Did you know that Canadians Studying Abroad (CSAs) are considered International Medical Graduates (IMGs) when applying for residency training in Canada? Did you know that in the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of IMGs applying for residency positions within Canada? This may be attributed to the increased number of CSAs studying medicine at international medical schools. As a result it has become highly competitive for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to obtain residency training positions.

It is important to research and prepare your return to Canada prior to your departure and develop a plan for your return. Review your plan frequently because your interests and the physician needs within Canada may change from the time you start medical school and the time you graduate.

The following steps will assist you when applying for postgraduate training in Manitoba:

Step 1: Create an account with physiciansapply.ca

All IMGs applying for postgraduate training in Canada must have their credentials validated and must successfully complete Medical Council of Canada Examinations. Requests for source verification and applying for Medical council of Canada examinations must be made through a physiciansapply.ca account.

Additional services available through physiciansapply.ca include:

• Viewing and Sharing examination results
• Educational Credential Assessment
• Request a Translation
• Application for Medical Registration

Step 2: Write Medical Council of Canada Examinations

IMGs must write the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) and the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) as a prerequisite to apply to CaRMS. The timing of completing both of these examinations is extremely important to your CaRMS application. You can apply to write the MCCEE 20 months prior to your graduation date. Take time to review the MCC website to familiarize yourself with exams and when you should write them.

Step 3: Apply to Canadian Residency Match Service (CaRMS)

CaRMS facilitates the process for medical graduates to arrange their residency placement in Canadian postgraduate programs. It is the main gateway towards residency training and provides an orderly and transparent process for applicants to decide where to train in Canada and for programs to indicate which applicants they wish to enrol in medical residency training.

The CaRMS match is run in two iterations. To be eligible for participation in the first iteration, you must:

• obtain a medical degree by July 1 of the match year;
• Be a graduate from a medical school listed with the International Medical Education Directory (IMED), published by the Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada (notarized proof required)
• Obtain a pass mark on the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Exam (MCCEE) and the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC)

Manitoba provincial requirements also include English language proficiency based on TOEFL score of at least 100 computer-based with a minimum score of 25 for speaking and listening or IELTS with an overall score of 7 with no individual score less than 7. TOEFL and IELTS will be considered valid for two years from the date taken.

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