Sponsorship helps bring internationally trained physicians to Alberta. Before starting practice readiness assessments, they must apply for a sponsored position. This means an approved organization supports an IMG or resident in obtaining independent licensure through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) assessment process. Sponsors are responsible for recruiting these physicians.

A practice readiness assessment (PRA) is the required final step of an alternate path to independent practice in Alberta for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who do not have complete Canadian credentials.

These assessments are mandatory for physicians aiming to register on the Provisional Register, thus becoming eligible to practice in Alberta.

• AHS focuses on filling vacancies identified in the workforce plan to address critical, unmet needs, in line with our agreement in the Physician Resource Plan to recruit physicians to provide care in the right areas of the province.
• For AHS-sponsored positions, the primary consideration is the unmet patient need addressed by the position. AHS prioritizes areas that will benefit most from recruiting physicians licensed on the Provisional Register.
• Understand that sponsorship is of a position, not a specific physician.
• Family Medicine positions in Urban Calgary or Edmonton will typically not be sponsored, but exceptions may be made under unique circumstances.
• Community clinics can now apply to the CPSA to be eligible to sponsor positions for practice readiness assessment without AHS involvement.
• If a clinic wishes to propose a physician job that is both community based and hospital based, AHS is open to collaboration and considering proposals.

AHS acknowledges that the medical workforce, and the needs of Albertans are complex. Additional indicators and considerations are included within the sponsorship request forms.

If you have read the content above and still wish to proceed with a request, please click the button below: 

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