Outside Quebec Rotations
Outside Quebec Rotations: evaluation and pay
Within the framework of his postgraduate education, it is possible for a resident who so wishes to perform a rotation outside Quebec. In most cases, these rotations can be credited in the candidate’s academic file.
Thus, the collective agreement provides that a resident can do two months’ rotation if he is registered in family medicine, and six months’ rotation in any other specialty. These permitted months of rotation have to be divided into two categories. First, one month’s rotation in family medicine or three months in any other specialty can be accepted, provided the rotation meets the condition of being “not very or not at all available in Quebec.” For the remaining months, i.e., one month in family medicine and three months in other specialties, the rotation has to be used in order to “acquire any other elective competency.”
To have access to either type of rotation, you will have to submit the Collège des médecins du Québec form Request for a rotation in a non accredited site, Quebec and outside Quebec (in French only), jointly completed with your program director. The latter determines whether the rotation is compatible with the current training program and provides his opinion as to whether it is “not very or not at all” available in Quebec. The program director then sends the form to the Associate Dean for Postgraduate Medical Education, who approves it before forwarding it to the Collège for evaluation and approval. The form should be forwarded to the Collège at least 60 days before the rotation begins. It is the Collège that has to ensure that the rotation outside Quebec can be recognized within the framework of your training. If the rotation is approved, it will be paid for by your base hospital.
There is no reimbursement for travel expenses for rotations outside Quebec.
Malpractice insurance
In addition, rotations outside Quebec that have been accepted will be paid and covered by the malpractice insurance offered in Article 29 of the collective agreement. This insurance covers resident doctors worldwide. In some countries, though, agreements exist whereby residents benefit from representation locally (click here for a list of such countries). For those of you performing a rotation in a country not appearing on this list, you should normally be insured directly by your Quebec paying establishment, as provided for in the collective agreement. Note that the FMRQ and the MSSS do not agree on the extent of the malpractice insurance coverage provided for in Article 29. A grievance is to be heard on this subject in fall 2014. So we advise you to get in touch with the FMRQ before going to those countries.
It is suggested that you send the documents and information listed below to the DARSSS (insurance branch of the Health and social services network, or Réseau de la santé et des services sociaux) in order to obtain proof of insurance for residents performing a rotation in an establishment in a country not recognized by the insurer:
- your name
- name of Quebec paying establishment
- name and address of establishment outside Quebec
- duration of rotation (start and end dates)
- specialty
- copy of your training card
- copy of “Request for a rotation in a non-accredited site, Quebec and outside Quebec” form, duly approved by the Collège des médecins du Québec.
Everything may be sent to: faq.darsss@ssss.gouv.qc.ca. Should you need further information, though, you may also call the DARSSS at 514-282-4254.
For resident doctors in training in New Brunswick
Resident doctors in training in New Brunswick are subject to special rules in this regard. In all cases, we invite you to contact Marie-Anik Laplante, Co-ordinator, Union Affairs, at 514 282-0256 or 1 800 465-0215 before initiating the process.