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What do locum tenens assignments in Canada look like? What is included with Canada locum tenens assignments? Physician compensation for locum tenens jobs in Canada Things to know before leaving on your Canada assignment Reasons physicians choose to work locum tenens in CanadaCanada's big. Big enough to have a little something (or a lotta something) for everyone. With vast, varied landscapes and rich, vibrant culture, Canada is so much more than the cliches of maple syrup and moose crossings. From the bustling cities of Toronto and Vancouver to the stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains and Atlantic coast, Canada is a rewarding place to practice medicine.
FIND OUT MORE: LOCUM TENENS FAQ
Rural, underserved locations
Metropolitan areas
Assignment lengths are between 6 – 12 months, with an option to stay longer if requested by the healthcare facility.
All medical settings need locums physicians:
Hospitals
Outpatient facilities
Physicians from many specialties are needed in Canada. The most common physician specialties needed include:
Global Medical Staffing will walk you through every step for the physician licensing process. As the only international staffing agency in the U.S., we have some unique expertise and know how to navigate the complexities.
Physicians trained outside Canada must apply for a valid Canada work visa, which we’ll help you with the process of getting. Foreign-born doctors are integral to the success of Canada’s healthcare system, so measures are being taken at the federal and provincial levels to make it easier for international physicians to practice in Canada.
In Canada, doctors working for the government healthcare system, including locum physicians, receive medical liability protection from the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), a not-for-profit organization that doctors join.
For physicians working in private practices, the office/facility typically has its own medical liability insurance, often covered as part of the contract.
GMS will assist you with all credentialing and pre-fill applications, as much as we’re legally allowed, to reduce the time you spend on paperwork.
Relocation costs and housing/vehicle allowances may be provided. However, it will vary by location. Ask your recruiter for assignment-specific details.
The pay rate for locum tenens physicians in Canada is comparable to pay in the U.S. With the added benefit of covered housing and transportation costs, this can translate to more favorable take-home pay. Contracts can be a fixed salary or a fee-for-service model, where you receive a percentage of your patient billings.
Additionally, because of the universal healthcare system, doctors in Canada typically spend much less time on paperwork than in the U.S., a motivating factor for many physicians considering locum tenens assignments in Canada.
As a general rule, anyone who provides services in Canada is subject to Canadian tax on the income earned from the performance of those services. Interpreting the treaty between Canada and the U.S. can be challenging; consult a tax preparer with expertise in your situation.
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Since locum tenens physicians are independent contractors, GMS does not provide health insurance or employee benefits. You’ll want to check with your individual insurance carrier to see if you’ll be covered while in Canada.
Not all medications available in the U.S. are available in Canada. Speak with your physician or pharmacist to understand if your medications are legal and available in Canada. When traveling with medication, be aware of travel guidelines:
By law, Canadian pharmacies can only dispense medications with a valid prescription, authorized by a Canadian physician. This means that a Canadian physician must first approve a U.S. prescription before the Canadian pharmacy can fill it.
You are welcome to bring a pet from the U.S. into Canada. Plan in advance to ensure vaccinations and other requirements are met. Note: requirements may vary by type of pet.
Physicians working locum tenens in Canada benefit from the country's universal healthcare system, significantly reducing administrative burden and allowing them to focus more on patient care and life outside of work.
Locum tenens affords the flexibility to choose assignments that meet your needs and desired schedule.
In Canada, approximately 12% of the population does not have access to a regular medical doctor, and in rural territories, the shortage is more acute. Consider assignments that allow you to serve indigenous and other medically underserved populations.
Explore the world’s second-largest country and experience some of its standout attractions: from the beauty of Banff to the charm and history of Old Quebec to the Northern Lights and polar bears in Manitoba.
Practicing in a universal healthcare system and with diverse patient populations is an excellent way to enrich your professional skill set.
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