The accreditation transition of Canadian medical schools: Possible implications for graduates applying for residency positions in the United States

Kevan English

doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240604113415

Abstract
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) has accredited Canadian medical schools for over 50 years. This agency also serves as the accrediting body for medical colleges in the United States. Thus, graduates of Canadian medical programs seeking residency training in the United States are not considered international medical graduates. Due to this fact, degree holders of Canadian medical programs who wish to pursue residency training in the United States do not require Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduate (ECFMG) certification to attain medical licensure. By mutual agreement with the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools, the LCME accreditation of Canada’s 17 medical schools will end on June 30th, 2025. Beyond this date, Canadian medical graduates seeking training within the United States will be considered international medical graduates. As a result, this will require ECFMG certification to enter postgraduate training. Possible implications of this decision could mean fewer Canadian graduates attaining competitive specialties and the social stigma of being labeled an international medical graduate.

Key words: Canada; ECFMG; International medical graduate; LCME; Residency training