Maple News reports that Ontario has introduced substantial reforms to help US-trained physicians begin working in the province more quickly. These regulatory changes are designed to address ongoing physician shortages, improve patient access to care, and attract international talent to Canada’s healthcare system.
Under the new policy, board-certified American physicians can start practicing in Ontario for up to six months without first registering with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). While full registration is still required, this interim work period provides critical staffing relief in hospitals, clinics, and community care settings. Physicians must have a clean professional record and remain compliant with Canadian immigration and work permit regulations.
Previously, American-trained doctors were restricted to working only in public hospitals and long-term care homes. Now, they can also work in primary care clinics, community laboratories, and home care settings—expanding service delivery across Ontario’s healthcare system.
To support this transition, the CPSO offers multiple licensing pathways tailored to various stages of a physician’s career and certification status. Board-certified doctors from the U.S., including those licensed by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA), can practice independently without additional exams. Physicians who are board-eligible may practice under supervision for up to three years while completing certification requirements.
Additionally, family physicians certified in the U.S. can obtain Canadian certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) without requiring further exams. Alternative routes also exist for physicians with at least five years of experience or those yet to obtain board certification, allowing for supervised practice and eventual unrestricted licensure.
Though CPSO registration does not require Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, foreign-trained physicians must possess a valid Canadian work permit or permanent resident status to work legally in the province. Immigration remains a separate but essential component of the employment process.
These developments are strongly backed by major healthcare organizations, including the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario College of Family Physicians. Leaders emphasize that while Ontario welcomes international talent, the province must also ensure robust support for its current healthcare workforce.
These streamlined pathways reflect Ontario’s serious response to healthcare staffing challenges and highlight the province’s strategic efforts to attract skilled international professionals, particularly from the United States.