Overview of the sessions
NOTE: The sessions and presenters are subject to change.Introduction to CaRMS: An IMG Overview
Mr. Jim Boone, Canadian Resident Matching Service
This session presents the IMG with a broad overview of CaRMS and how their online system facilitates the application process into postgraduate medical education in Canada. This session will include background on CaRMS' history, an introduction to the Applicant Webstation (AWS), match statistics for IMGs and strategic tips for successful applications. This session will also offer some effective interview techniques.
Mr. Pierre Lemay, Medical Council of Canada
This information session will explain the process for candidates to apply to the MCC including an orientation to our online services, an overview of the Physician Credentials Registry of Canada (PCRC), and a review of documents required for application to each of the MCC examinations. Approximately 15 minutes will be reserved for participants to ask questions.
Dr. Ian Bowmer, Medical Council of Canada
This information session will start with a brief description of what participants can do to prepare for the MCC examinations including tools and preparation materials available. The focus of the session is a description of the Evaluating Examination and the Qualifying Examination Part I (and time permitting, the MCCQE Part II) including myths and misconceptions, tips, and common problems that candidates often encounter. This session will include orientation to the computer application that candidates use on examination day, the different types of questions, and how the examinations are scored. Any remaining time will be available for questions from the participants.
Ms. Emily Stephenson, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
This presentation will provide information on how physicians who have trained outside of Canada may become eligible for Royal College examinations. This session will address specific training requirements, screening examinations and/or years of practice in medicine that are required. Included in the presentation will be details of the Royal College's new Practice Eligibility Route (PER) to specialty certification, for practicing specialists in Canada who are not Royal College certified.
Dr. Paul Rainsberry and Dr. Kendal Noel, College of Family Physicians of Canada
This session will review the eligibility requirements for the Certification Examination in Family Medicine of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and provide a brief overview of the examination itself - including a description of the written and oral exams and advice on preparation. The session will be led by CFPC credentialing staff and a member of the CFPC Board of Examiners.
TBC
This session will provide an overview of the postgraduate medical education (PGME) system in Canada. The presenters will describe the general organizational structure of PGME in Canada and the process of entry to residency training. The session will provide insight on what prospective trainees need to know about the IMG experience in residency training and what program directors look for when assigning residency positions.
Mr. Owen Adams, Canadian Medical Association
The main objectives of this session are to understand how the roles of the federal and provincial/territorial governments have shaped the Canadian health care system, how the Medicare program was developed over time, what the current challenges are, the economics of Medicare - for example, what is covered, what are the cost trends, etc., and understanding the roles that various stakeholders play in the governance of health care in Canada and in influencing health policy formation.
Mr. Stuart McAslan, HealthForceOntario
In this session, an overview of the path to practice for international medical graduates in the Province of Ontario will be presented. It will also provide an overview of the licensing process in Ontario including: a review of key organizations, timelines and key dates, building a competitive application when competing for a residency training position, and services at the Access Centre.
Mr. Mike McCulloch, HealthForceOntario
This session is designed for IMGs considering alternative career options outside of medical. Key topics include: preliminary steps, what to do before the job search, skills inventory, how to market yourself, and resources available.
Dr. Cathy Smith, Dr. Colette Peters and Dr. Lynn Russell, University of Toronto
In this session, we will examine the interaction of language, culture and medical professional behaviour, and suggest practical methods that may be used to diagnose and proactively address differences that may lead to the perception of academic difficulty in IMGs.
Mr. Steve Slade, CAPER
Internationally educated physicians take a number of critical steps to become fully licensed physicians in Canada. This session features data from assessment centres, postgraduate residency programs, examination and certifying bodies as well as licensing authorities. It will provide an understanding of pathways, numbers and flow of internationally educated physicians in Canada.
