Ease recruitment and training of foreign MD's, Ontario college urges.

TORONTO -- Reduce barriers to the recruitment, registration, and training of foreign educated physicians, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recommended under proposals aimed at improving patient access to physician services, said Dr. Barry Adams, President of the College.

In the discussion paper, Tackling the Doctor Shortage, the College is asking the provincial government to allocate funds in its upcoming budget to ease barriers to the recruitment, registration, training and education of doctors.

Over the past five years, the paper points out, approximately 800 international medical graduates have begun practicing medicine in Ontario. The College believes that even more action needs to be taken. The College believes expanding the number of assessment and training positions for international medical graduates could significantly improve the supply of physicians in Ontario.

Dr. Rocco Gerace, Registrar of the College, said, "We need to make sure that we have an assessment process that is accessible and fair, coupled with enough training positions to accommodate all successful candidates."

The paper also recommends

* creation of a health human resources planning body;

* development of a physician assistant program;

* A pilot program that would allow residents to provide medical services beyond their education training programs; and

* more flexibility in recognizing equivalent examinations and certifications.

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