In the CaRMS 2027 R-1 match, first iteration, there will be two parallel streams.

One stream will be for Canadian Medical Graduates (CMGs), and United States Medical Graduates pre-July 1, 2025, (USMGs) without prior postgraduate training.

The second stream will be open to eligible International Medical Graduates (IMGs), which includes USMGs from July 1, 2025, onwards, and US Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) graduates, without prior postgraduate training. These positions are identified as IMG positions on the CaRMS site and for 2027 are available in Memorial's Internal Medicine and Family Medicine programs.

Individuals who match in the IMG-Internal Medicine stream are required to sign a Internal Medicine Return-in-Service Agreement by March 23, 2027, for a period of five (5) years served in the province. Failure to do so will result in the offer of the postgraduate seat at Memorial to be rescinded.

Unfilled first iteration positions from the Internal Medicine IMG stream will be competitive in the second iteration, i.e. open to all applicants (CMGs, USMGs and IMGs who fulfill the eligibility criteria, and will also require a Return-in-Service Agreement for a period of five (5) years served in the province.

Individuals who match in this stream in the second iteration must sign the return in service agreement by May 11, 2027, or the offer of the postgraduate seat at Memorial will be rescinded.  

Please note, for individuals who match to the IMG stream, PGME will notify Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, and the Department of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, of any material changes to the individual’s postgraduate training program that would impact their Return-in-Service obligation.

 

Return-in-Service Agreement (RiS) Questions and Answers

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the RiS Agreement and ensure they understand the associated commitments and obligations before applying. These residency positions have been established to provide IMGs with an opportunity to complete postgraduate medical training in Canada while supporting physician workforce needs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Successful applicants are required to fulfill the service obligations outlined in the RiS Agreement following completion of their training.      

Disclaimer: These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are provided for informational purposes only and are intended to assist in understanding the RiS. In the event of any discrepancy between the information contained in these FAQs and the terms of the RiS Agreement, the RiS Agreement shall prevail and serve as the official governing document.

What is a Return-in-Service (RiS) Agreement?

Participants are eligible to complete a residency program that is funded by the Department of Health and Community Services (HCS), Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in exchange for a commitment to provide service within the province for a specific period of time.

What is the RiS Commitment for Memorial's Internal Medicine Residency Program, International Medical Graduate (IMG) Stream?

Applicants who match to the Internal Medicine Residency Program, IMG Stream, at Memorial will be required to provide a RiS commitment to practice internal medicine in the province for a period of five (5) years.

How and when does my service begin?

Upon successful completion of Memorial's Internal Medicine Residency Program, IMG Stream, and sub-specialty training, where required, the physician will provide internal medicine practice services in Newfoundland and Labrador for a period of five (5) years.

Residents must begin work as an internal medicine physician in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador within three (3) months of successful completion of Memorial's Internal Medicine Residency Program, IMG Stream and subsequent sub-specialty training, where required, or as otherwise agreed between the parties.

The physician will provide to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador continuous and comprehensive internal medicine services on a consistent basis. This does not include locums or virtual care as a primary means of practice.

What if I am unable to fulfil my RiS commitment?

A physician may request suspension or postponement of their RiS Agreement in writing to the HCS; however, HCS will only consider a request for suspension or postponement in extenuating circumstances. Eligible reasons may include the physician's serious personal illness, the physician's maternity/parental leave, the serious illness or death of the physician's dependant family member, or the physician's additional medical training. HCS will decide whether to approve the request in its sole discretion. 

Alternatively, failure to fulfil a RiS commitment may result in Default of the Agreement whereby the physician will be required to repay the Defaulted Amount.as identified within the RiS Agreement.

What if I require medical accommodation in order to fulfil my RiS commitment?

Accommodations will be provided where possible in accordance with legislation.

What incentive programs are currently available for internal medicine physicians?

Internal medicine residents may be eligible for recruitment and retention incentives including the physician signing bonus program and bursaries.

For more information on incentives please visit https://workinhealthnl.ca. 

Where can I get further information?

For more information pertaining to the IMG RiS Agreement, please contact the Department of Health and Community Services at HCSIncentives@gov.nl.ca.

For more information on recruitment and retention of physicians in Newfoundland and Labrador, please email Recruit@WorkInHealthNL.ca.

For more information on Memorial's Internal Medicine Residency Program, IMG Stream, please email Memorial's Faculty of Medicine at pgmeimg@mun.ca.

For more information on or to apply for the Resident Bursary Program or the Physician Signing Bonus Program, please contact Medical Services, HCS, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador at MedServicesPrograms@gov.nl.ca.

For more information on employment as a physician in Newfoundland and Labrador or for information on bursaries and incentives, please visit https://workinhealthnl.ca/.