Nova Scotia CAPP program FAQ’s.

1. What’s CAPP?

The Clinician Assessment for Practice Program is administered by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. It’s intended for International Medical Graduates ( IMG’s ), i.e. physicians who believe they are PRACTICE READY for entry into family practice without additional residency training in Canada. CAPP is intended to provide medical services to  needed areas for physicians  of Nova Scotia and is qualified  by the Department of Heath of the Government of Nova Scotia.

CAPP is comprehensive: a program that consists of three components (see diagram). Candidates participate in Part A, a two-part assessment consisting of a Therapeutics Examination and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Part A exists to assess the clinical competence of candidates for readiness to practice in Nova Scotia. It is also intended to provide an assessment of candidates’ strengths and weaknesses that may help in their continuing professional development.

IMG physicians who are granted a defined licence in Nova Scotia through CAPP  receive a 13-month program of continuing professional development, on-going support, guidance and a complete evaluation by a physician-mentor, and in-depth assessment of their practice at six and ten months (Part B). A defined license in Nova Scotia means physicians must have a sponsor and a mentor approved by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.

At the conclusion of Part B (the initial year in practice as a CAPP Physician defined licensee) the licensee’s performance, as exemplified by mentor’s progress reports, the site-visit practice, a patient feedback survey and the multi-source feedback reports, and any other important information. This will be reviewed by the Credentials Committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. Continuation of the defined license and the conditions attached to it, and follow-up if necessary will be decided by the Committee. The Committee will decide whether a formal mentorship needs to continue for a future period. Whether or not the mentorship continues, the defined licensee needs to continue to have a sponsor that’s approved by the College.

Part C of CAPP may extend close to three years beyond Part B (the initial year of defined licensure). From the time of granting of a defined licence (the start of Part B), the licensee has four years in to acquire the LMCC and become certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Those IMG physicians planning to practice in other Canadian provinces or territories will need to follow the licensing requirements in that jurisdiction.

Additional questions and answers will be added daily. Please revisit often for more information.

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