New PEI-McMaster Fellowship Boosts IMG Immigration Pathway

New PEI-McMaster Fellowship Opens Doors for International Medical Graduates in Canada

For internationally-trained doctors dreaming of practicing in Canada, a brand-new fellowship program could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. In a move to attract healthcare talent and ease licensing hurdles, Prince Edward Island (PEI) and McMaster University have teamed up to launch the PEI-McMaster Collaborative Hospitalist Fellowship. This one-year internal medicine program is designed specifically for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), offering a clearer path to licensure and employment in Canada.

Key Highlights

• The PEI-McMaster Fellowship offers a one-year internal medicine training program for internationally-trained doctors.
• Graduates of the program will be eligible to practice medicine in PEI for at least one year post-completion.
• Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and meet PEI licensing requirements.
• The program is mostly based at McMaster University, with final training completed in PEI.
• This initiative helps IMGs bypass some of the traditional licensing barriers in Canada.
• It supports Canada’s broader immigration strategy to recruit healthcare workers.

What Is the PEI-McMaster Hospitalist Fellowship?

Launched through a partnership between Prince Edward Island’s government and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, this fellowship is built to help IMGs gain the clinical experience needed to practice in Canada. Specifically, it focuses on internal medicine and targets physicians who haven’t gone through the Canadian medical residency system.

The program consists of 13 training blocks, 12 of which take place at McMaster. The final block is completed in PEI, where fellows will also be expected to provide care for at least one year after graduating. This model not only helps IMGs integrate into the Canadian healthcare system but also strengthens PEI’s medical workforce.

Who Can Apply?

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Meet credentialing and eligibility requirements set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of PEI
• Ideally qualify to write the Royal College Internal Medicine exam via the Practice Eligibility Route (PER)

Health PEI, the provincial health authority, will cover the cost of the fellowship and oversee the selection of candidates. The goal is to retain these skilled professionals within the province’s healthcare system long-term.

Why This Matters: IMG Licensing Challenges in Canada

Let’s face it—becoming a licensed physician in Canada as an internationally-trained doctor isn’t easy. Traditionally, IMGs have had to compete for a limited number of residency spots, a critical step in the licensing process. Unfortunately, most provinces reserve the majority of residency positions for graduates from Canadian medical schools. In many cases, less than 10% of spots are available to IMGs.

This bottleneck has kept many talented, qualified doctors from contributing to Canada’s healthcare system. In response, provincial governments and medical colleges have been exploring alternative pathways—like fellowships and practice-ready assessment programs—to better integrate trained professionals into the workforce.

Part of a Bigger Immigration and Healthcare Strategy

The PEI-McMaster Fellowship is more than just a training opportunity—it’s part of a growing national effort to recruit healthcare professionals through immigration. In recent years, Canada has been fine-tuning its immigration policies to better target workers in in-demand sectors, especially healthcare.

Here are a few examples of how this strategy is playing out:

• In 2023, the federal government launched category-based Express Entry draws to prioritize healthcare occupations.
• In 2025, IRCC expanded its healthcare categories to include more roles like therapists and social workers.
• Self-employed work experience now counts toward Express Entry eligibility for physicians under a temporary policy.
• The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has relaxed rules to accept periods of self-employment for doctors.
• Several provinces—like British Columbia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Saskatchewan—have prioritized healthcare workers in their immigration streams.
• Provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador have introduced incentives to attract skilled healthcare immigrants.

Clearly, immigration is no longer just a population growth tool—it’s a critical part of Canada’s healthcare strategy, especially in smaller provinces where physician shortages are more acute.

Modelled After Success Stories

This fellowship framework was inspired in part by doctors like Dr. Ali Abdullah, an internationally-trained internal medicine specialist. After completing McMaster’s hospitalist fellowship, Dr. Abdullah began practicing in PEI in 2024. His journey shows how well-structured programs can bridge the gap between international training and Canadian licensing.

Final Thoughts: A Win-Win for IMGs and Canadian Healthcare

Canada needs more doctors—and the PEI-McMaster Collaborative Hospitalist Fellowship is a promising step toward making that happen. For IMGs, this program offers a realistic and supported pathway to licensure. For PEI and other provinces, it brings skilled professionals into communities that desperately need care.

If you’re an internationally-trained physician who’s a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, this could be your chance to finally practice your profession right here at home.

Interested in exploring your immigration options as a healthcare professional? Whether you’re looking for provincial nomination or federal pathways, we’re here to help. Check out our Canadian immigration resources or learn how the Manitoba PNP could be a fit for your background.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to find out if you’re eligible and start your journey toward practicing medicine in Canada.