Doctors left in limbo as Medical Council of Canada cancels controversial exam
At a time when Canada continues to deal with a shortage of doctors, many residents say they have not been able to become fully licensed since the pandemic began.
“As residents, we are the ones who are working 100-hour weeks, we are the ones who are working all night long, we are the ones who are dealing with the COVID patients,” said Dr. Salpy Kelian, third-year resident in internal medicine at the University of British Columbia.
Dr. Kelian told CTV News her career has been stalled by a controversial medical exam, which has cost her $3,000, only be cancelled three times by the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC).
“We’re stuck in limbo – a lot of people have missed out on job opportunities and are having trouble trying to find someone who is going to supervise them,” added Dr. Kelian.
Physicians who chose internal medicine as their speciality typically work three years as a resident doctor, before becoming a fully licensed doctor and "clinical associate" in their third year of residency.
In order to gain those qualifications, Dr. Kelian had to write the MCC Qualifying Examination Part II, or MCCQE II.
“You get more money once you pass this exam. You get more responsibility, and you need this exam to practice as a physician as well,” added Dr. Kelian.
Dr. Kelian said it has been difficult to maintain good patient care throughout the pandemic.
“We are struggling to maintain our normal coverage – given the fact we no longer have as many CAs available,” added Dr. Kelian.
The LMCC officially scrapped the medical licensing exam on May 31, after technical difficulties prevented candidates from completing the test.
“Not only were there technical problems but the standardized patients weren’t able to connect to the virtual meeting. Some examiners didn’t even show up,” added Dr. Kelian.
Last year, the LMCC cancelled in-person sittings in the spring and fall on short notice due to pandemic concerns.
Many resident doctors have prepared for the exam multiple times over the past year and have lost time and money due to the last-minute cancellations. Meanwhile, their careers have hung in limbo.
Family physician in Terrace, B.C., Dr. Patrick Hemmons described a similar story, saying he spent hours preparing and taking unpaid leave.
“I also can’t see why this wouldn’t impact patient care. I kept taking time away from my patients to study for this exam only for it to be cancelled last minute,” said Dr. Hemmons.
In an email to CTV News, LMCC said on June 9 it defined the criteria that would be considered to grant candidates the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, required for full licensure in most provinces and territories.
MCC’s website also states that it is working collaboratively with the Medical Regulatory Authorities (MRAs) to determine a process such that qualified candidates currently on provisional licences can be granted full licenses by the MRAs.
Dr. Hemmons said it has been one year since he graduated residency. Since then he has been working under a provisional licence, preventing him from becoming a fully licensed doctor.
He adds the latest statement from LMCC still leaves many questions unanswered – as he still has not heard back from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC did not respond to CTV’s request for comment.
“I’m still under a provisional licence pending the college’s decision I guess, but yeah, we’ll see, hopefully, I don’t know,” added Dr. Hemmons.
The LMCC has maintained the importance of standardized testing of generalist competencies like assessment, diagnosis, and professional behaviour. It also appears the organization is leaving the door open to reintroduce the exam or something like it down the road. According to the LMCC, “criteria for the award of the LMCC may be reviewed at a future date as standardized assessment requirements for physicians evolve.”
“This statement still leaves a lot unexplained. We don’t know how this is going to affect international medical graduates,” said Dr. Hemmons.
Resident doctors have questioned the relevance of the MCCQE II in recent years, many arguing its outdated and not related to their speciality.
“It’s not really relevant to the current structure of medicine,” added Dr. Kelian.
“The exam itself is archaic exam that really serves no purpose – other than making that company a lot of money.”
The LMCC says it will refund exam fees to candidates registered for the latest session within the next 30 days, but it may take up to two months to award them certification under the new rules. For other eligible candidates, the process will require coordination with third parties and may take longer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.