Associate Physicians
Associate Physicians are regulated health professionals who provide medical services within a supervised, physician-led model of care in Prince Edward Island. This role is designed to support health system capacity while ensuring patient safety through defined scopes of practice and clear supervisory structures.
In Prince Edward Island, Associate Physicians must practice under an agreement of supervision with a registered physician, along with an approved practice description outlining the specific duties and scope authorized by the Registrar. Associate Physicians are not permitted to practice independently and cannot act as the most responsible physician (MRP) for patient care at any time. All clinical activities must be explicitly delegated and supervised by the overseeing physician.
Registration as an Associate Physician is a conditional form of registration and is granted only within an approved, supervised practice arrangement. While an offer of employment may be used to support an application, registration cannot be finalized without an established supervisory relationship and approved practice setting.
Applicants must meet defined eligibility criteria, which shall include completion of a recognized medical degree, completed postgraduate training and Certification from their home country. In addition, applicants may be required to demonstrate successful completion of standardized assessments of medical knowledge and clinical competence, such as recognized licensing examinations or objective structured clinical examinations, depending on the pathway.
Additional requirements may include, credential verification through approved primary source verification systems, proof of professional liability coverage, criminal record screening, certificates of professional conduct, evidence of ongoing competence through continuing professional development and demonstration of English language proficiency where applicable.
Applicants must also meet expectations related to current clinical practice experience, with requirements varying depending on training background and time since last practice. Please see the “Currency of Practice” policy.
The registration process typically includes a job offer by Health PEI. If a job offer is obtained, the physician would then apply for registration through PhysiciansApply. Practice description and agreement of supervision would be required prior to registration being granted.
Associate Physicians are expected to practise strictly within their approved scope and only under supervision. The supervising physician retains responsibility for patient care decisions and must ensure appropriate delegation of clinical tasks. Associate Physicians may assist with a range of delegated medical activities, such as history taking, physical examinations, diagnostic ordering, and procedural support, provided these activities are authorized and appropriately supervised.
Associate Physicians must comply with all applicable professional standards, including accurate documentation, respect for patient confidentiality, adherence to privacy legislation, maintenance of professional boundaries, and ongoing engagement in continuing professional development.
Registration in this category is not a pathway to independent medical practice. Physicians who wish to practice independently must meet all requirements for General/Provisional registration.
Following licensure, Associate Physicians are required to maintain ongoing professional development through participation in approved continuing professional development (CPD) programs and must renew their registration annually to remain in good standing.