A new program is opening doors for internationally-trained doctors who want to practice medicine in Canada—specifically in Prince Edward Island (PEI).

The PEI-McMaster Collaborative Hospitalist Fellowship is a one-year internal medicine training program designed for international medical graduates (IMGs). The goal? To help them become licensed physicians in PEI and contribute to the island’s healthcare system.

“This collaboration with McMaster University and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island is a game-changer,” said PEI’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Mark McLane. “It gives internationally-trained physicians a meaningful way to integrate into our healthcare system, while also helping address local shortages.”

How the Program Works

The fellowship is a joint initiative between McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and the Government of PEI. Most of the training—12 out of 13 blocks—will be done at McMaster, with the final block taking place in PEI.

Candidates who complete the program are expected to practice in PEI for at least one year, providing much-needed support in internal medicine and hospital care.

Health PEI, the province’s health authority, will fund and select the candidates. Their hope is to not only train doctors—but to keep them in PEI long-term.

The fellowship was inspired in part by the experience of Dr. Ali Abdullah, an internationally-trained internal medicine specialist who went through McMaster’s hospitalist program and began practicing in PEI in 2024.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be an international medical graduate (IMG)

• Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency

• Meet requirements set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of PEI

Preference will be given to IMGs who are eligible to write the Royal College internal medicine exam through the Practice Eligibility Route (PER).

Why It Matters

Internationally-trained doctors often face significant barriers to getting licensed in Canada. Residency spots—typically required for licensing—are limited, with only about 10% reserved for IMGs in most provinces.

That bottleneck has left many qualified professionals waiting years for a chance to contribute. Programs like this one offer a more accessible path.

A Bigger Picture

This initiative is part of a broader movement in Canada to streamline immigration and licensing pathways for healthcare workers. Recent developments include:

• Federal immigration draws prioritizing healthcare professionals

• Easier ways for doctors to count self-employment experience

• Expanded provincial nominee programs for physicians

• Focused recruitment in in-demand sectors like health and social services

Several provinces—PEI, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia, among others—have announced similar efforts to attract and retain international medical talent.