PRP is a mandatory orientation program for all International Medical Graduates (IMG’s) who are accepted into an Ontario Family Medicine residency program through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). Phase 1 of PRP is six weeks in duration and must be completed before the beginning of Phase 2. The program will take place at the CEHPEA facility. Phase 2 is conducted at the university where the successful CaRMS candidate is matched.
PRP was established to prepare candidates for a successful transition into residency by focusing on skills which seemed to be lacking in previous generations of IMG’s: communication skills and knowledge of the Canadian medical culture.
What topics will be covered during the 6 week orientation?
The topics covered in the PRP program will focus on communication skills and the introduction to Canadian medical culture, as well as information sessions from CPSO, OMA, CMPA, WSIB, and Health Force Ontario.
If I am a Canadian citizen, do I have to participate in the PRP?
All internationally trained physicians who have received acceptance for a Family Medicine residency training program in the province of Ontario are required to complete the PRP program.
Is there any route to apply for exemption?
In certain specialized circumstances, candidates may contact their program director and apply to be exempt from the program before beginning residency. CEHPEA does not grant exemptions directly to candidates.
Will I be paid during the PRP?
The Ontario Medical Association may provide a small bursary for candidates involved in the course, otherwise there will be no remuneration for candidates participating in the Pre-Residency Program.
Will there be any provision for accommodation?
There will not be any provision for accommodation provided to the candidates. CEHPEA can provide a list** of short-term rental accommodations for candidates travelling to Toronto to take part in the program.
**CEHPEA is providing these links only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by CEHPEA nor can CEHPEA be held responsible in anyway for the content found on any third-party website.
What are the dates of the PRP program?
FM-PRP Cohort 2010A: March 22nd to April 30th
FM-PRP Cohort 2010B: March 22nd to April 30th
FM-PRP Cohort 2010C: July 12th to August 20th
Candidates who match through the CaRMS process will be notified of which session they will attend after the CaRMS match date.
What is the daily format of the program? Will there be any evening or weekend sessions?
The PRP sessions are scheduled to run from 9:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. There will be one weekend session for ACLS training.
Does CEHPEA provide ACLS training for the PRP candidates?
ACLS certification training is included in the PRP program and will be held over one weekend.
What will happen if I fail PRP?
The PRP program is not evaluative in nature; however the attendance record of each candidate will be passed on to the Family Medicine program directors.
What is an Assessment Verification Period (AVP)? Do I need to complete the AVP as well as the PRP?
All IMG candidates accepted to residency training programs will be required to undergo an Assessment Verification Period (AVP). This assessment period is 12 weeks in length and is required by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to meet its licensure requirements. If the candidate does not successfully complete the AVP, he or she must leave the residency training program. All Family Medicine IMG’s must complete PRP before continuing into residency.
