Province wants more international medical graduates to complete residency here

Soon, more Nova Scotians who go to a medical school outside Canada will be able to complete their residency here.

There used to be six designated residency seats for international medical graduates interested in a Nova Scotia residency, but the province is adding 10 more.

Those in the Nova Scotia International Medical Graduates Program will then need to work in an area of high demand in the province for three years.

The co-lead of the office of healthcare professionals recruitment says doctors tend to practise where they train, so if they end up doing their residency outside of the country, it’s more difficult for them to eventually come back home.

“Some are spending five to 10 years in another country at that crucial age when people start to lay down roots and build community,” explained Dr. Nicole Boutilier in a news release.

“This program will make a real and immediate difference for Nova Scotians.”

Those who apply to the Nova Scotia International Medical Graduate residency stream must have a connection to the province, including having attended a Nova Scotia high school or university for at least two years or be a current resident.

The residency positions are part of the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) program, which is a national service tasked with matching all physician residency program applicants with open spots at Canada’s medical schools.

Applications open Wednesday.

NOTE: This is a corrected story. The province originally stated those in the Nova Scotia International Medical Graduates Program needed to work in an area of high demand for five years.