In a groundbreaking move to address healthcare challenges, New Brunswick has successfully integrated ten international family physicians into its healthcare system through the innovative Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick (PRANB) program. This initiative not only strengthens the province’s healthcare infrastructure but also establishes Canada’s first provincial bilingual licensing pathway, a significant milestone for healthcare accessibility.

What is the Practice Ready Assessment Program?

The Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick program was designed to help internationally trained physicians become licensed and work in New Brunswick. Candidates undergo a rigorous 12-week clinical field assessment under the supervision of licensed New Brunswick physicians. This process evaluates their readiness, skills, and suitability to provide safe patient care.

The program is a collaboration between the Department of Health and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick. It is the only bilingual program of its kind in Canada, allowing candidates to complete their assessments in either English or French.

A Solution to Healthcare Challenges in New Brunswick

The introduction of international family physicians through this program is a welcome solution for New Brunswickers who have gone far too long without access to primary care. The first cohort of ten physicians will serve communities across Moncton, Campbellton, Bathurst, Miramichi, and Woodstock. These professionals, working within the Horizon and Vitalité health networks, are expected to provide medical care to approximately 10,000 to 15,000 residents.

Premier Susan Holt highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “The Practice Ready Assessment program is helping us to build up the team of much-needed primary care providers in our health-care system.”

Federal-Provincial Collaboration and Financial Support

This strategic initiative is backed by $313 million in federal and provincial funding under the Working Together agreement. This funding aims to improve New Brunswick’s healthcare system and address longstanding challenges in physician recruitment.

Health Minister John Dornan shared his optimism about the program, emphasizing its ability to tap into a pool of international medical graduates who are already living and legally able to work in the province.

A Pathway for International Physicians to Call New Brunswick Home

The program not only provides a licensing pathway but also supports the integration of internationally trained physicians into the province’s medical system. Candidates participate in an orientation program before their assessments to help them adjust to New Brunswick’s healthcare landscape.

Dr. Mathias Forgo, a general practitioner from Burkina Faso and one of the program’s inaugural candidates, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am excited to begin this next chapter of my life where I can practise medicine and make New Brunswick my home.”

A Bilingual Licensing Pathway: A Canadian First

One of the most remarkable features of the Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick program is its bilingual nature. This allows candidates to be assessed in their preferred official language, whether English or French. This approach not only respects Canada’s linguistic diversity but also ensures that physicians can effectively communicate with their patients.

Dr. Laurie Potter, registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, noted, “These physicians have undergone a robust assessment that confirms their competence as medical practitioners, and we’re pleased that, through the Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick program, thousands more New Brunswickers will have access to a primary care provider.”

What This Means for Canada’s Immigration Landscape

The success of this program is an excellent example of how Canada continues to innovate in integrating skilled immigrants into its workforce. Internationally trained physicians represent a significant portion of the healthcare workforce in New Brunswick, with about one-third of licensed physicians in the province holding medical degrees from outside Canada.

Programs like PRANB demonstrate the importance of creating clear pathways for skilled immigrants to contribute to Canadian society. This is a win-win for both newcomers and communities in need of essential services.

How Mesidor Immigration Can Help

If you’re an internationally trained professional looking to make Canada your home, Mesidor Immigration can guide you through the immigration process. Whether you want to come to Canada, remain here, or bring someone to join you, we are here to help. Take the first step by contacting us for your immigration eligibility assessment.