Moving to Ontario as a U.S. Physician: What You Need to Know with Samantha Tulipano
How to Get Your Medical License in Ontario: Everything US Physicians Need to Know
Welcome back to Interesting MD, where we take deep dives into the hidden worlds of doctors’ lives and bring you answers to your most burning career questions. I’m Dr. Rob Beck, your host, and after tons of DMs, emails, and comments, I’m thrilled to offer the most comprehensive guide on getting your medical license in Ontario—straight from the expert source.
I sat down with Samantha Tulipano, Director of Registration and Membership at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), to bring you ALL the answers for US-trained doctors thinking about making the move to Canada’s most populous province.
Why Is There a New Policy for US Physicians in Ontario?
First things first: There’s been a lot of confusion about whether Ontario has rolled out a whole new medical licensing policy for US doctors. Samantha clarified—it’s not exactly brand new. The policy has been in place since about 2010 but, until 2023, there were frustrating barriers: year-long supervision, costly in-practice assessments, site restrictions, and more. US-trained physicians were treated as if they might not be ready to practice independently, despite consistently comparable results.
Thanks to years of gathered data showing the equivalence of US and Ontario medical training, those barriers have been swept away. Since 2023, US-trained, board-certified physicians can apply for license to independent practice—with NO mandatory supervision and NO assessment period. This opens up huge opportunities and makes the process clearer, quicker, and infinitely less intimidating.
Who’s Eligible to Apply Under This Policy?
You’re eligible if you are:
US-trained with completed US residency
US board certified (MD or DO with relevant exams—USMLE or COMLEX now included!)
Or, within five years of finishing residency and board-eligible, even if you haven’t yet taken or passed your board exam (you’ll get a supervised license to practice in Ontario for up to three years as you finish your board certification).
Surgical specialists, primary care docs, internal medicine, emergency medicine, you name it—this policy applies broadly to all specialties! All you need is the appropriate US training and certification.
What’s the Application Process Like? How Long Does It Take?
This was one of my biggest surprises: the streamlined process can get you a license in just three months from complete application to approval! The main bottleneck? Collecting and submitting your documentation. The good news is that the CPSO’s application portal is available 24/7 with live status updates, and you’ll have access to a team of advisors ready to guide you step by step.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Complete the online application (after a self-screening questionnaire)
Certificates of professional conduct from every jurisdiction you’ve practiced
Canadian criminal records check (details on their website)
Official copies of board scores, medical transcripts, and exam results (sent electronically)
Payment of application and membership fees
Pro tip: Stay engaged with your online profile! The biggest delay is usually from applicants not keeping up with additional document requests or not checking status updates.
Do You Need a Job in Ontario Before Applying for a License?
Nope! You can get your Ontario license without a job offer in hand. The license is independent, unrestricted (within your specialty), and not tied to hospital sponsorship or employment. To practice legally, you’ll need appropriate immigration status (work permit, PR, or citizenship), but that comes after your license. According to everyone I’ve heard from, the immigration step is straightforward and moving faster than ever.
How Do You Stay Up-to-Date with CME Requirements?
Ontario requires continuing medical education, just as you would expect. You’ll need to enroll in a cycle with a Canadian certifying body—like the Royal College or CFPC. Even if you’re not Royal College-certified right away, there are special pathways to complete the CPD/MOC requirement. I’ve been doing this myself, and honestly, it’s less of a hassle than the American Board system. You’ll keep up your learning and stay connected, but you won’t be drowning in endless exams and fees.
What Support and Resources Are Available for Applicants?
The CPSO has invested heavily in making this transition smoother than ever:
Simple self-screening tool on their website (CPSO.on.ca)
Transparent, step-by-step online portal
12-person advisory team to answer questions quickly (I wish I’d had this five years ago!)
Tons of infographics and FAQs—if you like to read ahead
Samantha’s biggest tip: Track your application, check for messages, and don’t let your paperwork sit idle!
Are There Enough Jobs in Ontario for US Physicians?
Absolutely. With record numbers of US docs applying, there’s still no shortage of need—especially in family medicine, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. All specialties are welcome. Many communities are actively recruiting right now, and the CPSO website also lists places to begin your search.
Ready to Start? Here’s How:
Visit CPSO.on.ca
Use the “Are you a physician interested in practicing in Ontario?” link
Set up your portal account and complete the self-screening questionnaire (it’s free!)
Gather and submit required documents
Monitor your application online and respond promptly to any requests
And don’t be afraid to reach out—there’s real support available!
Final Thoughts: A Message from Your Host
As someone who made this move myself, I can honestly say it’s never been easier—or more rewarding—to practice medicine in Ontario. Find balance, prevent burnout, and join a system that welcomes your training and experience.
If you have any questions or need advice, DM me across any of my socials (@InterestingMD), or email me at rob@interestingmd.com. Be sure to check out the full podcast episode for Samantha’s in-depth answers and more practical tips, and subscribe for more guides like this.
Here’s to your next chapter—see you in Ontario!
– Dr. Rob Beck