IMG Support
Navigating the path to medical practice in Canada can be challenging for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The BPAO is committed to supporting IMGs by providing comprehensive resources, guidance, and networking opportunities. Our goal is to create a holistic platform that helps Black IMGs integrate smoothly into the Canadian healthcare system, ensuring they have access to the latest information, licensure pathways, and community support.
We will continue to provide updates on IMG resources in hopes of providing a holistic platform for Black IMGs in their steps towards practicing in Canada.
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Society of Canadians Studying Medicine Abroad (SOCASMA) is an organization based in Canada whose aim is to support Canadians who have trained in medicine abroad in matching back to Canada. The team supports both Canadian citizens and permanent residents and has a network of physicians who have attended schools in different countries that can provide medical school specific information.
For more information on SOCASMA, please visit the website: https://socasma.com/
Internationally Trained Physicians of Ontario
Internationally Trained Physicians of Ontario (ITPO) was founded in 2021 by a team of committed Canadian trained and internationally trained physicians driven by a goal to increase the opportunities of integrating immigrant physician expertise into the Canadian healthcare system.
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The National Assessment Collaboration’s (NAC) Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA) programs are currently being offered in eight Canadian provinces. This is providing a new pathway to licensures for IMGs who have already completed their residency and practiced independently abroad.
Through these programs, a clinical field assessment is offered over a period of 12 weeks. Successful candidates who have completed the assessment will then be required to fulfill a return of service in a rural area of the province of assessment.
For more information visit the website: https://mcc.ca/assessments/practice-ready-assessment/
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The PRA selection process involves an initial screening of experience, credentials, and applicant assessments. From there the PRA program selects applicants who meet eligibility and sponsorship requirements to participate in the PRA.
Eligibility criteria include:
Language proficiency
Currency of practice
Scope of practice
Credentials
Completion of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part
For more information on eligibility criteria and information for applicants, please visit: https://www.mcc.ca/assessments/practice-ready-assessment/information-for-applicants/
Therapeutic Decision Making Examination – TDME
The TDME is another component of the PRA process for the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador
It consists of a 3.5 hr test consisting of patient-based scenarios representing common or important clinical presentations and problems that family physicians practising in Canada should be able to competently manage in the following dimensions of medical care: health promotion and illness prevention, acute illness, chronic illness, and safety and adverse effects.
For more information on the TDME, please visit: https://www.mcc.ca/assessments/therapeutics-decision-making-examination/
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There are currently 8 provinces providing PRA for IMG applicants. For more details pertaining to these province specific guidelines please see the links below:
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Become a Practice Ready Assessor!
As we know, systemic barriers often due to subconscious bias in interview processes, can negatively impact Black applicants applying through any stream. By having a team of assessors that is representative of the applicant pool being examined, there can be an increase in diversity of perspectives from assessors and subsequent diversity of the future team of Canadian physicians.
The PRA programs are currently seeking experienced family physicians to become a part of their assessment tea. As an assessor you would supervise incoming applicants to determine qualification for independent practice within that province. It would typically consist of a team of 2-3 assessors, and responsibilities vary based on designation of primary or secondary assessor.
Benefits of becoming an assessor include compensation for time taken to take part in the training, contributing to care within underserviced rural areas, and benefiting from the circle of teaching that comes with being a physician both through supervision and assessor personal training from through learning modules and face-to-face training workshops.
Practice Ready Ontario is currently family physicians working in rural and remote regions to become an assessor for Spring 2024. For more information on becoming a practice ready assessor in Ontario you can review the assessor information flyer or fill out the expression of interest form.
For more information on how to become a PRA assessor in any of the 8 provinces, please visit: https://www.mcc.ca/assessments/practice-ready-assessment/information-for-assessors/
Mentorship
Mentorship is always integral, particularly as a Black physician. The BPAO recognizes this and as a part of the plan to support IMGs pathway to licensure in Canada, we are hoping to create a database of IMGs who have matched back to Canada and who are in the process of applying. This can provide school or province specific resources for IMGs and collegial support through what is a stressful process.
To become a part of this network, please fill out this google form if you are an IMG who has matched, or in the process of matching: https://forms.gle/ZTwBXmyA4XUBd9NK7
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Dr. Chiebere Ogbuneke
Dr. Shambe Mutungi
Mock NAC OSCE
The mock NAC OSCE provided International Medical Graduates (IMGs) with a realistic, supportive simulation of the National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination, a key step in their journey to practicing medicine in Canada. This mock exam gave IMGs the chance to experience the exam format, practice clinical and communication skills, and receive constructive feedback in a low-stakes setting. By replicating real exam conditions, the session helped reduce anxiety, build confidence, and highlight areas for improvement.
Hear testimonials from our past Mock NAC OSCE participants
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"It was a similar experience with tha actual exam.. the mock helped to reveal blind spots and the timing of the mock was perfect as it gave me ample time to work on my weak areas."
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"The mock exam really helped me to familiarize myself with the real conditions of the NAC and to better prepare myself accordingly. The examiners' comments during the mock exam were very detailed and helped me to review the weak points in my preparation."
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"The mock boosted my confidence and I was convinced that I could do the real exam with just a little more effort and consistency."
FAQs
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Starting residency as an international medical graduate can be both exciting and demanding, especially while navigating unique challenges as a Black physician. The following advice can help you succeed and feel supported throughout your journey:
Work hard and be punctual. You earned your place through your own dedication and ability, trust that you belong here.
Know your support structures. Keep contact information for your Chief Resident and PARO representatives. Review PARO and institutional policies on harassment and discrimination so you know your rights and available supports.
Connect with experienced peers. Reach out to 3rd- or 4th-year medical students and Canadian medical graduates (CMGs) for practical advice and insider knowledge about hospital systems, community resources (e.g., social work, addiction programs, CAMH), and commonly used acronyms (e.g., SPR, CMU, Step-Up, Step-Down, Overflow Wards, IRU, etc.).
Build your support network. Maintain relationships with family, friends, and fellow physicians who understand the pressures of residency.
Prioritize self-care. Take care of your mental and physical health, and make sure to use your holidays, coordinating them with your program.
Speak up early. If you ever feel targeted or victimized, reach out for help immediately, don’t wait until the situation escalates.
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Navigating CaRMS successfully requires attention to detail and authentic self-representation. The following strategies can help you stand out:
Read the institutional and program instructions carefully. Each program has specific requirements, so make sure you understand them fully.
Tailor your personal letters. Review each program’s instructions carefully and provide believable examples without compromising patient confidentiality.
Explain your motivation. Ensure your personal letter clearly expresses why you want to specialize in the discipline in question.
Use specialty-specific reference letters. Avoid generic letters; they should reflect the specialty you are applying to.
Be authentic. Write a letter that is true to yourself and genuinely shows who you are. Your background is already unique, so do not be afraid to share it.
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Securing an observership requires persistence, respect, and proactive networking. The following strategies can help you navigate the process:
Be polite and persistent. Knock on doors, reach out to multiple physicians, and remember that nobody owes you anything. If you do not get the answer you were hoping for, stay professional and courteous.
Respect everyone. Know your place and be respectful to all staff, including front desk personnel.
Understand your role. In an observership, you are a “fly on the wall.” You are there to observe, not give opinions or perform clinical work.
Be professional. Always be punctual, dress appropriately, follow clinic policies, and express gratitude.
Network actively. Attend social events and professional meetings to connect with physicians and make your presence known.
Do your research. Learn about the physicians you approach and be direct about your interest, expectations, and timelines for the observership.
Step out of your comfort zone. Reaching the right person can be challenging, so be confident and proactive when approaching potential supervisors.
Use your network. Ask classmates, peers, and colleagues if they know physicians who may have capacity for observerships or can offer advice.
You can use this sample email template to reach out to physicians and request an observership opportunity.
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Check the institution’s official requirements. Requirements vary by institution, so visit their information page or regulatory body’s site to confirm whether a PRA (Practice Ready Assessment) can be done without completing the NAC OSCE.
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Your eligibility is not based on when you last practiced. Eligibility for examination depends on the criteria established by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). Visit the MCC website for the most up-to-date information on current eligibility requirements.
CONTACT US
For inquiries please contact IMG@bpao.org and for sponsorship opportunities please contact our Executive Director, Chenai Kadungure, at ed@bpao.org