Ten new internationally trained family physicians have joined the health care system
The first cohort of 10 internationally trained family physicians recently successfully completed the Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick program (PRA-NB).
The members of the first cohort, made up of five physicians selected by Vitalité Health Network and five by Horizon Health Network, have successfully completed their assessment.
The PRA-NB program provides an accelerated route to licensure in New Brunswick for family physicians trained outside Canada. Administered by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, this program allows participants to be evaluated over a period of 12 weeks under the supervision of licensed physicians, to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe, quality care for patients in the province.
Four of the doctors hired by Vitalité Health Network will start their practice in the Restigouche zone, while one will be based in the Chaleur region (Acadie-Bathurst Zone). These recruits will contribute directly to improving access to care for patients in these regions, either by providing in-patient care or community-based care.
Launched in October 2023, this initiative is the result of collaboration between the Department of Health, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, the two health networks, the New Brunswick Medical Society and the province’s medical training centres. Successful candidates commit to a three-year service agreement with the Department of Health to work in New Brunswick.
"By facilitating the entry of internationally trained physicians, we are enhancing access to primary health care for thousands of patients," said Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network.
"The PRA-NB program represents a significant step forward in addressing the shortage of family doctors. I would like to thank all the partners who have made this possible.”
Internationally trained doctors are already a vital component of our health care system. Approximately one third of the physicians currently practising in New Brunswick have been trained abroad.
Dr. Shiva Parsa, who will be practicing in the Bathurst region, is delighted to provide care to the people of New Brunswick.
"We want to support the integration of our new doctors throughout the process and facilitate their settlement into their new region. Providing appropriate support is crucial for them to establish themselves long-term and deliver quality care to the population," added Dr. Natalie Banville, Vice President of Medical Affairs.
A second cohort of physicians will begin its clinical field assessment in the fall of 2025.
"We are delighted to welcome these physicians to our province," said Dr. Laurie Potter, Registrar, President and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick (CPSNB). These physicians have undergone a rigorous assessment confirming their competence as practitioners. We are pleased that, thanks to the PRA-NB program, thousands of New Brunswickers will now have access to a primary health care provider."
The first cohort was recognized by: (back row) Dr. John Dornan, Minister of Health; Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network; Dr. Jody Enright, Medical Director for the Moncton area, Horizon Health Network; Dr. Arshia Haqani and Dr. Kirill Baskin, Horizon Health Network candidates. Front row: Dr. Shiva Parsa, Vitalité Health Network candidate; Dr. Nicole LeBlanc, Deputy Registrar, College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick; Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick; Dr. Laurie Potter, Registrar and CEO, College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick; and Dr. Wael Zohdy, Vitalité Health Network candidate.
