Eliminating exam requirement removes major barrier for International Medical Graduates seeking to practice in Manitoba

Update: As of September 1, 2023, International Medical Graduates who meet all other registration requirements will no longer be required to also hold a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) to practise in Manitoba. See this update for more details. 

The Manitoba government has approved regulatory changes that allow internationally educated physicians to enter the healthcare workforce sooner. Until now, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) were required to pass a general qualifying examination – the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE1) – before applying for provisional registration ^[1]. The exam requirement has been removed, eliminating a barrier for IMGs to begin practicing in the province.  

IMGs who apply for provisional registration in Manitoba already have medical degrees and have completed residency programs with certifying exams, while the MCCQE1 only assesses the medical knowledge and clinical decision-making ability of candidates at a level expected of a medical student.

If a physician meets all other requirements for provisional registration, they must complete a Practice Ready Assessment and are assigned a mentor for one year and a practice supervisor for the duration of their provisional registration. Practice supervision includes monitoring/chart reviews, a 360- review, and a chart audit within the first two years in practice. Practice supervision remains in place until the physician meets the requirements for full registration, which must occur within five years. 

“This change allows us to recruit more physicians to Manitoba while maintaining high competency levels. The exam was holding back many qualified, internationally trained physicians from coming to the province,” said Dr. Anna Ziomek, registrar, CPSM. “From a regulatory standpoint, we must take all steps possible to eliminate barriers to assessment without compromising quality and patient safety.”

Practice Ready Assessments adequately assess an applicant’s abilities and competence but eliminating the exam required an amendment of the CPSM General Regulation, which the Manitoba government approved.

CPSM consulted with registrants and stakeholders in the fall and the majority supported the amendment.  

Read the Manitoba Government news release here. 

Click here for registration and qualification requirements.