Acceptable Alternatives to the LMCC

Preamble

Section 19 of the Medical Practitioners Regulations states that one of the requirements for registration is “a licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, or an acceptable alternative as determined by resolution of Council.” 

Purpose

This policy sets out the acceptable alternatives to the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), as determined by resolution of Council.

Scope

This policy applies to all physicians applying for registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (the College).

Policy

The following are acceptable alternatives to the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) in an application for registration:

1. United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Steps 1, 2 and 3; or
2. Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) Components 1 and 2; or
3. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Parts I, II, and III; or
4. The Comprehensive Osteopathic Licensing Examination (COMPLEX-USA) Levels 1, 2 and 3. (This applies only to graduates of osteopathic schools accredited by the American Osteopathic Association); or
5. An assessment of practice that is satisfactory to the Registrar; or
6. A recognized MD¹ together with a pass standing in the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I AND at least one year of verified² postgraduate training; or
7. A minimum of five years of recent practice experience as the most responsible physician after completing the postgraduate training program in the specialty for which they intend to practise. Practice experience must be a minimum of 0.5 FTE (900 hours per year) and must be satisfactory to the Registrar or Registration Committee.

In determining whether practice is satisfactory in accordance with (paragraph g), the Registrar or the Registration Committee may consider:

• disciplinary history;
• certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions from where the Applicant has practised;
• three verifiable references supporting competence, capacity and good character;
• satisfactory participation in a continuing professional development program:
  • the Mainpro+ program of the College of Family Physicians of Canada; or
  • the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) CPD program of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada; or
  • the continuing professional development program established or approved by jurisdiction from where the Applicant currently practises.
• where applicable or where available, Supervision reports, Sponsorship reports and recommendations, or formal practice evaluations; and
• other information as deemed relevant.

Resources

1. University or School Approved by Council
2. How to have your medical credentials source verified (physiciansapply.ca)