I know it’s not the best practice to harbor regrets but there are many things I might have done differently if I knew then what I know now. I sincerely hope this post and any other posts on this blog providing Canadian IMG advice would help educate my readers and guide your decisions regarding your plans to practice here. Not to sound discouraging, you should know that many IMGs are never able to practice medicine in Canada. Some end up doing odd jobs, following alternate career paths or even returning home. Second thing to note is that most programs require that you at least have permanent residency status unless you are being sponsored by your government. For info on immigrating to Canada, read HERE.
Now for more uplifting information!
1. CONSIDER MEDICAL SCHOOL. I think that the best way for a foreign national to practice medicine here is to go to medical school here. However, this is not very easy as getting admission into a medical school is extremely competitive. Moreover, I imagine that the costs of medical education for foreigners might be very costly. There are currently seventeen medical schools in Canada and they usually require that you have an undergraduate degree and sit for the MCAT. For a full list of medical schools in Canada, please click HERE. If you don’t mind going back to school for ONLY two years, you can also apply for a 2-year medical school/clinical clerkship and you automatically become a Canadian medical graduate when you complete it. These programs are listed below:
- McGill Faculty of Medicine – M.D.,C.M. program for International Medical Graduates (IMG) who are residents of Québec
- Dalhousie University IMG clerkship program Only open to newcomers to Canada (and residents of Nova Scotia).
2. COME HERE AFTER COMPLETING A POST-GRADUATE TRAINING OR AFTER SOME EXPERIENCE AS A GP. As a specialist, you have a higher chance of practicing medicine here and you might be eligible to sit for three exams: The ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS OF CANADA exams, PRACTICE READINESS ASSESSMENT (PRA) and the Medical Council of Canada’s Therapeutics Decision Making (TDM) exam. The TDM is only required for IMGs interested in family medicine. Please also take note that this route has more opportunities for doctors with family medicine training. In some countries, family medicine is not really a specialty, so if you have recency of practice and at least 24 – 36 months of post-graduate experience in general practice, you might be eligible for this assessment. You will need to contact the PRA program in your province to determine your eligibility. Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia currently accept experienced GPs. Alberta only accepts family physicians who have official Family Medicine training.
The Royal College exams are for all other specialties (besides Family Medicine). The routes they take are either the Approved Jurisdiction Route or the Practice Eligibility Route to certification for specialists (PER).
I HAVE A NEW POST WHICH IS SPECIFICALLY FOR SPECIALIST IMGs LOOKING AT PRACTISING IN CANADA. PLEASE READ IT HERE.
For the PER for specialists, the Royal College exam is followed preceded by the provincial PRA. Read more about it Here. When you have passed the PRA and received a license from your province, then the next step is to go challenge the Royal Exams.
The following sites provide more information on Provincial PRA programs:
- NAC-PRA: A list of provincial PRA programs
- Manitoba – IMG pathways
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia – IMGs
- SIPPA – Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment
3. APPLY FOR A RESIDENCY PROGRAM. For a Canadian IMG, this is the most competitive, emotionally and financially stressful route to take to achieve a medical career, and it is the only way to go if you don’t have recency of practice or you have less than 24 months of post-graduate experience. There are several national standardized exams organized by the Medical Council of Canda (MCC) which must be passed before you can apply for residency:
Medical Council of Canada EvaluatingExamination(MCCEE)At the moment, you must pass this written exam before proceeding to the next exams in the process. However, from 2018, the NAC and MCCEE exams can be taken in any order. It currently costs $ 1,780 but this is subject to change as well as the other MCC exams.Also, take note that the last session of the MCCEE will be written in November 2018.- National Assessment Collaboration Examination (NAC-OSCE) This exam and the MCCEE are only taken by IMGs. It is an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) that includes a series of stations where you are presented with typical clinical scenarios and the patients are actors. Current cost $2,470
- Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I (MCCQE1) This exam is written by Canadian and International medical graduates, and it has two components: multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank clinical decision-making. You need to do this exam before you commence your residency. Current cost $1,105
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- After passing the NAC-OSCE
and MCCEE, you are almost eligible to apply for a residency program but you must first scale the IELTS. You MUST have a minimum of 7 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
- After passing the NAC-OSCE
-
- When you have these two exams underneath your belt, the next step is to apply for residency. This is done through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). Take note that even though you are applying through CaRMS, each province and program has their eligibility criteria and requirements. CaRMS provincial criteria
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- If your application is accepted by a program, you get selected for an interview. The more programs you apply for, the higher your chances of getting an interview. I hope!
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- After the interview, you are expected to rank all your interviewed programs in order of preference.
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- There is a day called MATCH DAY where the programs are matched to your preferences and hopefully, you get matched to a program!
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- After you get ‘matched’, most programs require you to undergo another clinical assessment period. The span varies between programs (usually 4 – 6 weeks) and this guides the program’s final decision to keep you or not.
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- If you pass this assessment period, your acceptance into residency is confirmed and that’s not it! You have to stay on your toes so you don’t get kicked out!
4. APPLY FOR A POSITION AS A CLINICAL ASSISTANT. In this position, even though you will be well enumerated and respected, you will continue to work as a supervised ‘doctor’ and there is no option to work independently. If you desire to work in an unsupervised environment, then this is not for you. Although each province has its own eligibility criteria for these clinical assistant positions, clinical experience is a general requirement. Learn more:
- Alberta Clinical and Surgical Assistant Program
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
- Clinical Assistants Manitoba
If my description above seems looks too complicated, check out this diagram:
Do you have any questions you want me to respond to by posting about it? Please leave your comments or feel free to send an email to internationalphysiciantraining@gmail.com for further clarification.
P/S: There is another clinical exam called the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination ( MCCQE) Part II which you can take after passing the MCCQE1 but it is not a requirement for residency application. You can take it during residency as that’s when Canadian medical graduates do theirs.
*Edited on 1st December 2018*
Thank you for your painstaking explanation. I am a medical doctor from Nigeria who is interested in practising medicine in Canada latter in life but I dread the idea of being stranded there. I therefore intend to start postgraduate training here or move to the states latter where there are more opportunities after doing very well on USMLE. I actually love Canada as a country and I will continue to explore all avenues available to me for a successful medical practise there.
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Thank you so much for your comment Dr Ayandele. It means a lot to me. I’m happy that I can help someone make a better decision. If I knew then what I know now, I am very sure I would have done things differently. And that’s one of the reasons why I started this blog: to help other doctors make informed decisions. I do agree with you that Canada is a very beautiful place to live. The people are friendly, the infrastructure is top-notch. Health is provided for by the government for the most part. Good education, and many more.
I wish you well in your future endeavours! God bless!
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You did great my this wonderful explanation given.you have saved so many people from pain and time wasting. May God bless and position you at the peak of your career.
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Thank you and amen
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Hi DOCTOR FOMSKI. I really hope you can see this comment and get a reply from you. My name is cordellia. I am a Nigerian but presently in Ukraine with my husband and child. I just graduated as a doctor here in Ukraine and I am thinking of moving to Canada with my family. But I keep seeing comments on line about how hard it is to practice as a doctor in Canada. Please I want to know what my chances are? What do I need to do to practice in canada as I have no plans of going back to Nigeria.
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Hello Cordelia, I’m sorry I’m only just responding to this. I missed this unfortunately. Please email at interphysiciantraining@gmail.com if you still need some answers.
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Dear dr fomski, thank u so much for taking out the time and putting so much effort on education us wannabe Canadian practitioners. It’s very kind of you. There is little information on the Internet about the options available for an IMG in Canada, and ur blog is truly one of the most informative.
What was your story and what path did u take? I would love to know more about it.
I am pursuing post graduation in Pharmacology in India. From what I read, there is no such thing as a masters in pharmacology in Canada for doctors. I am going to get my PR soon iA.. I am still weighing my options. Do u have any idea whether Post graduate training in pharmacology will make me eligible for PRA or TDM exams?
Thank u and hope to learn more from your blog.
Thank u
Dr Malahat
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Dr Malahat. I apologize for not getting back earlier. I will send you a detailed response shortly.
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I’m back again Dr Mahalat. I’m glad you find my blog helpful. The reason I started it was because like you said, I couldn’t find anyone talking about the process or their experiences.
My story is still being written 😃 … I graduated from Med school in 2006. Practiced two years. Had kids. Went back to work for. Few months. Hubby got an international job soon after so I stopped working in 2013. I’ve been in Canada for two years and done the required exams. I had one interview in the last CaRMS cycle but didn’t get matched. 😞
Anyways, to answer your question…. I haven’t heard of any residencies in Clinical Pharmacology, but there are a few fellowships here in Canada. You might need to contact them directly to see if you are eligible. I also don’t know if a specialist certification in Clinical Pharmacology will make you eligible to practice. You will also have to first contact your provincial college of physicians to find out if you are PRA-eligible. After you have succeeded at that, then the Royal College to determine your eligibility. You must have been in independent specialist practice for at least 5 years to qualify to sit their exams. http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/credentials-exams/exam-eligibility/assessment-imgs/practice-eligibility-route-per-specialists-e.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours! Keep in touch.
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Hello, thanks for the info. I’ve read through it and I’m sorry the whole thing look so cumbersome. Please what if I wanna go through a master program, how do I go about it to ensure I start residency in Canada.
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Hi Dr Adebola, you are right. It is very stressful emotionally, mentally, financially and physically. Doing a masters program will help you make necessary connections, learn about the Canadian environment and make your CV more appealing. However, you can’t go from a masters to a residency without going through CaRMS and you can’t go from a masters into a practice ready assessment program. You have to go through at least one pathway to enable you practice medicine here.
Thanks so much for your comment. I look forward to hearing from you again soon!
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Thank you so much so far this is the best explanation Ive found online.
So I’m a Nigerian ophthalmologist wondering the best route for me.
Can i write the PRA?
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Thank you for your kind words Dr Rhoda. I apologize for not getting back earlier. I will send you a detailed response shortly.
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Hi Dr Rhoda. I apologise again for not responding earlier. I had to make a few additions to this post to update the information. I am also editing the comment I made initially to reflect some changes. You will have to first contact your provincial college of physicians & surgeons to determine your eligibility and to challenge the PRA in your province. Some provinces might let you practice as a specialist afterward. Occasionally, some might also allow you to practice as a primary care physician but this depends on the province. Some others do not accept any foreign trained specialists trained outside certain jurisdictions.
After you have succeeded at the PRA, then you will need to take the Royal College exams for Ophthalmology. You must have been in independent specialist practice for at least five years. This route is called the Practice Eligibility Route to certification for specialists (PER). Read more about it HERE http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/credentials-exams/exam-eligibility/assessment-imgs/practice-eligibility-route-per-specialists-e .
I’m drafting a more thorough post on the pathway for specialists. So, please watch out for it.
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Hi, dr. Fomski. Thank you for the detailed explanation. I am a medical doctor in Nigeria, married with a 1 year old daughter. Please how possible is it to get a job as a clinical assistant for the interim while trying to get a residency position? And also which province has better offers and options for an IMG? Thank you
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Hi Dr. Josephine, I am extremely sorry for not responding earlier. Getting a job as a clinical assistant is a little bit unpredictable but I think it depends on how recent your experience is and if it is related to the position that you’re applying to. For example, when they advertise for clinical assistants in surgery, they usually accept doctors who have prior experience in surgery (ie were surgeons back home or were doing a surgical residency). The same goes for all other specialties.
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Please in addition, I have 5 years post-MBBS experience as a general practitioner
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Dr Fomski, I m delighted to read your post. Thank you. Succinct. Good compass. Please I want relocate to Canada. Being in practice as a GP (Medical officer) for 8 years now. I have not worked in psychiatric unit as a doctor. What advice will you give. Will desire to start some sort of clinical practice there before writing their exams & going into my specialty (neurosurgery). Just to help with fund. Thanks a million doc.
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I am so so sorry Dr. Ebube for not responding sooner.
I don’t think your past psychiatry work experience will be a big deal. If you have been practicing as a GP, then you can try applying to British Columbia for their Practice Readiness program. Most other provinces require that you have an official post-graduate training in family medicine/GP medicine.
If you want to do some type of clinical work here prior to doing your exams, you probably will not be able to get a job in clinical practice (e.g as a physician OR as a clinical assistant in a ‘Provincial Health Services’ department) because you need a pass in your EE and QE1 first. You might be able to get one though as a doctor’s assistant in a family medicine setting or as a health claims/medical insurance officer. Would you consider doing a quick programme as a health care aide or medical office assistant? Those will help you with funds and still keep you in the medical field. I think that the medical office assistant program is a bit less physically involving though.
As a side note, neurosurgery for IMGs is extremely competitive and there are only 2 positions for IMGs in Canada (one in University of Toronto and the other in University of Ottawa). You will have to make sure that you get extremely good exam scores so take your time and be very prepared before you attempt the exams. Good luck!
I have written two posts on career alternatives for IMGs:
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Thank you for the article, probably the most insightful I have seen. Please I am about to start my residency in America in paediatrics,i am a Nigerian medical graduate however my wife to be is a Canadian citizen and she wants us to live in Canada as he prefers it to America, I wanted to know how easy it would be to get work in Canada as a pediatrician? And also how easy it is to get specialization in neonatology because I intend to specialize in neonatology or do you advice I do my specialization before moving to Canada? Would this increase my chances of getting a good job. My wife to be stays in Toronto. Thank you
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Hi Dr Adedapo, congratulations to you on your match into pediatrics. Fortunately, American residency training is fully recognised in Canada and vice versa. You can also try applying for neonatology fellowship here when you compete your paediatrics. If you don’t get in, you can do it in the US and then come here afterwards. Good luck as you enter your next phase!
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I am so delighted to read your well detailed article here, most informative I have read so far. I am a Nigeria medical graduate, 1 year post med school, I am intending to continue my medical education and also practice in Canada. I need you to help with more informations as regards item one of your article( go back to med sch ), with emphasis on tuition fee and d requirements as an international medical graduate. Thanks, God bless you with more grace to continue to help others.
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I’m glad you found the post helpful. There are currently two 2-year programs for IMGs here in Canada: one in Quebec and the other in Nova Scotia. For both of them, you have to be residents of their provinces.
For the Quebec program (McGill University), you need to have 1) a medical degree from an accredited medical school recognized by the World Health Organization, 2) a pass mark in the MCCEE (I believe this will soon be changed to the QE1 as this exam is being phased out), 3) a Medical Student Performance Report or Evaluation (“Dean’s Letter”) from your medical school, and 4) proof of English or French proficiency. This school also accepts IMGs into their regular 4-year program. The requirements are different. Please read this. https://www.mcgill.ca/medadmissions/programs/mdcm
For a breakdown of the TUITION COSTS, please click here https://www.mcgill.ca/student-accounts/tuition-charges/fallwinter-term-tuition-and-fees/undergraduate-fees
For the Nova Scotia program (Dalhousie University), only 2 IMGs are admitted per year and you have to be a newcomer to Nova Scotia in addition to being a resident for a minimum of a year. To be eligible, you need to have your 1)MCCQE1 results, 2)Medical transcript, 3)Reference letters 4) NAC results 5)IELTS results 6)CASPer results. For more info on the process, please see this document https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/faculty/medicine/departments/core-units/global-health/imuimg/gho_2018_img_admissions_onepag.pdf
For the TUITION COSTS, please read this document https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/admissions/2018-19%20Med%20Dent.pdf
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Thank you so much for this post. Very helpful. I’m a medical doctor enrolling presently in a masters program in Nigeria in Medical microbiology. I’m really not interested in the practicing, I mean doing residency. Please what are my options? Can I apply for a PhD program in Canada once I’m through with my masters here? Can I lecture with my masters in Canada or what are the job opportunities I have with my masters? Thank you.
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Yes I believe you have a strong chance of getting into a PhD program with your masters and then eventually lecture. I’m not sure if a masters will help you lecture though but there is no harm in trying. You can also try for a job in research or in a laboratory as a microbiologist.
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Thank you Dr Fomski for your very helpful blog.
I want you to kindly enlighten me on the requirement for the health aide and medical office assistant transition jobs, which can be helpful in a number of ways before pursuing other practice options already discussed.
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Hi Dr Abimbola. You’re most welcome. To qualify for those jobs, you’ll need to do further training but they’re not very long. For Health care aide jobs (also called personal support worker in some provinces), you need to do a 3 to 6 month certificate training, depending on the school and if you’re doing full time. They only need your high school diploma and some may ask you to write an entrance exam and also for a pass in English. Some schools can write off some course credit because you’re a doctor. Medical office assistant diploma courses are usually 6 – 9 months, and they usually require your high school diploma too. I’m not sure if they can reduce your credit if you’re a doctor. Please also read these posts I wrote https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/12-career-alternatives-for-canadian-imgs/
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You will never lack. Please, I am a Nigerian Medical graduate and have been practicing as a medical officer for about 3years now. I love everything about Canada and will want to do my residency there. What is the best route for me and does either MRCP or mrcog have any added advantage?
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Amen 🙏 Dr Oshuwa. If you have passed your Part 3 MRCP and MRCOG, then the process is different to start practicing here and you don’t need to do residency.
To do your residency, there is usually a standard route: apply through the Canadian Residency Matching Service. This application is opened once a year. You need to have passed your MCCQE1 and NAC exams. In addition, some provinces require additional exams. I’ve written about this process in different posts but read this one first:
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Good afternoon DR. Fomski . My name is Emiliano, and I am a dermatologist from Brazil ( 10 years of practice ) . I am a professor at the local Medical School and work in my office as well. I have a good quality of life here, but I want to have an experience living in another country , continue my studies ( as doing a masters in dermatology) .
My main question is : even if I get Certified by the Royal College as a dermatologist, is it a good area to work in Canada ? How is the working field/ salaries for my specialty ? I don´t want to give up all I have and go to a place where I won´t have good job opportunities .
Thanks for your attention !!!
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Hello Dr Emiliano, thank you for reading through my blog. I don’t have personal experience of working as dermatologist but based on what I have observed and read, dermatologists in Canada are very well paid and are in high demand. They also open their own clinics. If you are able to get your Royal college certificate, then it should work out great I believe!
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Hello Dr Fomski, I am a Rheumatologist from Nigeria. I have written my MRCP part 1 and 2. I am planning to write PART 3 by next year ending after getting UK experience. What are my chances of getting a Job as a specialist in Canada?
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Hello Dr Franky. I honestly don’t know but I believe that you should have a very good chance. You might want to get in touch with the Royal College. They’ll be in a better situation to tell you what steps you need to take next so they can evaluate your training. Thank you so much for reaching out.
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Hello, Dr Fomski! Thanks a whole lot for your write-up; very helpful and the best I have read. I am Dr Ugochi from Nigeria, barely 6 months post MBBS. I’m about to sit for IELTS exam and start off the process of EE for PR in Canada. I want to do residency in Pediatrics (Pediatric Cardiology most likely) and afterwards live there. Can I please know the best way to go about it all, exams to write and if there are any I can write before coming to Canada (I’m looking to come in about 2years time), and how possible it is to get residency space in Alberta. Is it possible to get a job invite or must I already be in the province before anything? I just really need to be properly guided. God bless you abundantly.
PS: God will settle you, especially for being of help to others.
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I’m very happy you found my post helpful. I also appreciate your prayer for me.
To be eligible to apply for a residency position, you need to pass your QE1 and NAC exams. If you obtain your your PR and you are still outside the country, you can apply for a position wherever you are and come here if you are invited for an interview. Otherwise, you need to be here before you can apply. However, take note that medical residency positions are only open to permanent residents or Canadian citizens. Furthermore, to apply for a medical residency in Alberta, you will need to have resided in the province for at least 6 months to be eligible. Other provinces do not have this requirement. In Alberta, there are about 2-4 pediatric positions for IMGs. Please free to ask more questions if you need to. Take care!
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Thank you for the post Dr. Fomski.
Hello Dr. Ugochi pls is it possible to get feedback from you on what you have done so far from this last post and what the struggles were.
If it’s possible I can give you my email
Thank you.
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Hi. Thank you very much for your blog. I am presently a senior registrar in General Surgery in Nigeria and will be writing my final part 2 exams for both the National and West African colleges of surgery later this year. However, I’ve been thinking of emigrating to Canada next year. what are my options?
thank you
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Hello Dr Efe. You have at least 3 options. Firstly, obtain your general surgery certification from WACS and National College. You can apply to your desired province here to see if they’ll accept your certificate. If they do, they’ll give you a license to practice which may be supervised in the beginning. Afterwards, you’ll have to sit for the Royal College Exams in General Surgery.
Your second option is to apply for a medical residency position.
Your third option is the least favourable: to work as a surgical assistant.
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Please read this post for more info. https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/ Thank you!
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Hello Dr Fomski . I would like to pursue a career as a clinical pathologist in Canada. How can I proceed? Will I have to do a masters in pathology in Canada, after my MBBS ? I am uncertain about the pathway.
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To become a clinical pathologist, you’ll need to complete a post-graduate training/residency in pathology. You’ll need to take the pre-requisite exams (NAC and MCCQE part 1) and then apply for your pathology residency through CARMS.
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Dr Fomski , thank you so much for your reply. Other than pathology, how are the job prospects for an IMG in the fields of Biochemistry and MPH ? Is MPH a better option than biochemistry? In either of these options how should one proceed ? Thank you.
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I think MPH seems like a good option. If you do an MPH, you can do a practicum and it’ll be easier to get a job afterwards. I don’t really know much about the biochemistry field.
Research schools offering MPH and then apply. University of Alberta has one of the best MPH programs in Canada.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such a kind and informative response. Your answers have been very useful. It’s not easy to find guidelines like these . Thank you so very much .
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You’re most welcome
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Hi, Your blog has been so helpful.
My name is Linda, A medical graduate in Nigeria, I year post mbbs experience. I have a permanent residency in Canada, but still in Nigeria. How do i go about commencing my residency in OBS/GYN in Canada. When i get into the country, can i get employed in other medical related jobs?. Are there easier and faster specialties to go to?. What are the chances ?. Do i need to start medical school again? Anticipating your reply. Thank you
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Hi Linda. I’m glad you found my blog helpful, and congratulations on receiving your PR status.
At the moment, there are only 5 OB/Gyn spots for IMGs in Canada so it’s extremely competitive. Still apply though ‘cos you lose nothing by trying and it might be God’s will for you. Getting any residency position in Canada is a very arduous process for many IMGs and there is no guarantee, but Family Medicine has the most IMG spots.
To start the process of applying for residency, you need to pass your NAC and QE1. Then apply through CARMS for the residency programs you’re interested in.
You can get other medical related jobs but most of them require some training. I have two posts on this blog about possible jobs. Please look for them. When you have the time, sign up on indeed.ca, upload your CV and start doing job searches.
You don’t have to start medical school again and besides, there are only few spots available in schools who accept IMGs.
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Hi Dr Fomski
Thank you so much for shedding light in Grey areas.
I have a couple of questions, and I’d list them numerically.
1. Realistically speaking, what are the chances of one getting a residency slot through carms, after passing mccqe1, nac osce ? Cos I hear they give serious preference to their own people, and leave the scraps for others.
2. For those who decide to go through the practice readiness assessment pathway, it seems they have to take TDM (therapeutic decision making) exams, in addition to mccqe1 and nac +/- any other specific exams that the province may require. What are the chances of people getting through this alternative pathway to work as physicians.
This pathway appears to be limited to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, BC and Alberta.
Are there consequences if one goes through this pathway (e.g missing out on residency/not being able to further, seeing it may limit one to work just as a GP) ?
3. It seems Alberta has the strongest support system for img’s. I don’t know why that is.
Does it mean one is most likely to get into the residency program from Alberta?
Is it equally feasible for other provinces ?
4. Which provinces are relatively easy to get into, to practice as a Medical practitioner, after taking and passing all the required examz
5. You also mentioned earlier that Alberta has one of the best facilities for MPH. Realistically speaking, what is the likelihood of one getting a decent job with a degree in mph, and what kinds of job will be available to such a person.
Pardon my asking a lot, I’m just firing up as they come to mind
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All the questions are specifically for img’s please. Regards.
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Please read my response below 👇
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Hello Dr Jude, you’re most welcome. I’ll do my best to answer your questions to the best of my ability.
1. You’re right. They allocate limited spots to IMGs. In this 2018 cycle, out of 3206 applicants, 398 IMGs got accepted into residency (14.1%).
2. I don’t know the number of people accepted to go through the PRA but not everyone is taken. However, from experience of friends and acquaintances, I think that the number appears to be more encouraging than residency application. Every province has their own quota and/or requirements. Although you’re limited to work as a GP when you go through the PRA, you can still opt for residency if you choose to, but I think it’ll have to be something outside Family Medicine.
3. I don’t really know why there are more preparation or support programs for IMGs in Alberta but I don’t think they really increase the chances of getting a program per se. The only difference is that only Alberta residents can apply for residency programs in Alberta. In addition, Alberta residents can apply to other provinces.
4. I think the provinces that have the most positions are Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have less opportunities and Nova Scotia have barely any. Quebec has many opportunities but you have to be a Quebec resident and be able to speak French fluently. In the last residency application cycle, there were so many open spots in Quebec but no one to fill them.
5. I don’t have any statistics but if you have a foreign degree in MPH with good experience, you might be able to get a job. But if you get your MPH here, you can get a practicum position afterwards and then it’ll be easier to get Canadian experience. ‘Canadian Experience’ is highly valued here. 😃
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Thank you so much Dr Fomski.
I appreciate your responses.
You just keep shedding more light in obscure areas.
More questions loading.
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🙌🏾
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Hi Dr Fomski,
Thank you so much for all your information, God bless you.
Please i would like to know what I need to do to attain fellowship in psychiatry in Canada. I am currently based in th UK working as a registrar in psychiatry. God willing I will complete the training in about 2 years.
Kindly let me know the necessary steps to take with regards to Exams.
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You’re most welcome Dr Dee. I have a post on this blog specially for specialists. https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/
Your training falls into approved-jurisdictions so the process should be a bit more straightforward. You might probably need to get certified by the Royal College before proceeding to your fellowship. http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/credentials-exams/exam-eligibility/assessment-imgs/approved-jurisdiction-route-international-medical-graduates-e
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Hi dear. Linda again. Please how does one prepare for NAC and QE1? Can the exam be written in Nigeria?Please would love for you to put me through and also help me with the materials to prepare for them. Anticipating your response. Thanks
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Hi Linda. I apologize for not getting back to you on time. To prepare for the QE1, if you want to get only one book, get Toronto Notes (Essential Med Notes 2018: Comprehensive Medical Reference & Review for USMLE II and MCCQE) as a reference to Canadian guidelines. Then pay for a question bank. I recommend UWorld USMLE Step 2Ck and Step 3. Toronto Notes is a big book so you don’t really need any other book but if you want to go a step further, then you can use Master the Boards USMLE Step 2 CK and 3 for rapid review.
For the NAC, you need Toronto Notes as your reference. I used many books for my NAC practice and practiced with a partner. I would have loved to attend a course. The books and materials I used were: “Edmonton manual”, “Fundamental Clinical Situations: A Practical OSCE Study Guide”, “First Aid book for USMLE CS” , YouTube videos e.g “Edmonton Manual OSCE videos”, Geeky medics osce videos (it’s UK format so be cautious).
From next year, the QE1 will be written in different countries around the world but I don’t know which ones for now. The NAC is only done in Canada.
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Hello Dr Fomski.Thanks for this great blog.I am Laide from Nigeria.I will like to know if passing only PLAB 1 or both 1 and 2 will be helpful in pursuing a medical carrier in Canada.Are these 2 exams useful for the Medical pathway in Canada.What are the chances of easy immigration after working for over 4 years as a GP in Nigeria?
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Hi Dr Laide. PLAB is not accepted in Canada so you’ll have to do the Canadian MCC exams. If you have practiced as a GP in Nigeria, you can apply for Practice Readiness Assessment in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia provinces.
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Thank you Fomski for this blog.
Your blog is very enlightening. Keep it up. May God continue to bless you.
Please I need some education. I’m a Nigerian radiologist; a fellow of both West African College of Surgeons(FWACS) and National Postgradute Medical College(1 post part 2). I want to migrate to Canada to continue working as a radiologist. Please educate me on the following:
1. How easy is it to get job as a radiologist for someone not trained in Canada?
2. Which exams do I have to take to enable me practice as a radiologist?
3. Are there provinces where it is easier to practice as IMG Radiologist?
Thank you very much as I await your response.
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Hello Dr Joe, I’m honoured that you found my blog enlightening! And I appreciate the prayers.
1. Although I do not have personal knowledge of what it entails to start working as a radiologist, I believe you will have to go through a Practice Readiness Assessment by following the steps for specialists that I have listed on this blog post: https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/
2. Prior to doing the Practice Readiness Assessment, most provinces will require you to have passed your IELTS-academic AND MCCEE (or QE1 exam). In addition, some also request a pass in QE2 or ≥75 score in NAC. This is an example of the steps required for specialist doctors seeking registration for independent practice in Alberta http://www.cpsa.ca/registration/apply-for-independent-practice/
3. I don’t know which provinces it will easier to practice as IMG radiologist. Saskatchewan, BC, and Manitoba take more of family physicians. Alberta does take other specialties but you are required to have a sponsor in Alberta Health Services. http://www.cpsa.ca/practice-readiness-assessments/#ppap
On a side note, I have a friend who had done part of his training in radiology in Nigeria and he is currently working in a diagnostic centre (not as a radiologist though) but this might be a ‘survival job’ option for you while you take the Canadian medical licensing exams.
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Thank you very much Dr Fomski. I really appreciate your response; it’s very useful. May God bless you.
On a personal note, please could you make more enquiries for me from that radiologist friend of yours working in a diagnostic centre concerning the steps he took to start working in such diagnostic centre. If possible, I would like you to link me up with the radiologist as well for more specific enquiries. My email is available on your site.
Thank you so much. May God always enrich you with blessings.
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I’ve spoken to him and he says I can give you his number. I’ll email it shortly. Have a pleasant day!
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Wow! You are such a blessing to us. Thank you very much Dr Fomski. May God be generous with his blessings upon you since you are such a generous person even to those you haven’t seen before.
I’m grateful.
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Amen! I’m grateful for the God-given opportunity to help others like myself.
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Thank you doctor for your insights. You have done well!
My name is Nnalu and I am currently in Nigeria but planning to move to Alberta very soon with permanent residency status. I am currently practicing medicine as a senior registrar in pediatrics here in Nigeria. Although I will pursue my residency in Pediatrics in Alberta, I need to know the requirements for becoming a GP in Alberta so I can be working as a GP while seeking the residency program. Please a GP’s pathway in Alberta.
Thanks and God bless!
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Hello Dr. Chinwe. I would advise that you complete your residency in pediatics if possible so that at least you know that you have a full pediatric specialist license. This year, only 2 international medical graduates were accepted into the pediatrics residency program in Alberta (including Edmonton and Calgary) and 17 in the whole of Canada.
To become a GP in Alberta, there are certain steps to follow. You will need to undergo a practice readiness assessment first. I have a post on specialists or GPs who intend to practice in Canada. https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/
These links will also point out the steps for practice readiness in Alberta. http://www.cpsa.ca/registration/apply-for-independent-practice/
http://www.cpsa.ca/practice-readiness-assessments/#ppap
Thank you and good luck!
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Good day Doctor thank you for your time. Am a doctor from Nigeria i work in public health department and presently doing my MPH online. Am planning to relocate to Canada what are my chances of getting a job as a public health professional.
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I can’t really predict what your chances are but there are public health jobs here. However, some employers might require Canadian experience. One way to obtain such experience might be through volunteering.
Another way to get into the system is to do some Canadian certificate program followed by a practicum. For example, if you want to be a Public Health Inspector, you need to get a Canadian Certificate in Public Health Inspection. It is a 4-year program but some schools offer a 2-year fast-track program.
Above all, pray for God to open up doors and you can get a job without going through all this hassle. Have a nice day and good luck!
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Hello Dr Fomski,
Many thanks for your vivid illustration of pathways to practice medicine for IMGs in Canada. I have been in General Practice for over 10yrs now in Nigeria and in the process of making the move to Canada, I had been scourging the net for information from IMGs with similar backgroud to mine and came across your blog.
I will be sitting for the MCCEE this year (even though it is being phased out just to have an orientation of what practice in Canada is like and find where my weakness and strengths lie), MCCQE Pt1 early next year and will register with HealthMatchBC for evaluation for PRA (while still proceeding to write the NAC/MCC TDM exams).
I do understand that the Canadian system as Dr Jude earlier alludes, silently does not encourage IMGs but If all goes well, what are my chances of getting into a surgical residency program from the PRA route after about 2 – 3yrs within the canadian health system as well, can LMCC individuals get into the NRMP for US by just being licentiates in the Canadian system without need to write the USMLE exams (in other words does being a licentiate of MCC offer a waiver for the USMLE exams.)
Wish you all the best and rooting for you in your next attempt with CaRMS.
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Hello Dr Azu. I’m happy that my illustration clarified things for you. I do think that taking MCCEE was a wise decision on your part!
Getting into a surgical residency is extremely competitive. This year, only 5 international medical graduates were taken into general surgery residency programs in Canada in the first iteration (3 in Toronto, 1 in Ottawa and 1 in Manitoba). I assume that having past surgical experience will be an asset when applying for such programs.
No, IMGs who hold LMCC cannot get into the US system and vice versa. You will need to take the USMLE exams to get into a US residency program.
Do take care and thanks for rooting for me!!!
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Hello Dr. Fomsky. Really i must commend your good work and most valuable guide. I am a Nigerian looking forward to relocating to canada after my part 2 wacs and national exams in opthalmology.
I will need a vivid guide from you on my options and opportunities as a consultant ophthalmologist to be able to practice in canada.
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Hello Doctor. Dr Abdul is my name from Nigeria i am done with my house job and nysc i have a 5year canadian work permit. I want to come and start working as a Phlebotomist or Medical Lab Assistant etc before embarking on residency..Please advise and assist me with placement. Thanks to revert.
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Hello Dr Abdul, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. To get those sort of jobs, you’ll probably need to get some extra certification. What province or city were you planning on settling? That will determine the programs and jobs you will be applying to.
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Couldn’t find any more straightforward nicely written post about IMG pathway in Canada.
Thank You so much for sparing your valuable time for service to others.
-A fresh medical graduate from India.
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You’re most welcome Solomon!
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Hi.
I am a Zimbabwean trained doctor, graduated in 2005, have been a general practitioner since. Please advised on the steps i take from scratch using the Practice readiness route.
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Hello Dr Fungai, your first step is to contact the Health Authority of the province you are applying to. For Saskatchewan, this is the info website https://www.saskdocs.ca/work/family-physician—imgs/sippa/.
For BC – https://www.cpsbc.ca/for-physicians/registration-licensing/applying/imgs
For Alberta, http://www.cpsa.ca/registration/apply-for-independent-practice/
For Manitoba, http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/education/imgp/specialistassessment.html
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Hello Dr Fomski. Thank you for this blog and your help. I’ve completed all the USMLE steps and in the process of applying to match in US. I have 7 years post grad experience in Nigeria as well as Hospital hands on experience in US.
My fiancé lives in Canada and I’m considering a back up plan of practicing in Canada first as a GP not residency.
I read online that one can register for license in Ontario province if you’ve completed all Usmle steps. Please do you know anyone that has gone through this route? Or do you have any information on this. Please I’ld appreciate your reply.
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Hi Bami, I’m glad you found my blog helpful. I’m not aware of anyone who has completed all three USMLE steps and gotten a practice license in Ontario. And I’m so sorry I don’t have any information regarding this.
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hmmm… nawa ooo… exodus of naiJA people… God help us all… thanks for ur insightful blog.
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😆 you’re most welcome
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Hi Dr fomski .thanks for your write up.it so educative.am an international medical graduate from Nigeria want to start practising in canada but don’t know how to go about it.pls can u help, with the several steps I need to take and the step by step way of writing the exams. Thanks
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Hi Dr Sarah, I’m glad you like my write-up. The very first step is to apply for your Permanent Residency. Next, go the Physician’s Apply website to register and then have your medical documents verified. https://portal.physiciansapply.ca/Account/CreateAccount
After that, you register for the required exams: NAC and QE2.
How many years of experience do you have?
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Dr Fomski thank you for your blog.Am Dr Adebola a Nigerian medical graduate. In my second year of residency training in ENT and has worked 2years as a GP.Just got SOWP my hubby is in manitoba.what pathway will suit me for residency?plus what good paying jobs can I do before I get liscenc to practice. Thank you
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Hi Dr Yinka. I’m honoured that you like my blog. There are 3 options you have for Manitoba:
1. apply for residency through the CaRMS website https://www.carms.ca/match/r-1-main-residency-match/
2. apply for the Manitoba practice ready assessment http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/education/imgp/familyphysicianassessment.html
3. apply for the Manitoba program http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/education/imgp/familyphysiciantraining.html
Please go through the different links above to determine which program will be more suitable for you.
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I forgot to talk about the jobs. The jobs that might be available include those for clinical assistants, patient intake personnel, patient coordinator, support workers, etc. Others might need extra certification e.g medical office assistants, lab assistants, health care aides.
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Hello Doctor Fomski
Thanks for taking time to inform newbies like me. Please i am still confused about the path for African Family Physicians. Are they suppose to take the PRA and TDM? I have my fellowship in family medicine, and i recently just decided to relocate to canada. Am really confused where to start from in acquiring permanent resident and enrolling for canadian medical exams, which to do first?
which are the provinces accepting persons like me? i have a family of 4 kids
Thanks
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Hi Dr Joy! There are currently four provinces who accept foreign trained family physicians: Saskatchewan, BC, Alberta and Manitoba.
Each of these provinces usually have different steps but you’ll need to have at least passed your QE1 and NAC (or QE2). Some also require the EE but I think this will soon cease to be a requirement because this exam is being phased out.
The steps afterwards varies between provinces. I’m not sure but I believe they would also require you to pass the pre-screen eligibility check before you take the TDM. After you pass it, then you apply for the practice ready assessment.
Saskatchewan – https://www.saskdocs.ca/work/family-physician—imgs/sippa/
Alberta – http://www.cpsa.ca/practice-readiness-assessments/
Manitoba – http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/education/imgp/familyphysicianassessment.html
British Columbia (BC) – http://www.prabc.ca
I hope this helps and good luck in your proposed move!
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I forgot to mention that you can start applying for your permanent residency and exams simultaneously. To apply for the exams, you need to register on the Physicians Apply website to get your credentials verified. https://portal.physiciansapply.ca/Account/CreateAccount
Then when they are verified, you can proceed to register for the exams. You don’t have to have Permanent residency status to sit for the exams.
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Hello, Dr Fomski.
Thanks for your concise write up. It’s very informative.
I graduated 11 years ago from one of the Nigerian Medical schools , and practised as a medical officer for about 3 years before I went for residency. I did my residency training in Radiology and have been practising as a Consultant Radiologist for over a year now. I am planning to relocate to canada with my wife and kids ( My wife happens to be a nurse).
I want to know what best options/ pathways open to me to be able to practice medicine in canada? What fields can I pursue for Msc /Phd programme for possibility for lecturing over there.
Thanks for your response in advance.
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Hello Dr Jaye. I’m glad that the information was helpful to you. You have several options. If you want to practice as a GP, you can do at least 3-6 months of work as a GP in Nigeria before coming and then apply for practice ready assessments in BC, Manitoba or Saskatchewan.
Second option is to find out if your radiology specialty degree will be eligible for a specialty practice readiness. Provinces which assess specialists are Manitoba and Alberta I believe. Most of the time, however, they accept specialists from approved jurisdictions and very rarely from other countries. But never say never. So you have to try applying first to be sure.
To lecture, most of the time, you need a phD and afterwards, one of the ways you can facilitate your ‘professorial’ pathway is to do a postdoctoral fellowship (which you’ll be paid a salary of course). I’m sure you know this already but to do a PhD, masters degrees are usually required except it is a combined masters/PhD.
There are several medically related masters and PhD programmes in universities across Canada. I wasn’t sure which study areas you were considering or what province you were interested in. However, there are radiology masters and PhDs. Some other PhDs include pathology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, cardiovascular and respiratory sciences, Neuroscience, gastrointestinal sciences, experimental medicine, experimental surgery, Medical science, etc.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
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Thanks. I appreciate this eye opener response.
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You’re most welcome Dr Jaye
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Hi Dr Fomski thanks you the blog. I have been working in UK for 5 years and have completed my MRCP in UK. I am currently in 7 year specialised training program in UK called CCT. I just want to know will I be able to work in Canada as a specialist consultant after completing of my training in UK ? if not then what will be the options available for me to work in Canada? Thanks
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Yes you will be able to work as a specialist in Canada. You will have to apply to the College of Physicians and Surgeons OR Health Authority of the province you intend to settle in.
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Dr Fomski thank you for your blog, I am Dr Ilunga, currently working as GP in south africa for more than 3 years, and will write the Mccqe part 1 next year, if possible can you give links or infos on the options for job i have after passing that exam.
thank you
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Hi Olivier. You cannot get a job automatically. You will have to apply for practice ready assessments in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Saskatchewan https://www.saskdocs.ca/work/family-physician—imgs/sippa/
Manitoba http://www.mhpnetwork.ca/phys-img-csa.html
British Columbia https://www.cpsbc.ca/for-physicians/registration-licensing/applying/imgs
Do you have official GP training? If you do, you can also apply to Alberta (and even Ontario since your training is from an approved jurisdiction – South Africa).
Alberta http://www.cpsa.ca/practice-readiness-assessments/
Ontario’s website is not very clear https://www.cpso.on.ca/applicant-information/international-medical-graduates/qualifying-to-practice-medicine-in-ontario
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Hello Dr. Fomsky. Thanks a lot for all the guidance. I am glad I came across this blog. God bless you plenty, keep up the good work. I am a Paediatrician in Nigeria (for over one year now… National college) and my husband a general surgeon (5 years) . We have just commenced the process for PR, preparing for IELTS and also registered on physiciansapply.ca, though yet to verify our transcripts/certificate. Please, the process towards royal college licensure still appears a little blurry. Which exams are we expected to take to be eligible for PRA? Between the QE1, QE2 and NAC? Secondly, which route would be preferable for us? The practice readiness assessment or the eligibility assessment and why. Note that we are looking to migrate in 2020 to Alberta or Manitoba. Thanks alot.
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Hi LadyJane, you should take at least the QE1 and NAC. If possible, the QE2 so you can obtain your MCC license.
I’m not sure I know what you mean by eligibility assessment.
To the best of my knowledge, the Practice Eligibility Route is a route to certification for internationally trained physicians who are already licensed and practising as specialists in Canada. I might be wrong but what I know is this: you undergo the practice readiness for specialists then practice for a required number of years, then apply for the eligibility route.
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Hi Dr. Fomski.
Hope you’ll be in good health. I’m medical graduate from Pakistan. I graduated in 2008, completed one year house job in 2009. For five years, I taught Anatomy in a medical college. Later, I got admission in MPhil Anatomy which Insha’ Allah I’ll be completing in coming January.
I wanted to ask what pathway would you suggest for me to come to Canada besides express entry/immigration: Get into a PhD Anatomy degree program (if I get a chance) or go for residency programs since they’re dropping MCCEE going directly for MCCQE I which I can take in Pakistan too. Please answer these questions based on your knowledge of job opportunities for both fields and salary wise.
Looking forward to a reply.
Thank you.
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Hi Dr Sadia, thank you so much for your comment. To the best of my knowledge, there is no residency program in anatomy. There are phD programs in various universities in Canada which you can search for online. I’m sorry but I’m not very familiar with the opportunities in anatomy with regards to salary either. The residency programs with the most opportunities are family medicine. The salary when you complete your residency ranges from $100,000 to $180,000. During residency, between $55,000 and $70,000.
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Hello Dr. Fomsky. Thanks for responding. Yes, I actually meant the practice eligibility route. Thanks for explaining. However, I am not quite clear on the exams needed for PRA and licensure. Can one be eligible for PRA and licensure with only the QE1 and NAC? Must one have all three (including the QE2) prior to both PRA and licensure?
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Hi LadyJane, you don’t need to have the QE2 before applying. It is optional. You can do it eventually so you can the get the License of MCC (LMCC). The truth is that the this LMCC is more a ‘paper license’ because even if you have it but you are not eligible to practice, you can’t practice. If you are eligible to practice but you don’t have it, you can do take the exam eventually. I’m not sure how soon after though.
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Hello Dr Fomski,
God bless you for all the help your doing. I’m a mbbs graduate from India YOG 2014,one year of compulsory house job 2015,working in a clinic since then.Planning to apply for a Canadian PR.I want to do a residency in Paediatrics.Do you think it is worth going for a 2 year med school then you become a Canadian medical Graduate like you have mentioned earlier or clear your steps and apply for residency through Carms.please do give your opinion
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Hi Dr Pavani, I think that if it’s possible to re-enter a Canadian medical school, you stand a better of getting into a residency program. If you can’t, then you’ll have to clear the required exams and apply through CaRMS like a regular IMG. Thanks!
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Thank you Dr
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You’re most welcome!
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Hi Dr. Fomski,
Hope you’ll be in good health.
I am Dr. Sadaf Pakistani national currently working in United Arab Emirates as Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology. My qualification and work experience are as under:
Qualification:
MBBS in 2005
FCPS (Obstetrics & Gynecology) in 2013
MRCOG Part- 1 in 2017 (planning to attempt MRCOG part 2 in July 2019)
Work Experience:
worked different position since 2013 to till date (+5 years)
Dr, basis on my education and work experience please guide me the job opportunities, any licence requirement etc, to in Canada and also the I wanted to ask what pathway would you suggest for me to come to Canada.
Looking forward to a reply.
Thank you
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Hello Dr Sadaf.
You cannot work as a physician in Canada until you get your practise license. You can however look for work in a non-profit organisation which works with women in the interim while you wait for your applications to come through. To get your license, you need to follow the practice ready assessment pathway for specialists. At the moment, only Manitoba and Alberta accept specialists through this pathway. You need to have passed your QE1 and NAC exams before you can apply to the provincial authority you’re interested in. You should also work towards completing the QE2.
If approved for practice, you will either be placed in the general register (Alberta) or provisional register/conditional registration (Manitoba and Alberta). If you’re placed in the general register in Alberta, you will not need any further assessment or supervision. If given conditional registration, Practice Ready Assessment, you will need to apply for a sponsored job position.
After completing all the required steps, if and when you have been given your license in your province, you will need to have worked there for at least 2 years before you can apply to take the Royal College exams through the Practice Eligibility Route (PER). Take note that the total number of years you should have practiced in your specialty before applying for the exams is 5 years (this is 2 years in Canada and 3 years outside Canada).
http://www.cpsa.ca/registration/apply-for-independent-practice/
http://cpsa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Specialty_Practice_Flow_Chart.pdf
http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/education/imgp/specialistassessment.html
http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/credentials-exams/exam-eligibility/assessment-imgs/per/eligibility-criteria-practice-eligibility-route-e
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Good day Dr Fomski, thank you for being a blessing, your blog is so informative. My name is Dr Kemi, been in general practice as a medical officer for 8years in a general hospital in Nigeria. I gather from your explanation that a PRA pathway could be what I need. Do I just pass my exams and apply for the PRA?, how long does this process take and how competitive are the slots allocated to IMGs? Still at a crossroad as to which province is best to move to with my family, please kindly advice.
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Hi Dr Kemi, I am so so sorry for just only responding. The PRA pathway will be more suitable for you. The process can take between 6 months to two years. You will need to pass your exams and apply. You will also need to sit for the Therapeutics decision making exam, in addition. The slots are quite competitive because there are a lot of IMGs applying. In Manitoba, they only accept 5 IMGs a year through this process. I don’t know the numbers in Saskatchewan or BC but I believe that they are higher. I know at least two people who have moved to BC through this process and I have heard about a few who have moved to Saskatchewan too. So any of these 2 provinces should be appropriate. You can apply to any of them and see which door God will open for you. Good luck in your journey!
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Hello Dr Fomski
I have checked for the IMG clerckship pgm Dalhousie University,mc Gill too inorder to join last 2 years of med school.They do require mccqe1 score and 1 year stay in Nova Scotia prior to applying.I don’t think this is possible.what is your opinion.I intially wanted to apply for 2020 or at least 2021 carms match.After reading your posts i have come to understand that apart from passing your qe1,nac different provinces have Cap,Mmi,Casper to finish to apply for carms match.Can you give your advice as to how to plan your timeline to complete all these steps.Sry to ask too many questions.
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No worries, Dr Pavani. It depends on how hard you are prepared to work. You can do all the exams and assessments within a year if you are able. If you want to apply for 2020 CaRMS cycle, you can take your NAC and QE1 in early to mid 2019, then apply for CaRMS October – November 2019 to start residency mid 2020. You will need to do the CASPer by latest October 2019. With regards to the BC CAP, even though there are two application windows (March and September), you can only apply for it in September 2019 because you would have been preparing for your NAC and QE1 earlier in the year. The Alberta MMI is a bit tricky because you have to be a resident of Alberta between December 2018 and May 2019. You will register for the MMI exam around May and take the exam in October 2019.
On the other hand, if you want to do the 2021 cycle, you can take your NAC and QE1 anytime between 2019 to early/mid 2020, then apply for CaRMS in October – November 2020 to start residency mid 2021. You will need to do the CASPer by latest October 2020. With regards to the BC CAP, there are two application windows and you can apply for it in March or September 2020. To qualify to take the Alberta MMI, you have to reside in Alberta between December 2019 and May 2020. You will register for the MMI exam around May and take the exam in October 2020.
Hope this is helpful 🙏
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Thank you so much for your help Dr
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You’re most welcome
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Dr. Fomski,
Thanks a lot for your valuable time and guidance
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You’re most welcome. It’s my pleasure!!
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DEAR DR FOMSKI
THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY. KINDLY TELL ME IF I PASS MRCOG EXAMS THEN IS THERE ANY SCOPE IN CANADA FOR ME AS GYNAECOLOGIST .
WARM REGARDS
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Hello Dr Sadaf, there are countries whose postgraduate programs fall within what is called approved jurisdictions (UK, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa). If you have your training outside these regions even if you have the MRCOG, you still fall outside these jurisdictions. What this means is that even when you pass the MRCOG, I don’t know if your country of training will be overlooked. But in any case, your scope and eligibility will be determined by the provincial health authority/physician college you are applying to. They will review your qualifications and inform you of your scope and tell you the next steps to follow. Thanks!
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DEAR DR FOMSKI
THANK YOU SO MUCH.BLESS YOU
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You are very welcome Dr Sadaf!
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Hi Dr fomiska many thanks for the enlightenment. I am Dr samrawit Getachew from ethiopia I am working as a GP. Since the last 6 years and I currently matched to dermatology here in Ethiopian. But my wish is to apply to express entry immigration program in Canada and start residency there. So my question is what is the best way to jione residency program in Canada preferably internal medicine or dermatology the least being family medicine. What is your advice
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Hi Dr Samrawit, congratulations on your match to dermatology. To get into residency here, you need to have really high scores in your exams, research experience, excellent references, a great CV and personal letter.
You can use Ethiopian references but getting Canadian references are also a good addition. One way to get great Canadian references is to work as a clinical assistant here in Canada but these are highly competitive jobs. Another is doing an observership although these are not considered physician roles so such references are not as weighty as the one I mentioned previously.
There are currently 2 IMG dermatology positions in Canada (1 each in Ottawa and Toronto), 51 spots for internal medicine and 167 for family medicine. The family medicine and internal medicine spots vary slightly each year.
Thanks!
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Hello dr Fomski and thank you for being so kind and sharing your valuable experience with us.I read this article and all the comments but still have a question.
I got my medical degree a few months ago but im not interested in medical field.how is the pathway of getting a phd in Canada?is it possible to go from gp degree to phd?or should i start from master? Medical program in my country was 7 years including 2 years internship and i plan to study neuroscience now.thank you for your help and wish you luck in all your exams.
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Hi Dr Marjan. I might be wrong but I honestly don’t think you can go from gp degree to phD here because they usually do 8 years of education (4 years of undergraduate study and 4 years of medical school) to become doctors and they usually still have to do a masters before a PhD. But anything is possible. There are several programs offering postgraduate degrees in neurosciences (UBC, McGill, Ottawa, Victoria). Have you contacted them with this question? Thanks!
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Not yet,but i will do it for sure.thank you so much.God bless you
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You’re most welcome Marjan!
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Hi Dr Fomski, your blog is heaven sent. Am Dr Sesugh, currently a surgical resident in Nigeria for 2 years. I’m interested in EE. So I’ll like to know the possibility of matching into surgery after all the steps preferably in Manitoba. Alternatively, how difficult is it to get admission into a MPH program and are there chances for scholarships? Thanks.
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Hi Dr Sesugh, I’m glad my blog was helpful to you. Unfortunately, at the moment, there are no surgical spots for IMGs in Manitoba. There are only 4 IMG spots for general surgery in Canada: 1 in Ottawa and 3 in Toronto.
I don’t know how difficult it is to get in an MPH program but I don’t believe it is going to be very hard. There are several scholarships available but you’ll have to check the schools you’re applying to because they all have different criteria. You can be a teaching or research assistant to help with funding. In addition, as a permanent resident, you pay less than international students plus you have several funding options available e.g government student loans, university emergency loans and bursaries.
Thanks!
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Hello Dr Fomski. I have a query.. I have done my residency program in internal medicine in us ..will I be able to practice in canada ? I have jst got my pr in canada ..kindly help..!!
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Hello Dr Vidushi. At the moment, Manitoba and Alberta do assessments for specialists. You will need to contact their medical provincial authorities. They will assess your credentials and decide if you will get a provincial license or full license. You will also need to have done your MCC exams. I have written more on this post. It also includes links to the various websites:
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Hello Dr Fomski. Thanks you for all the information you are kindly sharing with us.
I’m a MD from Togo graduated in 2010, Permanent resident living in Ottawa. I am the mother of 2 kids. I am considering to apply to 3 faculty of medecine in Ontario. Please, what is your advice? Have you heard any IMG from west Africa accepted in medical School in Ontario? Do you know any university in Canada favorable to those IMG willing to start again with medical study?
Best Regards.
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Hi Dr Chimene, unfortunately I haven’t heard of any medical school in Ontario which admits IMGs. The only two which I am aware of are McGill Faculty of Medicine – M.D.,C.M. program for International Medical Graduates (IMG) who are residents of Québec AND Dalhousie University IMG clerkship program. They require that you are a newcomer to Canada and residents in their province. Thanks!
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Hi Dr Fomski, I’m a specialist in pathology medical microbiology , from South Africa. I was reading your previous responses and got the sense that one pathway for a specialist from South Africa to working as an IMG is the PRA ? Secondly, how would I know where job opportunities in my speciality are highest in Canada ?
Many thanks
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Hello Dr Ebrahim, I have written a separate post for specialists here https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/ .
In that post, I talked about doctors who have qualifications from ‘approved jurisdictions’. South Africa happens to be one of those countries.
http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/credentials-exams/exam-eligibility/assessment-imgs/jurisdiction/accepted-jurisdictions-e
The route for such doctors is different and they are not assessed through the PRA. Please visit the Royal College website for more details http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/credentials-exams/exam-eligibility/assessment-imgs/approved-jurisdiction-route-international-medical-graduates-e
Thanks!
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Lastly, I’m not sure how to find out provinces which have more positions for your specialty. This document will give you a rough idea. https://www.cma.ca/Assets/assets-library/document/en/advocacy/01-physicians-by-specialty-province-e.pdf
Thanks!
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Doctor Fomski ; thank you so much ! Your advice is really appreciated , and I can echo everyone else sentiments by saying how thankful I am
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You’re most welcome Dr Ebrahim. I’m glad to be of help
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Hi Dr Fomski.
Thank you very much for this enlightment.
I am Dr Chukwu Chinedu Paulinus from Nigeria.
I graduated in 2014.Have 2 years clinical experience and I year experience in humanitarian field in Maiduguri until now.
Could you please guide me on the necessary steps\exams I have to take for issuance of Canadian medical licence in order to practice as a doctor in a hospital in Canada prior to searching for medical residency programme.
Do you think that Australia pathway will be easier than Canada pathway?
What are those things that you know now that you would have considered if you knew it then?
Please,advice me Anty.
Thank you for sharing this knowledge and for your anticipated response.
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Hi Dr Chinedu, you will need to take the QE1 and NAC (or QE2) exams. After that, you apply to the specific provinces you are interested in (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and BC) and if they approve your application, you will be required to pass the TDM after which you will be assessed for participation in the Practice Readiness Assessment for that province.
British Columbia: http://www.prabc.ca/pra-bc-overview
Manitoba: http://www.mhpnetwork.ca/phys-img-csa.html
Saskatchewan: https://www.saskdocs.ca/work/family-physician—imgs/sippa/
10 helpful tips:
1. You have to maintain your recency of practice and don’t take too many breaks away from practice.
2. If possible, do Electives or postings in different departments.
3. Have good research experience
4. Have a lot of volunteer experience
5. If you can afford a revision course, please pay for it. They’re helpful for getting excellent scores combined with your study
6. Get competitive scores in your exams. A pass is not enough.
7. A masters or MPH doesn’t necessarily make you an attractive candidate.
8. Use mostly Toronto Notes for studying. It’s very comprehensive
9. Maintain contact with past consultants because you will need them for reference letters in the future
10. Have an option (UK or Australia)!
By the way, Australia and UK seem slightly more open to me than Canada but I might be wrong.
Thanks!
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Thank you very much Dr especially for reverting immediately.God continues to bless you and your family.
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You are most welcome Dr Paulinus
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Hello Dr Fomski , I am a medical student in general medicine and surgery, I was asking if I graduate will I directly apply for mcce and tell me the duration, is it possible to practice as a gp without residency and if it is possible can you link me with a doctor in Canada, just use my email .thank you
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Hello Dr Likek, the MCCEE was phased out last month. You can apply for the MCCQE1 and/or NAC immediately.
You can practice as a GP without residency in Manitoba, BC and Saskatchewan after being in GP practice in your home country for a minimum of 2 years followed by participating in the practice ready assessment of the province you are applying to. This application process is not directly controlled by individual doctors but by provincial health authorities. So, unfortunately, I cannot link you with any doctor.
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Hello Dr Likek, the MCCEE was phased out last month. You can apply for the MCCQE1 and/or NAC immediately. Before you write the exams, you get your documents verified by Physicians Apply and then apply for them. The process can take 1 month – 1 year depending on how quickly your documents are verified and how much preparation time you need to study for the exams.
You can practice as a GP without residency in Manitoba, BC and Saskatchewan after being in GP practice in your home country for a minimum of 2 years followed by participating in the practice ready assessment of the province you are applying to. This application process is not directly controlled by individual doctors but by provincial health authorities. So, unfortunately, I cannot link you with any doctor.
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Hi Dr. Fomski. You are a blessing.
My spouse just finished her residency in Community Medicine (National – Nigeria). Her department runs the staff clinic of the teaching hospital which also put hers in rotations in the clinic till date. Could you please give advice on the best route and possibilities of being able to practice in Canada.
Thank you.
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Hi Jayjay, while there is no guarantee that every doctor who applied here eventually practices, I think the best route for your wife would be the practice ready assessment route. She’ll need to have written the MCC QE1 exams and QE2 (or NAC) depending on the province she is applying to. She can apply as a general practitioner or as a specialist of Community Medicine. Thanks
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Hello sir ! Thankyou so much for your blog.i am from Pakistan and i am a final year student .i want to persue my studies in canada after my house job .i am intrested in FAMILY MEDICINE and i can get PR in canada..can u kindly guide me regarding my path which i should follow .Should i go for MRCP instead of fcps …and what if i do MRCP 1 from Pakistan then go there.I will wait for your response.i will be very thankful.
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Hello Warda. To get into Family medicine residency here, you will need to get your documents verified by Physicians apply. Next is to write the MCC QE1 and NAC exams. Then follow the provincial requirements while applying for residency through CaRMS. I don’t honestly know if going for either the FCPS or MRCP will make a difference. Canadian provinces generally accept Family Medicine certifications from other countries so if instead of pursuing a residency in Family Medicine here, you decide to do your Family Medicine outside Canada, it will still be accepted. Please feel free to ask a follow up question if my answer is not very clear. Thanks!
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Nice Post, very informative.
Thanks
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Thank you too
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Hi, Dr. Fomski. Your blog is a blessing. And may God bless you right back in return.
I’m Dr. Joshua, graduated in 2014. Currently serving Nigeria.
I wanted to find out how competitive is a residency spot for IMGs in Emergency Medicine in Canada, and what provinces have the most spots available.
Also, do you know any Nigerian ER doctor over there who I can talk to about getting an ER residency in Canada?
Thank you so much.
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Hi Dr Joshua. I’m glad to help. There were 6 EM residency spots for IMGs in the last CaRMS cycle (1 McMaster, 2 Ottawa and 3 Toronto). I don’t know how many people applied but I assume it’s competitive.
I’m so sorry I don’t personally know any ER doctors here. What some people do is to do Family Medicine and then do an EM 1-year fellowship OR go back for the EM residency if possible. Thanks!
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Hello Dr. Fomski. Thank you so much for this blog. For a nigerian doctor who wants to move to Canada, please what is the first step to take?. Could be applying for IMG? or taking the licensing exam first? What are other available options.
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Hi Blessing, I’m not sure I understand your question. Do you mean applying for PR first? You can take the licensing exams while applying for PR. Or you can apply for PR and when you get it, start preparing for the exams.
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Good day Dr. Fomski
My name is Gerald Wanjala, I am an overseas trained medical doctor to be precise I completed my under graduate training in 2009, graduated with a master of Medicine in Paediatrics and child health in 2014 from Uganda – East Africa. I later did a post graduate diploma in paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & Nutrition at the University of Cape Town, South Africa as a long distance program.
I am currently working as a lecturer/paediatrician in Zambia.
I have been following your blogs for the last few days and to be truthful they infuse a mixture of hope as well as grey areas about my possibility of working in Canada as an IMG- Paediatrics.
Given my credentials, which pathway do I take for me to be able to practice in Canada; I’m particularly open to the areas that would offer the highest chances of being taken.
Your response is highly valued.
Cheers
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Hello Dr Wanjala, I think that the most suitable route would be to undergo a practice ready assessment pathway for specialists. At the moment, I know that only Alberta and Manitoba do this. The other provinces mostly assess GPs. You can contact the provincial health bodies to find out if they can assess you for a GP role. Please read this post for pathways for specialists and GPs. https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/
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Good day, I must say your post is very educating and enlightening, may God bless you richly.
My wife is applying for PR to British Columbia. I am a final year ENT resident doctor in Nigeria, I will go for my FWACS part 2 October this year.
From all your explanation, I think specialist pathway (PRA) will be the best for me, an I think I will need to write the mcq 1 and NAC .
I know the Mcq 1 can be written worldwide now, after Mcq 1 , how long do I need to write NAC .
Where can I get the Toronto notes and other material’s for the exams.
Can you please further explain a favourable pathway for me if different from what I have explained.
Can I get a clinical trainee job first to survive while I am for all the exams and processes.
What do I need to do to get a clinical trainee job.
Thanks and God bless you richly
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Hello Dr Ben, I’m glad you found my post enlightening. You can take the NAC as soon as you want to, even before your QE1 although I advise you do it afterward. It’s usually done twice a year in March and September.
There are no clinical trainee jobs here. However, you can apply for a job as a clinical assistant in Alberta, Manitoba or Nova Scotia. You will need a pass in your QE1 and sometimes NAC depending on the province. Do take care.
You can get Toronto Notes from the Toronto bookstore online or Amazon. That’s the main book you need for the QE1. You can also subscribe to the UWorld USMLE step 2 question bank. An optional aid, if you have the funds, is to look for a live or online course to attend.
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I forgot to add…..these are the pathways that I am aware of…and the Practice assessment for specialists is the way to go. Please read this Hello Dr Wanjala, I think that the most suitable route would be to undergo a practice ready assessment pathway for specialists. At the moment, I know that only Alberta and Manitoba do this. The other provinces mostly assess GPs. You can contact the provincial health bodies to find out if they can assess you for a GP role. Please read this post for pathways for specialists and GPs. https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/
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Hi.
Thanks for the detailed information.
I’m a doctor, recently graduated Medical School(2017) from UNILAG and currently doing my NYSC.. I’d like to process PR to canada but then again I want to know the chances of getting into residency without doing odd jobs. What job offers are available to Doctors before they get into residency?
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Hi! The chances of getting into residency is between 20 – 30%. The only job available specifically for doctors (before residency) is very competitive. It is a clinical assistant job and you need at least a year of experience. There are other jobs you can do which are not specific to doctors. I have two posts talking about alternative careers.
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Hi. Thank you so much for your very informative post. Would you know the specific law allowing foreign nationals who took their med degree in Canada to take the licensure examination for doctors/physicians in Canada? I just like to know the requirements.
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Hi Chel, I don’t know the specific law but what I know is that anyone who graduated from an acceptable school is allowed to take the exams. You can find this info on the MCC website.
This link takes you to the eligibility requirements for the QE1 https://mcc.ca/examinations/mccqe-part-i/application-information/
However, only PR card holders and citizens are allowed to apply for post-graduate training positions. Thanks!
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Thank you for your efforts, Dr. God bless!
I’m pretty much in the same situation as you were in the past. Currently, residing in Canada on work permit and in process of getting my permanent residency. My fiancé is from Iran and she is a recently graduated medical doctor practicing independently there. We are planning on getting married this year so that I can sponsor her upon getting my PR and to help her to getting into residency followed by mccqe1. However, the challenge of getting the match seems next to impossible. I would love to hear your experience and learn, or even appreciate your advice. I’m considering following options:
1. Residency in Ontario
2. Residency in other province where matching rate is high (SK,NF,MB…
3. 2 years studies in Canada and clinical assistantship
4. Move to Australia and make a new start so it’s easier for my fiancé to get into her field and pursue career.
5. Or go back to Middle East like Dubai or Qatar
Much love for your kindness and humanity.
PS. I’m an Indian from dubai, jfyi
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Hi Zubair. Thanks for your comments.
Of all the options you mentioned, I’ll rate them in order of which I think are best with regards to getting your fiance into practice:
1. Moving to Australia
2. 2-year studies to become a physician assistant
3. Going back to Middle East
4. Residency in Ontario
5. Residency in other province where matching rate is high (SK,NF,MB)
I hope this is helpful.
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Is UK training recognized in Canada?
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Yes it is
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Good day Dr.
I obtained MB;BS (2013) and MPH (2018) in Nigeria, i have clinical experience working as a medical officer at a district primary health care department and medecins sans frontieres (doctors without borders). I currently work as primary health care supervisor with another INGO.
I will like to know what options will suite my qualifications and experience in canada. i will also like to know how to get licensed as a doctor in Canada (i meant)
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Hi Dr Tope, it depends on you. You can work in a non-clinical role with your MPH in a provincial health services (aka health ministry) or in a not-for-profit organization.
If you want to practice as a physician, you can apply for a practice-ready assessment with these provinces: Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia. Please read this post for further info and links https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/
Please feel free to ask more questions for further clarification. Thanks!
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thank you for this and all other responses you have given. they are really helpful. I also got from another comment that there could be a chance for residency in public health and preventive medicine. I will like to request for your email add. so i can ask some very personal questions.
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Sure. This is my email address internationalphysiciantraining@gmail.com
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Hello
My name is Dr. Hanaa Ali..
First of all I want to thank u for this greata article..it is a very helpful one.
I have graduated in 2013..I have an experience as a medical officer since then..I have the recently passed part B exam of the royal college of surgeons of Edinburgh and gained my full membership. ..so I can easily apply to a job in UK…but to be honest I don’t think it’s the best time to go there nowadays. .. and I have friends who recommended me to try Canada. ..
So what’s the possibilities for me being able to practice as a GP in canada?…is it going to be hard? !
And what about the training programmes for the paediatric surgery? !…I don’t want to stay a GP for ever…
Thanks in advance
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Hi Dr Ali, I apologize for responding immediately. I usually like to answer questions in bulk once or twice a week.
I’m glad you found the article helpful.
With regards to practising as a GP, it is very possible. Saskatchewan, BC and Manitoba conduct practice readiness assessments for experienced GPs. I have written a post outlining this. Please click here https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/. You will find links to the respective websites in that post.
There are no direct programmes for pediatric surgery. You will have to have first completed your residency in General Surgery from a Canadian or American program. In the whole of Canada, there are currently 5 General Surgery positions for International Medical Graduates so I can imagine it being a competitive specialty to enter into.
https://www.carms.ca/match/r-1-main-residency-match/program-descriptions/
Please feel free to ask more questions if you need further clarification. Thanks!!
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Hi there I am a radiology resistant in South African , I want to complete my residency in Canada and write the Canadian radiology specialist exam , is that possible ?
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Yes, this is possible. You qualify for the ‘approved-jurisdiction’ route to practice here. Please click on this link http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/credentials-exams/exam-eligibility/assessment-imgs/jurisdiction/accepted-jurisdictions-e
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Hello Dr. Thank you for providing this platform for information about IMGs.
I graduated in 2010, worked as a medical officer for a while before starting residency in Public Health/Community Medicine in 2015. I’m currently a senior registrar and will complete my residency training soon. I will like to get your opinion about practicing as a Public Health Physician or specialist in Canada. Is the masters + PhD path advisable for IMGs than Public Health residency in Canada.
Thank you.
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Hi Dr Kayode, do you have a masters degree in PH? Most PH specialists here in Canada do a masters as part of their residency training. With regards to getting a job as a PH specialist here, I’m not very sure how it works but I believe it should follow the same process of getting into practice using the Practice Ready Assessment.
Honestly, if you want to stay in the PH field, I think going through the Masters and PhD path is a very viable option.
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Hi Dr fomski, thanks for putting this together. You are doing a great job for us. I want to know what my chances of getting a specialty job in Canada is like. I am about to start residency in the US in internal medicine and do a fellowship afterwards, but my wife wants us to make Canada our home. Is it possible to make my US training transferable to Canada?
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Hi Henry, yes it’s very possible. US specialties are very much accepted here in Canada
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Hello Dr Fomski, thank you so much for the information put out. I am from Ghana and would like to know how high a mark one must attain in both in Qe1 and Nac to increase chances of matching? God bless!
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Hi Senanu, I usually use the cut off scores for Ontario’s FM programs as a guide. For this cycle, they didn’t release a minimum score for QE1 but the minimum for NAC was 412. Aiming for 450 is a good idea in that case. I apologise for only just responding
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Thank you so much for this informative post. I’m grateful.
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Hello Dr. Great job you are doing with this blog. God bless you. I have my fellowship in paediatrics (WACP). Will Ibe able to practise in Canada with this or do i need to repeat residency training?I am from Nigeria. Regards
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Hello Dr Dike, I deeply apologise for not responding sooner. Please have you read this post ? https://wp.me/p1Et0z-mk
You can try applying through the practice assessment route or redo your residency . Thanks
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Hi Dr Fomski. My question is about practice ready assessment in Alberta. I graduated from medical school in 2010 and have been a general practitioner since then. How feasible will it be for me to get in through th PRA since I have no training in family medicine?
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Hi Dr Adaeze, I apologise for my late response. For Alberta, to the best of my knowledge, you have to have formal training. Thanks!
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Hi Dr.Fomski,
Your posts thus far have been immensely informative, and you have been rendering yeomen service for information to doctor brethren from all across the world. I am a GP qualified in Sports Medicine from India, with over 18-20 years of practice experience from India. I just got my PR to Canada, which was primarily to assist my son to guide him to Med program in a University in Canada.
In the interim, I was exploring options for my self. What is the eligibility criteria for practise duration to be able to take the PRA in any of the provinces in Canada? I read in your posts above somewhere, that one could return back to native country to resume or gain 3-6 months practise experience in order to renew the recency of practise criterion? Is it correct?
For being accepted for PRA, clearing MCCQE1 and 2 along with NAC-OSCE would be mandatory? Do you think there is separate criteria for getting into a Sports Med residency here in Canada? or I could only be eligible for Family Medicine or GP program?
My sincere apologies for overwhelming you with so many questions together, but would indeed look up to you for these, as you have been very empathetic for doctors and have an enriching experience. Stay blessed.
Thank you
Best regards
Vikas Sharma
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I apologize for the delayed response. If you still have questions, please send me an email at internationalphysiciantraining@gmail.com
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Hi .. thank you so much for all the information .. it really helped me
I am a gp form India with 3 years experience and from your post I got to know that if I apply through pra .. only British Columbia , Manitoba , Saskatchewan accept 3 gp experience
Alberta and Ontario don’t accept
Can you please tell me about Nova Scotia and Newfoundland … It is possible to apply there with gp experience
Which province is more likely to accept my application … Please enlighten me
And is it true that we can only apply 2 times for PRA ..
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Hi Dr Xavier, I’m not very sure about Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. There’s not much info about them. I can’t really say which province is likely to accept your application but you can apply to all 3 and see which one responds positively. I’m sorry but I don’t know if you can apply only twice for PRA.
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Hi, thank you so much for this blog.
I was wondering, is there any province that non-citizens can apply to for the medical residency in Canada?. I’m Nigerian, and don’t have a permanent residency or canadian citizenship. Thanks
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Hi Lola, unfortunately, all the provinces require that you a permanent resident or Canadian citizen. Thanks!
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Hello doctor … thank u so much for this blog … I’m a medical doctor from India and I graduated in 2013 … I have clinical experience in medicine , surgery and OBGYN collectively for a period of 2 years … I have a Canadian PR and will be moving shortly to Canada … what is my best option to work as a doctor in Canada in Toronto ?? Please help
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Hello Dr Zeeshan, I’m so sorry for not responding sooner. To work as a doctor in Toronto, you will have to have either trained in an approved-jurisdiction or done residency training here in Canada. Please send me an email at internationalphysiciantraining@gmail.com
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Hello Dr. Fomski
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, I am gastroenterology formed in Spain, I have been working in my area the last 3 years. Which possibilities i have to practice in canada as a gastroenterologist?
1.- I need to do the residency?
2.- pass the exams Q1 and then PRA? What difficulty have to do PRA?.
Thank you very much.
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Hi Dr Yessi, I apologize for the delayed response.
1. Redo residency
2. Do the PRA. The difficulty with this is passing the TDM (therapeutic decision making) exam and getting a job offer/sponsor. Thanks !
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Hello doctor fomski, I have a friend who have graduated from medical school in Nigeria, written the ielt exam, passed plap 1 and plap 2, please what other steps does he need to undertake to do residency in orthopaedics in Canada
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Hi Racheal, he would need to do the MCCQE1 and NAC exams. And then apply for a residency position through the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS). There are 6 positions in orthopaedic residency for the 2021 residency cycle. Thanks
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Thanks a lot doctor Fomski for the great information you offered ,it is really helpful but i need to ask: I have long experience in dermatology for 19 years but not from the approved jurisdiction, can I still have the possibility to apply for the practice readiness assessment? or it is only for approved jurisdiction,
if not .. will my long experience in dermatology become disadvantage for me in having jobs OR residency(I know it is almost impossible) if I was able to go through this long journey, (my husband and kids are Canadian, he was living in Ontario but currently we work in the UAE)
if I could take dermatology certificate form UK , Will I be considered as brand new without experience from Canadian point of view , if I continue working in the UAE after having it will this be counted as experience then?
do you advice me to go through UK way? ten i will need to go through the assessments you mentioned?
Thanks a lot
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Hi, I apologise for the delayed response. Please send me an email at internationalphysiciantraining@gmail.com if you still have unanswered questions. I’ll do my best to help. Thanks!
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Hello Doc, thank a million times and may God continue to bless you. Please, I am a Nigerian Medical graduate and have been practicing as a medical officer(General Practitioner) for about 18 years now. Though i am a US citizen but i studied and work in Nigeria- (Nigeria Medical Graduate). I am planning to relocate to Canada and am ready to go back to medical school for 2 years to become a Canadian medical graduate. Am also willing to go through the PRA program for ” Family Medicine” , pediatrics, O & G or psychiatry . Please i need your advice and guideline on which province to make my application and what necessary things to do.
Thanks as i wait for your prompt response.
Regards,
Dr Happy
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Hi Dr Happy, I think BC and Ontario would be good provinces to apply for their FM program. Ontario would be a great place for other residencies. Manitoba, BC and Saskatchewan for their PRA. At the end of the day, BC seems slightly better because you can apply for FM or PRA. I hope this helps. I apologise for my delayed response. Thanks !
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Thank you for the information Dr Fomski.
I’m a medical doctor specialised in Clinical Chemistry/Chemical Pathology (MD) currently practicing in India. I would like to know how i can work in Canada? Do I need to clear MRCPath or any other examination?
Kindly let me know. Thank you.
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Hi Dr Amol, you will need to do the Canadian MCC exams . Thanks !
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Need information on how I can get integrated into medical practice in canada. I have a postgraduate medical fellowship in Anaesthesia from Nigeria.Have been practicing Anaesthesia for 15 years.
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Hello Doctor. Excellent write-up and thank you for sharing this amazing information.
I wanted to get your guidance around working in Canada as a doctor. I have cleared My MRCP (all 3 parts) in UK and actively working as a doctor (not GP) in a London based hospital for the last 3 years. I am interested in moving to Toronto. Can you guide me on how difficult would it be to find work as a doctor in Toronto ? Is there any steps that I’ll need to follow ?
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Hi Dr Syed, I apologise for not responding sooner. Please do you have a CCT from any program in the UK
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Hi. Thanks for your article. I’m about to receive my PR and I’m also a medical officer in general surgery in Jamaica. I’m interested in going to Quebec. How are my chances for getting a residency there? I’m also preparing to sit the DELF exam to verify me as a French speaker
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Hi Gavin, I can’t really say what your chances are but I think they might be higher than other areas of Canada. Doing the DELF exam is an excellent idea, jn my opinion.
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Hi Dr. Fomski. Really valuable and informative post you have created. Its better to be realistic than awaiting something which has rare chances. Keeping that in mind, I want to ask you which are the best alternate options for IMG’s arriving in Canada at present to work as based on their primary MBBS degree with 3 years of work experience.
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Hi ! The best option based on your primary MBBS degree would be as a clinical assistant. A healthcare aide or research assistant job might also be reasonable alternatives.
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Good afternoon mam I would like to know the procedure for international post graduate that would like to do their internship and residency in Canada .thank you
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That’s a really good question Dr Eunice. In Canada, the first year of your residency is actually your internship. To apply for residency, you have to do the MCCQE 1 & NAC OSCE exams and them apply through the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) website. There are several posts on this blog outlining the steps. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks !
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Yes it is Dr Aaron. Thanks!
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Hello Dr. Fomski,
Many thanks for your good works via your very informative blogs.
I would like to know the chances of practicing in Canada for those that hold MRCPCH, CESR-CP rather than CCT.
Thanks
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To the best of my knowledge, you need to have a CCT. Contact the Royal College and find out. Thanks
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Thank you for your prompt response.
Is there any alternative path to pursue in the event of someone with CESR-CP, if CCT is the only considered qualification!
thanks
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Yes you can apply for a practice ready assessment. I outlined the process in this page https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/
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This is so helpful, thanks once more.
Regards
Gerald W
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You’re most welcome. You can still contact the Royal College and verify though
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Hello Dr Fomski,
I hope you are doing good. I am medical doctor from Pakistan and was doing my residency in internal medicine in Karachi , Pakistan. Last year I got married, and shifted to Saudia Arabia, due to which i could not continue my residency. I have given MRCP part 1 exam and plan to give MRCP Part 2 in a couple of months. Can you guide me what is the best path for me to pursue because I am planning to move to Canada in near future. If I will complete my MRCP in Internal Medicine do i get some exemptions from MCC.
I am looking forward to hear from you.
Thanks,
Dr Zunaira Siddiqui
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Hi Dr Zunaira. Sorry but even if you complete your MRCP, you probably can not get exemptions from MCC unless of course you complete your training in an approved jurisdiction. Please read more about the pathway for specialists by clicking on this link https://internationalphysicianintraining.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/pathway-to-practising-medicine-in-canada-for-international-medical-graduates-imgs-specifically-for-specialists/
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Just to say well done! You’ve been answering comments on this post since October 2017!!!
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Hi Dr Fomski,
I appreciate the valuable information you are sharing . Thank you very much. I hope God bless you with success in your life. I have completed my MBBS and MD (speciality)in internal Medicine(3 year course). After post graduation I have 2 years experience. But now am working as GP in UAE as UAE requires 3 years exp to work as specialist. I am in the process of getting my PR in Canada. I want to know what pathway can I take to practice in British Columbia and if it’s possible for me to apply for clinical fellowship and how ?
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Hi. I am a Canadian Citizen who studied medicine abroad. I have 1 year of clinical experience after my graduation (Internship). So that means I’m a fresh graduate still. Which pathway in your opinion would be best suited for me??
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Hi John. The best pathway is to apply for residency. In the interim, you can apply for a clinical assistant position. Thanks!!
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Greetings Dr. Fomski, thank you for this valuable information, i’m sure many feel as lost as myself when it comes to this subject. I’m a canadian citizen who happened to end up living in Mexico, and i’ve just obtained my medical degree from a WHO-recognized university here. I have the desire to move back to Canada and would like to continue practicing medicine there, as a general practitioner for now. What would be the best pathway for me? i do not mind at all working a supervised position. I’m originally from Toronto, Ontario, but i would not mind living in any other region as long as i’m allowed to practice. Thank you kindly in advance.
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Hi Elias, the best pathway would be to apply for residency. If you practice a bit in Mexico, then you can apply for practice readiness. Best wishes
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Hi dr fomski,
I have done my MD in anaesthesia in India. I want to practice anaesthesia in Alberta or Manitoba. Please guide me what all examinations I hv to undergo and what can be the best way. Will wait for your reply. Thank you.
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Hi Dr Savi, you will need to do your QE1 and QE2 exams. Can you please clarify what you mean by the best way? Thanks and best wishes
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having mrcpi ireland in obgy , still i need to go for all canadian exams to practice there
?
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Hi Dr Akram, do you have a CCT from Ireland?
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Thank you so much for this article!
I am Canadian PR, have some Ophthalmology training in the UK. I know there is only 1 IMG spot in Canada, so wondering whether the USA would be easier to than Canada? Alternatively, I could complete CESR in the UK, but I’m unsure if CESR is recognised for ophthalmology?
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Yes, the US is easier than Canada! ☺️ I’m not sure if CESR would be accepted. Send an email to the Royal College to confirm. Best wishes
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Hello Dr. Fomski,
Thanks for such a a nice write-up. Its very useful article for naive persons like me especially for the specialists. I am working as a pediatrician in india and have an post PG experience of 373. Though I will appear for the LMCC exams but what I am worried about is my CRS score. When I am calculating my score in the tool it is a cumulative of 373 and for express entry the bull’s eye is approx 450. I just need your advice regarding whether I should go for the exams as my CRS is low?
Kind Regards,
Dr. Kanwar
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Hi Dr Kanwar, I’m not sure how it works but I think you should apply first and if you get invited, then you can do the exams? Thanks!
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Thanks a lot Dr. Fomski. May God bless you a a lot for helping others.
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You are most welcome!
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Good morning Doctor Fomski. I am an International Medical Graduate from India. I have pursued MBBS and MD in Community Medicine from India. I work as a General Practitioner in Kuwait since last 3 years. I would like to know whether my Master Degree from India is valid in Canada ..What are my future prospects to get the job or training in Canada ? Waiting to hear from you soon .I am also planning to apply for PR ..What are my chances to get PR if I get desired IELTS score.?
I appreciate your kind gesture in helping others through this platform
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Hello Hamid, I’m sorry I’m only just responding to this. I missed this unfortunately. Please email at interphysiciantraining@gmail.com if you still need some answers.
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Hi! I’ve been looking into the process for becoming licensed in Canada as a U.S. citizen who completed medical school and pediatrics residency in the U.S. I’m concerned that pediatrics is a 4 year residency in Canada but the standard in the U.S. is a 3 year residency. Do you know if I will be required to do an additional year of training or will my U.S. residency or 10 years of experience as an attending pediatrician allow me to become a licensed physician in Canada? Thank you!
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Hi Doc J, it is very likely that you’ll need to do an extra year for you to be able to practice here but I am not entirely sure about this.. Can you kindly contact the Royal College for further questions? Many thanks
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Dear Mam,
My friend has done her MBBS from India, which is equivalent to Doctor in Medicine in Canada. She has been working as Casuality Medical Officer in India from 3 years. Now as she is not an specialist but do hold the experience, what is the shortest pathway fits for her to get license in Canada ?
She is afraid of MCCQE pathway :).
Kindly help.
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Hi! I’m sorry she will probably have to do the MCCQE1
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dear doctor fomski,
thank you so much for this detailed explanation and also the information in the comments you have been responding to non stop since 2017. i have been looking everywhere for experiences shared by imgs in canada and was very glad to have found this blog.
i am a foreign medical graduate en route to immigrating to canada and i guess what i would like to know is: what do u think is the minimum amount of time needed to complete the mccqe and nac before u can apply to carms and then be matched?
would completing the usmle step 1 and step 2 ck be helpful in the matching process?
what are the things considered by carms in the matching process?
thank you so much for what u have been doing.
wish u the best.
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Hello Yohan, I’m sorry I’m only just responding to this. I missed this unfortunately. Please email at interphysiciantraining@gmail.com if you still need some answers.
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Good day Dr. Fomski, thank you for this wonderful and insightful write-up. I am a Nigerian medical doctor working in Anaesthesia Department for 3 years now. I am currently processing my relocation to Canada. Please i would like to know what my options are, in regards to working as an Anaesthesia assistant (the career progress as well) or a Respiratory Therapist.
Thank you.
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Hi, I know that for Respiratory Therapy, you’ll need to do a diploma but I don’t know much about Anaesthesia assistants. Can you kindly contact the program you’re interested in?
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Thank you.
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Hello Dr Fomski!
Thank you so much for you blog!! I honestly aspire to do the same when I get the chance to practice in Canada in the future!
I am from the Philippines. I will be graduating from medical school this July. I am planning to take up family residency training here then take the PRA pathway.
My Question is:
Do I still need to gain clinical experience as a family medicine doctor here in the Philippines AFTER my residency training? Or will I already be eligible for the PRA pathway just after finishing my residency training?
Thank you so much!
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Hi Mitchyy, to the best of my knowledge, you don’t need extra clinical experience after your training. Things change all the time though, so make sure you check the requirements when you’re ready to come over. And thank you so much for your kind words about my blog! ☺️
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Hello Dr. Fomski. Your blogs have been so helpful in navigating the ever-changing rules for IMGs!
I’m an Indian PG(in surgery) who will mostly migrate to Canada in the near future (if Covid doesn’t give us any more surprises) and would like to know your opinions on the possibility of doing Clinical Research? Are universities open to IMGs trying for research positions? Will it make trying for a residency easier? Also can you explain a bit more about the IMG2 and 4 MDCM programs by McGill university?
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Hello Susan, I’m sorry I’m only just responding to this. I missed this unfortunately. Please email at interphysiciantraining@gmail.com if you still need some answers.
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Hello Dr.Fomski
I am a MBBS graduate from India looking to practice as a Family medicine specialist in Canada.I wanted to ask what will be more preffered pathway to practice as FM speacialist in Canada
1) Doing residency in FM in US and then trying to get into Canadian system
or
2) Trying to get a residency spot in Canada through CaRMS
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Doing FM in the US and then trying to get into the Canadian system looks more hopeful in my opinion
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Hi doctor,
I am Virat Sharma from India and have recently completed MBBS..wanted to know the pathway with more success rate
-doing residency in USA through USMLE pathway and then applying for Canada healthcare system or trying to get into residency in canada through CaRMS.
Also if i do residency in USA, which residencies are more likely to be accepted while applying in Canada.
Thank You…!!!
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Hi Virat, to be honest, I think doing residency in the USA and then applying to Canada would be a bit more successful than coming straight to Canada.
Canada accepts most, if not all specialties from the US so I don’t think it matters which one you do. Best wishes.
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