CPSA expands sponsorship opportunity to address family physician needs in Alberta

The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) is pleased to announce an expansion of our sponsorship model to support continuous efforts in improving physician resources in Alberta. Sponsorship is a key step towards bringing internationally trained physicians into the province.

Since 2015, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been the sole sponsor for physicians going through CPSA’s assessment process and into independent practice, basing available positions on areas of highest need across the province. While AHS sponsored positions will continue to serve these communities, CPSA now welcomes individuals, organizations, corporations, and others with interest to apply to sponsor a family medicine physician position in their desired community.

“We know the current family medicine landscape in Alberta has left many patients without access to a primary care provider,” says Dr. Scott McLeod, CPSA Registrar and CEO. “Expanding our sponsorship model means that individuals or communities can now identify and fulfill the need for a family physician to serve their community by supporting the successful physician through their journey to independent practice.”

Sponsorship starts with identifying a family medicine position in a primary care clinic in the sponsor’s community of choice. Sponsors are responsible for recruiting physicians, which includes selecting the successful candidate to undergo CPSA’s assessment process.

Sponsors also play an integral role in financially supporting the physician from CPSA registration and assessments through to independent practice in the community.

“This initiative by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta is a great step forward in addressing the critical need for family physicians in Alberta,” says Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health. “Through expanded sponsorship opportunities, CPSA is fostering collaboration and ensuring improved access to primary care for all Albertans.”

While CPSA identified family medicine positions as the most immediate priority, we will be working toward expanding the sponsorship model to include specialty positions and eventually positions for any physician who meets CPSA eligibility requirements.

For more information on sponsorship, please visit our sponsorship page.