Introduction

 

So you've completed your FRACGP and are thinking of moving back to Canada. I did the same from 2021-2022 and what I hope to share with you is the mental and financial strain that I had to go through in order to get my credentials as a GP (Family Physician) to Canada, specifically Ontario. One thing I should disclose is that I am a Canadian citizen and there are added steps for those who are not citizens, I have attached a link at the bottom to assist those who are not yet citizens of Canada. Nonetheless there is considerable overlap whether you are Canadian or not.



The whole process itself was more difficult than I ever imagined which led to many nights of broken sleep and questioning whether this whole process was worth it. It will be. You will need to understand that the process is very time consuming and be willing to put the effort into it. You will have to plan ahead (I started about 11 months before the move and that still might not have been enough time). I hope I can shed some light onto this subject because you certainly cannot go at it alone. I will highlight the requirements and steps that you need to achieve and be as transparent with the costs as I can.

The most frustrating part about all this journey for me was that this process was not centralized. You will have to work with three organizations at different times, and sometimes simultaneously. The organizations that you will occupy a lot of your mental energy are: the Medical Council of Canada/physiciansapply, the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). In the end, you are hoping to apply for an independent practice license which will allow you to work in Ontario without having to sit the MCCQE2 exam and without having to be supervised. In order to do so, you have to have already successfully completed:

1. MCCQE1 Exam, and

2. Have obtained CFPC Exam Eligibility without pre-condition (will explain this later)


Every step from here on is working towards obtaining a license from the CPSO. Please understand that this is not an official guide and the information provided is through my personal research and experience. Exercise your personal judgment if something doesn't sound quite right. Anyways, let's get started.

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