In the CaRMS 2025 R-1 match, first iteration, there will be two parallel streams.

One stream will be for CMGs/USMGs without prior postgraduate training.

The second stream will be open to eligible IMGs (including US Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) graduates) without prior postgraduate training. These positions are identified as IMG positions on the CaRMS site and for 2025 are available in Memorial's Internal Medicine program.

Individuals who match in the IMG-Internal Medicine stream are required to sign a return in service IM agreement by March 25, 2025 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 Failure to do so will result in the offer of the postgraduate seat at Memorial to be rescinded.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.

Return of Service Agreement Questions and Answers

1. What is Return in Service (RIS) Agreement?

  - Participants are eligible to complete a residency program that is funded by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in exchange for a commitment to provide service within the province for a specific period of time.

2. 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.

3. 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 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.

4. 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 Department of Health and Community Services (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.

5. What if I require medical accommodation in order to fulfil my RIS commitment?

  - Accommodations will be provided where possible in accordance with legislation.

6. What programs are currently available for internal medicine physicians?

   - IMGs doing their RIS can still avail of the other eligible incentives (service periods to run concurrently)

   - Residents may be eligible for the Physicians Signing Bonus Program and/or the Medical Resident Bursary with additional information available at NL Health Services.

   - Additional financial incentives maybe available with additional information at NL Health Services.

7. Where can I get further information?

  - For more information on recruitment and retention of physicians in Newfoundland and Labrador, please email the Provincial Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Office, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, at 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, Department of Health and Community Services, 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 NL Health Services.