Moncton, New Brunswick (Wednesday, March 12, 2025) – The first cohort of 10 family physicians have successfully completed the Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick (PRA-NB) program and will enter practice in communities across the province.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these physicians to our province,” said Dr. Laurie Potter, Registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick. “These physicians have undergone a robust assessment that confirms their competence as medical practitioners, and we’re pleased that through the PRA-NB program, thousands more New Brunswickers will have access to a primary care provider.”
Administered by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, PRA-NB provides an alternate route to licensure for experienced internationally trained family physicians. Through PRA-NB, eligible physicians participate in a thorough 12-week clinical field assessment, under the supervision of licensed New Brunswick physicians, to evaluate their readiness, skills, and suitability to provide safe patient care to New Brunswickers. Successful candidates sign a three-year return of service agreement with the Department of Health.
“This program is helping to address New Brunswick family physician recruitment needs by tapping into a pool of internationally trained physicians living and legally able to work in our province,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “We look forward to seeing the success of this new pathway and having more licensed physicians able to provide essential care to New Brunswickers.”
The first cohort of physicians licensed through the PRA-NB program will begin practice in Moncton, Campbellton, Bathurst, Miramichi and Woodstock, providing care as part of a family physician team for an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 New Brunswickers.
"I am truly pleased to see the remarkable success of the Practice Ready Assessment program, as its first cohort of physicians prepares to begin their journey in New Brunswick,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon Health Network’s President and CEO. "Expanding access to high-quality health care involves growing a strong, sustainable workforce. That is why Horizon remains committed to supporting the next generation of physicians, working closely with our health partners to enhance medical education, training, and recruitment efforts."
Prior to their clinical field assessments, PRA-NB candidates underwent a comprehensive orientation program to support their integration into New Brunswick’s medical system and help them thrive in their new communities. Their orientation provided details about the nature of family practice in the province, including provincial medical standards and insights from an Indigenous Elder on culturally appropriate care.
"The Practice Ready Assessment in New Brunswick is a great collective success. We are delighted to welcome these new family physicians, who will play a key role in improving access to care for thousands of New Brunswickers," said Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network. "We are committed to supporting them throughout their integration and helping them establish themselves in their new community."
Internationally trained physicians already account for a significant portion of New Brunswick’s physician workforce, with around one third of licensed physicians in New Brunswick holding a medical degree from outside the country.
Launched in October 2023, PRA-NB has been financially supported by the Government of New Brunswick and developed in collaboration with multiple provincial and national partners. It is the only bilingual PRA program in Canada, allowing candidates to be assessed in one of the province’s official languages, as well as one of the few programs in Canada to be administered through a medical regulatory authority. As part of the Medical Council of Canada’s National Assessment Collaboration PRA group, PRA-NB joins eight other participating provinces.
A new cohort of PRA-NB candidates will begin their clinical field assessments in the fall.
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Media contacts:
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About the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick:
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick is dedicated to safeguarding patients and the medical profession. The College’s purpose is to ensure the licensure of competent and ethical physicians in a fair and transparent manner, set and guide standards of care, and maintain public trust through objective oversight of physician professional conduct. Grounded in integrity, fairness, compassion, and innovation, the College strives to support trusted, high-quality care and a healthier community for all.
