Introduction to SIPPA

The Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) is a “practice readiness” competency assessment program. SIPPA was implemented in 2011 to ensure that internationally trained physicians who wish to practice medicine in Saskatchewan possess the appropriate clinical skills and knowledge to provide quality patient care. SIPPA operates under the auspices of the College of Medicine with the support of a provincial oversight committee with representatives from the Provincial Government, saskdocs/Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS).

There are two to three iterations of SIPPA per year. The number of candidates per iteration is determined by Saskatchewan family physician resource needs and the availability of Clinical Field Assessment sites for SIPPA candidate evaluation. SIPPA is a competitive program with many more International Medical Graduate (IMG) physician applicants than there are available spots; eligibility for SIPPA does not guarantee a position in SIPPA.

Note to Applicants: SIPPA is not a clinical training program. Other than an initial “Orientation to Family Practice in Saskatchewan,” SIPPA is an evaluative process. Unsuccessful candidates in the program are eligible to enter the program on one more occasion only.