arr121

Hello everyone,
I'm a 4th year medical student and aspiring GP. As I come toward the end of medical school, I'm beginning to think about the future and options for my future, and Canada is looking like a sensible option. I would most probably complete my GP training in the UK and make the move after. In the UK, many GPs complete extra training in particular areas of interest, for example women's health or dermatology, allowing them to tailor their practice and be able to complete additional procedures such as minor dermatological surgeries or coil insertion for women. I was wondering if this is also a concept in Canada? As far as I can see, this is an option but doctors will usually complete their special interest training during their family medicine residency, or take complete an additional year at the end of their family medicine residency. In the UK, GPs usually complete this special interest training after they've completed their GP training (equivalent of family medicine residency), whilst they're working.

I guess my question is how common is it for GPs in Canada to have special interests, and would I be able to complete such extra training in Canada if I'm already a fully qualified GP and not a current resident still in training? I don't believe any extra training that I may complete in the UK would be valid in Canada, but I may be wrong. For example, if I completed a diploma in dermatology which allowed me to do minor surgeries in the UK, I don't know if that would be recognised in Canada. I would think that I'd need to complete additional training in Canada, but don't know if that is possible outside of a residency programme.

I'd really appreciate any insight from Canadian family doctors/GPs or any British GPs who have made the move!! Thank you!!

bats

I'm not a GP but a retired radiographer. Unless things change drastically its hard to get into Canadian healthcare with foreign credentials. You have to do supervised practise or even a residency. Have a look at the BMA website for their comments.
If you really want to work in Canada then I'd say to get your qualifications over there, just my opinion. As well as the difference in medical practices there's also the health care system structure , billing, employment etc etc .

Why have you chose Canada btw? Which area are you thinking of.? I can think of a rural medicine practice that takes residents from Queens University in Kingston Ontario that would be a good choice

Docterror

From what I understand, Canadian GPs don’t tend to need a special diploma like DRCOG or dermascopy training prior working in areas of interest. The culture is more see one, do one, teach one.

Of course, you still have 2 more years of FY training and 3 more years of GPST. Might be best to re-visit regulations at your GPST3 in various provinces and see if there are any fellowships worthwhile to keep you in the NHS.

If you want more details ask away in DNUK forum or FB ‘UK GP to Canada Group’