Can Indian MBBS Graduates Practice Medicine in Canada? Here’s What You Need to Know

New Delhi: Canada faces a shortage of healthcare professionals, and the country allows foreign-trained doctors to practice medicine, provided they meet specific requirements. This opens opportunities for Indian MBBS graduates to work as doctors in Canada and even obtain permanent residency. However, several exams, verifications, and residency requirements must be fulfilled before one can legally practice.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for Indian medical graduates aspiring to work in Canada:

1. Language Proficiency Test
Canada has two official languages—English and French. Foreign medical graduates must demonstrate proficiency in at least one language to communicate effectively with patients. Tests such as IELTS (for English) or TEF Canada (for French) can be used to provide proof of language skills.

2. Verify Your Medical Degree
Graduates must create an account on physiciansapply.ca to verify their MBBS degree and academic transcripts. This verification confirms eligibility for Canadian medical residency programs and for applying to the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) licensing exams.

3. Pass MCCQE Part I and NAC Exams
The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE) Part I is a computer-based test assessing medical knowledge. After clearing this, graduates must pass the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Exam, a clinical assessment that evaluates practical patient-care skills, which is mandatory for residency applications.

4. Complete Residency
The biggest challenge for foreign graduates is completing a Canadian residency. Applicants must apply through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). Once accepted, residency training lasts 2 to 6 years, depending on the specialty.

5. Certification and Licensing Exams
After residency, graduates must clear MCCQE Part II, and in some provinces, additional certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) may be required. Finally, doctors must obtain a license from the provincial Medical Regulatory Authority and the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) to legally practice medicine in Canada.

Conclusion:
Indian MBBS graduates can practice in Canada, but the path requires careful planning, multiple exams, residency training, and proper certification. Those who follow the guidelines set by the Medical Council of Canada and provincial authorities can build a successful medical career in the country.