Canadian-trained dermpath practicing in the USA

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Substance

Full Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
1,221
Reaction score
203
So if a pathologist trains in anatomical pathology with a dermpath fellowship in Canada, is he able to work in the USA? Are the certifications equivalent?

Members don't see this ad.
 
Up to my knowledge, some States in the US recognize your RCPSC certification and your Medical Council of Canada licensing exams. However, others States (may be the majority) still require that you sit and pass the USMLE (the three Steps within certain number of attempts and within a period not exceeding 7 years) in order to get the State license. Your training in Canada is recognized only if it is ACGME-accredited (RCPSC-accredited programs fill in this category).

You might want to consider restricted or defined license granted by few Sates. Under this license, you might be able to practice in a defined hospital or employer if you hold a qualification acceptable to the State medical Board.

The obstacle is always the licensing exams, not the postgraduate speciatly training as the there is reciprocal recognition of the programs between Canada and US.

I recommend you visit the web site of the state where you like to practice:


http://www.fsmb.org/fcvs_state_specific_req.html
 
You cannot take the dermpath boards in US without completing an ACGME accredited fellowship. There are no ACGME accredited dermpath fellowships in Canada. Canadian training (RCPSC) is only acceptable for US certification in anatomic and clinical pathology but not for dermpath boards. So you can not be a dermatopathologist in US with a Canadian fellowship since no one will hire someone who is not able to get US board certification in dermpath.

http://www.abpath.org/BIReqForCert.htm#DP
Dermatopathology

Certification in dermatopathology is a joint and equal function of the ABP and The American Board of Dermatology (ABD). Such function relates to qualifications of applicants, standards of examinations, and the form of the certificate.

a. Prerequisites

The ABD and the ABP will qualify applicants for examination for certification in dermatopathology who:

(1) Are certified by the ABP and the ABD.

(2) Are certified by the ABP (anatomic pathology or combined anatomic pathology and clinical pathology) or the ABD and have completed at least 1 year of training in dermatopathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME. This additional training must be taken after the applicant has met the full training requirements for certification in pathology or dermatology
 
Last edited:
Members don't see this ad :)
I agree with exPCM. I forgot this point.

Canada does not have an accredited training in a subspecisalty of pathology. The only two areas accredited by the RCPSC (and hence acceptable by the ACGME) are the anatomical pathology and general pathology. No subspecialties!!

Therefore, your primary training in pathology will be acceptable for licensure, as long as your program is ACGME/RCPSC accredited. However, you don't need your subspecialty to be accredited. Be reminded that MANY subspecialty fellowships in the US are not even accredited by the ACGME.

You can also sit for the American Board of Pathology certification exam in anatomical or clinical pathology BUT NOT ANY OF THE SUBSPECIALTIES OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PATHOLOGY such as Dermpath. However, you don't need the Board certification for the licensure.

Again, some States offer the so-called special license for those who do not have the USMLE but have equivalent training. Look for it, otherwise you have to sit for the USMLE.
 
Last edited:
Top