For Canadian students aspiring to become physicians, studying medicine abroad can be an opportunity to pursue their career goals while gaining an international medical education. One question, however, often comes up when considering a Caribbean medical school: Can you study at All Saints University in Dominica and return to Canada to practise medicine?
The answer is yes. Graduates of All Saints University School of Medicine can pursue medical residency and licensing pathways in Canada, provided they meet the applicable examination, credential verification, postgraduate training, and provincial licensing requirements.
Established in 2006, All Saints University has welcomed students from Canada and around the world who share a common ambition: becoming physicians. With an internationally accredited MD program, clinical training opportunities in North America, and alumni practising in Canada and other countries, our university provides an international pathway for students pursuing careers in medicine.
For Canadian students considering medical school abroad, understanding the available pathways is an important first step. Let’s explore how an All Saints University education can fit into your plans to pursue a medical career in Canada.
1. Study Medicine at All Saints University in Dominica
All Saints University School of Medicine, located in Roseau, Dominica, offers two Doctor of Medicine (MD) program options for students with different educational backgrounds.
Four-Year MD Program
Our Four-Year MD program is designed for university and college graduates who have completed the required post-secondary education and prerequisite coursework in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
The program combines basic medical sciences with clinical clerkships, preparing students to progress toward postgraduate medical training.
Five-Year MD Program
Our Five-Year MD program is designed for high school graduates who want to begin their medical education immediately after secondary school.
The program includes four semesters of premedical coursework, followed by the basic medical sciences curriculum and clinical clerkships.
Both programs lead to the same Doctor of Medicine degree upon successful completion of all academic and clinical requirements.
Accreditation and International Recognition
The MD program at All Saints University is accredited by the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR), a World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)-recognized accreditation agency. The current accreditation period runs from December 2024 through December 2029.
The university is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
For Canadian students, these are important factors to consider when researching an international medical school. Students should also review the Medical Council of Canada’s current requirements and confirm that their degree and graduation year meet the eligibility criteria for the licensing pathway they intend to pursue.
Learn more about All Saints University’s accreditation and recognition.
2. Can All Saints University Graduates Pursue Medical Careers in Canada?
Yes. Graduates of All Saints University can pursue the Canadian pathway as international medical graduates (IMGs).
The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) provides information and services for internationally educated medical graduates seeking postgraduate training and medical licensure in Canada.
For All Saints University graduates who plan to return to Canada, the process generally involves several important stages.
Medical Credential Verification
Graduates must establish an account through physiciansapply.ca and arrange for verification of their medical credentials, as required.
This process confirms the authenticity of medical education documents and supports applications for examinations and other licensing services.
Candidates should review the specific requirements of the province where they intend to practise. For example, Ontario has its own credential verification requirements through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE)
The MCC Qualifying Examination assesses medical knowledge and clinical decision-making.
International medical graduates applying for Canadian residency must meet the applicable examination requirements, including obtaining a passing result on the MCCQE.
National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination
The NAC Examination assesses clinical skills and readiness to enter supervised postgraduate medical training in Canada.
It is an important requirement for international medical graduates applying for Canadian residency through CaRMS.
Applying for Residency Through CaRMS
After meeting the applicable eligibility requirements, graduates can apply for postgraduate residency positions through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).
Residency positions are competitive, and applicants are evaluated based on their examination results, academic background, clinical experience, interviews, and other program-specific criteria.
International medical graduates apply for designated IMG positions and must satisfy the eligibility requirements established by the province and individual residency programs.
Completing Residency and Obtaining a Medical Licence
After successfully completing postgraduate residency training, physicians must satisfy the applicable certification and provincial registration requirements.
Depending on their specialty, this may involve certification through the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
Physicians must also obtain registration with the medical regulatory authority in the province where they intend to practise.
For example, doctors wishing to practise in Ontario must meet the requirements established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
The Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) is an important component of the Canadian Standard, but it does not independently grant a licence to practise medicine.
For detailed information, visit the Medical Council of Canada – Pathways for International Medical Graduates.
3. Ontario Introduces Plans to Prioritize Residency Opportunities for Students Who Study Medicine Abroad
For Canadian students, particularly those from Ontario, recent developments in the province’s medical residency system are important to follow.
On April 17, 2026, the Government of Ontario announced its intention to introduce legislative changes that would prioritize postgraduate residency opportunities for international medical graduates with established connections to Ontario.
According to the government’s announcement, the proposed framework would recognize Ontario IMGs through criteria such as:
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Attending an Ontario secondary school full-time for two or more years.
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Attending an Ontario university full-time and in person for two or more years.
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Physically residing in Ontario continuously for at least 24 weeks during the specified eligibility period.
The initiative is intended to provide Ontario students who pursue medical education abroad with a better opportunity to return to the province for postgraduate residency training and establish their medical careers closer to home.
What Does This Mean for All Saints University Students?
For Ontario students considering the Four-Year MD or Five-Year MD program at All Saints University, this announcement is an encouraging development to follow.
It recognizes that students may pursue medical education internationally while maintaining strong connections to Ontario and planning to return to contribute to the province’s healthcare system.
However, it is important to understand the current status of this initiative.
In its July 27, 2026 update, the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) confirmed that no new Ontario IMG eligibility requirements had been introduced for the 2027 R-1 Main Residency Match.
Therefore, the government’s April announcement should be understood as a proposed policy direction, not a guarantee of residency priority or placement. Applicants must continue to meet the published CaRMS eligibility criteria and individual residency program requirements.
All Saints University encourages Canadian students to stay informed about changes to medical residency policies and consider their long-term career plans when choosing a medical school.
Read the official announcements:
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Government of Ontario – Province Prioritizing Medical Residency for Ontario Students
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CaRMS – Update on Ontario IMG Eligibility Policy for 2027 R-1 Match
4. All Saints University Graduates Practising and Licensed in Canada
One of the accomplishments we are especially proud of at All Saints University is seeing our graduates establish professional medical careers in Canada.
Over the years, our alumni have pursued opportunities in different Canadian provinces, contributing their knowledge and skills to the healthcare system.
Our university’s published residency and alumni information features Canadian physicians with professional profiles and medical regulatory listings, including graduates associated with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.
Meet Some of Our Canadian Alumni
We are proud to recognize the following All Saints University graduates whose Canadian professional profiles are featured on our university website:
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Dr. Janarthanee Suresh
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Dr. Adaeze Bridget Odigwe
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Dr. Jaskirat Singh Saini
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Dr. Omolola Sogbein
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Dr. S. Tharmaradinam
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Dr. Fallon Peluola
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Dr. Patrice Curry
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Dr. Maggie Yongci Yu
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Dr. K. Satkunananthan
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Dr. S. R. Nadarajah
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Dr. Liam John Andrew Portt
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Dr. A. Wess
These physicians are part of the All Saints University alumni community. Their professional achievements represent the international reach of our medical education and the opportunities that graduates can pursue after completing their studies.
We are proud of our graduates and the contributions they make to their respective healthcare communities.
To learn more about our alumni and their professional journeys, visit our All Saints University Residency and Alumni page.
5. Clinical Training at All Saints University: Preparing for the Next Step
At All Saints University, medical education goes beyond classroom instruction.
Our MD curriculum includes basic medical sciences at our Dominica campus, followed by 72 weeks of clinical clerkships at affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States, Canada, and other regions.
During their clinical training, students gain experience in major medical specialties, including:
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Internal Medicine
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Surgery
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Pediatrics
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Psychiatry
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Family Medicine
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Elective clinical rotations
These clinical experiences allow students to apply their medical knowledge, develop patient-care skills, and gain exposure to different healthcare environments.
For Canadian students, clinical training in North American healthcare settings can also provide valuable experience as they prepare for future examinations and postgraduate training applications.
Students should remember that completing clinical rotations in Canada does not automatically guarantee eligibility for a Canadian residency position. Residency selection is a separate and competitive process governed by the applicable requirements.
6. Why Canadian Students Consider All Saints University
Choosing a medical school is an important decision, especially for students who plan to pursue their medical careers in Canada.
At All Saints University, we offer an international medical education experience with several features that Canadian students can consider:
International Accreditation: Our MD program is accredited by IAAR, a WFME-recognized accreditation agency.
Two MD Program Options: The Four-Year MD program is designed for eligible university graduates, while the Five-Year MD program provides a pathway for high school graduates.
North American Clinical Exposure: Students complete 72 weeks of clinical clerkships through affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States, Canada, and other regions.
International Alumni Network: Our graduates have pursued medical careers in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries.
Small Class Sizes: Our learning environment encourages interaction between students and faculty.
Scholarship Opportunities: Qualified students can explore available scholarship opportunities to support their medical education.
Canadian Student Support: Canadian students can contact our admissions team to learn more about program requirements, provincial student financial assistance, and the process of studying medicine in Dominica.
We understand that students have different educational backgrounds and career ambitions. Our admissions team is available to help prospective students understand the Four-Year and Five-Year MD options and determine which program best fits their academic qualifications.
7. Start Your Medical Journey at All Saints University
Becoming a physician requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
For Canadian students considering medical school abroad, an international education can be an important step toward pursuing their professional ambitions.
At All Saints University School of Medicine in Dominica, we are proud to educate future physicians from Canada and around the world. Our accredited MD program, clinical training opportunities, and growing international alumni community are important parts of the university’s commitment to medical education.
Our Canadian graduates are a meaningful part of our story, demonstrating the international opportunities that can follow an All Saints University education.
If your ambition is to study medicine in the Caribbean and pursue a medical career in Canada, we invite you to explore what All Saints University has to offer.
Your journey toward becoming a physician can begin at All Saints University.
Explore our Four-Year MD Program and Five-Year MD Program, or contact our admissions team to learn more about admissions, tuition, scholarships, and studying medicine in Dominica.
