I think that this is a great environment for research. The London Regional Cancer Program has lots of great research scientists specializing in both basic and clinical science, as well as several physicians, all of who conduct impactful translational research. I would suggest not being weary of joining an off-campus laboratory!
Program Websites
Program Contact
Tracey Koning (path.grad@schulich.uwo.ca)Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Western UniversityDental Sciences Rm 4044
London, Ontario N6A 5C1
t. 519-661-2111 ext. 81549
f. 519-661-3370
Graduate research is focused on the mechanisms of cell and tissue injury; the etiology, pathogenesis and behaviour of disease; identification of novel biomarkers; potential treatment targets of various diseases; and molecular imaging.
The strength and reputation of our PhD program is a result of our internationally renowned faculty, world-class facilities, and the students who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment. Western is pleased to offer Own Your Future, a unique Doctoral professional development program that supports students in their academic studies and career engagement. Through Own Your Future, students will develop insight into their current and evolving skill set. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.
Program Length
- 12 Terms (4 years) - Full-time
- 24 Terms (8 years) - Part-time
Program Design
- Full-time or part-time study
- Thesis-based
Funding Information
Applicants (domestic and international) are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships:
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited university.
- An average of 80% or greater for all available graduate courses.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum acceptable score is 90 for the internet version, with a minimum of 23 in the speaking portion and no individual score below 20. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
- CultureWorks. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level. Click here for information regarding a conditional offer of admission, pending CultureWorks completion.
- The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Minimum acceptable score is 7 out of 9.
- Fanshawe College's ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 5, Advanced Academic Preparation, with a minimum 80% in all components.
Application Deadline
- February 1 - Fall Term
- June 1 (pending spots remaining) - Fall Term
- March 1 - Summer Term
- November 1 - Winter Term
Applications are accepted year round however, you should try to meet the deadlines above in order to be accepted for the term you are applying to.
Fields of Research
- Molecular Pathology and Transplant Pathology
- Neuropathology
- Oncology & Environmental Pathology
- One Health