Internationally trained physicians to join N.B. health-care system
More family doctors are preparing to join the province’s team of health-care professionals after completing a program that provides an alternate route to licensure for internationally trained physicians.
According to a government release from the Department of Health, the second group of candidates are wrapping up the Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick program this month. These physicians will then transition into their roles as family doctors throughout the province.
The program, a 12-week clinical field assessment, is offered through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick and is supported by the Department of Health. Candidates are supervised by licensed New Brunswick physicians who evaluate their readiness, skills, and ability to provide safe care.
The first round of 10 candidates completed the program in March 2025 and are now practicing across the province.
Health Minister John Dornan says he is delighted to see more candidates getting assessed and completing the program.
“This program is an important tool in our efforts to strengthen family physician recruitment and improve access to health care,” said Dornan. “These physicians will play a key role in helping more New Brunswickers connect with a primary care provider.”
Successful candidates sign a three-year return-of-service agreement with the department upon completion.
The Department of Health says that additional groups are planned for this fall and onward.