IMPORTANT:
- A Medical Identification Number for Canada (MINC) will automatically be assigned to you once you apply for the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) examinations.
- You can view your MINC from your physiciansapply.ca account, by clicking on Profile on the Home page, and your MINC will be displayed on the Identifiers panel, on the right.
- You can also obtain your MINC from the medical regulatory authority with whom you are presently registered.
- If you require further assistance, please contact the MCC service desk directly.
Why does Canada need the MINC identifier system?
Can a MINC be used for other purposes?
How is a MINC structured?
Who operates the MINC system?
Why do I as a physician need a MINC?
How do I apply for a MINC?
How are MINCs assigned to individuals?
Do I need to sign a consent to obtain a MINC?
Can the MINC#NIMC organization issue a MINC directly to me?
What information about me is provided to the MINC#NIMC organization?
What if my information needs to be updated?
Can MINC#NIMC tell me my MINC?
Who, other than Prime Users, has access to the MINC#NIMC hub?
I have been asked for my MINC on an application form. Should I provide it?
Why does Canada need the MINC identifier system?
Organizations which maintain databases of physician information use a variety of physician identifiers, including registration numbers, billing numbers, member numbers and other unique numbers. Because none of these is used on an inter-provincial or national basis, it is difficult to:
•confirm that an individual seeking registration in one province is the same person who was disciplined in another province or territory;
•determine the number of physicians with active licenses in more than one province or territory;
•track where physicians enter practice after completing their training; and
•identify to regulatory authorities when individuals receive their degrees, licensure, certification or other credentials.
The MINC system was developed to provide a reliable, verifiable identifier for all Canadian physicians, and to allow Prime Users and Licensed Users to link their databases (or selected parts) for approved regulatory, administrative and research purposes. It provides a “common currency” for identification.
Can a MINC be used for other purposes?
A MINC is considered confidential personal information, and safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized use. See the MINC#NIMC Privacy Code.
How is a MINC structured?
A MINC is comprised of 12 alpha-numeric characters. For details, see What is a MINC?
Who operates the MINC system?
MINC#NIMC, a not-for-profit organization jointly owned by the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC) and the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). See About MINC#NIMC.
Why do I as physician need a MINC?
The increasingly complex, interrelated and computerized medical system in Canada has made the accurate identification of physicians, medical students and residents a significant challenge. To ensure that you are reliably identified, wherever you go and whichever organization you belong to, having a MINC number will help.
How do I apply for a MINC?
- If you are currently registered with a College of Physicians and Surgeons in any Canadian province or territory, contact your College directly to apply for your MINC.
- If you are applying for registration with one of the above Colleges, the registration process will include your application for a MINC.
- If you are applying for a Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exam, application for a MINC will be part of that process. Contact MCC directly or access your MCC online account to locate your MINC.
How are MINCs assigned to individuals?
Every individual entering any aspect of the Canadian medical education or practice system is assigned a MINC on their first entry to the system. Undergraduate students, postgraduate trainees, applicants to the MCC exams and physicians of any registration status in any province or territory are all assigned a MINC.
- An individual applying for registration with a medical regulatory authority in any Canadian province or territory will be assigned a MINC at the time of registration.
- An individual without a MINC who applies to a MCC exam will be assigned a MINC at that time.
- An International Medical Graduate will be assigned a MINC when they apply to an MCC exam.
Do I need to sign a consent to obtain a MINC?
Yes, you need to sign a consent to obtain a MINC. This consent allows the Prime User (the College of Physicians and Surgeons, or the MCC) to provide core personal data requirements to MINC, on the basis of which the applicant’s identity is confirmed. The consent also allows MINC to release the MINC number to Licensed Users.
Can the MINC#NIMC organization issue a MINC directly to me?
No. MINC#NIMC will issue a MINC only at the request of a Prime User (i.e., your College or the MCC). See number 2. The Prime User will then notify you of your MINC.
What information about me is provided to the MINC#NIMC organization?
What if my information needs to be updated?
Updating done to the data in the MINC#NIMC hub typically relates to a legal change of name or a correction to a core data element. This information is generally updated by Prime Users, and you are encouraged to contact the Registration Department of your College in this regard. The MINC office is responsible for investigating and rectifying possible inaccuracies or anomalies that Prime Users are unable to resolve. Changes of address, qualifications, registration status – even the death of a MINC holder – are generally not recorded. As confirmation of identity may be required well into the future, the core personal information and the MINC number associated with it will be kept indefinitely.
Can MINC#NIMC tell me my MINC?
Physicians who wish to be reminded of their MINC numbers are encouraged to contact the College with which they are registered, or the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), if they have written an MCC exam.
Who, other than Prime Users, has access to the MINC#NIMC hub?
Only Licensed Users, who are given read-only access upon signing a contractual agreement with MINC#NIMC.
I have been asked for my MINC on an application form. Should I provide it?
Physicians should provide their MINC numbers only to Licensed Users of the MINC System. As a Licensed User, the organization must agree to mandatory security and privacy protections, and to use MINCs only for approved, non-commercial uses. See Privacy Code.