Becoming a doctor in Canada can be a challenging process, especially for international medical graduates (IMGs). However, there are several pathways that allow you to practice medicine in Canada without taking the MCCQE1 exam. In this blog post, we’ll explore six different ways you can achieve this goal, with real-life examples and practical advice.
1. What is a Clinical Fellowship?
Summary: A clinical fellowship is a post-residency training program where you can further specialize in your field. This pathway is often preferred by IMGs as it does not require the MCCQE1 exam
Details: After completing your medical school or college in your home country and subsequent residency or postgraduate (PG) training, you can apply for a clinical fellowship in Canada based on your specialization.
For this, you do not need the MCCQE1 examination. How cool is that? After completing a fellowship, the next question is often about the subsequent steps, which we cover in another video you can check out in the description below.
2. How Can You Obtain Provincial Licensure?
Summary: Provincial licensure allows you to practice as a consultant or attending physician in Canada after completing a clinical fellowship.
Details: After completing your clinical fellowship, you can get absorbed into the system as a consultant. The university hospital that hires you will work with the province to obtain your provincial licensure.
In this case, you would have had no prior training in Canada except for the clinical fellowship. For this, you do not need the MCCQE1 exam. IMGs have successfully obtained a full license in Canada through this pathway without completing the MCCQE1 exam. For e.g. in the province of Ontario, this is issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
3. What is the Royal College Pathway?
Summary: The Royal College Pathway is for IMGs who have completed their training in approved jurisdictions like Australia, New Zealand, and others.
Details: IMGs from approved jurisdictions often do not need to complete the MCCQE1 exam. Instead, they can approach the Canadian system through the Royal College pathway. The approved jurisdictions in Canada include countries like Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK, and Ireland.
4. What is the Job-Based Pathway?
Summary: The job-based pathway allows experienced doctors from other countries to move directly to Canada and obtain a job as a consultant or attending physician without requiring exams.
Details: Candidates who have finished their medical school and specialized or super specialized from their home country, often with several years of experience, can move to Canada and obtain a job directly.
These candidates may also obtain certification from the Royal College of Canada without completing the MCCQE1 exams.
5. What is the Associate Physician Pathway?
Summary: The associate physician pathway is for IMGs who are allowed to function as a consultant but are supervised by another consultant in Canada.
Details: This license is specific to the province of British Columbia and does not require the MCCQE1 exam. However, you will need either the MCCQE1 or the USMLE exams to obtain this license.
6. What are the Limited Residency Options?
Summary: Some provinces in Canada allow IMGs to apply for residency without the MCCQE1 exam, provided they have completed the USMLE steps.
Details: The province of Nova Scotia allows you to apply for residency without the MCCQE1 exam if you have completed the USMLE steps. This option, like others, does not require the MCCQE1 but does require the USMLE exams.
Disclosures
- Competitive to Apply: These pathways are competitive, and a strong application is necessary.
- Regulations Can Change: Regulations can change at any time, potentially adding or removing exams.
- Varied Requirements: Even within these categories, some candidates may be asked to take the MCCQE1 exam.
Dr. Rajeev Iyer MBBS, MD, MS, FASA (USA)
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, USA
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the University of Pennsylvania or any other institution or entity.
