Canada is witnessing a growing number of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and continued effort to assess, train and recognise foreign credentials leading to licensed practice. In 2004, the Canadian Task Force on the Licensure of International Medical Graduates made six recommendations to address IMG barriers to licensure and practice. The National IMG Database was subsequently formed in 2005 based on 2 recommendations stipulating the need to develop a national research agenda, and the capacity to track and recruit IMGs.
This pan-Canadian database provides important information on internationally trained physicians and their unique contribution to the Canadian physician workforce, by tracking IMGs through the various milestone events on the path to licensure and out into practice.
Data is received on an annual basis from the Medical Council of Canada and the 17 Canadian faculties of Medicine. Data on IMGs in practice is purchased from Scott’s Directories.