Family physicians in Ontario must be certified with the College of Family Physicians Canada (CFPC), Canada’s legal certifying body for the family medicine, by obtaining the Certification in the College of Family Physicians (CCFP) designation. They must also be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), the provincial governing body.
Specialist physicians must be certified with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Canada’s legal certifying body for specialists, and registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (CPSO).
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) |
The CPSO outlines four (4) pathways to reduce barriers for qualified physicians to obtain registration to practice medicine in Ontario. Pathway 1: for physicians with a Canadian medical degree and postgraduate training without the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) certification Pathway 2: for international medical graduates with Canadian postgraduate training without the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) certification Pathway 3: for physicians with a US or Canadian medical degree or doctor of osteopathy with US postgraduate training Pathway 4: for international medical graduates with US postgraduate training and certification You may apply for registration with CPSO online through their website: www.cpso.on.ca
Option 1: CPSO Pathway 3 and Pathway 4
Option 2 To qualify for an independent certificate of registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), you must:
Physicians who do not meet all the requirements for an independent licence with CPSO may be eligible for a restricted licence. Visit CPSO online to learn more about independent and restricted licensing. |
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) |
The CFPC recognizes training from approved jurisdictions outside Canada and may grant the Certification in the College of Family Physicians (CCFP) designation without examination to eligible physicians. Find out if you are eligible to apply to the CPFC by visiting www.cfpc.ca. |
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) |
The Royal College recognizes training for various specialties and subspecialties from approved jurisdictions. For graduates of these jurisdictions, the Royal College will assess their training to determine if they are eligible to access the Royal College certification exam that leads to Royal College certification. Learn about Royal College assessment routes for international medical graduates by visiting the Royal College online at www.royalcollege.ca. |
Registration and Relocation Advice |
HealthForceOntario Marketing and Recruitment Agency provides advice and information to the following groups of physicians who want to relocate and practise in Ontario:
Information for physicians who may be eligible for a licence to practice can find information on HFO’s website in the physician relocation guide. Physicians who are not eligible for a licence in Ontario can find information on HFO’s website under the Access Centre for Internationally Educated Health Professionals. For more information, contact info@healthforceontario.ca. |
Physicians in Thunder Bay are well compensated and enjoy a low cost of living as well as short commutes and all the stress-free convenience that come with a relaxed lifestyle. Learn more about living, working, academic opportunities, and having fun in our community by exploring GoToThunderBay.ca.
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