This decision by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) represents a landmark change in the medical establishment. To reach this goal, they’ve created new registration pathways to draw American doctors to practice north of the border. U.S. board-certified physicians are permitted to practice independently for the first time in Ontario. They are able to accomplish this without even needing to pass any further education or certification exams. Perhaps never before have so many Americans been so uncertain about the future of healthcare in the U.S. In turn, an unprecedented wave of American doctors are now seriously weighing moving north.
From 2023 through the end of 2024, the CPSO licensed 351 American physicians in the wake of these policy changes. From January 1 to April 1 of this year, the small private college received nearly half a million applications — 485,000 to be precise. 260 physicians from all specialties applied to join. All of these physicians were educated here in the United States. Almost all of them still actively practice within those walls. Increasingly, U.S. physicians are heading to Canada to pursue those very opportunities.
Factors Driving Migration
The migration motivations are quite complicated. Recent reforms in the U.S. healthcare system go a long way toward clarifying these influences. Since then, the U.S. government has withdrawn or suspended hundreds of millions of dollars in university grants and contracts. Perhaps even more shockingly, health agencies are experiencing massive layoffs. An estimated 20,000 jobs have been cut. In addition to reproductive justice, critical research areas, particularly those emphasizing sex and gender, have experienced drastic funding cuts.
Dr. Stephen Archer, an influential voice in the medical community, sounded alarm over these advances.
“There is a lot of concern and incredulity that this is happening.” – Dr. Stephen Archer
He argued that these changes represent more than just everyday annoyances. They represent an entirely new attitude towards what healthcare professionals can expect from their careers.
“This is a big deal. It’s not like minor frustration over prior presidents, or differences of opinion with policy.” – Dr. Stephen Archer
Former U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and entrepreneur Elon Musk are ushering in ballistic changes to the healthcare landscape. This has caused a lot of healthcare professionals to wonder if there will be a place for them in America.
Opportunities for Canadian Healthcare
Canada is the biggest winner from this influx of American medical talent. The potential to recruit skilled physicians and world-class biomedical researchers is equal to the challenge. Canadian universities are graduating a flood of highly-trained healthcare workers, the vast majority of whom eventually leave for the U.S.
Dr. Archer stressed that if Canada was able to set up the right kind of opportunities for these physicians, it might be able to lure this wonderful talent.
“I think people would be in play if you could make jobs available.” – Dr. Stephen Archer
At the same time he noted, as one example, that Canadian regulations usually require that local people be trained and hired first.
“We would be obligated to pick Canadians first.” – Dr. Stephen Archer
This regulatory environment makes it hard on American applicants looking to do work north of the border. Perhaps more important is the opportunity for great rewards.
Raywat Deonandan, an epidemiologist and public health expert, expressed a similar view in terms of making appealing conditions for American doctors thinking about relocating.
“Put the nets out and catch them all. Offer them everything: money, tax breaks, Raptors tickets, whatever it takes!” – Raywat Deonandan
A Changing Landscape for Family Physicians
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) is excited to host American family doctors. While these docs become new residents, they’ve built an amazing environment to support them in their journey. Combined with the CPSO’s new-friendly registration process, this should make it easier for all these migrants to make the move.
Dr. Archer indicated that the kinds of physicians who might consider relocating are often among the best in their field.
“The kinds of people that might be available are fairly high flyers.” – Dr. Stephen Archer
This exciting influx could build and sustain a truly remarkable system. That will not only help fill gaps in service, but bring new perspectives and innovations to bear on delivering care to patients all over the country.
Dr. Archer emphasized the larger consequences of putting money into science and healthcare.
“The nice thing about investing in science is it improves life.” – Dr. Stephen Archer
His hope is that these investments will be paid back in record time through new taxes and innovation.
“It’s no boondoggle. The payback to government through taxes and innovation are very quick.” – Dr. Stephen Archer
As our healthcare system experiences the most transformative moment in recent history, American physicians need to start thinking about their future. In the negative side of things, Canada is poised to take advantage.
