How to Practice Family Medicine in Ontario, Canada – Part 2

Welcome to the second instalment of this guide for General Practitioners looking to practice medicine in Canada. In Part 1, we covered the PhysicianApply account setup and document verification process. Now, we’ll move on to the next stage: registering with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and obtaining certification eligibility.

Part 2: Registering with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)

Once your documents are verified through PhysicianApply, the next step is registering with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). This step is important in becoming recognised as a family physician in Canada.

Step 1: Creating a CFPC Account

To begin the process, follow these steps:

1. Visit the CFPC registration portal.
2. Create a new member account.
3. Complete your profile with the required details.
4. Upload the necessary documents (such as your primary medical degree certificate and GMC license).
5. Pay the CFPC membership fee (varies depending on the time of year you apply; the exact amount will be shown during the application process).
6. Once approved, you will receive your CFPC membership letter and card via email (typically within 48 hours).

Please note: A letter of good standing from the RCGP is NOT required, as the GMC certificate of good standing covers this requirement.

Step 2: Applying for CFPC Certification Without Examination

After registering with the CFPC, the next step is to apply for a Letter of Eligibility to Practice Family Medicine Without Examinations.

1. Decide which province you want to practice in, as the letter will be sent directly to the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons (e.g., CPSO for Ontario).
2. Begin the CPSO (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) registration process early to align all documents.
3. Use this CFPC Eligibility Portal to apply.
4. Log in using your CFPC account (do not create a new account).
5. Fill in the required details and pay the $500 CAD fee.
6. Share all your source-verified documents from PhysicianApply with CFPC.
7. CFPC will then send a letter confirming your eligibility for certification to your provincial college (e.g., CPSO in Ontario).

Please Note: This letter does NOT grant final certification yet. The final CFPC certification is issued only after you obtain provincial licensing.

What’s Next?

Once CFPC registration and eligibility are confirmed, the next major step is registering with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). This is where you’ll finalise your provincial licensing, submit background checks, and prepare for practice.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll cover CPSO registration, self-screening, and final licensing in detail!