To know at the beginning of the practice
Obtaining a permit to practise
To obtain a permit to practise in Quebec, you must apply to the Collège des médecins du Québec. The permit is accessible once you have received your specialist certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) and completed the minimum number of months of postgraduate education required for your specialty. You must also have attended an ALDO Quebec information session given by the Collège, and have passed the Medical Council of Canada exam (MCCQE Parts I).
Steps to follow:
- Visit the Collège des médecins du Québec site
- Complete the application online for a regular permit to practise
- Once you have received the permit, register online on the membership roll of the Collège. At this point, you will pay your yearly membership fee
Once you have obtained your permit:
- Take out malpractice insurance with the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)
- Register online with the Quebec Health Insurance Board (RAMQ) for billing purposes
Access the permit section of the Collège des médecins du Québec site.
Pay
The Ministry grants financial incentives to doctors practising in remote and isolated regions. These incentives can go as high as 145% of the initial rate, depending on the region. Information on the increased pay is available on the Ministry site.
Maternity/paternity leave
Billing agencies
For billing agency names, we advise you to consult your colleagues in your service/department. You can also consult the list of billing agencies on the RAMQ website.
Maintenance of proficiency
All practising physicians must follow a continuing professional development program. Specialist physicians may join the Collège des médecins du Québec’s Continuing professional development self-management plan.
For further information on continuing professional development requirements, you may consult the Collège’s self-management form in that regard.
A similar program is also available at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
Insurance/Financial services
Most financial services and insurance services offered to resident doctors can be converted upon completion of residency, on request. So we invite you to get in touch directly with our financial partners (RBC, TD Insurance, Professionals’ Fund, Desjardins Group, La Capitale) to agree on the terms and conditions that best suit you at that time.
Income tax
Throughout residency, income tax has been withdrawn from your salary through source deductions. When you are in practice, you will be paid on a different basis, and will have to gauge the amount of tax to be paid on your income. We advise you to make an appointment with an accountant or financial advisor as soon as you start your practice.