Preparation of IMGs for Residency Training in Canada

Much has been said regarding the difficulties securing a Canadian residency position for IMGs, but there has been little expressed regarding assimilation in to the Canadian medical system for successful applicants. Because foreign medical schools are intrinsically different, the initial integration into the Canadian system for incoming IMG residents can be extremely challenging. For many foreign medical programs, the equivalent of the Canadian clerkship period takes place in the intern year, after they have qualified as physicians. As such, IMG physicians who are accepted to Canadian residency programs prior to completion of their intern year often have had little exposure to clinical responsibilities (i.e. dictations, progress notes, discharge summaries, etc.). Given this, incoming residents who come from not only a different medical program, but also a different medical system, may be at a significant disadvantage compared to their Canadian-trained colleagues.