The new IMG Orientation Program is offered to International Medical Graduates (IMGs) entering Dalhousie’s Family Medicine Residency Training program in 2026. The program is designed to help you transition smoothly into residency and feel confident as you begin training.
Attendance is optional and is a great opportunity for those who are able to participate.
Helpful courses offered from isans: Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
Communication Strategies for Patient Interactions
The Communication Strategies for Patient Interactions (CSPI) course supports international medical graduates (IMGs) and international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) in developing the communication strategies needed to succeed in Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) licensure exams. The course focuses on listening and speaking skills aligned with OSCE communications competencies.
Interprofessional Communication for Healthcare Professionals
In this 7-week course for internationally educated healthcare professionals, you will improve your communication skills with patients and colleagues. Every week, you will meet online with your class to practice your language skills, and you will complete the rest of the course through online coursework. This class is 8-10 hours a week.
Reminder: good typing skills are key to using the EMR efficiently.
Program start and location
The program begins June 1 in Halifax and includes a mix of education, hands-on learning, and site-based orientation.
Schedule
Weeks 1–2: Halifax-based learning
You will take part in two weeks of educational sessions, including:
Practical skills training (e.g., performing sensitive exams)
Patient interview and communication skills
Sessions to familiarize you with how family medicine is practiced in Nova Scotia
Accommodation: You will stay in Dalhousie University residences, paid for by the program.
Week 3: Orientation at your matched site
In the third week of June, you will travel to the clinical site where you matched. During this week, you will:
Shadow a family medicine resident
Learn the clinic’s electronic medical record (EMR) system
Get oriented to any hospital-based systems you may use
Become familiar with the clinical settings where you will train over the next two years
June 22-26: Dalhousie PGME IMG Orientation (Halifax)
You will then return to Halifax to attend the Dalhousie Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) IMG Orientation Program from June 22–26.
Ongoing support
Coaching and mentorship will be available throughout your residency. We want to support your success in our program and help you feel welcomed from day one. Our ask is that you come ready to learn—and willing to work as hard as we will alongside you.
