Becoming a Practitioner with the Saskatchewan Health Authority
Whether you're exploring a career in Saskatchewan, interviewing for a position, considering an offer, or preparing to begin practice, Practitioner Staff Affairs (PSA) is here to help you understand the steps to becoming a practitioner with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). This page outlines what to expect throughout the process and provides resources to help you prepare for practice. If you've been referred to us by the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency (SHRA), this is where your journey with Practitioner Staff Affairs begins.
Internationally Medical Graduates (IMGs)
If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) interested in practising in Saskatchewan, your pathway to licensure will depend on your training, certification and area of practice.
Visit Health Careers Saskatchewan – Physician Licensure for information about licensure pathways for international medical graduates in family medicine and specialty practice.
International medical graduates pursuing family medicine may also be eligible for the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA).
Your Journey to Practice
Your journey to becoming a practitioner with the Saskatchewan Health Authority typically includes the following:
Select a section below to learn more about each step.
Practitioner Staff Affairs works with physician leaders and hiring teams to support the interview and selection process. If you are selected for a position, we'll guide you through the remaining steps required before you begin practice.
During this stage, you can expect to:
- Participate in interviews with the hiring team.
- Learn about the role, practice opportunity, and community.
- Ask questions about the position and recruitment process.
- Be contacted regarding the outcome of the recruitment process.
If you are selected for a position, you'll receive a Letter of Offer outlining the terms of your appointment. Once your offer has been accepted, Practitioner Staff Affairs will guide you through the remaining steps before you begin practice.
During this stage, Practitioner Staff Affairs will:
- Contact you with next steps.
- Provide information about the appointment process.
- Explain documentation requirements and timelines.
- Coordinate activities with other SHA teams as needed.
Before practicing within the Saskatchewan Health Authority, practitioners must receive an initial appointment and be granted the appropriate clinical privileges.
Depending on your appointment, you may be asked to provide:
- Government-issued identification
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Professional licenses and registration
- Degrees and educational credentials
- Fellowship or certification documents
- Professional liability insurance (CMPA or equivalent)
- Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search
- References (where required)
- Immigration or work authorization documents (where applicable)
- Additional documentation requested by Practitioner Staff Affairs
What Practitioner Staff Affairs will do
- Provide appointment application forms and instructions.
- Review and verify required documentation.
- Coordinate credentialing and privileging.
- Coordinate medical leadership review and approvals.
- Notify you once your appointment has been approved.
How Your Application is Approved
Once your complete application has been received, it follows the review and approval process outlined in the SHA Practitioner Staff Bylaws. Applications are reviewed through the following stages before an appointment or change to privileges is approved:
- Complete Application Received
- Area Appointment & Review Committee (AARC) Review
- Area Practitioner Advisory Committee (APAC) Review
- Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Approval
- Practitioner Notified
- Anticipated Start Date
Related Resources
Once your appointment has been approved, Practitioner Staff Affairs will coordinate your physician agreement and payment setup.
During this stage, we will:
- Prepare your physician agreement.
- Coordinate agreement review and signatures.
- Collect banking and payment information.
- Establish your payment profile.
- Answer questions about your agreement and remuneration.
Common agreement types
| Agreement Type | Description | Funded By | Payments Administered By |
| Alternate Funding Plan (AFP) | Physicians are funded through an alternate payment arrangement rather than Fee-for-Service billing. | SHA | SHA |
| Academic Clinical Funding Plan (ACFP) | Physicians provide clinical care while participating in teaching, research, or academic leadership. | SHA & University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine | SHA |
| Locum Agreements | Temporary physician coverage provided under an Alternate Funding Plan. | SHA | SHA |
| SHA Employee | Physicians are employed directly by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. | SHA | SHA Payroll |
| Fee-for-Service (FFS) | Physicians bill the Ministry of Health directly for insured medical services. | Ministry of Health | Ministry of Health |
Related Resources
Before your first day of practice, Practitioner Staff Affairs (PSA) works with other Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) teams to coordinate your onboarding and help prepare you for practice.
What Practitioner Staff Affairs coordinates
Depending on your role, specialty, and practice location, Practitioner Staff Affairs may coordinate:
- SHA network and information technology (IT) access
- SHA identification (ID) badge
- Orientation resources and required training
- Coordination with local onboarding teams
- Communication with your onboarding contacts
Before your first day
You may be asked to:
- Complete onboarding forms.
- Complete mandatory privacy training.
- Review required SHA policies and orientation materials.
- Obtain access to required clinical systems.
- Complete department or site-specific onboarding requirements.
- Attend local orientation sessions, where applicable.
Requirements vary depending on your specialty, practice location, and role.
Local orientation
Your department or practice location may provide additional orientation to help you prepare for practice. Your onboarding schedule and any site-specific requirements will be provided by your local onboarding contact.
Welcome to the Saskatchewan Health Authority!
Once you begin practice, you'll have access to information, supports and tools to help you in your practice and leadership roles.
Physician Resources
Access resources and information to support you throughout your practice with SHA.
These webpages are new, and your feedback can help us improve them. If you notice missing information, have a suggestion or experience an issue, please contact psa.strategicsupport@saskhealthauthority.ca.
