IMG Guide

The Process

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Step 1: Determine Your Licensure Eligibility

Your first step should be to contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPSNL) to determine if you are eligible for a medical license in the province (see right sidebar).

• CPSNL Registration and Licensure

The CPSNL sets qualifications for the registering and licensing of medical practitioners, standards for the practice of medicine in the province, and practice policies and guidelines for medical practitioners. They also monitor the practice of medical practitioners through peer assessment review, investigate complaints made against medical practitioners and conduct disciplinary hearings when they have reasonable cause to believe that a medical practitioner has committed professional misconduct or malpractice or may be guilty of conduct unbecoming a medical practitioner.

Step 2: Meet Your Advocate

If you are eligible for a medical license in Newfoundland and Labrador, your next step should be to familiarize yourself with your advocate — the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) (see right sidebar).

• Your Advocate

The NLMA represents and supports physicians in the province. It is critical that we represent your interests from the start to avoid confusion and problems later in the process. Remember to avail of our contract review service before signing any employment contract (see right sidebar).

Step 3: Contact the Physician Recruiter

After familiarizing yourself with the NLMA, your next step should be to contact the physician recruiter who will assist you in securing a practice.

The recruiter, who works on behalf of the regional health authorities, can also provide assistance with immigration, licensure and travel assistance within Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Physician Recruiter

Step 4: Sign Your Employment Contract, Obtain Your License and Join the NLMA

Before signing an employment contract with your health authority or other employer, the NLMA advises you avail of our contract review service (see right sidebar).

Once you have an offer to practice in Newfoundland and Labrador, your must officially obtain your license to practice from the CPSNL.

During the licensure procedure, you will also receive an application for membership in the NLMA. In accordance with the Medical Act, membership in the NLMA is compulsory to practice in the province and failure to join within one (1) month after registration with the College renders your license null and void from the date of registration.

• NLMA Online Membership Application