The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with Provincial Government, is committed to increasing access to Family Medicine training programs for International Medical Graduates (IMG). The IMG-BC Program (IMG-BC) is funded by British Columbia’s Ministry of Health to enable medical doctors who have trained in medical schools outside Canada and the United States to compete for and obtain residency positions that will lead to licensure for practice. The program is offered to British Columbians who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those that have World Health Organization Refugee Status.
The IMG-BC Program is designed to assess IMG applicants, and prepare them for application to UBC Faculty of Medicine Residency Training programs, which are available to IMGs in the first iteration of the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS).
In 2013, we have implemented changes to increase access for assessment in British Columbia, ensuring the best candidates for expanded IMG positions:
- We have significantly increased access for those wishing to take the National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Exam (NAC-OSCE) in BC: commencing in 2013, an additional NAC-OSCE session will be offered in British Columbia (March and September), doubling the number of seats currently offered. This standardized clinical exam will be offered at a price of $1,950 per candidate. While BC’s rate continues to be lower than the national cost of administering the exam, this discounted price is subject to change upon future review.
- We have significantly increased the number of positions in the clinical assessment program: undertaking Canadian clinical experiences that demonstrate clinical competency enhance a candidate’s success when applying through CaRMS and completing the residency program thereafter. In 2013, the number of clinically based assessments offered through the IMG-BC Program increased from 35 to up to 60 per year. Duration of the assessment will also change; reduced from the current 12 week program to 8 weeks.
- For the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) entry year of July 1, 2014, all International Medical Graduates (IMGs) applying for first and second iteration CaRMS positions in British Columbia will be required to provide passing scores for both the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Exam (MCCEE), and the National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE).
