New Brunswick is addressing its healthcare needs by integrating internationally trained physicians into the province’s healthcare system. Through the Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick (PRA-NB) program, ten family physicians have successfully completed their assessments and are now set to provide essential medical services across various regions.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare in New Brunswick
The province has long faced a shortage of family physicians, leaving thousands of residents without proper medical care. The introduction of the PRA-NB program aims to tackle this challenge by offering a structured pathway for international medical graduates to obtain their licenses and serve communities in need. The first cohort of doctors will now begin their practice in Moncton, Campbellton, Bathurst, Miramichi, and Woodstock. These professionals will be part of family physician teams, expected to serve an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 New Brunswickers.
Premier Susan Holt emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it is a significant step in bolstering the province’s healthcare workforce. She expressed appreciation for the doctors who have chosen to settle in New Brunswick and contribute to its medical sector.
A Unique Pathway for Licensing and Integration
The PRA-NB program, developed in collaboration with the Department of Health and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, provides internationally trained physicians with a 12-week clinical field assessment under the supervision of licensed professionals. This ensures that candidates possess the necessary skills and expertise to provide safe and effective patient care.
The first cohort began their assessments last September and completed the process earlier this year. A second group is set to begin their evaluations this fall, further expanding the program’s impact. The province relies heavily on internationally trained physicians, with nearly one-third of licensed doctors in New Brunswick holding medical degrees from outside Canada.
Health Minister John Dornan highlighted the importance of this initiative, calling it a key strategy in meeting physician recruitment needs. By leveraging the talent of internationally trained medical professionals already residing in New Brunswick, the program is helping to bridge critical gaps in healthcare access.
A Bilingual Approach to Medical Licensing
One of the distinguishing features of the PRA-NB program is its bilingual framework, making it the only initiative of its kind in Canada that allows candidates to undergo assessment in either English or French. This is particularly beneficial for French-speaking medical professionals who wish to serve francophone communities in New Brunswick.
Dr. Mathias Forgo, a general practitioner from Burkina Faso and one of the inaugural candidates, shared his enthusiasm for the program. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to practice medicine in his preferred language and is now preparing to begin work with the Vitalité Health Network in the Restigouche region.
Government Support and Future Expansion
The PRA-NB program is funded through a collaborative agreement between the provincial and federal governments, with more than $313 million allocated to enhancing healthcare services in New Brunswick. This financial backing ensures that the program can continue to grow, bringing more internationally trained doctors into the workforce and improving healthcare accessibility across the province.
With its structured assessments, bilingual support, and growing impact, the Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick program is set to become a crucial component of the province’s healthcare system. As more physicians complete the process, New Brunswickers can look forward to increased access to quality medical care, easing the strain on the existing healthcare infrastructure.
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