Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ministère de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY BRANCH DIRECTION DES POLITIQUES RELATIVES AUX RESSOURCES HUMAINES DANS LE DOMAINE DE LA SANTE Physician Re-Entry Program Return of Service (ROS) Fact Sheet What is Physician Re-Entry Program? Through the Re-Entry Program, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) offers funding each year for physicians currently practicing in Canada to re-enter postgraduate medical training. The purpose of the program is to increase flexibility in the medical training system and provide opportunities for physicians to pursue areas of interest after a period of generalist practice, while at the same time addressing the need of a variety of physician services in Ontario. How many positions does the Re-Entry program have funding for? For Re-Entry training positions beginning in July 2008, the ministry has funding for a total of 50 positions for qualified physicians: Funding for 20 positions in Family Medicine training. Applications will be accepted for entry into family medicine residency and all PGY 3 areas of specialty. Funding for 20 positions in Specialty training. Applications will be accepted for entry into all areas of specialty. Funding for 5 positions in Community Medicine specialty or Masters of Public Health training. Funding for 5 positions in Subspecialty training. Positions will be available to candidates who meet current program eligibility requirements and are currently enrolled in Re-Entry specialty training in PGY 3 or higher, or currently practicing in a general specialty. Who is eligible? To be eligible, physicians must: Hold a current certificate of registration for independent practice from your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. Have been in active, full time practice in Canada for a minimum of six (6) months consecutive months prior to application. (* Please note that this requirement will change to a minimum of 12 months of full-time practice prior to application for the 2009 Re-Entry Program Application Cycle.) Be eligible for a certificate of registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent resident of Canada Re-Entry ROS Fact Sheet November 2007
What is Return of Service (ROS) in the Re-Entry Program? Physicians, who are selected in the Re-Entry Program and have obtained residency position, have to provide two-year of full-time medical service in the specialty for which they retained in, anywhere in Ontario. What is the Return of Service (ROS) Agreement? There are two parts to the ROS agreement: (1) ROS Agreement. It is the main agreement that describes the required length of service and repayment expected if the agreement is not fulfilled. This part is signed by the physician and the Ministry prior the start of his or her residency. It must be signed and returned before the physician begins his or her training program. Doing so ensures that his or her position will be funded and that his or her start date will not be delayed. (2) ROS Addendum. This document specifies the practice location of the physician s ROS. This part is signed by the physician, the community and the Ministry. It is due before the last day of his or her residency. Who can sign the Addendum? The addendum has to be signed by the physician in program, representatives in the community, and ministry representative. Representatives in the community can be: President or Chief Executive Officer of a hospital Chief of Staff in a hosptial Manager, Supervisor or owner of a clinic Local physician recruiter or physician coordinator Representative of a town (eg. Mayor) Where do I submit the signed ROS agreement and addendum? The original signed agreement and addendum are required. Please mail the original copy to: Program Officer Health Human Resources Policy Branch Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care 56 Wellesley St. West, 12/Floor Toronto ON M5S 2S3 What is considered a breach of the ROS agreement? A breach of the agreement can occur if the physician does not Start the training program as planned Complete the training program Successfully pass national certification exams in the maximum number of attempts Submit an Addendum Start or complete return of service Inform the Ministry and obtain necessary approvals before the physician change his or her practice Re-Entry ROS Fact Sheet November 2007
What are the consequences if there is a breach of the ROS agreement? A breach of the agreement may result in the physician being required to repay significant costs associated with his or her residency. It may also have implications for the physician s registration as the ministry reports all ROS agreements to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. If the physician does not fulfill the service requirements identified in the return of service agreement, the physician will be required to repay costs associated with his or her residency. These costs are identified in the agreement and may include: Salaries and benefits that the physician earned while in a funded training position Training costs associated with the physician s residency position Interest If the physician does not return service, he or she will receive a letter requesting repayment. Full repayment is required within the time period specified in the repayment letter. Failure to repay may result in the physician s file being referred for collections and may affect his or her credit rating. Can I defer the start of my ROS commitment? The ministry will consider requests to defer the start of ROS commitment under exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis. If you have any question, please contact Program Officer at (416) 327-8339 or email at: PPUprogramofficer@ontario.ca Can I do return-of-service on a part-time basis? Return of service must be carried out on a full-time basis. Can I do my return-of-service in two locations? The ministry will consider requests for joint ROS locations. Physician has to submit one addendum for each ROS location. If you have any question, please contact Program Officer at (416) 327-8339 or email at: PPUprogramofficer@ontario.ca OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PHYSICIAN RE-ENTRY PROGRAM. 1. If I am selected in the Physician Re-Entry Program, will I guaranteed a residency position? An applicant who is successful in acquiring re-entry program funding for retraining is responsible for securing an appropriate training position. Approval of Re-Entry Program funding does not guarantee an applicant a position in the program or school of their choice. 2. How do I secure a training appointment with a program? If you are selected with funding, you will receive a confirmation letter from the ministry. You will be asked to submit a signed consent form that allows us to forward your re-entry application package to the programs that you have identified on this form. You are responsible to contact these program directors directly for training appointment opportunities in their school. Once again, approval of Re- Entry Program funding does not guarantee an applicant a position in the program or school of their choice. 3. What are the selection criteria for the Program? Applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on supporting documentation and criteria including: Projections of physician supply that support that the specialty/sub-specialty requested is experiencing current or impending shortages; length of applicant s prior service; any continuing education, training or experiences in the specialty outlined in applicant s personal letter. While not a pre-requisite for application, priority will be given to applicants with prior physician service in Ontario. Re-Entry ROS Fact Sheet November 2007
4. Is there a fee for application to the Re-Entry Program? There is no application fee to the Re-Entry Program. However there may be a fee for you to get the Certificate of Professional Conduct by your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. For Ontario, please visit the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) website at: www.cpso.on.ca 5. How can I submit my application? There are two ways that you can submit you application. (a) Submission by mail. Please submit all the required documentation in one envelope and mail it to the address below before the deadline. Program Officer Physician Planning Unit Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care 56 Wellesley St. West 12/Floor, Toronto ON M5S 2S3 (b) Submission by e-mail. Please attach all the required documents (preferably in PDF format) in one e-mail and email it to: PPUprogramofficer@ontario.ca before the deadline. Note: The Certificate of Professional Conduct from your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons may come separately either by mail or email (same addresses as above) 6. May I go to school part-time? Residency training is a full-time commitment. Alteration of your training schedule due to special circumstances must be negotiated with the program director and in accordance with the policy set out by the Postgraduate Medical Education Committee of the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine. 7. Is it possible to change training programs or schools once I have begun training? If it is necessary to change schools or programs, you must contact the postgraduate medical education office of your medical school, as the medical education offices are responsible for administering any transfers. 8. When do I begin my return-of-service? The start of return-of-service must commence within 3 months from the last day of your residency. 9. What will I be paid during my training? You will be paid according to the rate and conditions specified in the Professional Association of Internes and Residents of Ontario (PAIRO)/Teaching Hospital Association Agreement, and at the level assessed by the university program director and teaching hospital where you are employed. 10. I applied to the Masters of Public Health position. Where can I do my return of service? The ROS for the Masters of Public Health positions will be to a Public Health Unit in Ontario. Please contact Program Officer at (416) 327-8339 or send an email to: PPUprogramofficer@ontario.ca 11. Is there an appeal process for the Program? There is no appeal mechanism for the program. However you may wish to re-apply to the Program next year. Re-Entry ROS Fact Sheet November 2007
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ministère de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY BRANCH DIRECTION DES POLITIQUES RELATIVES AUX RESSOURCES HUMAINES DANS LE DOMAINE DE LA SANTE November 2007 2008 RE-ENTRY PROGRAM INFORMATION LETTER Through the Re-Entry Program, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) offers funding each year for physicians currently practicing in Canada to re-enter postgraduate medical training. The purpose of the program is to increase flexibility in the medical training system and provide opportunities for physicians to pursue areas of interest after a period of generalist practice, while at the same time addressing the need of a variety of physician services in Ontario. All Re- Entry positions have a two-year return of service requirement anywhere in Ontario. Please refer to the section Return of Service Requirements in this letter. For Re-Entry training positions beginning in July 2008, the ministry has funding for a total of 50 positions for qualified physicians: Funding for 20 positions in Family Medicine training. Applications will be accepted for entry into family medicine residency and all PGY 3 areas of specialty. Funding for 20 positions in Specialty training. Applications will be accepted for entry into all areas of specialty. Funding for 5 positions in Community Medicine specialty or Masters of Public Health training. Funding for 5 positions in Subspecialty training. Positions will be available to candidates who meet current program eligibility requirements and are currently enrolled in Re-Entry specialty training in PGY 3 or higher, or currently practicing in a general specialty. PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY To be eligible, you must: Hold a current certificate of registration for independent practice from your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. Have been in active, full time practice in Canada for a minimum of six (6) months consecutive months prior to application*. Be eligible for a certificate of registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent resident of Canada If you are not an independently licensed physician currently practicing in Canada, you are not eligible to apply to the Re-Entry program. * Please note that this requirement will change to a minimum of 12 months of full time practice prior to application for the 2009 Re-Entry Program Application Cycle. 2008 Re-Entry Program-Information letter 1
CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM If you apply for and are selected, your Re-Entry funding will be contingent on: Acceptance into a designated specialty program at one of Ontario s medical schools Proof of acceptance into a program noted above and your commitment to meet the requirements of your residency program (e.g. full-time attendance). Receipt of a signed return-of-service agreement, prior to beginning your training program, confirming your commitment to practice in Ontario. An applicant who is successful in acquiring re-entry funding for retraining is responsible for securing an appropriate training position. Please note that approval of Re-Entry Program funding does not guarantee an applicant a position in the program or school of their choice. RETURN OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS (ROS) 1. General (a) Return-of-Service Location If you are a successful re-entry candidate and have received a training appointment with a university, you will be required to sign and submit a return-of-service (ROS) agreement to the Ministry before you start your training. You will also be required to make arrangements to return service anywhere in Ontario and to confirm this arrangement before you complete your training. To confirm your practice location you will be asked to sign and submit an Addendum to the ROS Agreement that is co-signed by the community organization and the Ministry. The Addendum to your ROS Agreement is due to the Ministry on or before your last day of your residency training. A copy of the ROS agreement is available upon request. Please contact Program Officer by e-mail at PPUprogramofficer@moh.gov.on.ca or by phone at (416) 327-8339. (b) NEW-Length of Return-of-Service The ROS commitment for all training opportunities is two (2) years anywhere in Ontario. If you have any question, please contact Program Officer at (416) 327-8339, or email it to: PPUprogramofficer@moh.gov.on.ca 2. Masters of Public Health positions The ROS applied to Masters of Public Health positions will be to a Public Health Unit. Eligible Public Health Units will be determined in consultation with the Ministry s Public Health Division. 3. Radiation Oncology positions Eligible ROS locations for Radiation Oncology specialists will be determined in consultation with Cancer Care Ontario. 2008 Re-Entry Program-Information letter 2
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS To be considered for the Re-Entry program, please submit the following documentation: (Note: No reference letter is required) 1. Completed application form (see attached); 2. Curriculum vitae; 3. A personal letter outlining your qualifications for one of the re-entry positions. This letter should outline the length of service, relevant continuing education, training and/or experiences in the specialty of interest. Please see Selection Criteria on page 4 for more information. 4. A copy of your certification with the College of Family Physicians of Canada or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (as applicable); and 5. A Certificate of Professional Conduct (CPC) from your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. To download a request form for a CPC from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, please visit this website: http://www.cpso.on.ca/info_physicians/members/pconduct.htm or visit www.cpso.on.ca, select Info Physicians, then membership info-certificate of professional conduct, select CPC form for Ontario hospital privileges. For applicants outside of Ontario, please request a CPC from your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. Please note your college may require your consent to release this information and may charge you a fee for providing this certificate. APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS You can either submit your completed application by mail or by email. (a) Submission by mail: Please submit all the required documentation in one envelope and mail it to the address below before the deadline. Program Officer Physician Planning Unit Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care 56 Wellesley St. West 12/Floor, Toronto ON M5S 2S3 (b) Submission by e-mail: If you wish to submit your application electronically, please attach all the required documents (preferably in PDF format) in one e-mail and send to: PPUprogramofficer@moh.gov.on.ca before the deadline. Note: The Certificate of Professional Conduct from your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons may come separately either by mail or email (same addresses as above) 2008 Re-Entry Program-Information letter 3
TRAINING START DATE Successful candidates for the 2008 program must commence training between July 1, 2008 and January 1, 2009. SELECTION CRITERIA Applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on supporting documentation and criteria including: Projections of physician supply that support that the specialty/sub-specialty requested is experiencing current or impending shortages Length of applicant s prior service Any continuing education, training or experiences in the specialty outlined in letter. While not a pre-requisite for application, priority will be given to applicants with: Prior physician service in Ontario. APPLICATION DEADLINE The deadline for your submitting your application package and required documentation is Monday, January 7, 2008. Late applications or documents will not be accepted. Candidates will be notified of the competition outcomes by late-february 2008. **Upcoming Changes for 2009 Program Year** Please note that for the 2009 Re-Entry Program, applicants are required to have a minimum of 12 consecutive months of medical practice in Canada prior to application. 2008 Re-Entry Program-Information letter 4