Release
Department of Health
March 13, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – More family doctors are preparing to join New Brunswick’s health-care system after completing a program that helps internationally trained physicians become licensed to practise in the province.
The second cohort of candidates is wrapping up the Practice Ready Assessment New Brunswick program this month, and will then transition into working as family doctors in several regions of the province.
“This program is an important tool in our efforts to strengthen family physician recruitment and improve access to health care,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “I am delighted to see more candidates getting assessed, completing the program, and becoming ready for practice. These physicians will play a key role in helping more New Brunswickers connect with a primary care provider.”
The program is offered through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick and supported by the Department of Health. Candidates participate in a 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.
Successful candidates sign a three-year return-of-service agreement with the department.
The inaugural cohort of 10 physicians successfully completed the program in March 2025. They are now practising across New Brunswick.
As the second group of candidates completes the program this month, additional candidates are beginning their orientation.
Additional cohorts are planned for this fall and beyond.
Internationally trained physicians play a significant role in New Brunswick’s health-care system, with nearly one-third of doctors in the province having earned their medical degrees outside Canada.
13-03-26
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Media Contact(s)
Sean Hatchard, communications, Department of Health, [email protected].