Empowering Internationally Trained Physicians Through Practice Ready Ontario

Ontario’s health care landscape is evolving, and with it comes a unique opportunity: harnessing the skills and experience of internationally trained physicians (ITPs) to enrich primary care across the province. Practice Ready Ontario is the front door for ITPs looking to work in the province, offering a pathway for well-trained, well-supported ITPs to transition seamlessly into Ontario’s health care system.

“Internationally trained physicians bring a wealth of experience and cultural insight that strengthens our health system,” says Jasmine Singh, Vice President, Health Workforce Strategy and Implementation. “Practice Ready Ontario helps turn that potential into meaningful impact by connecting physicians with the communities that need them most and ensuring the right supports are in place for long-term success.”

Ontario Health plays a central role in turning this opportunity into reality, acting as the vital connector between physicians, communities and partner organizations.

What is Practice Ready Ontario?

Practice Ready Ontario, funded by the Ministry of Health and administered by the Touchstone Institute, is designed to welcome ITPs into Ontario’s primary care sector. The program is delivered in collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, which plays a key role in licensing and supervision standards for participating physicians. This strict oversight and rigorous process ensures that only the most qualified candidates are selected: applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, pass a therapeutics exam and complete a multi mini interview. Those who advance participate in a 12-week clinical field assessment in a rural or remote community, where their skills and readiness are evaluated in real-world settings. Successful candidates are then eligible for a restricted license, with a three-year return-of-service agreement that benefits both the physician and the community.

Ontario Health’s Role: Facilitating Opportunity

Ontario Health’s involvement is all about enabling success. To make this possible, Ontario Health works closely with communities to identify and prepare sites that are ready to welcome and support new physicians. It provides hands-on guidance to clinics, helping them navigate the logistics of supervision, onboarding and integration so that the transition is smooth for both the ITP and the community. Ontario Health also plays a key liaison role, fostering strong communication and relationships between ITPs and their future practice sites.

Beyond placement, the organization offers ongoing support for retention and professional development, ensuring that both physicians and communities continue to grow together. By case-managing each cohort and learning from every placement, Ontario Health maximizes each opportunity for long-term success and physician retention.

Making a difference, close to home

Practice Ready Ontario is more than a placement program – it’s a catalyst for positive change in the lives of internationally trained physicians and the northern and rural communities they serve through the program. As of 2025, Ontario Health has facilitated the placement of 73 internationally trained physicians in high-need rural and northern communities across the province. Each placement represents a new chapter for both the physician and the community, bringing fresh perspectives, expanded access to care and renewed energy to Ontario’s health care system.

“I was feeling kind of lost until I heard about this program and I applied as soon as possible. Instead of waiting years for a residency spot or repeating two years of residency training in Canada, I was able to begin working under supervision after completing a 12-week assessment period,” says Dr. Gokcen Salmanoglu, an internationally educated physician who now works in family medicine in Morrisburg, Ont.

Communities have embraced the opportunity to welcome ITPs. The program’s three-year commitment provides stability, while the pathway to full licensure ensures that ITPs can build lasting careers in Ontario.

“An eye-opening experience was realizing just how big the need for physicians in these communities is. Being a physician here is challenging and tiring, but I feel very fulfilled when I witness the impact of our service in the community. This program allows us to care for underserved communities, which is professionally and personally rewarding.”

Ontario Health remains committed to nurturing this opportunity – supporting new opportunities for physicians while supporting retention and ensuring that every ITP and community can reach their full potential. As Practice Ready Ontario approaches its goal of 100 placements by the end of 2025, it highlights the power of collaboration, innovation and the shared vision of a stronger health care system.