Why Doctor in Canada?
Canada is a healthcare superpower and a country that takes care of its citizens. The doctors are very well respected in Canada. They are considered very professional and trustworthy individuals. Canada is a great place to be a doctor as it possesses high quality of living. Canada has a low cost of living and a high standard of education. Canada has many doctors and still, the country needs more medical professionals, thus the demand for doctors is high.
Becoming a doctor in Canada is always the best option and has many advantages to it, even though it might be a lengthy process.
Working as a Doctor in Canada
The profession of a Doctor is itself the most rewarding. Doctor help people survive and save the lives of patients who are severely affected. There is generous compensation for doctors in all countries and Canada is the best among all. Professional doctors have amazing career opportunities and great flexibility.
Due to the strong educational system, many international students want to get into Canadian Universities for higher studies. The top 100 medical schools in the world include 7 medicals from Canada.
In Canada, doctors can get a Post-graduate work permit which makes it the most sought option for international students and individuals.
How to become a Doctor in Canada?
First and foremost, there are no undergraduate studies in the medical field available for international students in Canada due to high demand. In Canada, it is always second entry, i.e., international students are required to have a 3 to 4-year undergraduate degree before applying straight to MD programs.
Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS)
Always check the deadlines and requirements for admissions. The six Ontario medicals have a common portal namely Ontario Medical School Application Service. Through this common portal, the application processes are done.
The timeline of OMSAS is:
- July – Applications open
- October – Deadline for submission of documents
- November – MCAT score submission deadline
- January to March – Interviews
- May – Admission offers
Requirements for a High School Graduate
- English or French Language Proficiency
- Complete an Undergraduate degree in science-based electives from an accredited university
- Should pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- High academic credentials and GPA for a high chance of acceptance into medical school
Requirements for students with Undergraduate degree
- Completed 4 years in medical school with 2 years in classroom & lab, and 2 years of clinical practice
- Should pass the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) to become a licensed doctor
- Residency should be completed, which requires Canadian permanent residency or citizenship.
Some undergraduate programs which can be done to get into Canada are:
- Bachelor of Science – Biology {MUN, Concordia University of Edmonton, Vancouver Island University}
- Bachelor of Science – Biomedical Sciences { University of Waterloo}
Provinces where Medical Residency is Easier
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is known as one of the provinces where it is easier for an International Medical Graduate (IMG) to practice medicine. This province has two programs:
- IMG Bridging Program – Through the IMG Bridging Program, the graduates could access resources to get licensed as physicians in Nova Scotia.
- Med 3 Clerkship Opportunities for IMGs Program – Med 3 Clerkship Opportunities for IMGs Program is offered by Dalhousie University. This program prepares the IMGs for Nova Scotia residency
Manitoba
The Medical Licensure Program for IMGs is administered by the University of Manitoba. This program provides assistance to pursue licensure in Manitoba.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan provides the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA). As per this program, the successful candidates can practice medicine in the province after a 12- week assessment.
British Columbia
In this province, the practice of medicine comes under added supervision. BC allows practice under provisional medical licenses. The drawback of this system is that there are certain limitations under this license.
Assessments to be taken by IMGs
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) – This test is taken by the IMGs to top up their qualification.
- Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE part1) – It was launched in 2018. It is one of the requirements for international medical graduates
- National Assessment Collaboration Practice Readiness Assessment (NAC PRA) – This is offered in 7 provinces. It gives 12 weeks of training. At the end of 12 weeks, candidates will start their medical services to rural communities.
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Exam – It is part of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. Medical specialists should pass this exam.
Steps to get Medical Residency in Canada
- Attempt and Pass IELTS, MCCQE, and NAC PAR – Minimum score for IELS should be 7.
- Apply for residency – Apply for residency through Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). This allows both IMGs and medical graduates from Canada to select residency in the preferred provinces.
- Pass the Interview – The selected candidates will be called for an interview. Once the interview is passed, the candidate will be accepted into the provincial authority’s training pool.
- Keep a list of preferred provinces or programs – It is always better to keep a list of preferred options to have choices.
- Pass the assessment – Every four to six weeks, assessments happen. Pass the assessment to get accepted for medical residency.
Costs of becoming a doctor in Canada
Ultimately becoming a doctor anywhere other than one’s home country can be expensive. The same applies to Canada as well.
The fees for assessments and tests like MCCQE can be highly expensive. The cost for MCCQE is around 1,105 CAD and NAC PAR cost around 2,470 CAD. Added to this there might be extra costs as well. The candidate has to consider the living costs in Canada. Overall, it becomes highly expensive to afford.
In Canada, competition in the medical field is high. The IMGs not only compete with other IMGs, but also with medical graduates from Canadian Medical School. The best option is to go for the provinces mentioned earlier.
Conclusion
In Canada, doctors and medical professionals are in constant need. Due to the increasing demand, there is a high level of competition.
Even though the competition is high, Medical professionals prefer Canada due to its quality of living and the benefits enjoyed by the professionals.
With passion, patience, and the right preparations, getting a medical residency in Canada is possible.
For further details, contact Futures Abroad.
