Programs, Courses, and Events

Index

New Member Orientation (NMO)
Basic Life Support (BLS)
CaRMS Preparation Program
QE1 Preparation Course
MMI Preparation Course
NAC OSCE Exam Preparation Course
TDM Preparation Course
MCAP Online
Career Transition Program (CTP)
Patient Navigator Program (PNP)
Lunch and Learn
Special Events

New Member Orientation (NMO)

AIMGA hosts a New Member Orientation (NMO) which is mandatory for all new AIMGA members. The NMO provides an overview of the pathways to licensure and their requirements as well as an overview of all AIMGA services and programs in order for you to make informed decisions regarding your next steps and career pathway now that you are here in Canada. The NMO is open to new members, returning members, and to anyone interested in becoming a member of AIMGA. This session is typically held on a monthly basis.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

The Basic Life Support Certification for Health Professionals (BLS) is a mandatory certification for all who work in the Alberta healthcare system. It is based on the Heart and Stroke Foundation curriculum used for the training of health care providers. BLS is delivered by certified instructors. Participants receive a certificate after successful completion of the exam at the end of the session. Effective April 1st, AIMGA's BLS course will be a fee-for-service course and cost $100.

CaRMS Preparation Program

This program assists IMGs to understand the underlying principles and values of the Canadian healthcare system and the essential skills and attributes required to function effectively as a physician within the Canadian context. This training is highly recommended for those applying for residency through CaRMS or for the Practice Readiness Assessment route or for the Alberta Clinical and Surgical Assistant Program (ACSAP) as it provides information relevant to working within the Canadian healthcare system. It also includes details on the CaRMS and other application processes, resumes, personal statements, and interviews. Programming as of April 1st, 2020 will be posted at a later date. This course has typically been offered leading up to the CaRMS application cycle.

QE1 Preparation Course

AIMGA’s MCCQE1 study groups are offered throughout the year on a quarterly basis. AIMGA provides computer software study materials and other relevant resources as a means of preparation (i.e. UWorld, QBank, MCC Preparation materials).

MMI Preparation Course

The Multiple-Mini Interview (MMI) Preparation Course is a 2-day preparation course. The first day includes an educational component where candidates are exposed to different question types and strategies for responding. This session includes various sample scenarios. The second day includes a mock MMI where candidates are evaluated and videotaped. This session ends with a group feedback session where examiners are asked to share their observations and provide tips for success on the MMI. This course is held after the NAC OSCE in the fall.

NAC OSCE Exam Preparation Course

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Study Group assists Internationally Trained Physicians in preparing for the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC). The competencies and the objectives for the NAC OSCE are reviewed and the expectations of a PGY1 resident are outlined for the different case scenarios presented. The sessions focus on taking an organized history, clinical knowledge and skills, physical exam skills, the think-aloud technique, approach to the patient, ethics, professionalism, communication, and decision-making abilities.

TDM Preparation Course

AIMGA is pleased to host the following programs for members preparing to do the Therapeutics Decision Making (TDM) exam.

MCAP Online

The MCAP program is for IMGs who feel they need to enhance their understanding of patient-centred care, communication skills, and to increase their cultural competence to work effectively in the Canadian healthcare system.

Career Transition Program (CTP)

The Career Transition Program (CTP) assists IMGs who are considering a non-physician occupation within the Canadian health care system as a short, medium, or long-term career goal. This program is open to Refugees, Permanent Residents, and Canadian Citizens.

Patient Navigator Program (PNP)

This program is designed to bridge highly skilled international medical graduates (IMGs) into a non-physician occupation in the area of patient navigation, health promotion, health facilitation and community facilitation.

Lunch and Learn

Lunch & Learn and Networking sessions are informal sessions for our members to network with one another and to learn about a topic of interest. Sessions may be related to an upcoming program, a research study being conducted, a support service, a community-based program, or an activity to facilitate discussion such as viewing a webinar at our office and discussing it afterwards. These sessions are offered monthly.

Special Events

AIMGA offers a variety of lectures, workshops, and other special events throughout the year based on the needs of IMGs. These include workshops to support our study groups, those applying for CaRMs, those selected for residency, those seeking employment, and those interested in research or professional development.