Moving to Canada as a Doctor
Canada's Healthcare Framework Canada boasts an inclusive healthcare system known as Medicare, which is publicly financed. This system offers universal access to hospital services, prioritizing medical needs over financial means.
The cornerstone of this healthcare model is primary care, where patients are not financially burdened for medical consultations or treatments. Moreover, they can directly consult specialists without the necessity of a general practitioner's referral.
The cornerstone of this healthcare model is primary care, where patients are not financially burdened for medical consultations or treatments. Moreover, they can directly consult specialists without the necessity of a general practitioner's referral.
For those who leave the UK
Prior to departing from the UK, it's essential to initiate the application process for a Canadian work permit through the Canadian High Commission. This permit is exclusively granted on the grounds of a temporary job offer validated by the Canadian government.
Subsequently, the Canada Employment Centre will ascertain that there are no eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents who can fulfill the offered position.
Quebec follows a somewhat parallel yet distinct immigration protocol.
Additionally, you'll be required to undergo a medical evaluation conducted by an accredited GP.
Subsequently, the Canada Employment Centre will ascertain that there are no eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents who can fulfill the offered position.
Quebec follows a somewhat parallel yet distinct immigration protocol.
Additionally, you'll be required to undergo a medical evaluation conducted by an accredited GP.
International medical graduates
Healthcare institutions commonly use the term 'IMGs' (International Medical Graduates) to refer to physicians who have completed their medical education in foreign countries.
These physicians can come from various backgrounds, including:
The Medical Council of Canada defines IMGs as individuals who have graduated from medical schools not accredited in Canada or the United States, as determined by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools or the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in the U.S.A. Graduates of U.S. Schools of Osteopathic Medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association are also classified as IMGs
These physicians can come from various backgrounds, including:
- Some may have accrued several years of independent practice experience in their home country.
- Others may have recently graduated from medical school.
- A few might have completed a residency training program.
- Certain individuals could have directly entered medical practice without the need for a residency.
- IMGs may originate from countries with medical education systems similar to Canada's.
- Conversely, some may come from countries with markedly different medical education systems.
The Medical Council of Canada defines IMGs as individuals who have graduated from medical schools not accredited in Canada or the United States, as determined by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools or the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in the U.S.A. Graduates of U.S. Schools of Osteopathic Medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association are also classified as IMGs
Considerations for IMGs:
Before embarking on the licensure process in Canada, you should take into account the following factors:
The licensure process may encompass the following, depending on the province or territory:
The Medical Council of Canada provides detailed guidance on the path to licensure in Canada.
- No Guarantee: There is no assurance of obtaining a license to practice medicine in Canada.
- Complex Process: The licensure process consists of multiple stages and might appear intricate to those unfamiliar with the Canadian system.
- Regional Differences: Registration procedures vary among Canadian provinces and territories.
- Financial and Personal Commitment: Pursuing licensure demands a significant financial and personal commitment.
The licensure process may encompass the following, depending on the province or territory:
- Several examinations (including eligibility, program selection, qualifying, and certification exams).
- Language proficiency assessments.
- Credential evaluation.
- Postgraduate training or assessments.
- Commitment to return-of-service agreements, involving practicing in underserviced communities for a specified duration.
The Medical Council of Canada provides detailed guidance on the path to licensure in Canada.
Process of Registering to Practice Medicine in Canada:
Undergraduate Medical School: To become a medical practitioner in Canada, you must hold an MD (medical doctor) degree from an accredited university.
Verification through the Medical Council of Canada's Physician Credentials Repository (PCRC): Your MD degree's authenticity must be verified by the Medical Council of Canada's PCRC (Physician Credentials Repository). The specific documents required for verification should be confirmed with the organization to which you're applying. Once verified, these documents are stored in the repository for a lifetime and can be shared with various institutions.
Demonstration of Medical Knowledge: In addition to an acceptable MD degree, you must demonstrate the equivalency of your medical knowledge by passing the MCCEE (Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination).
Language Proficiency: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) need to provide evidence of language proficiency, typically through exams like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and TSE (Test of Spoken English). In Québec, this requirement involves taking the French examination administered by the Office Québécois de la langue française.
Postgraduate Training: All Canadian medical graduates, including IMGs, must complete an accredited postgraduate training program, commonly referred to as 'residency training,' to qualify for certification examinations. The duration of postgraduate training varies:
CaRMS (Canadian Residency Matching Service) and IMG-Specific Programs: The main pathways to postgraduate training are CaRMS and IMG-specific programs, which may include assessments. Selection processes for IMG programs might involve written multiple-choice or short-answer exams, file reviews of training and experience, objective structured clinical examinations, and interviews.
Certification Examinations: Upon concluding residency training, you must pass certification examinations based on your specialty:
Provincial or Territorial Registration and Licensure: Each province or territory has jurisdiction over the regulation of medical practice within their boundaries. For the most up-to-date licensure information, contact:
All provinces and territories recognize the LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada) and certifications from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Additionally, they may consider other qualifications on an individual basis.
Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC): The LMCC is typically a prerequisite for obtaining an independent medical practice license in most Canadian provinces or territories. To qualify for the LMCC, you need to have passed the MCCEE and completed a minimum of twelve months of acceptable postgraduate training. Verification of the medical degree or diploma's authenticity is also mandatory for eligibility to take the MCCQE Part II.
Verification through the Medical Council of Canada's Physician Credentials Repository (PCRC): Your MD degree's authenticity must be verified by the Medical Council of Canada's PCRC (Physician Credentials Repository). The specific documents required for verification should be confirmed with the organization to which you're applying. Once verified, these documents are stored in the repository for a lifetime and can be shared with various institutions.
Demonstration of Medical Knowledge: In addition to an acceptable MD degree, you must demonstrate the equivalency of your medical knowledge by passing the MCCEE (Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination).
Language Proficiency: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) need to provide evidence of language proficiency, typically through exams like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and TSE (Test of Spoken English). In Québec, this requirement involves taking the French examination administered by the Office Québécois de la langue française.
Postgraduate Training: All Canadian medical graduates, including IMGs, must complete an accredited postgraduate training program, commonly referred to as 'residency training,' to qualify for certification examinations. The duration of postgraduate training varies:
- Two years for family medicine.
- Four to five years for other specialties. Postgraduate trainees, known as 'residents,' practice under an educational license and require supervision. IMGs must complete supervised clinical training or assessment to fulfill licensure educational prerequisites. Availability in assessment programs and the postgraduate training system is limited.
CaRMS (Canadian Residency Matching Service) and IMG-Specific Programs: The main pathways to postgraduate training are CaRMS and IMG-specific programs, which may include assessments. Selection processes for IMG programs might involve written multiple-choice or short-answer exams, file reviews of training and experience, objective structured clinical examinations, and interviews.
Certification Examinations: Upon concluding residency training, you must pass certification examinations based on your specialty:
- The College of Family Physicians of Canada Certification Examination for family medicine.
- The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Certification Examination specific to your specialty.
- In Québec, attestation in family medicine or certification in another specialty is provided by the Collège des médecins du Québec.
Provincial or Territorial Registration and Licensure: Each province or territory has jurisdiction over the regulation of medical practice within their boundaries. For the most up-to-date licensure information, contact:
- The medical regulatory authority in the province or territory where you intend to practice.
- The international medical graduate program in your chosen province, if such a program exists.
All provinces and territories recognize the LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada) and certifications from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Additionally, they may consider other qualifications on an individual basis.
Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC): The LMCC is typically a prerequisite for obtaining an independent medical practice license in most Canadian provinces or territories. To qualify for the LMCC, you need to have passed the MCCEE and completed a minimum of twelve months of acceptable postgraduate training. Verification of the medical degree or diploma's authenticity is also mandatory for eligibility to take the MCCQE Part II.
An a Doctor from UK work in Canada
Are UK doctors relocating to work in other nations? Canada is one of the preferred destinations for those departing the UK.
In Canada, during that same timeframe, 820 permanent resident applications from specialist physicians and general practitioners were successfully approved.
In Canada, during that same timeframe, 820 permanent resident applications from specialist physicians and general practitioners were successfully approved.
