WEBINAR: Practising medicine in Canada – Navigating the pathways to licensure for IMGs

Learn more from key decision makers and experts in Canadian medical licensure. 

Wednesday, February 26, 2025
4:00–5:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

International medical graduates (IMGs) and internationally trained physicians are an important part of the health care solution for patients in Canada. But for many, the various pathways to practising medicine in any of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories can feel complicated and confusing. In this webinar, participants will learn more about the Canadian licensure process, from credential verification to the provincial and territorial licensure systems, along with practical tips to overcome some of the most common challenges.

On February 26 at 4:00 p.m., ET, join panellists Dr. Viren Naik, chief executive officer of the Medical Council of Canada; Stephanie Price, executive director of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada; and Dr. Filipe Santos, IMG consultant, for a free 60-minute webinar where they will share their insights and advice.

Can’t attend?
Register to automatically receive a recording in your inbox following the event.

What you’ll learn:
‒ The most common paths to licensure
‒ Estimated timelines for the licensure process
‒ How to start preparing before arriving in Canada
‒ Information on the Medical Council of Canada’s examinations
‒ The role of provincial and territorial medical regulatory authorities

Note: This session will not address specific immigration questions.
This free webinar will be hosted in English. A recording with French translation will be available after the event.

Who should attend:
‒ IMGs and internationally trained physicians wanting to practise in Canada
‒ International medical students exploring opportunities in Canada
‒ Staff at international medical schools supporting IMG candidates

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Session participants:

Dr. Viren Naik, Chief Executive Officer, Medical Council of Canada

Dr. Viren Naik is the chief executive officer of the Medical Council of Canada, leading its mission to serve as a trusted keeper of physician credentials and assessor of a physician’s general competencies to inform safe licensure decisions. He is a professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Ottawa and has over 25 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and leader. In 2009, he was recruited from the University of Toronto to establish the University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre as the founding medical director. In 2014, while completing his Executive MBA, he served as the vice-president, Education, for The Ottawa Hospital, one of the busiest academic health sciences centres in the country. Between 2017 and 2022, Dr. Naik served as the director of assessment for the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada and oversaw the credentialing and examinations for all specialties in Canada. 

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Ms. Stephanie Price, Executive Director, Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada 

Stephanie Price is the executive director of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC), where she oversees initiatives to ensure the effective regulation of medical practice across Canada. With extensive experience in regulatory policy, Ms. Price is dedicated to fostering collaboration among Canada’s provincial and territorial regulatory authorities. A licensed engineer who has worked in professional regulation since 2009, Ms. Price has also served as the executive vice-president of regulatory affairs at Engineers Canada.

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Dr. Filipe Santos, IMG consultant

Since embarking on his medical journey in Canada in 2017, Dr. Filipe Santos has become a dynamic force in the health care system. With an MD and master of science in community health, Dr. Santos combines his clinical expertise with a passion for mentorship and guidance. As an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, he plays a crucial role in the development of health care professionals. A former IMG himself, Dr. Santos has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of practising in Canada. He is the author of the e-book Physician Licensing in Canada: Clinical Assistant and Practice Ready Assessment Pathways.

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Moderator:

Meredith Dault, Manager, Strategic Communications, Medical Council of Canada