Medical Council of Canada / Le Conseil Médical du Canada

Overview

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC), also known as Le Conseil Médical du Canada, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1912 by Thomas Roddick. It is responsible for assessing the qualifications of medical graduates to ensure they meet the standards to practice medicine safely and effectively in Canada[2].

Mission and Role

The MCC's mission is to be the trusted keeper of physician credentials and the assessor of physicians' general competencies, informing safe licensure decisions in Canada[3]. It plays a critical role in Canadian healthcare by evaluating candidates' clinical decision-making skills, history taking, physical examination skills, and communication skills[4].

Examinations and Credentials

To become a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), a physician must graduate from a recognized medical school, complete at least 12 months of clinical postgraduate training, and pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I[1]. The MCC maintains the Canadian Medical Register, which lists physicians who have completed or been exempted from the LMCC requirements, serving as a step toward obtaining a license from provincial or territorial regulatory bodies[1].

Financial Aspects

The MCC generates significant revenue from its examinations. For instance, the cost of the MCCQE Part I exam has included a substantial fee, reflecting the organization's financial model[1]. Despite this, there is ongoing discussion about the financial burden these exams place on medical graduates, many of whom already face substantial education-related debt[1].

History

Since its founding, the MCC has been a cornerstone of Canadian healthcare, ensuring that physicians are adequately prepared to provide high-quality patient care. The organization works closely with medical schools to maintain high standards of medical education across Canada[4].

Business Registration

The Medical Council of Canada is registered under the Business Registration Number 107687220RR0001.