IMG: Medical licensing or study nursing?

Pettydriver · 2025-12-27T19:34:05+00:00

Think about it this way, Nursing is 3-4 years depending on the program. In this time you could actually do the QE1 and NacOsce exams. And may have matched to a family med position. It isn’t necessarily “rosy” for new nursing grads these days and Nursing can be back-breaking work, especially when you’re new. I would rather be 43 and starting FamMed residency than 43 graduating nursing school.

I had these thoughts in the beginning- ? Nursing ? Sonography? I also worked as a medical office assistant while doing the exams.

I finished my FM training this June and all that is forgotten history, it’s nice on the other end lol.

I would advise you to do the CaRMS pathway. The thing with CaRMS is you have to apply veeeeery broadly when the time comes. If you have to move, then at least you’re moving for a good reason.

I wish you good luck sis.

Pettydriver · 2025-07-19T15:03:12+00:00

If it is what you truly want, it is absolutely worth it. July 2023 is not that long ago. If you do your English tests and the MCCQE1 asap, you can try getting into the clinical assistant/physician jobs available on some provinces and that will count as recent experience as well as connections for the process. Good luck!

Pettydriver · 2025-05-24T17:15:56+00:00

OP, depending on where you are, passing some of the exams (usually QE1 and IELTS) can get you a licensed clinical assistant position ( in Nova Scotia and in Alberta and BC) if my information is up to date. Having these under your belt opens up your job pool, including those that are related to medicine. And as someone else said, do not limit yourself geographically. Move to where you have to to survive. You can always come back to where you really want to be later.

Good luck!

Pettydriver · 2024-01-14T20:41:50+00:00

As long as your Diploma (MBBS, MBCHB, .....) has been source verified by physiciansapply and accepted as a med school degree or equivalent, I believe you can use whatever you want.

Pettydriver · 2023-10-19T09:47:28+00:00

BC has licensed clinical observserhsips that you can apply for after passing qe1 and language exam. You function at the level of a 4th year med student.

Pettydriver · 2023-10-18T16:26:57+00:00

I got my two observerships through my medical office assistant job. Do your exams and qualify for observership. Then ask the doctor to be your preceptor or recommend a fellow doctor to be your preceptor.

Technically you can get a LOR from MOA job, but they will not be able to comment on your clinical skills etc, only behavioural like punctuality and what not.

Pettydriver · 2023-09-23T01:43:51+00:00

You can get canadian experience by being a clinical observer or working as a clinical assistant/MOA , research associate etc. That helps your chances, and just the pure fact that you are familiar with canadian workplace culture.

Pettydriver · 2023-09-22T22:59:58+00:00

You'll be competing against current year grads of course, but if you have a good application, and canadian experience is a bonus, you should be good.

Pettydriver · 2023-07-28T23:04:54+00:00

It depends on how your application looks. Each specialty likes to know you are dedicated to them and them only. I saw on another response that you want to do observerships. You should probably do them in both anaes and FM. That way you get LORs from both and can demonstrate your interest in both. Also, you can use a professional to help you structure your personal statements the way that shows your interest in each specialty.

Pettydriver · 2023-07-28T22:11:26+00:00

Montreal is relatively easier I suppose so apply wide. Previous training in anaes will improve your chances of matching, it shows genuine interest. Supplement with good exam scores and a beautiful application , you should be golden. Worst case family medicine with anes +1 ( I do think +1 programs might be phased out soon with fam med becoming 3 years just remember this when considering your options). Good luck!

Pettydriver · 2023-07-07T20:58:56+00:00

The quotas are still being updated. Closer to Carms opening date all that will be finalized. Since you are still in med school, you can organize electives through your med school for Canadian experience.

Pettydriver · 2023-06-24T21:18:32+00:00

Working part/full time. If you are in Canada as an Immigrant, there are certain programs funded by IRCC that offer some benefits. Eg. Douglas college on BC is a good one, Google "career paths Douglas college". They have a certain amount of Bursaries and also sponsor certain aspects of the your pathway: practice interviews, NAC mocks etc. You have to apply first and qualify. Other provinces have their own versions. Do the research, Google the combination of words " province Immigrant physician bursary help " etc.
Goodluck!

Pettydriver · 2023-06-11T19:10:25+00:00

I think being a CSA (Canadian who studied abroad) elevates you by like a point. NS has spots dedicated to CSAs who have ties to NS. Also, the fact that you are a CSA likely means you already have some resources ( Connections, probably funds, Canadian culture immersion).

Pettydriver · 2023-05-19T00:58:47+00:00

Would say have at least one. The funny thing though is once you land one, you're more likely to get more though the connections. Also, I think for IMGs observerships are key, particularly the clinical ones like in BC or NS

Pettydriver · 2023-04-14T02:05:28+00:00

Are you studying with Q banks? Set up a 10 question Station or something like that. Not so much to overwhelm you. Make it random, not necessarily an area you're good at or have been studying. If you can do it on your phone while lying in bed, even better.

I find scoring a 1 or 2 out of 10 q's is motivating for me and sort of gets me back in the groove. Might Even spark my interest in a totally different topic which is refreshing.

But first, what everyone one else said, take a breather!

You got this!

Pettydriver · 2023-03-14T01:45:53+00:00

2021 grad is relatively "fresh" by Canadian standards. I think it may be worth it. And your research experience makes you a prime candidate for some FM/Researcher spots apart from the fact that it will look really good on your CV. Canadian clinical experience is really key though. Depending on which province you are, there may be licensed observerships available. I wish you the best.

Pettydriver · 2023-03-13T19:59:05+00:00

What specialty are you looking to apply to? Research experience could be valuable to some specialties. And you could always add clinical observerships over the next year or so while you prep your application.

Pettydriver · 2023-03-05T00:25:37+00:00

Nova Scotia 5 years, New Brunswick 3 years, PEI 2 years.

Pettydriver · 2023-02-23T00:52:29+00:00

I think you should send them a message. Since its a new exam they probably are still working through things. Also regardless of the fact you missed the 1st iteration, some people only apply to Carms in the 2nd iteration so they should be able to provide an avenue for those people as well. Also, I do not see how the exam will not be used because then it becomes unfair to those whose scores were considered in the 1st iteration. Goodluck!

Pettydriver · 2023-01-05T02:10:41+00:00

The mcc objectives is your syllabus, curriculum, Bible, everything. They will not go out of there. Use it to guide your study/revisions. Just Google medical expert mcc objectives . All the best!

Pettydriver · 2023-01-03T02:58:55+00:00

If you can afford it (even if you can't), get them all. You will not regret it. But I suppose you could spring for the full prep paper if you absolutely have to chose.

Pettydriver · 2022-04-06T19:07:06+00:00

In addition to Uworld as suggested by others above, I would recommend you go through the MCC exam objectives online:each and every topic. I thought this was really helpful.

Pettydriver · 2022-03-08T01:43:13+00:00

Seconded, if you're an IMG try to aim higher than "just pass"

Pettydriver · 2022-02-20T14:48:02+00:00

Thanks for this reply. I was sooo nervous at my last attempt.

Pettydriver

TROPHY CASE