Electives and Observerships

Elective Trainees from Canadian Universities

Contact:Dana Szostak

Elective Trainees from International Universities (work permit required)

There is an elective category of registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) that allows international trainees to complete an elective in Ontario.  The trainee must be at least a PGY3 level in a university residency training program of the same specialty they are applying to.  The elective cannot exceed 6 months duration and the trainee may be exempt from completing the Medical of Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) but their CPSO application must pass through CPSO's Registration Committee for licensing approval.  The applicant must also successfully complete a two week Pre-Entry Assessment Program (PEAP) in order to continue in the elective. 

There is extensive paperwork required by the applicant.  This includes applications for the work authorization permit as well as the CPSO licensing and both of these are very lengthy.  Therefore sufficient time must be allowed for this paperwork which takes approximately 5-6 months.

Your home school is responsible for your salary, benefits, etc., as well as an academic fee in the amount of $6,500.00 payable to McMaster University.  This fee is per elective and the rate is subject to change.   McMaster University does not provide any remuneration to candidates here on electives and the elective trainee is responsible for all associated costs to train in Ontario.  See costs associated with training in Ontario. Also, Fees and Documentation Chart (National)

Finally, the program you are interested in would have to agree to accept you for the period of time you are requesting.  If you receive an acceptance, please contact the Postgrad Office to proceed: Sharon Ciraolo

Observerships

Observer-ships are not recognized training therefore the Postgraduate Medical Education Office at McMaster University is not involved in these arrangements.

Arrangements for observer-ships can be made through the Hamilton teaching hospitals:  Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare. 

You must be a Practicing Healthcare Practitioner to be eligible.  Learners and Residents are not eligible to apply for observer-ships (see other options below).  There are other criteria in order to meet the eligibility requirements; please refer to the observer-ship policy. 

Other options (for Learners and Residents)