Orientation to Training and Practice in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OTPC?

The Orientation to Training and Practice in Canada Program (OTPC) is for candidates who have received acceptance for a specialty residency training program in the province of Ontario.

The program was developed in consultation with program directors in response to defined needs, and focuses on areas of importance for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Canadians Educated Abroad (CEAs) during their specialty residencies. Its purpose is to prepare candidates for a successful transition into residency.
All candidates accepted into specialty PGY1 residency positions at the Ontario medical schools will participate in OTPC, an intensive preparatory program that addresses key competency areas, while giving candidates a safe environment to hone their skills before residency.

The program is three weeks in duration and consists of a blend of classroom and online learning. This program must be completed prior to the commencement of the residency program.

What topics will be covered in the program?

An array of material is presented and explored, including the patient-centered interview process, documentation, collaboration, and other aspects of medical culture in Ontario. Learners will be exposed to organizations such as CPSO, OMA, PAIRO, WSIB, CMPA and Health Force Ontario.

What are the dates of the OTPC program?

For the academic cycle in 2012, three time periods are available:

OTPC Cohorts 12A and 12B: Monday, April 30th to Friday, May 18th, 2012  
OTPC Cohort 12C: Monday, May 28th to Friday, June 15th, 2012
OTPC Cohort 12D: Wednesday, June 6th to Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

When will I find out which session I am expected to attend?

All candidates will be contacted by CEHPEA within two weeks after the successful CaRMS match candidates are announced, and will be asked to indicate their choice of dates.

What is the daily format of the program? Will there be any evening or weekend sessions?

The OTPC program is a blended program, consisting of classroom based sessions and online modules. The classroom based sessions are scheduled to run from 9:00am- 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. Online modules can be completed by the learner individually at a time that is convenient to them (likely evenings and weekends). There is a recommended order for completion of the online modules, designed to complement the classroom based sessions.  Learners will have access to the modules prior to the start of the program, so that they might complete some of them prior to the program if they desire.

Will I need to have access to a computer for the online modules?

Yes. Participants are encouraged to arrange access to a computer at their place of residence. The program does have a number of lap-top computers available for sign-out that will be allocated depending on needs and individuals’ circumstances. Lap-top computers will also be available during the day at CEHPEA for use during lunch hours and breaks.

What is an Assessment Verification Period (AVP)?

All IMG and CEA candidates accepted to an Ontario residency training program are required to undergo an Assessment Verification Period (AVP) upon completion of the OTPC Program. 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.

Do I need to complete the AVP as well as the OTPC program?

Yes, the OTPC program must be completed prior to the commencement of the Assessment Verification Period.

What will happen if I fail the OTPC program?

The OTPC program is not evaluative in nature; however the attendance record and a report of each candidate’s results (final OSCE stations, participation rate and completion of online modules, and summative multiple-choice examination) will be passed on to the specialty program directors.

If I am a Canadian citizen, do I have to participate in the OTPC program?

Yes. All internationally trained physicians who have received acceptance for a Specialty Residency Training Program in Ontario are required to complete the program.

Who can I contact to apply for an exemption from the OTPC program?

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.

Does CEHPEA provide ACLS training for the OTPC candidates?

Yes. Complimentary ACLS certification training is included in the OTPC program and will be held over one weekend at the Michener Institute. The weekends listed below have scheduled ACLS certification training and candidates are encouraged to select their preferred weekend as soon as possible. OTPC candidates will register for one session by filling out the Michener Institute Registration Form which will be emailed upon candidate’s confirmation their attendance in OTPC. It is the responsibility of each candidate to complete the registration form and fax it directly to the Michener Institute before the deadline of the preferred session.

If a candidate’s ACLS certification is current, they may elect not to undergo the training (a requirement of the universities and hospitals). ACLS recertification courses will be offered to those candidate’s with an ACLS card that has been issued in the past 2 years and 6 months. The recertification course will be held on the first day of each of the scheduled sessions (i.e. April 14th).

April 14th & 15th, 2012 (Registration deadline March 30, 2012)
April 21st & 22nd, 2012 (Registration deadline April 5, 2012)
May 5th & 6th, 2012 (Registration deadline April 20, 2012)
May 12th & 13th, 2012 (Registration deadline April 27, 2012)
June 9th & 10th, 2012 (Registration deadline May 25, 2012)
June 16th & 17th, 2012 (Registration deadline June 1, 2012)
July 21st & 22nd, 2012 (Registration deadline July 6, 2012)
July 28th & 29th, 2012 (Registration deadline July 13, 2012)

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 any way for the content found on any third-party website.

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