Being A Doctor In Canada
Finance, Accounting and Tax
The process to get your license recognised depends on several factors, including but not limited to, where you completed your undergraduate medical degree, if you have completed your post graduate speciality training (CCT), and how long you have worked as a qualified GP.
You will need to be registered with the following Canadian / Ontario Medical Bodies, amongst others:
MCC – Medical Council of Canada
CFPC – College of Family Physicians of Canada
CPSO – College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
MCCQE Part 1 – Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1
If you went to a CFPC recognised medical school , are a GP on the performers list (post CCT), and have at least one years work experience, you have two pathways to licensing in Ontario – Restricted Licence or Full Licence.
If you went to medical school or qualified as a GP in countries outside of the UK – please see here
Types of GP licences
Restricted Licence
This means you will mostly practice independently, but will be required to work with a supervisor to review your cases periodically (e.g. review 5-10 cases per week, with weekly/ two-weekly meetings, submission of cases to the CPSO) until you have passed your MCCQE P1 Exam . Once the exam is passed, you can re-apply for a full licence.
This pathway is usually valid upto 3 years, giving you ample time to study for the exam, whilst also understanding the healthcare care system in a whole new country.
This may be particularly suited to you if you feel you require a little more confidence and support at the start of your first job in Canada as a GP. OTB can help you find a practice with a supervisor to help you transition into the Ontario Healthcare System seamlessly.
Full/ Unrestricted licence
This allows you to work independently as a GP in Ontario without the need for a supervisor. You would need to have passed the MCCQE P1 Exam and meet all eligibility criteria required as per the MCC, CFPC and CPSO.
The Process
The majority of the process involves registering with the appropriate Canadian body, getting your documents uploaded, verified and submitted, so the relevant body can approve them.
Moving country is overwhelming, and the licensing pathways have several requirements to complete successfully.
To get a step by step guide on which medical bodies you need to register with, which documents you need to gather, finding the right lawyer to verify your identification/ passport, estimated costs, and an estimated timeline Contact us and we’ll guide you through the entire process.
Doctor led support
Dr Sonal is a UK qualified GP who is now working as a family doctor in Ontario. She has successfully completed all steps needed to get qualified and have a full medical licence in Toronto. It was a long and tedious process as she had very little guidance on what documents were required and when, or which licence pathway would best suit her. Reach out to us to hear more about her journey, get tailored advice to your situation and ask further about the processes required to start your new life in Canada as a GP.
The Healthcare System in Canada
The healthcare system in Canada has similarities to the UK in terms of a public funded national health system. It is further separated into various provinces across Canada. Ontario’s government funded healthcare system is often referred to as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) – where most temporary, permanent residents and citizens qualify for free state/ public funded healthcare services.
You as a doctor/ family physician will get paid based on a billing system via the Ministry of Health Ontario (MoH). Each patient you see is coded and billed according to the type of service you provide. All billings and codings are submitted monthly to the MoH, who then pay the clinic you work for, or yourself directly. How you get paid depends on which medical model you are working within, and if you are incorporated or not.
Medical Models in Canada
In Ontario, there are several primary care models that physicians can choose from. Here’s a brief overview of the Fee-For-Service (FFS), Family Health Group (FHG), and Family Health Organization (FHO) models:
Fee-For-Service (FFS)
In the FFS model, physicians are compensated for each service they provide¹. This is the traditional model of payment and is used for physicians not in a patient enrolment or salary model².
Family Health Group (FHG)
The FHG model is an enhanced Fee-For-Service model for groups of at least three physicians¹². In this model, the majority of income comes from Fee-For-Service billings. However, physicians are also eligible for specific bonuses, premiums, and monthly comprehensive care capitation payments for all enrolled patients². These incentives are paid for eligible services to enrolled patients, including chronic disease management and preventive care².
Family Health Organization (FHO)
The FHO model is a blended capitation model for groups of at least three physicians¹². In this model, the majority of income comes from capitation fees, which are based on a defined basket of primary care services provided to enrolled patients based on the age/sex of each patient². Fee-For-Service is paid for other services, and physicians also receive monthly comprehensive care capitation payments for all enrolled patients². Bonuses, premiums, and special payments are paid for services such as chronic disease management, preventative care, prenatal care, and home visits for enrolled patients, and for hospital visits, obstetrical care, and palliative care for all patients².
Each of these models has its own advantages and is designed to meet the needs of different types of practices and patient populations. The choice of model can depend on various factors, including the size of the practice, the needs of the patient population, and the physician’s preference for how they wish to be compensated.
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 27/05/2024
(1) Primary care payment models in Ontario | ontario.ca.
(2) Family Medicine Compensation and Practice Models in Ontario.
(3) Costs of Health Care Across Primary Care Models in Ontario – HSPN.
(4) Primary Care Payment Models in Ontario – Health Care Professionals – MOHLTC.
(5) Primary care services and emergency department visits in … – Springer.
Legal Protection
Medico-legal support and indemnity coverage is a must for any physician. The majority of doctors in Canada use CMPA
Income
Average Gross Salary in Ontario:
The average gross salary for doctors in Ontario, Canada is approximately $260,725 per year or an equivalent hourly rate of $125. This figure represents the overall average across various specialties. Keep in mind that this is the gross salary, which means it does not account for taxes or deductions.
Median Income:
The median income for doctors and physicians in Ontario is around $283,000 CAD per year. This value represents the central point where half of the workforce earns less than this amount, and the other half earns more2.
Career Progression:
As doctors gain experience and move beyond entry-level positions, their average salary tends to increase. Maximum earnings as a family doctor can be $300,000 CAD per year onwards.