International medical graduates earn medical residency placement

More than 80 international medical graduates (IMGs) who have just earned a coveted medical residency placement came together this evening to celebrate their achievement with The Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

Supporting IMGs in their efforts to practise in Ontario is just one of the ways the province is addressing the physician shortage. Each year, the province dedicates at least 200 residency spaces for foreign-trained physicians, both family medicine practitioners and specialists, through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).

Many among the first IMG group announced in the 2010 match are clients of the Access Centre, a business unit of HealthForceOntario Marketing and Recruitment Agency.

Ontarians will benefit the most as 70% of the Access Centre's 146 physician clients will be doing their placements at one of the province's six medical schools: University of Ottawa, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario, McMaster University and Queen's University.

"These international medical graduates have worked extremely hard to earn their certification in Ontario. With support from their families and the Access Centre, their hard work and determination will be a lasting benefit to Ontarians and the entire health-care system," said Health and Long-Term Care Minister Deb Matthews.

The Access Centre prepares IMGs for the residency application process by offering a series of workshops, information sessions and one-on-one meetings focused on various aspects of the path to practice.

IMGs often face skills and language barriers during the medical residency-selection process, which can be a barrier to acceptance. The support they receive at the Access Centre gives them a better understanding of the practice requirements in Ontario and how to become more competitive in the residency selection process.

"No matter where international medical graduates are matched, it's a win for everyone," said Brad Sinclair, Executive Director, HealthForceOntario Marketing and Recruitment Agency. "However, we're proud that about three-quarters of our IMG clients will be practising medicine right here in Ontario."

In changes announced earlier this month by the province, international medical graduates will be able to do their five-year return of service commitment in more communities across Ontario.

The second iteration of the CaRMS match will be announced on April 15.

Access Centre - IMG Program (HealthForceOntario Marketing and Recruitment Agency)

Launched in November 2007, the IMG Program's goal is to ensure that all IMGs living in Ontario have access to the information and resources they need to be as competitive as possible during the residency-selection process.

Key IMG Program Elements - Orientation Sessions - Study Groups - Examination Information and Preparation Sessions - Interview Skills Development Workshops - Career Options Workshops