Just like you can study and become a nurse in Canada, it is likewise possible to become a medical doctor in Canada following steps I will outline in this post.
Nevertheless, I must reveal to you that in order to become a medical doctor in Canada, the easiest and most straightforward process is by studying from the medical school level or even before (college-level ideally) in the country. This is because Doctors in Canada are trained under the medical model, this means they are trained to think, speak the medical terminology, and diagnose conditions properly.
Getting a job after your studies in Canada is not a problem. Opportunities abound for doctors and physicians in most cities in Canada.
How to Become a Doctor in Canada: Step by Step Guide
To become a doctor or physician in Canada requires skill, patience, a desire to learn, and a lifelong commitment to improving patient health. Because doctors play a critical role in the health care system and virtually many people rely on these doctors’ experience and skill.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
There is no specific major that prospective doctors need to pursue before enrolling in medical school. However, it’s important that students take several science and science-related courses. Examples of majors may include chemistry, physics and biology. Some colleges and universities may even offer a pre-medicine track that will include courses in anatomy and physiology.
While in school, it is helpful to work in a medical facility. Admission into medical school is very competitive, and it’s important that applicants look for any possible advantage. While a strong grade point average is important, volunteering at a local health clinic or working in a medical facility may be beneficial since it adds to the extracurricular activities that you can list on a medical school application.
Also, you should get letters of recommendation. Medical schools sometimes require these, but it’s important for you to get them even if they aren’t a prerequisite. You should build strong relationships with professors in the pre-med track to get positive letters of recommendation.
Step 2: Take the Medical College Admission Test
Medical schools require that individuals interested in applying take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is a multiple-choice exam that covers areas involving critical thinking, problem solving, scientific principles and writing. It’s important to perform well on this exam in order to get accepted into medical school.
Step 3: Enroll in Medical School
A Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is four years in length, and combines academic coursework with clinical training. The first two years of the program will teach you about several topics, including medical laws and ethics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology. The final two years require you to practice in clinical rotations. These rotations, completed under the supervision of doctors, will expose students to areas involving surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, gynecology and obstetrics.
Consider also participating in an internship. Medical students will be expected to choose internships that focus on a specific specialty. This will help them get into a residency program. The internship is often completed during the summer between the third and fourth years.
Step 4: Complete a Medical Residency
After graduating from medical school, aspiring doctors must enter residency programs. In a residency, doctors will receive paid, on-the-job training. These can last anywhere from 3-7 years, depending on the specialty. They take place in a hospital and offer an opportunity for medical school graduates to begin treating patients under the supervision of an experienced doctor.
Step 5: Obtain Licensure
Doctors must obtain medical licensure to practice in hospitals and other types of medical facilities. In order to earn licensure, doctors must pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). This three-part exam covers topics involving scientific and medical concepts, patient care and management in ambulatory settings.
You may also consider obtaining specialty certification. You have the option to earn certification in the specialty of your interest from an accredited organization. Earning certification will demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge and skills in a specific medical specialty, such as immunology, dermatology, neurological surgery, or ophthalmology. The prerequisites for certification typically include a certain number of years of experience working in the specialty, including the residency period, and passing an exam.
Where Can I Work as a Canadian Doctor?
They are various places in Canada where a medical doctor is highly needed. However, Your place of work will totally depend on you, whether you want to work in the hospital, become a family doctor or general practitioner.
Advisably, when looking for the right place to work in Canada, You should concentrate on rural areas, where there is a higher demand for family doctors and other types of physicians.
As the population of the county keeps growing, employment for doctors in Canada is still expected to increase over the next several years.
What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Canada?
According to Dr. Bill, As of 2018, the average annual salary for a doctor in Canada was $281,000 for family doctors, $360,000 for a medical specialist, and $481,000 for a surgical specialist. Doctor salary in Canada ranges from $278,000 for psychiatrists and over $769,000 for ophthalmologists.
Why Become a Doctor in Canada?
There are many reasons doctors stand to achieve from pursuing a career in Canada, from Flexibility of Hours, Work-Life Balance to Growth Opportunities.
Here are some of the major benefits of becoming a doctor in Canada:
1. Flexibility of Hours
2. Job Satisfaction
3. Quality of Education
4. Job Security
5. High Paying Salary
Becoming a doctor in Canada takes several years of study and dedication to lifelong learning.
If this is a field that interests you, it deserves a second look. Gaining a better understanding of what’s involved in becoming a doctor, and being licensed will aid you to become a doctor in Canada in lesser time.
Generally, to become a doctor in Canada, the following steps will help you get licensed in lesser time.
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
- Take the Medical College Admission Test
- Enroll in Medical School
- Complete a Medical Residency
- Obtain Licensure