Trainees - International

Thank you for choosing Western University to pursue your elective rotation. It is important to note that all international electives should be arranged at least 6 months prior to the elective start date. To be eligible for the mandatory medical license required to undertake an elective, candidates must be enrolled in a residency or fellowship program at the time of the elective, and must have completed two years of training in the discipline in which the elective is being sought. The following procedure must be followed to ensure registration in your elective:    

  1. The applicant must first contact the program to formally request the elective of their choice, including the proposed start and end date of the rotation. For program contact information please see our Residency Training Programs contact info.
  2. If the Program is able to accommodate the elective and confirms their approval, the applicant must send the following documentation to the Postgraduate Medical Education office:

    • Curriculum Vitae
    • a copy of your Medical Degree (a photo will suffice)
    • confirmation of elective approval from the Program; attach the email confirming the elective, or ask the program to send confirmation to the PGME office
    • proof of citizenship - passport demographic page
    • a letter of support from the Program Director of your home university. This letter must indicate that you are a current resident, the primary language of patient care in your training program, the program of your training, the start date and anticipated end date of your residency training, give approval of your proposed elective dates, and confirm that you have submitted evidence of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.The letter should be addressed to Dr. Lois Champion, Associate Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Postgraduate Medical Education, MSB M103, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1.
    • MCCEE results (if applicable)
    • Documents must be sent to Kate O'Donnell in the PGME office, email kate.odonnell@schulich.uwo.ca
  3. The elective is reviewed, and if approved, a Letter of Appointment is prepared and emailed to you. The letter must be signed and returned to the PGME office. Once returned, the PGME office will forward the signed Letter of Appointment to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), the medical licensing authority for the province. The CPSO will then email the applicant a customized application package for the mandatory medical elective license application.
  4. The license application should be completed and submitted to the CPSO at least four months prior to the elective start date; application processing time ranges from 4 to 6 months. All international elective license applications require review by the CPSO Registration Committee, please review the schedule of meeting dates to plan your application timeline. You will not be able to commence your rotation without a valid CPSO license.
  5. Pre-Entry Assessment Program (PEAP): All interntional elective trainees are required by the CPSO to complete a 14-day PEAP. The PEAP is an assessment period that evaluates candidates trained outside of Canada to determine whether they can function at the appointed level of training. Assessment takes place in a supervised clinical, multidisciplinary environment where there is patient contact on an ongoing basis. Assessors are to ensure that candidates are: mentally competent to practice medicine; able to practice with decency, integrity and honesty and in accordance with the law; have sufficient knowledge, skill and judgment to engage in postgraduate medical training as authorized by the educational license; can communicate effectively and display an appropriate professional attitude. The PEAP will be conducted by your elective supervisor when you start your elective appointment, it does not occur separately from your regular elective training.
  6. You must also apply for coverage under the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA). CMPA can be contacted at CMPA or 1.800.267.6522. 
  7. International elective trainees will require a Work Permit and/or Temporary Resident Visa. Instructions and supporting documentation necessary for your application will be emailed to you. Please do not submit your work permit application until you have received the letter of employment from the PGME office.
  8. After the signed Letter of Appointment has been sent to CPSO, the PGME office will monitor for your license to be issued. You must monitor the status of your CPSO license application by logging in to the CPSO  website. You are responsible for ensuring all documentation is submitted for your application.
  9. The elective applicant will receive an emailed hospital application package from Medical Affairs that includes training modules to complete, a hospital appointment letter to sign and return, and a health review form to be completed. Please review Medical Affairs requirements for more information. Elective training cannot begin until Medical Affairs has confirmed that all requirements have been met.
  10. The work permit will be issued to you upon arrival in Canada. You must send a copy of your work permit to the PGME office before you can begin your elective. Email a copy to Kate O'Donnell or fax to 519.850.2492
  11. Once your CPSO license has been issued, the PGME office will send a confirmation email to the elective Program Director, Medical Affairs and the applicant.