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had no problem getting an Alberta medical license
Who cares about getting Canadian boards? You need a Canadian med license. I did AP-only + 1 year fellowship (all in US), and had no problem getting an Alberta medical license (before passing my FP boards, just AP certified at that point in time, so my license is technically as an anatomic pathologist). I don't actually know the rules for getting Royal College certified... I've not done it, don't think I'm eligible, but again, what does it matter? I have a valid medical license and courts have no problem recognizing my US training for expert witness status. It's US-Canada, not Djibouti-Canada.
All that said, I agree with the suggestion to consider applying to Canadian AP residencies. You'll be in the second iteration, but plenty of programs make it to the second round. If you can afford it, I'd apply to both, and if you match in Canada, you're set and then withdraw from US match.
I thought AMGs are considered in the first iteration of CARMS along with CMGs
I thought you are AUTOMATICALLY withdrawn from the U.S match if you match in Canada
I'm not sure about your second statement - that could be true. I thought American grads were considered 'foreign' in CaRMS, but I'm not sure. This is all just based on conversations I've had with residents here and some faculty.
.....The “transfer” option sounds amazing but I am not sure if that’s a real option. According to CaRMS I would have to apply through 2nd iteration… and no one seems to know how to go about it...
- Transfer to a Canadian pathology residency program (as a PGY4 or PGY5) is OK.
I think some of the other provinces (especially Ontario?) are stricter and require even ABP certified U.S. pathology residency graduates to take the Canadian path boards and/or practice under supervision for some length of time in order to get a medical license.
To OP - I think you would be better off training in the U.S. (4 years AP/CP + 1 fellowship unless you are genuinely interested in doing a clinical internship year) and getting ABP boarded if you feel that there is any chance you might want to practice in the U.S. later and/or if you are interested in a more esoteric or competitive subspecialty fellowship. If you have your heart set on practice in Canada, I'm not sure which route would make it easier for you to reach your goal.
I thought AMGs are considered in the first iteration of CARMS along with CMGs
I thought you are AUTOMATICALLY withdrawn from the U.S match if you match in Canada