Physicians

Study Group Description:

The National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE)  study group focuses on assisting international medical graduates (IMGs) in reviewing competencies as outlined by the National Assessment Collaboration alliance of Canada and the objectives for the NAC OSCE. The sessions focus on clinical knowledge and skills, ethics, professionalism, communication and decision making abilities at the level of a Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) in Canada. Sessions include a practice NAC OSCE.

The study group's objectives are:
  • To understand the NAC OSCE objectives, formats and measurements
  • To strengthen and broaden clinical knowledge and critical thinking in all focus areas of the NAC OSCE through interactive clinical case presentations
  • To enhance communication, cultural and language skills relative to the passing of the NAC OSCE

Limited spaces are available in the NAC study group.

This study group is designed around feedback, both oral and written to individuals and the group with a focus on steady improvement. 

* Dates and delivery mode of the study group may be subject to change. Registered participants will be notified via email and updates will be posted on our webpage.

Licensing Bodies/Provincial Program:

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)

Examining Body: 

Medical Council of Canada (MCC)

Provincial Stakeholder:

Alberta International Medical Graduate Program (AIMGP)

Other stakeholder:

Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS)

Facilitators:

Co-facilitated by a career coach and licensed physicians or senior residents

Cost:

No cost for eligible clients accepted into the group

Important Information:
  • This study group is designed to provide feedback both oral and written, to individuals and the group with a focus on steady improvement
  • Sessions are physician led with a focus on preparation for the OSCE skillset
  • The objective of the study group is to improve critical thinking, clinical reasoning and exam skills

Eligibility:

  • Be an international medical graduate
  • Have registered for an upcoming NAC exam and provide proof upon request
  • Complete a study group assessment with a career coach
  • Attend the mandatory screening sessions. Screening includes a one-on-one clinical interview designed to assess clinical knowledge, language fluency, communication and attitude towards learning
  • Be ready, willing and able to commit to the attendance rules
  • Be ready, willing and able to study the required hours per week
  • Be approved by a career coach/facilitator/coordinator

Oral assessment screening - for invited participants Date: March 4, 2024 *

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (participants will be assigned time periods of 30 minutes)

Delivery method: Online

Important information regarding oral assessment screening:

  • Assessment criteria is based on CANMEDS roles
  • Notification of acceptance or decline will be sent via email
  • Written feedback will be given on areas requiring improvement
  • All decisions are final
  • Participants may reapply for future group offerings if unsuccessful
Delivery Method:

Online and in-person*

Please note participants will require access to a laptop or PC and high speed internet suitable for audio and video streaming. A cell phone is not suitable for participation.

Required Textbook:

Toronto Notes (current edition) for Medical Students, University of Toronto Press

Dates:

March 7 - April 30, 2024 * (most sessions are scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays, days may change depending facilitator availability)

Time:

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (weeknight sessions) and 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm (Saturdays)

What are the steps to find out if you can join the NAC study group?
  1. Call the Directions for Immigrants office to make an appointment to meet a career coach 403-770-5155
  2. Complete your online registration form
  3. Attend your appointment to determine your eligibility
  4. Complete a study group assessment with your career coach.
  5. Potential clients will be added to a list and will be notified of the assessment test date and details
  6. Attend, write and pass an assessment test session on a specified date (see oral assessment screening information for more details)
  7. Develop an action plan with your career coach if accepted to the study group

Note: There are a limited number of spaces available for this study group. All applicants are added to a potential participant list until notification of acceptance. Final acceptance to the study group is based on available space and personal suitability to the group and the objectives of the study group.  For more information, call the main reception at 403-770-5155.