Path to medical licence

Doctors Nova Scotia welcomes international medical graduates (IMGs) and their potential contributions both to the medical profession and the province. IMGs are an important part of the solution to the challenge of finding qualified physicians to provide excellent health care for the people of Nova Scotia. 

To demonstrate they meet the high standard of Canadian physician licensure, international medical graduates must pass a series of examinations and clinical assessments, and frequently take additional training.  Although IMGs have source-verified medical degrees, and usually substantial postgraduate training and clinical experience, understanding the complex pathways to licensure in Nova Scotia and navigating them successfully can be a daunting process.

Doctors Nova Scotia partners with Immigrant Settlement & Integration Services (ISIS) to help ensure IMGs, as potential future members of the association, have the resources and support they need to embark on the licensure process.

ISIS is a community organization that welcomes immigrants to Nova Scotia. It offers services and creates opportunities to help immigrants participate fully in Canadian life. Part of its focus includes supporting medical and other health-care professionals.

The IMG Bridging Program at ISIS includes the following:

•    Specialized employment counseling and coaching

•    Pathways to licensure – Flowchart diagrams for family physicians and specialists

•    English for health-care professionals 

•    Study groups – Including IMGs and Canadian-born medical students and residents

•    Orientation sessions and workshops – Topics include research methodologies, medical law and ethics, and tips for objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)

•    Clinical skills orientation programs – Innovative programs delivered in partnership with Canadian licensed physicians and the Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine Learning Resource Centre which help IMGs prepare for clinical assessments as well as effective professional practice in Canada

•    Professional mentors – A partnership initiative with Doctors Nova Scotia and Dalhousie Medical School

•    Observerships in family medicine practices and clinics – The latest partnership initiative between Doctors Nova Scotia, Dalhousie and ISIS

•    Learning resources – A collection of medical resources, assistance in accessing hospital and university libraries, and electronic bookshelf through Doctors Nova Scotia and ISIS

Doctors Nova Scotia wishes future success to all the IMGs pursuing a career in medicine in Nova Scotia today.