The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is actively recruiting U.S. physicians to move to Canada. We know that there is an urgent need for more family doctors across the country. This is echoing the CMA’s urgent call to action to the federal government. With a shortage of nearly 23,000 family doctors, they want to expedite visa processing for American physicians willing to work in Canada.
U.S. physicians are increasingly attracted to the promise of an improved practice environment. The promise of an increased overall quality of life often factors heavily into their decision to relocate. Family physicians based in the U.S. experience a significant salary premium—one presumably unattainable by their international physician family. At the same time, they are faced with significant hurdles, like the threat of lawsuits and push-back from health insurers.
The Appeal of Canadian Healthcare
The CMA is adamant that Canada’s universal healthcare system is the best way to entice U.S. physicians. Regardless of the profession, they want greater independence from their practice. Unlike in the U.S., where doctors frequently navigate complex insurance systems that can hinder patient care, Canadian doctors enjoy a more straightforward practice environment.
We appreciate that the CMA is taking on the Home Office and trying to remove unnecessary immigration challenges. Their hope is American physicians will be motivated to move. The association emphasizes that streamlining the immigration process would not only facilitate the transition for U.S. physicians but enhance the overall healthcare landscape in Canada.
“We know that income is the number 1 determinant of health, and so that means our health is also being threatened,” – Özten Shebahkeget
It is a particularly dire scene in eastern provinces such as Nova Scotia. They hope to have 15 new U.S. docs on board within the year! Other provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick, are already offering fast-tracked licensing pathways for U.S. physicians. This is a hopeful sign, indicative of a growing awareness of the pressing need to fill physician gaps from coast-to-coast in Canada.
Growing Interest from American Physicians
New data from the Medical Council of Canada 4 indicates an unprecedented increase in interest among U.S. medical graduates. They are more determined than ever to pursue Canadian licensure. Over the last six months, an average of 120 U.S. graduates each month have opened new online accounts. This is a sea change from just 10 accounts a month for the same period last year. This significant increase is a clear sign that U.S. physicians are increasingly motivated to pursue opportunities in Canada.
In Saskatchewan, officials recently launched a campaign targeting U.S. doctors amidst what they describe as an “uncertain political climate” in the United States. This proactive approach looks to draw in those physicians who may have become disenchanted with the current state of healthcare in their own country. It provides them a powerful argument one hour north of the border.
“If they have decided or are willing to consider an alternate location, then Nova Scotia is on the [list] for them,” – Reimer
As part of its recruitment strategy, Nova Scotia Health reports that international medical recruits comprise 30 percent of its total new hires. The organization believes that by highlighting Canada’s healthcare benefits, it can persuade more U.S. doctors to join their cause.
The Road Ahead for Canadian Healthcare
The CMA is happy to take any physician who might be keen to move here to Canada. They admit that many challenges to successful implementation still await. For most prospective candidates, the immigration process is intimidating and overwhelming. In particular when they have the opportunity to compare to a much simpler process often seen in Canada.
Officials stress that addressing these barriers is critical not only for attracting U.S. doctors but for ensuring that Canadians receive adequate healthcare services. The CMA has been outspoken in their calls for federal government action on reforms that would make it easier for foreign physicians to transition.
“The dollar value doesn’t reflect all of the take-home income concerns, at the end of the day,” – Reimer
In light of these developments, experts believe that enhancing physician recruitment efforts could lead to a substantial improvement in healthcare access for Canadians. By welcoming a “wealth of expertise and physicians to Canada,” they argue that the nation can better address its ongoing healthcare challenges.
“We hope that, by demonstrating to them that there’s an option up here, that they really will see that this is the sunnier side,” – Reimer
