President’s Message
Dr. Martin Gardner, MD, FRCPC
President
A Flexible Approach to Licensure
It has been an extraordinary year for physicians as we continue to care for our patients during the disruptions authored by the global pandemic.
During this challenging time, the College has continued to ensure its licensing policies align with national standards while remaining reasonable and flexible. For instance, due to COVID-19 the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) cancelled a number of sittings of the MCCQE Part II exams. Without the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), newly graduated family physicians and others were unable to register for licensure. As such, the College approved national certification as acceptable alternatives to LMCC for those unable to complete the cancelled exams. Also, as a response to physician needs during the pandemic, we allowed temporary re-licensure of retired physicians.
During this challenging time, the College has continued to ensure its licensing policies align with national standards while remaining reasonable and flexible.
Pathways to Licensure
The work of providing assessments to facilitate a pathway to licensure carries on. The Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program, which assesses internationally-trained family physicians, completed two 12-week assessment programs resulting in eight successful candidates now licensed in family practice. As well, the Comprehensive Clinical Assessment of Practice Program is available to Defined licensed physicians. Successful candidates are now able to continue practice with a restricted license.
Other changes to our licensing policies include updates to moonlighting and Academic licence requirements allowing for locum coverage across the province and advocating for Defined licensees to ensure they have the necessary time, within their working environments, to prepare for licensing examinations.
The College’s commitment to support improved access to healthcare through leadership, collaboration, and flexibility remain at the forefront of its efforts.
