Run through the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine, the SIPPA program is designed to address physician shortages by assessing and integrating international medical graduates (IMGs) into rural and underserved communities across the province.
Step 1: Eligibility and Initial Application
Meet the eligibility requirements and submit your application.
Apply Here for SIPPAMinimum Requirements
- Medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
- Minimum 12 months of family medicine postgraduate training, including:
- General Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Internal Medicine
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Psychiatry
Practice experience must be a minimum of 26 weeks of full-time family medicine experience within the past three years. Can be met by any combination of:
Most Responsible Physician (MRP) - Family medicine practice GP-Specialist: minimum 20 hours per week in family medicine practice. Preferred Experience: Full-scope family medicine
Clinical Assistant / Associate Physician - Licensed in Canada (Isolated surgical assistant work does not qualify). Preferred experience: Hospitalist, emergency medicine, primary care
Post-graduate Training - Clinical rotations with preference for: Training in family medicine, anesthesia, emergency medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine or psychiatry
*If your post-graduate/internship/residency training program was less than 24 months in duration, you are required to have practiced as the MRP for a minimum of 156 weeks in-person under a licence for independent practice.
**This means the physician is authorized to diagnose, plan, implement, manage and follow up with a plan for treatment for a patient as well as order medications and diagnostic procedures. Arrangements that do not qualify include volunteer positions if the physician is not the MRP, assist work, observerships and preceptorships.
- Successful completion of:
- National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE)
- Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE)
The MCCQE2 is no longer administered; however, previous pass results are accepted.
- Proof of English language proficiency (through an exam passed in the last 24 months)
- IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0 in each component)
- OET Medicine (minimum grade B in each subtest)
- CELPIP General (minimum score of 9 in each skill area)
- Alternative proof accepted by CPSS
- Required credentials verified through physiciansapply.ca
Application Process
- Submit the SIPPA Pre-Screen Checklist to info@saskhealthrecruitment.ca
- Once instructed, submit a Review of Qualifications (ROQ) to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS)
Step 2: Assessment Readiness
Complete the assessments required for SIPPA consideration.
Requirements
The Therapeutics Decision Making (TDM) exam assesses the competence and readiness of candidates to practise as a family physician in Canada.
The exam is administered by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) on behalf of the PRA programs, for use in selection of candidates.
Please visit the Medical Council of Canada website to learn more about eligibility and the exam application process
- Obtain a preliminary ruling from CPSS confirming eligibility for an educational license
Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Apply Here for SIPPAStep 3: Selection
Candidates who meet all requirements may be considered for SIPPA.
Selection Process
- Candidates with a valid TDM pass and CPSS preliminary ruling are eligible for selection
- Selection is conducted by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)
- Selection is competitive and based on available assessment positions and workforce needs
Step 4: Program Completion
Successfully complete the SIPPA assessment program.
Program Components
- Online Orientation to Family Practice in Canada
- In-person orientation
- 12-week Clinical Field Assessment (CFA)
- Occurs in 2-3 different communities throughout Saskatchewan (other than the community in which you will fulfill your ROS)
The CFA takes place in Saskatchewan communities and evaluates readiness for independent family practice.
Apply Here for SIPPAStep 5: Licensing and Practice Start
Following successful completion of SIPPA:
- CFA results are released approximately two weeks after successful completion and results are provided to the candidate and stakeholders (CPSS, SHA) via email.
- Obtain licensure through CPSS
- Obtain SHA privileges, as required
- Finalize start date and begin practice in your assigned Saskatchewan community
- Fulfill the required Return of Service (ROS) commitment
Related Link
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SIPPA - Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment Program
SIPPA was implemented in 2011 to ensure that internationally trained physicians who wish to practice medicine in Saskatchewan possess the appropriate clinical skills and knowledge to provide quality patient care.