 |
| International Medical Graduates Doctors (IMG's) (Photo credit: DIAC Images) |
It's a difficult time right now for immigrants to Canada who are doctors and surgeons, and who want to work here in the profession they followed back home.
Many parts of Canada are going through a dangerous doctor shortage. And yet, if you're an International Medical Graduate (IMG), you may be frustrated by how long it could take you, and what you'll need to go through, before you're permitted to practice medicine in Canada. Many newcomer IMGs are making their feelings about the situation known on the Internet, expressing their disgust, their disappointment, and their sense of having been betrayed by Canada.
One thing we've always believed here at Canadian Newcomer is that even though the system is flawed, it won't get any better if people don't change it; and if nothing can be done to change it yet, then we'll try our best to help you cope with it. This article - really a directory - provides links to resources for IMGs in every Province and Territory. You'll be able to get an idea of what's required for you to be able to practice medicine in the area you've moved to, or the one you want to live in. And you'll find out what resources are available to help you get back to practicing your calling - and helping people get well.
All of Canada:
The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials has information for International Medical Doctors (IMDs), more often called International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who wish to practice medicine in Canada.
The Canadian Medical Placement Service provides important information for IMGs who want to immigrate to Canada and practice medicine here.
The CanadaQBank website has information and links for IMGs about how to become licensed to practice medicine in the various provinces in Canada.
lulu.com Books to Help you study for the MCCEE - including some free ones!
The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) is a non-profit organization that helps doctors find residencies.
Ontario:
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website has information for International Medical Doctors (International Medical Graduates) about training and assessment positions and how to apply for them.
The Centre for the Evaluation of Health Professionals Educated Abroad provides assessment, evaluation and training programs for internationally educated health professionals in Ontario.
Career Transitions for International Medical Doctors features the Medical License Bridging Program (MLBP) for International Medical Doctors, including regional portals for information about the Career Transitions Program in Ottawa, Hamilton and Toronto.
HealthForceOntario is a marketing and recruitment agency that can help you through the process of becoming licensed to practice medicine in Ontario.
The Medical License Bridging Program for International Medical Doctors is a central resource for International Medical Doctors who are working towards becoming licensed to practice medicine in Canada.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario regulates the practice of medicine in the province, and is developing a website to provide web-based medical literacy and educational told to help with the communication needs of IMGs wishing to practice medicine in Ontario.
Working in Ontario has a webpage for physicians and surgeons with information about programs for International Medical Doctors
British Columbia:
The University of British Columbia offers the IMG-BC Program, funded by BC’s Ministry of Health, enables International Medical Doctors to compete for and obtain residency positions that will lead to being licensed to practice medicine in BC.
The Association of International Medical Doctors of British Columbia works to improve possibilities for becoming certified to practice medicine in Canada, and has links to training and upgrading opportunities.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia is the governing body for the profession in the Province.
The BC Physician Integration Program provides International Medical Graduates on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC's Provisional Register with a comprehensive orientation and introduction to the British Columbia health care system.
Alberta:
The Alberta International Medical Graduate Program is an assessment and placement program for International Medical Doctors in Alberta, funded by the Alberta Government.
The Alberta International Medical Graduates Association provides IMGs with advocacy, awareness, and support.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta has programs to help IMGs obtain necessary training and residency to practice medicine in Alberta.
Alberta Physician Link has information for International Medical Doctors wishing to practice in Alberta, and a page about employment opportunities for spouses of IMGs.
The Government of Alberta has information and flowcharts for the steps IMGs must take to become licensed to practice medicine in Alberta.
The Directions for Immigrants website has a wealth of information about qualifying to practice medicine in Alberta, including links to training and service programs for IMGs.
Saskatchewan:
The University of Saskatchewan provides resources for International Medical Doctors, including videos on many relevant topics.
The Saskatchewan Immigration Canada website offers information for IMGs on the steps that must be taken to become licensed as a physician in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Medical Association can help connect you with the information and programs you need to practice medicine in Saskatchewan.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan is the regulatory body for the profession in Saskatchewan. The College is developing a new Saskatchewan-based assessment process for IMGs, and has other useful information to help IMGs.
The Saskatchewan International Medical Graduates Association exists to help IMGs on the path to practicing medicine in Saskatchewan.
The Government of Saskatchewan provides an International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA), a process for assessing IMGs’ readiness to practice in Saskatchewan.
Manitoba:
The Government of Manitoba has a Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG), to assist them to obtain license to practice as primary care physicians in Manitoba; and a Resource Guide for IMGs.
The University of Manitoba offers an International Medical Graduate Program that features assessment, training, and orientation for IMGs wishing to practice medicine in Manitoba.
The Assiniboine Regional Health Authority has information on physician recruitment for IMGs in Manitoba.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba is the regulatory body of the profession in the province, and has information about the Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates.
Québec:
The Fédération des médecins residents du Québec provides information for IMGs wishing to practice medicine in Québec.
The Collège des médecins du Québec is responsible for evaluating the credentials and training of IMGs wishing to practice in the Province.
Recruitment Santé Québec is a department of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec, with special programs for IMGs.
McGill University has a webpage about non-Ministry funded residency positions, including those for IMGs.
New Brunswick:
Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has a residency program for New Brunswick IMGs educated at medical schools medical school on the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) list.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick is the governing body for the profession in the province, which sometimes grants provisional licenses to IMGs.
Nova Scotia:
Clinician Assessment for Practice Program (CAPP) is intended for IMG physicians who believe they are practice entry for entry into family practice without any additional formal residency training in Canada.
Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has a residency program for IMGs educated at medical schools medical school on the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) list.
Health Team Nova Scotia includes a webpage detailing steps for IMGs wishing to practice medicine in the Province.
Doctors Nova Scotia provides helpful links and resources for IMGs who want to practice in Nova Scotia.
Atlantic Connection for Internationally Educated Health Professionals has valuable information about licensure and other aspects of practicing medicine in Nova Scotia.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia is the governing body for the profession in the Province.
Healthcare Atlantic Canada has answers to frequently asked questions about medical licensure in Nova Scotia.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador is the governing body for the profession in the province, and has information for IMGs wishing to practice.
PracticeNL has a guide for IMGs wishing to practice medicine in Newfoundland and Labrador, either having immigrated or on a work permit.
Prince Edward Island:
Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has a residency program for Prince Edward Island IMGs educated at medical schools medical school on the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) list.
The Medical Society of Prince Edward Island is a professional body, a provincial division of the Canadian Medical Association.
Health Jobs PEI has a special section for IMGs wishing to practice medicine in Prince Edward Island.
Nunavut:
The Government of Nunavut has a Physician Recruitment website with information on practicing medicine in the Territory.
Northwest Territories:
The Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services provides information for IMGs wishing to practice medicine in the NWT.
Yukon:
The Yukon Medical Council is the governing body of the profession in the Territory, and includes requirements for IMGs to practice medicine in the Territory in its FAQ section.
