How to become a general practitioner in Canada

Becoming a general practitioner in Canada requires a significant amount of education and training. The first step is to obtain a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences. After completing the undergraduate degree, aspiring general practitioners must attend medical school and obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Medical school typically takes four years to complete.

After completing medical school, aspiring general practitioners must complete a residency program in family medicine. The residency program typically takes two to three years to complete and provides hands-on training in a clinical setting. During the residency program, residents work under the supervision of experienced physicians and gain experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions.

Once the residency program is complete, aspiring general practitioners must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I and Part II. These exams assess the candidate's knowledge and skills in various areas of medicine, including clinical decision-making, communication, and professionalism.

After passing the MCCQE exams, aspiring general practitioners must obtain a license to practice medicine in the province or territory where they wish to work. The licensing requirements vary by province and territory, but typically include passing a licensing exam and meeting other requirements such as completing a criminal record check and providing proof of liability insurance.