WEBINAR: Specialist licensure in Canada – paths to practise for internationally trained physicians

Learn more about the route to practising as a specialist in Canada

Tuesday, July 15, 2025
4:00–5:00 p.m., Eastern Time (ET)

Picking up where our February 2025 webinar left off, this event is intended for internationally trained physicians (ITPs), as many find that the path to practising as a medical specialist in Canada is challenging to navigate. In this hour-long session, participants will learn more about their options, including required examinations, the practice eligibility route (PER), and fellowship programs.

On July 15 at 4:00 p.m., ET, join Ms. Corinne de Bruin, Executive Director, Registration, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia; Dr. Filipe Santos, international medical graduate (IMG) special advisor at the Medical Council of Canada (MCC); and Ms. Chantal Benoit, Manager of the Credentials Unit at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, in a conversation moderated by Dr. Viren Naik, chief executive officer of the MCC, as they guide internationally trained medical professionals towards a better understanding of the path to practising as specialists in Canada.

If you are unable to attend live,
register to automatically receive a recording in your inbox following the event.

What you’ll learn:
‒ What your options are as an internationally trained specialist wanting to practise in Canada
‒ When examinations are – and are not – required
‒ How the practice eligibility route (PER) works
‒ About the new approved jurisdictional route to full licensure (without examination) in some provinces
‒ When to pursue a residency position

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

Who should attend:
‒ IMGs and internationally trained physicians wanting to pursue specialist positions in Canada

Session participants:

Ms. Corinne de Bruin, Executive Director, Registration, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia 

Corinne de Bruin is Executive Director, Registration, with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of British Columbia and is certified with the Canadian Society of Association Executives. Prior to joining the College as director, registration services, in 2012, she held management positions in strategic planning, policy, and program development at the Ministry of Finance, Workers’ Compensation Board, and Legal Services Society. Ms. de Bruin assumed the position of executive director, registration services, with CPSBC in 2016.

__________

Dr. Filipe Santos, IMG Special Advisor, Medical Council of Canada

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 eBook Physician Licensing in Canada.

__________

Ms. Chantal Benoit, Manager, Credentials Unit, Office of Standards and Assessment, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Chantal Benoit is the Manager of the Credentials Unit at the Royal College, in the Office of Standards and Assessment overseeing the assessment and certification of medical professionals. With more than 20 years of experience in credentialing, she leads a dedicated team ensuring the efficient evaluation of applicants seeking Royal College certification. Passionate about maintaining high standards in medical credentialing, Chantal works closely with internal and external partners to streamline processes, enhance assessment frameworks, and support the evolving needs of the healthcare profession. Her expertise in policy implementation and process optimization plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity of medical certification standards.

__________

Moderator:

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

Dr. Viren Naik is the chief executive officer of the MCC, 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 and Surgeons of Canada and oversaw the credentialing and examinations for all specialties in Canada.