The first phase of the Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) opened on February 10. PACE assesses internationally trained physicians for licensure to practice to the full scope of their demonstrated competencies.

PACE assesses internationally trained physicians for licensure to practice to the full scope of their demonstrated competencies.

Candidate physicians work in the on-site medical clinic, providing patient care while being directly observed, overseen, and evaluated by fully licensed physicians, trained and accredited in the science of physician assessment. In partnership with the Medical Council of Canada, PACE employs cutting-edge tools and science to fairly and objectively assess the competencies necessary for independent licensure.

The assessments are undertaken by Nova Scotian physicians who have received in-depth training in current approaches and tools for workplace-based physician assessment. The assessments are competency-based, meaning that the time a candidate spends at PACE will vary entirely on performance. Once enough data has been gathered, a recommendation regarding licensure is made.

Prior to beginning at PACE, candidates participate in the Welcome Collaborative, an orientation program for internationally trained physicians. This program helps physicians succeed with integrating into medical practice in the province. The curriculum of this 4-day orientation includes: prescribing controlled substances, starting a practice in Nova Scotia, medical record-keeping, provincial billing, patient-centered communications, as well as settlement resources for candidates’ families.

PACE will eventually expand to include five physician-led teams, each with up to three internationally trained physicians, increasing the clinic’s capacity to about 6,400 patients.

PACE is a unique model in Canada funded by the provincial government.