June 5, 2025


A Step Forward in Physician Licensing. Now Let’s Take the Next One

Today’s announcement by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is a major step forward for healthcare access in this province. The new expedited licensure pathway for physicians trained in the United States means that many Canadian medical graduates who completed their residency south of the border will now be able to return home and begin practicing without unnecessary delays.

This is a significant win. These graduates, many of whom have waited months or years to navigate licensing pathways, will now have a clearer and faster route to serve Ontario patients. Communities across the province, especially those in urgent need of primary care, will benefit.

But we cannot stop here.

On behalf of the Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance (OPRA), we are urging the Government of Ontario and the CPSO to expand this streamlined process to all CPSO-approved jurisdiction countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland.

OPRA is a province-wide alliance of physician recruiters representing hospitals, municipalities, and regional healthcare organizations across Ontario. We work on the front lines of physician recruitment and retention, supporting local systems that are struggling to meet the growing demand for care.

Across the province, we are working with outstanding physicians trained in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia who are ready, willing, and highly qualified to serve in Ontario communities. Many are Canadian citizens returning home. All meet CPSO’s educational and clinical standards.

Yet, under the current approach, these physicians are still facing delays that no longer apply to their U.S.-trained peers. This creates an uneven playing field and needlessly slows down our efforts to address the physician shortage.

We are calling on Premier Ford, the Minister of Health, and the CPSO to take the next logical step:

  • Apply the same expedited licensure process to all CPSO-approved jurisdictions

  • Remove administrative barriers that prevent qualified physicians from entering the workforce

  • Support a fair and inclusive system that reflects Ontario’s urgent healthcare needs

This is not about lowering standards. It is about recognizing equivalency where it already exists. Physicians from these approved jurisdictions are well-trained, culturally competent, and motivated to care for patients in high-need areas across Ontario.

Let us build on the momentum of today’s announcement and take the next step toward a more accessible, efficient, and equitable licensing system for all.

Shared by OPRA
Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance