Members of the NBMS team attended the graduation ceremony at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre on March 12th in Moncton for 10 physicians who completed a program called Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick, an alternative route for internationally trained family physicians to become licensed to practise in the province.
The program was created through a collaboration between the Department of Health and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick. Candidates underwent an orientation program to support their integration into New Brunswick’s medical system, followed by participation in a 12-week clinical field assessment. Under the supervision of licensed physicians, this assessment period was used to evaluate their readiness, skills and suitability to provide safe patient care. It is the only bilingual program of its kind in Canada, allowing candidates to be assessed in either official language.
The energy in the room was palpable as this first cohort of program graduates was introduced to the audience of government officials, representatives of each of the Regional Health Authorities, and media. Several graduates spoke during the ceremony, sharing stories of their experience and expressing gratitude to the program and their assessors, as they look forward to practising here and caring for New Brunswickers.
The NBMS granted the candidates a special membership for the duration of the program and introduced them to the society’s benefits and initiatives during their orientation. As these physicians begin practising in Moncton, Campbellton, Bathurst, Miramichi and Woodstock, as part of family physician teams, the NBMS is collaborating with regional health authorities, regional service commissions and key stakeholders to ensure they feel supported and welcomed in their new communities.
If you are interested in learning more about this program or would like to get involved as an assessor for the next cohort of candidates who are scheduled to begin in the Fall, please contact Jennifer Scott Harris at jscottharris@nbms.nb.ca
Jennifer Scott Harris, Member Engagement Specialist
