The journey of international medical graduates (IMGs) in Canada involves both challenges and successes. The Digital Narratives of Newcomer Physicians (DiNNP) project is a collaboration between ACCES Employment and The Moonshot Collaborative for Translational Health Equity at the Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners. This project shares the lived experiences of IMGs who have pursued medical licensure or alternative healthcare careers upon migration and resettlement in Canada. DiNNP highlights the diverse pathways and settlement experiences of eight IMGs. These digital narrative timelines capture insights into their professional, personal, and future journeys aiming to inform, inspire, and support others navigating similar transitions.
We invite you to explore this resource and learn more about the diverse and inspiring journeys that IMGs who come to Canada may face.
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Pre-migration
Post-migration
Start
Back
Olesya
Jamal
Endrais
Aziza
Zara
Sonia
Shyne
Riya
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
1993-1995
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
1979
1992-1993
1995-1997
2006
1980
1991
1997-2000
2005
1987
2000-2003
1990
2003-2005
1988-1990
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
2007
2017-2018
Message to Future IMGs
2019
2016-2017
2008
Future
2020
2009-2011
2016
2025
2013
2021
2024
2015
2014
2021-2023
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
2013
2019
Inspiration
2019
2019-2022
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Nov 2023
Jul 2024
Message to Future IMGs
Apr 2024
Aug 2024
2023
Future
Mar 2024
Nov 2024
Sept 2024
2024
Survey
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Nov 2015
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
Inspiration
2011
2017
2016
2015
2012
2016-2018
2017
2014
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
2019-2021
2018
Message to Future IMGs
2019
Future
2018
2021-2022
2022
2019
Survey
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
2010
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
2008-2010
2000
2022-2023
2013-2014
2006-2008
2003
2022
2017
2007
2006
2021
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Feb 2024
Apr-Jul 2024
Message to Future IMGs
Jul 2024
Apr-Jul 2024
Future
Feb-Mar 2024
Feb 2025
Apr 2025
Mar 2024
Survey
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
2017-2018
2019
2023
2010
2016-2017
2021
2022
2016
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Mar 2024
Dec 2024
Message to Future IMGs
Oct 2024
Feb 2025
May 2024
Future
Sept 2024
May 2025
Aug 2025
Jun 2024
Jul 2025
Aug 2024
Survey
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
2016-2018
2013-2015
2007
2019
2017
2012
2011
2018-2019
2018
2011-2012
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Mar 2020
2022
Message to Future IMGs
2022-2023
2021
Jul 2020
Future
2023
2023-2025
2021
Survey
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
Mar 2011
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
1998-2003
2010
2014
May 2018
2003-2004
2009
Apr 2018
2015
2005-2009
2017
2004
2016
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Aug 2018
2024
Message to Future IMGs
2022-2023
2024-2025
Nov 2018
2021
Future
May 2019
Apr 2024-Mar 2025
July 2025
Feb 2020
Nov 2024
Nov 2019
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
1996
Inspiration
2005
1996
2002
Survey
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
2005
2008
Message to Future IMGs
2009
2007
Feb 2005
Future
2010
2007
2022
Mar 2005
2015-2017
2005-2007
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2015-2017
Completed Masters of Public Health at SFU
- I completed my Master’s in Public Health part-time over three years while also moving from manager to senior manager at the settlement organization. During this time, I was asked to help build a health-focused program within the settlement sector.
- During the pandemic, I worked to bridge health and settlement services to ensure newcomers received translated, accurate health information about social distancing and other safety guidelines.
2012
Physician Licensure Examination
- I wrote the Philippines National Examination successfully to start residency.
1998-2003
Attended Medical School
- I attended Medical School at Dow Medical College which was linked to Civil Hospital Karachi and graduated in 2003.
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
- I had a childhood skin disease, and for years it was misdiagnosed. While that was partly my motivation to become a doctor, in my teenage years I wanted to adopt a child. I wrote a card to myself that I need to earn enough money to adopt a child and help underserved children. I shared this with my school teacher, she advised me to become a doctor to help several underserved children.
And later once I joined medicine, that was when I found the correct diagnosis for my disease and I was treated completely.
2005
Immigrated to Canada
- I decided to immigrate to Canada on my own. In the third country, I was never seen as a legal citizen and could have been deported at any time. I accepted that I might never practice as a doctor—neither there nor in Canada.
- Upon my arrival at the border I was misinformed by the immigration officer that my degree would not be recognized in Canada, when I asked why, her response was "because it's not easy to become a doctor in Canada.” When I arrived, I couldn’t speak English. At the airport, someone held a sign with my name, put me in a taxi, and I didn’t even know where I was going. Luckily, the driver spoke Hindi, and I was able to somewhat communicate with him.
So I just chose to come to Canada to at least have human rights.
Jun 2024
Entry Level Job Offer
- I was cold-calling and going into places to find work. I was offered a job at a Mary Brown's restaurant in Nova Scotia.
I had no help. I was going into a very bad depressive phase. Attending [Healthcare Connections] classes was helping, but still I didn't know what to do.
Apr-Jul 2024
Healthcare Connection Program ACCES Employment
- I joined the Healthcare Connections Program offered by ACCES Employment. They supported with resume writing, an overview of Canadian workplace culture, guidance on creating a professional LinkedIn profile, and mock interview practice.
For me what was helpful was the ACCES Employment program- it really worked. It was really, really great. This program is built in a really great way where they show the possibilities [of work in Canada].
Resources
- Healthcare Connections - ACCES Employment
2017
Started Studying for MCCQE1
- I tried to start studying for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE1) while I was working.
2007
Got a Job at Refugee Clinic
- My role was to orient newcomers to the Canadian healthcare system and support their navigation using the many languages I spoke.
- I learned more English on the job because it allowed me to interact and talk with coworkers and clients.
Message for Future IMGs
It's hard, but it's possible. You have to be financially prepared and you need to have a backup plan. It would be good to have early exposure to observerships in Canada, this helps with residency- to have letters of recommendations from Canadian physicians. If you're going for a staff position and if you want to be staff, you have to be a permanent resident. Everyone needs to know that with a work permit, you can just have an educational license as a fellow, but for you to transition to actually be staff, you need permanent residency, a PR card at the very least. For those who are already here, you just have to keep trying. I do feel that once you get through the barriers, which is a lot, it's stages and stages of barriers once you get through it, there's no stopping your success. The first 2-3 years would be challenging because you're taking the exam, you're getting your hours, studying again or something. Once you get the license and the proper accreditation, or a staff position, and then it just goes so quickly and well, so it's not hopeless.
2007
First Child was Born
- My daughter was born and one month after she was born, I went back to work. When I was at work, her dad, my parents and a nanny helped to take care of her.
Clinical Experience/Exposure Positions & Residency Applications
2016-2017
Oberserverships
- I completed several 4-8 week observerships. As an observer you are not allowed to have direct patient engagement.
- For observership positions, I cold-called and emailed people I found people on the internet or physicians that my IMG peers recommended. I had observerships in:
- a Fertility Clinic; a Cardiology Clinic; an OB-GYN Clinic; Family Medicine; and Radiation Oncology
- I was also interviewing for clinical assistant jobs. Through networking I landed a short-term Clinical Assistant position with a Family Practitioner in Markham, Ontario
They told us simple things like he's on my back. If the patient is telling you my father's always on my back, doesn't mean he's on your back. This is a kind of terminology that people from North America use.
[The Medical Culture and Communication Course]
Residency Applications:
- Once I passed the NAC OSCE I started my application to residency programs. I continued applying until 2019.
- Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) opens November and February (2 times in an application year). I struggled to understand the process and language until I read up on it further. The website is the primary authentic source.
- Each residency application cost me between $1000-$1500. The application requires letters of recommendations: one from your home country and 2 from health professionals in Canada. It was difficult to provide a letter of recommendation from a health professional here because I was not allowed to have direct patient engagement. Letters of recommendation have to be from the year of application.
Ultrasound Course
- I completed an Ultrasound course privately but I did not have 12 months of training experience that was required for practice. I accessed the Ultrasound course through Healthforce Ontario’s Peers to Peers Program. I completed another Healthforce Ontario Certificate Course: Medical Culture and Communication. It was helpful for me to understand the cultural language and values of the Canadian context.
[It is] very, very, very, very expensive. I think it's like $250 or $300 for a few mock interview mock preparation. So at every step of the way we as IMGs, I felt that they were just trying to make money off us because we are so desperate to get into our career path. And we did, we did. And at the end it's a dead end. After doing everything, you don't get into residency.
Resources
2022
Became Executive Director of a Community Health Centre
- I was offered the role of Executive Director at the local community health centre, where I had been volunteering with the board of directors for over a decade.
- I and deeply content being in a profession dedicated to promoting health, well-being, and advocacy for a more equitable health system.
I feel more fulfilled in this role than I think if I was with patients because I do bigger things, system and policy level things that I wouldn't have the time for if I was a doctor…Now I’m impacting public health.”
2022
War in Ukraine Started
- Once the war started, I tried to postpone migration for as long as I could. I considered Italy since my eldest daughter was there, but language would be a barrier because I don’t speak Italian. So, I was searching for English speaking countries and it was between Canada and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom program for Ukrainian citizens required a sponsor to take on the responsibility of all costs related to migration and settlement. I was not comfortable placing that burden on anyone. I applied to a Canadian humanitarian program for Ukrainian residents. I received the paperwork fairly quickly. I applied as a backup plan.
And this is the situation, when you go to sleep and you don't know if you will you wake up in your bed or you won't wake up at all.
Feb 2020
Job as Medical Assistant at LMC Healthcare – Endocrinology Clinic
References
- I applied for a medical assistant position at LMC with the support and assistance from ACCES Employment.
- I applied at the time because I didn't know how long I would have to wait for residency and I couldn't live on an $18/hour job and thought I had to move on or do something in the meantime.
- I wanted a job with clinical experience to build clinical acumen rather than working in administration, and LMC was a specialty clinic that allowed me to interact with patients, take their history and conduct preliminary exams.
- I also hoped that it would allow me to gain good reference letters.
bridging program, job fairs, learned about writing a CV and practiced interview skills and received good critical feedback.
- ACCES Employment Healthcare Connections Program:
- Health Force Ontario Access Centre for Internationally Educated Health Professionals:
helps healthcare professionals for free sessions about healthcare positions and testing.
- Aga Khan Community: had connected with 2 other immigrants where we became study buddies.
- I had connected with family physicians who allowed shadowing where I learned about the Canadian EMRs and how to talk to patients which eventually led to many good reference letters.
2014
Passed MCCE
- I re-wrote and passed my Medical Council of Canada Evaluation (MCCE) exam!
Message for Future IMGs
I think generally in the world, they understand that as you grow older, you're not as agile, you're not as active physically or mentally. So they don't want to count you in. They may not say it, but I can see it around me. So, the key message would be come early, come earlier in your life if you have to come to Canada and start your journey early against all odds. Yes, it's not going to be an ideal situation, but make the best of it.
Gravitate toward positive people, people who are going to give you a moral boost and they're going to give you some support when you're feeling down. The system doesn't change for you. You still have to find your way through all these adversities.
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
- From a young age, I knew becoming a doctor would not be easy, so I began preparing early. I excelled in school and placed first every year.
- When I wrote the state exam in my final year of high school, I performed well. The results determined which university I could attend, and because I was the top student, I chose to study medicine. My admission and attendance were supported by the government.
2023
Academic Addictions Psychiatry Position – Eastern Ontario
- The fellowship end date was September. In January, a few months into the fellowship, I started considering my next step. Job opportunities at CAMH/U of T were limited with higher requirements for research publications, which I didn’t have at the time. The fellowship provided opportunities to connect with other people in the field. I knew I wanted to stay but did not want to do residency. One of the contacts I made through the fellowship program notified me of an opportunity for an Academic Addictions Psychiatry position in another region in Ontario.
- In April of 2023, during my fellowship I was completing the application process for my current position. I contacted them once and I didn’t hear back but contacted them again and got a reply. I had the requirements they were looking for, particularly clinical experience so it aligned.
- In September of 2023, my fellowship ended and in October 2023, I moved with my husband and baby.
- In November of 2023, I started my position as Assistant Professor and Staff Psychiatrist at a Health Science Centre affiliated with a University.
- In my role, clinically, I see any patients that have addictions in the hospital. I also see patients at the out-patient clinic and a community clinic. Academically, I am the Education Lead Coordinator.
- My husband works from home and was well-established before I met him. My husband’s work and financial stability helped me to pursue my own goals. I still have the support of my family back in the Philippines. It's just that it's more virtual, moral support.
And I think the stability has provided me the opportunity to go for what I want with my career, because if he [husband] had financial issues, then I would have had to sacrifice more time before finding meaningful work, so I can help with our finances
2010
Had 1st Child
2005-2007
Took English Classes at an Adult Learning Centre
- While I was at the library, I ran into a woman from my community who encouraged me to take an entry exam to enroll in classes at a local adult learning centre. I took the test and was told I could join the grade 9 English summer class and later completed all the way to grade 12.
- I chose not to attend English classes for newcomers because I felt they were too slow and I wanted to learn quickly. The adult learning centres and their staff were also very helpful for learning about the city and culture.
I took every subject that was offered just because I wanted to be in this English environment and hear English, read English, and write English.
2024-2025
Worked as Medical Assistant then Lactation Consultant at Kidstrust Paediatric Clinic
- I then started working as a medical assistant at Kidstrust Paediatric Clinic.
- This was a very helpful experience because I got to shadow the doctor and learned a lot of clinical work. He eventually gave me a reference letter and helped me prepare for my residency interview.
- This exposure was very much directly related to being a family physician and eventually led to the opportunity to practice as a lactation consultant.
Feb 2025
Preparation for NAC OSCE
Resources
- I learned more about the licensing process while I took a course on Communication Strategies for Patient Interactions (CSPI)- it was an IMG settlement support program. They teach IMGs about how to communicate with patients and the program is available across Canada. It was a very helpful program.
NAC OSCE Preparation:
- I joined Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) as an IMG Bridging Program client. I participated in training, they had NAC OSCE preparation sessions with retired physicians, which provided physical exam training and case study/role play opportunities.
- I also used Dr. Basil’s Notes, which was a paid book and helpful for theory. I was recommended to attend his classes but the classes were too expensive for me.
- I also used Toronto Notes and the Q banks. There are a few options for Q banks in Canada, Ace and QBank. It is better to just use one of the Q banks and go through it thoroughly instead of using multiple ones. In addition to these resources, I watched GeekyMedics videos to prepare for the exam.
- International Medical Graduates (IMG) Bridging Program - Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
- Communication Strategies for Patient Interactions - Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
- Dr. Basil Notes - Nac Osce Vip | PDF | Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | Anemia
- Toronto Notes | Study Smarter
- Ace Qbank Canada | Best Qbank For MCCQE1
- MCCQE Part 1 Qbank: Prep & Practice Questions | CanadaQBank
- QBankMD: 2025 MCCQE1 Question Bank | Ace Your MCCQE1 Exam
- Geeky Medics | free medical student revision notes, OSCE guides & MCQs
I never had considered doing my profession here. As far as I have heard back in India, medicine here is one of the toughest jobs. That is the reason I was always thinking about the bridging program. My plan was to work here for a few years then I had a planned to go back to the UK. I knew that I could do it because I have enough residency experience and the UK has a demand for surgical residents.
2005-2009
Residency
- I completed 4 years of obstetrics and gynecology training at the Civil Hospital in Karachi, the biggest tertiary care public hospital in the city, a very heavy burden hospital with patient referrals from all over the country.
2010
Graduated from PhD Program & Became Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
- I was offered an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology position at Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University after I completed my PhD. I held this position between 2010 and 2017.
I wasn't searching for the job; the job was searching for me [in Ukraine]
Feb-Mar 2024
Sought Resources
- I spent a lot of time researching and applying for work. I went to Service Ontario and the advisor told me to consider Personal Support Worker jobs or to start a YouTube Channel.
That experience [Service Ontario] was very sad for me. When I came home, I was really crying for two days. I was crying after that because when you understand that everything you've done before, six years of medical school, your PhD, your whole work, it doesn't matter here - that was really hard.
1997-2000
Migrated to Dubai
- My husband received a job offer in Dubai resulting in our migration back to Dubai.
- I tried to re-integrate into my career but my family circumstances prevented me from devoting time to my career. I continued doing volunteer work.
- My family required my caregiving support. I was caring for my three children and supporting my extended family.
- In 2000, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, she recovered after treatment.
Although, at that time I was trying to get back on my feet, there were so many problems. At least it [volunteering] made me feel that I was still useful to the community in some way or the other.
Future
Future Plans
- I would like to successfully complete my exams soon and become licensed to practice independently. I want to grow and achieve something professionally and eventually explore specialty medical education in North America.
- I also want to reunite with my wife and plan to bring her here within the next year.
2010
Started Medical School
- I am originally from Kerala, which is in South India. I come from an average family and I was an average student but I worked hard. In India, medical school starts directly after high school. I got accepted and attended medical school at 17 years of age. Medical school was 3 hours away and all medical students have to board in a hostel for the first year of medical school.
- Medical school changed my life a lot. I had a Professor in my first year who insisted all students attend clinical rounds and emergency night duties for clinical exposure. This professor, who was also a urologist and surgeon, was a big influence for me. I decided that I wanted to become a surgeon while in first year medical school. In India, it is difficult for girls to become a surgeon due to gendered biases within certain professions. Girls often pursue general practice or OB-GYN.
We are not allowed to touch them [patients] or say anything. We just watched what they are doing from the side and we made notes. After 2-3 months he started giving us night duties where we used to go and support what was happening in the emergency.
2008-2010
PhD in Pharmacology & Second Child was Born
- I pursued my immunopharmacology research into a PhD. In 2010, my second daughter was born. Similar to my first born, I went back to work after one month. For me, my PhD was confirmation that I was moving in the right path.
2015
Passed Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I
Resources
- When I was preparing for the MCCQE1, I found the Medical Council of Canada’s website very helpful – it is the best resource to understand what to expect on the exam. Other resources I used were:
- Torontonotes: is the baseline book for all the exams, it is very condensed. The website is helpful, I found it listed all the important parts of medicine and provided an overall outline of what is expected of a General Physician. It was also helpful to assess what stage I was at and what I needed study further.
- You need to be ready for reading, there is lots of reading involved.
- I also leveraged other IMGs for peer support
- Through my peers, I learned that the exam is 7 hours and has 2 parts, the first part appears in sets of 20 questions, how you respond, calibrates another 20 questions. The second part is clinical decision making (CDM).
- I did not find the Q bank was useful.
- Toronto Notes | Study Smarter
Considerations
- Save enough money prior to coming to Canada for licensure related costs such as exam preparation courses, materials, applications and the examination itself. You do not have to be living in Canada to write some of the exams. If you are able too, complete the exams while you are still in your home country, you will probably be able to leverage better financial and social support (through family and friends) while you are preparing for and writing your exams.
Apr 2024-Mar 2025
Started Job at Flemingdon Health Centre
- I began working full-time at Flemingdon Community Health Centre and did my lactation consultancy virtually on Wednesday evenings and on Saturdays.
Acronyms & Definitions
2018
Completed MCCQE1
having a community of individuals who've been through the process, such as those forums, but forums specifically including persons that might be familiar with your individual journey are the most helpful
- I completed the MCCQE1, it wasn’t mandatory at the time but was helpful in applying to residency.
Preparing for MCCQE1
- I prepared for the MCCQE1 by dedicating 3 months to prep time. I tried to find as many resources including questions on ethics. I utilized the CMPA and CPSO website, reviewed ethics cases and ethical dilemmas and how to resolve them. Toronto Notes is a really heavy book but it was helpful. I also used the practice examinations from USMLE prep and UWorld and receiving feedback of what I didn’t get correct was helpful.
Resources
- UWorld | Test Prep for NCLEX, SAT, ACT, MCAT, USMLE & More!
- Toronto Notes | Study Smarter
Future
Future Plans
- I am very excited to practice as a family physician and OB and use my skills as a lactation consultant and take care of pregnant women and babies.
- I have a psychiatrist friend and we are hoping to open an all women’s health clinic – 360 care, one stop clinic for women and their families.
I hope to establish my clinic in a community with underserved or immigrant populations, as I believe these groups would benefit greatly.
1979
Graduated Pre-Medical School in Pakistan
Acronyms & Definitions
Message for Future IMGs
With respect to communication and ongoing education, I think it's important to keep building on your learning - for example, by pursing a master's program. It's very helpful forself-discovery, strengthening your academic profile, and developing leadership skills. It also helps you think more broadly about operations, systems, and how to overcome communication barriers. In terms of applications, think about your application wisely and see what is missing. Are you missing strong reference letters? Research experience? Further education? Better scores? Once you know what’s missing, work on improving those areas. If people have the opportunity, they should apply outside Ontario to broaden their applications. The best province to apply to really depends on your personal situation—whether you’re married, have children, want to stay close to a community, or prefer certain weather conditions. It’s worth exploring what each province has to offer.
References
- Look into which exams can be done online and try to complete them before immigrating. It can save you time once you arrive.
- Alberta and British Columbia offer good transition opportunities—working as a clinical assistant for a few months can make it easier to get into residency, especially since some schools require you to live in the province.
- Plan ahead for the English proficiency test. Since it’s only valid for two years, it’s best to complete it in advance, but not too far before you’ll need it.
1996
Left Home Due to War and Sought Refuge in Third Country
- My family and I sought refuge in a third country.Upon arriving in the third country, I was eventually able to continue medical school because I spoke Russian, though I had to pay higher tuition than locals. The school required proof that I had already studied medicine in my home country, but I couldn’t provide the documents. Fortunately, they allowed me to remain because I performed well academically.
- On the very first day of registration, I faced experiences of discrimination from the Faculty Dean who told the President of the Academy that he didn’t think I should be allowed to study medicine because I came from a war-torn country and he didn’t trust my prior education.
2015
Completed NAC OSCE
- I prepared for the NAC OSCE exam through OSCEs that were done during my medical school training. I leveraged classmates, study partners, and textbooks and I recommend using the Edmonton manual.
Resources
- Canada’s most effective OSCE study guide | Edmonton Manual
2021-2022
Completed an Additional Year in Palliative Medicine
Message for Future IMGs
Register for PhysiciansApply and get your documents verified while you’re still back home. Find and register for a program that helps IMGs understand the work culture and licensure process such as ISANS, CSPI, or ACCES Employment. Licensing is not an easy journey. I’ve known almost everyone to fail at least one step, sometimes more than once. That doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It’s just the hard part and once you get through it, things get much better. Before starting anything, make sure you find the best source of information. If you can take a basic class, that’s one of the best things you can do. Success isn’t just about passing an exam. For me, success is about being happy. You can fail, you can pass, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.
2022-2023
Paperwork for Migration to Canada
I saw her [daughter’s] psychological state. She was scared. It was hard to receive a proper education because due to the alarms, half of the days they spent not schooling, but just sitting in the shelter. In that period in Ukraine, it was really very hard because we had continuous electricity cutoffs and basically all those factors influenced my decision to make the move..
There were many reasons for my decision to migrate:
- Financial issues: We experienced a reduced international student enrollment at the University because of the war, and I primarily taught international students.
- Safety: This was a huge factor as missiles were striking close. There were many war related impacts on our lifestyle such as water and electricity being cut off and having to go into shelters. This not only impacted me but my younger daughter as well.
- My Daughter: I had to consider the impact of the war on my younger daughter’s mental helath. My elder daughter was settled in Italy, so I didn't have to worry about her.
I did a lot of research about living in Canada and chose Ottawa as the place we would move to. Ottawa had many administrative and clerical positions, was similar in size to the city we were already living in, and housing was more affordable than in Toronto. During my pre-migration research about Canada, I found ACCES Employment’s website and the services they offer. I did a pre-arrival interview with them and found it very helpful - it made me feel hopeful about settling in Canada.
2002
Graduated Medical School
- Despite the challenges I graduated medical school with a gold medal.
Acronyms & Definitions
2016
Graduated Medical School
Sept 2024
Started Entry Level Job at Mary Brown’s
- I worked at Mary Brown’s for about a month and then I was told that my English was not good. I was let go and advised to take an English course.
Then the saddest part for me was that they told me that my English is not good. There's prejudgment. If the person comes from there India], she won't know anything. That prejudgment and discrimination, is there in so many people. Whenever I struggled, I didn't have anyone to talk to or go to for support or anything - I was in a very depressive phase. I didn't think about what to do next. I didn't know what to do next or anything.
Future
Future Plans
- Professionally, I want to do my Masters of Medical Education and I want to get my independent license to practice in Canada. Personally, I’ll be having my second child. I am looking forward to slowing down and spending time with my family.
Acronyms & Definitions
2013
Husband's Arrival to Canada & Attempted MCCE
Resources
- My husband arrived to Canada. I expressed to my husband that I wanted to pursue my profession, I was determined and at the very least I wanted to try.
- I started by registering with physiciansapply.ca. It is a source to verify credentials and unless that is done you cannot apply for the exams. It documents all your credentials in one place, it is a time and money consuming process but it is very important. It is applicable across all provinces in Canada.
- I wrote my first licensure exam, Medical Council of Canada Evaluation (MCCE), but I did not pass. The multiple choice and ethics questions in the exam were not aligned with the methods of education I was used to in Pakistan
- Preparation courses for MCCE were available but it was expensive because we had financial obligations to care for our children and maintain a living. Now, there are more free resources available on the internet. The MCCE is no longer required in Canada, it was dropped altogether.
- is the starting place for medical students and physicians who want to practise medicine in Canada. Within your secure account, you can apply for the Medical Council of Canada examinations, see and share your exam results, have your medical credentials source verified, share your credentials with Canadian medical regulatory authorities and other organizations, apply for medical registration, and more.
Physiciansapply.ca:
- (MCC) is a national organization that assesses and verifies the qualifications of medical graduates and physicians seeking to practise in Canada. It administers licensing examinations, evaluates credentials, and supports a standardized pathway to medical licensure. The MCC works closely with medical regulatory authorities to ensure high standards of care and patient safety across the country.
Medical Council of Canada:
There is help available, but it's expensive. There were private organizations that were ready to guide you through how to do the process, but everything is expensive. You are in a new country, you're struggling with your children and on top of that there are no free resources that will help you pass the exam in the first go. So that money that I put down for the first exam was kind of wasted.
2017
Mother passed away
2017
Applied for CAMH Fellowship
- I applied for the CAMH/U of T Fellowship Program. I was rejected because you have to have secured funding (usually from your home country) attached to your fellowship application. I did not have funding because it was not something the Philippines was able to do.
I come from a third world country. There's no way someone's going to pay for my education.
Resources
- Apply to the Fellowship Program | Department of Psychiatry
2013
Attended Medical School
- I attended 6-7 years of premedical studies, which consisted of theoretical and interactive clinical courses. This was followed by a qualification exam, which assessed comprehensive medical training, prior to staring my internship.
Acronyms & Definitions
2016
Moved to Dallas
- I began studying for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) board exams.
- My husband had applied for a business visa in the United States while I had simultaneously applied for permanent residence through Express Entry as a professional doctor to Canada.
- It was my first move to a Western country, it was a 360 cultural shift. Handling a new place with young children and my mother's debilitating disease was a lot.
- However, I was more inclined to move to Canada because my sister had already immigrated to Canada 2 years prior, and America had 3 exams in comparison to Canada having only 2 to become licensed to practice as a physician.
My goal was always to go back to practice because I knew that was my thing, I didn't want to search for anything else.
2005
Completed Residency
They don't allow you to get local documents or become citizens...our faces were our documents. And so when they saw that we are different, they would not allow us to work. You can do labour work because you're a refugee, but you can never work as a doctor because you're not from there.
- I completed residency for an additional 2-3 years and became a cardiologist. A few months after finishing residency, I chose to leave because the country we sought refuge in did not allow refugees to obtain local documents nor become citizens.
- While I was completing medical school, Canada and the U.S. were resettling refugees from Afghanistan. My grandmother’s family applied at this time and were eventually resettled to Canada.
Even if I got a job, it would have been something that locals didn't even want to do.
1980
Started Medical School
- I went to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) in Pakistan for medical school.
- Medical school is usually 5 years in Pakistan but due to political unrest schools closed down. So my medical schooling took 7 years to complete.
- We had to do 2 years of theory and coursework and 3 years of rotation with all core subjects. This was followed by 1 year of residency. I completed 6 months of residency in OB-GYN (surgery) and 6 months in internal medicine.
Future
Future Plans
- I plan to continue my practice in the Prairies. Alongside my practice, I plan to slow down and make time for my creative hobbies and grow outside medicine.
2011
Graduation from Medical School
- I did my medical schooling between 2007 and 2011. My friends helped me survive medical school. The team collaboration was something that I deeply appreciated. I love to work with people!
Sept 2024
Landed First Job as a Medical Office Assistant
- I started my first job in Canada, working in a clinician’s office helping to book patients and respond to phone calls.
- I also completed additional training that could widen my skill set and allow me to provide additional services at my workplace. I completed an Injection certificate and Phlebotomy (drawing blood) certificate.
So this one year period of some experience is also going to help me going forward even if I start to pursue another job....I can at least say that I have Canadian experience and that's going to get me through the door. That's what I believe.
When I plan to apply to the US they're going to need to see some experience that I had and what I was doing over the last couple of years. Having a job within the healthcare system and actively engaging with patients and not being too far from the clinical aspect of the healthcare is definitely going to going to help me.
Hello, my name is Riya. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from India. I arrived in Canada on my own in 2024. As of the summer of 2025, I am a Physician’s Associate (unlicensed).
Click here to explore my timeline
Acronyms & Definitions
Aug 2024
Moved to Nova Scotia
- I moved to Nova Scotia to start working at Mary Brown’s.
But life taught me a lot of things. So basically, after staying for a few days with just snacks, I moved here [Nova Scotia]. I was starving, that’s why I moved.
2016-2018
Began Working
- I completed 1 year of a rotating internship and spent half a year in anesthesia and emergency medicine.
Hi, my name is Endrias. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Ethiopia. I arrived in Canada in 2023. As of the summer of 2025, I am studying for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Click here to explore my timeline
Acronyms & Definitions
Message for Future IMGs
Be sure you're actually wanting to come to Canada. There is a lot that you do give up by moving here. There are relationships that might not be the same. There are things that are in your home country that will never be in the new country and for some people, that's perfectly fine. For some people, it might not be, and it's really hard to then question, should I go back or should I stay? Am I a failure by going back or is it giving up? It's really important to know why you're coming here and to have that really solid, because when things get tough, then the reason for you being here is super important. If you are planning to stay, if things are going rough, just keep trying. Keep building the CV as best as you can, do the exams as best as you can and if things aren't working out, reassess why things aren't working out and see how best you can improve that application. Are you using the wrong references or those people don't really know who you are or aren't in a position to speak strongly about who you are? Is the CV not reflecting the experiences and the training that you have? Is the personal statement not clearly communicating your interests and benefits you'll bring to the program? If those are all very solid and things still aren't working out it, for some people it might mean reassessing that situation and asking would I want to continue on here if I do not get through or is there something else I can do that would still give me meaning in life, if I was never practicing as a physician again? Some people get through initially and some people don't. The reality of the system is that the numbers are often against you. If everybody could match then that would be great, but everybody can't. It doesn't mean you're not good enough. It just means there were too many applying at that time. That's the reality. I think if people really accept that for what it is, then it would be easier to continue moving on. Keep at it, if it's what you want.
2015
Father Passed Away
2020
Bridging Program Alternative Careers in Health Promotion & Education
- I was unable to successfully get into a residency program because the allotments for IMGs are so limited.
- I completed a bridging course in Health Promotion and Education.
And it can be very overwhelming if you have a family to look after, you have a thousand things going on, you don't have the time to sit down.
2007
Navigating the Employment and Health System
- My sibling and I got a job at HomeSense for a couple of months to help us learn English.
For immigrants, having good English is seen as a skill and key to many opportunities, but for locals they don't even think about it as an asset.
- One day, I accompanied my sibling to a refugee clinic to treat an allergic reaction. The day we attended, the clinic didn't have any interpreters on shift and the doctor asked me if I was comfortable interpreting for my sibling. During the appointment, the doctor recognized my understanding of medical terminology and asked about my background.
- They then offered me a job within a different part of the clinic as a cross-cultural health facilitator. I still had to go through the application process and interview but they eventually hired me.
2010
Joined Board of Directors at Community Health Centre
- I began volunteering with the Board of Directors at a local Community Health Centre.
Hi, my name is Aziza. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Pakistan. I came to Canada with my husband and children in 2005, in hope of better opportunities for my children in Canada. As of the summer of 2025, I hold the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (non-practising) in Canada and I work remotely as a Telehealth Physician in Pakistan.
Click here to explore my timeline
2024
Completed Lactation Consultant License
2018
Moved to Winnipeg, Canada to join family
- I moved to Winnipeg to be with my family.
I think it would have been difficult if I wasn't living with family. I worked lots of extra shifts before moving to Canada and received a stipend during [my] masters which all helped with the financial stressors, but I think if I did not have the support of my family that would have been quite difficult to do.
2003-2005
Migrated to Saudi Arabia
- My husband received a job offer in Saudi Arabia, so we moved there with our children.
- In 2003, we started our migration application to Canada because we were thinking about our eldest son's education. My husband was not interested in migrating to Canada because of the distance but I pushed him to apply.
- When we were in Saudi Arabia, I travelled almost weekly to Pakistan to support my extended family with caregiving.
- My mother-in-law was diagnosed with another type of cancer and she needed support with her second cancer treatment.
- My brother was diagnosed with end stage renal disease.
- In 2004, sadly, my mother-in-law passed away.
Hello, my name is Olesya. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Ukraine. I moved to Canada because of the war in Ukraine and arrived here with my daughter in 2024. As of the summer of 2025, I am the Manager of Exam Productions at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Click here to explore my timeline
2018
Most Outstanding Trainee Award Attempted MCCE Exam
- In February of 2018, after completing my Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship I was awarded the Outstanding Trainee Award. I received the award primarily because of the community project I led on addictions education for community workers during my fellowship.
- In November of 2018, I studied for the Medical Council of Canada Evaluation (MCCE) Exam, I travelled to Canada, on a Visitor Visa (as I was also an American citizen) for the exam. Unfortunately, I did not pass. It was due to a lack of preparation - I was working, building my practice, and studying for the exam all at the same time. I underestimated the difficulty of the exam.
- I took the exam because the Fellowship at CAMH/University of Toronto required passing the MCCEE. The following year, CAMH/U of T removed the MCCEE requirement after it was discontinued by the Medical Council of Canada. The new requirement became passing the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE Part I).
- I learned about the licensure process in Canada through hours and hours of online research.
Resources
- MCCQE Part I | Medical Council of Canada
2011-2012
Completed Internship
- I completed one year of mandatory internship.
Aug 2024
Made Decision to Pursue Licensure in the United States
- One day when I was out for a walk, I couldn’t recall something that I had learned in medical school which gave me the chills. This made me feel like I was abandoning my childhood dream.
- I did research and asked friends who had pursued the Canadian licensing process and received feedback that it was going to be a difficult journey with no guarantees.
- I couldn't decide between the US or Canadian process so I chose the path where I felt like I had the best chance to pursue my dream.
- I decided to start studying for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
- The decision was informed by my research in which the US has a higher quota for IMGs and seems to be more receptive to international graduates. It seemed like the more feasible option.
- Some resources I find helpful are the First-Aid USLME book, Uworld question banks and Board and Beyond Online videos.
But as time went on, I started to feel like I left something behind, like some of the things that I used to do when I thought about them felt like a distant memory and it felt like I was abandoning my roots so it kept bothering me. I wanted to stray away from it, but it kept coming back in different ways, so that was kind of a sign to myself that I had some unfinished business and I had to pursue this goal again
Resources
- USMLE Step 1 | First Aid Forward by McGraw Hill
- USMLE Step 1 Practice Questions & Exams
- Welcome to Boards and Beyond
2016-2018
Met Husband & Addictions Psychiatry Fellowship
- In 2016, I met my husband who was from Canada. He was vacationing in the Philippines when I met him.
- I was accepted into an Addictions Psychiatry Fellowship program. It was the first Addictions Psychiatry Fellowship that was established in the country and the only one at the time.
- Politically, we were working against the system during that time. 2017, was the height of the Duterte administration during the war on drugs. We were all over the news around the globe because he was killing people on the streets with severe substance use disorders, ultimately that's not the kind of work that we do.
- During that particular period, the local government units had control over what kind of programs to roll out as a response to what was happening in the Philippines. So we formed a grassroots program, it was one of the things that I am very proud of - a Rehabilitation Program for patients with severe substance use disorders, offering treatment instead of punishment or death.. We also provided education to local community workers to help them understand addiction as a medical condition. Our focus was on rehabilitation education and screening for both community workers and physicians. We began by training physicians and community workers, and later formalized an Outpatient Rehabilitation Program.
- While I was doing my fellowship, I also had my own private practice. I really enjoyed this time!
I was very fortunate and privileged to have had the opportunity to train under them [Addictions Psychiatrists] because they had all this knowledge and they were like pioneers in our country.
1996
Attended Medical School
- I attended medical school for one year before I had to flee my country because of war.
2008
Connected with AIMGBC & Started Full-time Role in Settlement Sector
- I connected with the Association of International Medical Doctors of BC (AIMGBC) and attended their sessions that were hosted about 1-2 times a year.
- I registered with the Medical Council of Canada to submit my education documents to be validated and was in the process of preparing for the Medical Council of Canada Evaluation (MCCE) examination.
- During these sessions I also connected with other IMGs and built a network of internationally trained medical doctors who shared candid experiences of being treated differently even after being evaluated (e.g. limited number of residence specialities).
References
- International Medical Doctors of BC - AIMGBC
- Services | Medical Council of Canada
- That same year, I started working full-time in the settlement sector. I searched for information to help others and eventually found a master’s program. At that time, very few resources existed to support refugees, so I poured my energy into building services.
Mar 2020
Arrived to Canada
- My bigger wedding event was planned to happen in 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and my wedding events had to be cancelled. My husband’s family was in mid-air when travel regulations were implemented.
- In March of 2020, I arrived in Canada to be with my husband and co-incidentally my permanent residence came around the same time.
- After my arrival in Canada, I continued working as a physician by doing remote patient consultations in the Philippines.
I already applied for permanent residency because I also knew that's important to getting a job in Canada. It doesn't matter whatever education or whatever accolades you have. It does not matter. You need to have PR.
Nov 2015
Began Applying to Residency Programs
- I applied to residency programs immediately after medical school. I applied to about 5-6 different programs but I didn’t get an interview.
A challenge that was unique for me was trying to maintain permanent residency while completing medical school overseas...Medical school has quite a long training period and so trying to maintain residency obligations in Canada when you have to be here for 2 years over a period of 5 was challenging on its own.
2021
Vice Dean of Medical Faculty
- In 2021, my eldest daughter moved to Italy to pursue ballroom dancing because her dance partner represented Italy. In the same year, I was appointed Vice Dean of the Medical Faculty, while continuing my role as an Associate Professor. I held both positions until I moved to Canada. My experience as Vice Dean aligned with my future aspirations at the time of becoming Dean of the University, and it was very helpful in facilitating my transition to Canada.
Before coming to Canada, I never even had an interview. In my career, it was always like, hey, do you want to do a PhD? Do you want to be an Associate Professor? Do you want to be a Vice Dean?
Mar 2024
Connected with the Neighbourhood Group
- I chose to visit the Neighbourhood Group and booked an appointment to help develop and refine my resume. They provided a skeleton for what a resume should look like and did mock interviews with me. They also provided advice for how to respond to different interview questions.
- It was also helpful to have peers who were going through or had gone through the Canadian immigration and settlement process as well as those who chose to go through the US system.
Resources
- Home | The Neighbourhood Group
Hello my name is Jamal. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from the Caribbean. I migrated to Canada in 2018. As of the summer of 2025, I am a licensed practicing physician in Canada.
Click here to explore my timeline
2014
Had 2nd Child
- I took a maternity leave and pause in career to care for my second child after their birth.
Message for Future IMGs
To understand a society, you need to learn its expectations, culture, and how to navigate it. For me, working in settlement helped with that integration—because by helping others, I was also helping myself. People often say, “make local friends,” and while I do have many, I think my job contributed even more to my integration. Another strategy I used was to attend every event I could find and simply show up—there’s always something to learn. You have to understand a society before you can truly become a contributing member.
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
- My aunt was a practicing physician, she was an inspiration for me.
I was inspired by the way she was always there to help people.
Future
Future Plans
- When I think about my future, I feel it is uncertain because it all depends on whether I receive permanent residence in Canada.
- If I receive permanent residence, I would like to pursue an MBA program to support my growth within the workplace. I also hope to buy my own home, travel more - both generally and to visit my family. My dream role is to work with the Ministry of Health, supporting the integration of IMGs in Canada.
This [permanent residence] is a big struggle for me, because I don't feel that I belong here, but I don't feel that I belong there either.
Nov 2024
Applied to Residency for the 5th time
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
- I grew up in Ethiopia. As a child, I was fascinated with technology and wanted to be a pilot. In my sophomore year, I watched an interview of a doctor on TV and it became my inspiration for wanting to pursue medicine.
- In my country, as a student, if you have good grades and do well on the national exams, the government supports your first choice of study, and students are then expected to pay back the costs of amenities after graduation.
2021
Telehealth General Physician in Pakistani (Remote) & Position as Health Analyst
- I received a short term (4 month) contract as a Health Analyst for Unison Community Services after I completed the bridging program.
- During COVID, I started working as a Telehealth Physician in Pakistan (remotely).
I would also add, build your portfolio not only on hard paper like your CV or resume, but also a digital profile - LinkedIn is really important. So whatever achievements you've had, just put it in there for employers or people who want to be inspired by you.
2013-2014
Separated & Divorced Husband
- My ex-husband migrated to Slovakia; I became the primary provider and caregiver for both my children. My parents helped with childcare while I was worked.
It [the divorce] was psychological hard, but maybe it pushed me to pursue and build my career even before coming to Canada here.
Apr 2025
Better Housing
- With my new job, I was able to afford moving into an apartment that was located in a better neighborhood and truly felt like home.
Hello, my name is Zara. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Central Asia. I migrated to Canada in 2005 by myself. As of the summer of 2025, I am the Director of a Community Health Centre.
Click here to explore my timeline
Mar 2024
Arrival to Canada
- In March, due to family pressures to resolve my marital issues I came to Canada. Upon arrival in Canada, my sister-in-law (who lived in Canada) and I could not locate my husband. In April, I had one point of contact with him, during which he expressed a desire to end the relationship, but refused my request to buy return tickets to India.
- During this period, I faced many challenges. I was initially couch-surfing before receiving support from a relative to secure a shared rental room. I worked for Uber - walking to do deliveries, and I was in very bad shape, mentally and emotionally.
I landed in Canada in the hope of rebuilding a relationship. Initially I considered going back to India, but what stopped me was my finances. I didn't have money to go back there.
Hello, my name is Olesya. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Ukraine. I moved to Canada because of the war in Ukraine and arrived here with my daughter in 2024. As of the summer of 2025, I am the Manager of Exam Productions at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Click here to explore my timeline
2022
Practicing Physician in the Prairies
- I am now a licensed practicing physician in the Prairies.
As a practicing physician:
- Upon transitioning as an independent physician, I needed to learn about setting limitations and boundaries as a physician because a lot of physicians feel guilty for a broken system that is inherently designed to take from physicians. I had developed healthy boundaries during my residency period and continued to maintain those after training. I created boundaries by not checking the EMR or work emails on my personal phone and trying to 'leave work at work' at the end of the day.
- I also started utilizing provincial and national resources that support physician wellness, inclduing medical associations, health insurance program , and counselling support. It’s important to take care of yourself, - go to the spa, get a massage, and take a day off.
You start to realize your importance to the population that you're serving both the patients themselves and the colleagues who very well may need your expertise and your support. And so I think in time the identity certainly does change from that of 'why am I here?' to sort of the identity of 'what would happen if I was not here?'
Feb 2005
Resettlement in Canada
- The taxi driver dropped me off at the Welcome House for Refugees but I went to live with my uncle and grandmother.
- Soon enough one of my siblings joined me in Canada and we eventually found an apartment in the city. We received resettlement assistant from the government.
- I intentionally chose to a find a place near a public library.
The first year was the most confusing year. I was walking in a fog.
1992-1993
Second Child was Born & Father Passed Away
- Late in 1992, I had my second baby. My mother and mother-in-law continued to support me with childcare.
- In 1993, two weeks after my daughter (second child) was born, my father passed away. My mother was grieving and depressed - supporting me with childcare helped my mother cope with her grief.
2022-2023
Addictions Psychiatry Fellowship at CAMH
- The Addictions Psychiatry Fellowship at CAMH/U of T was a hard program, it was a steep learning curve for me.
- I enrolled in the U of T -Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Leadership Certificate Program. It was outside of the Fellowship I was doing. There was an active learning project within the program and I was working on developing a one-stop resource for IMGs who wanted to pursue fellowship because the information was convoluted and scattered on the internet. I was unable to complete it due to the fellowship ending.
- I was still seeing patients on the weekend in the Philippines remotely. It felt like it was all too much.
I would have to say, coming from someone who's never really trained in the medicine field in Canada, coming into a fellowship and the expectations is that your level of knowledge about stuff is the same. Truly, your level of knowledge is even lower. In terms of addiction care knowledge, yes, it's there. But the terms like what is ODSP? What is OW, what's CPP? Why is there a social worker or why are we referring to this or to that and then you see a patient they would ask you for resources in the community and I would draw a blank. Contextually, even harm reduction conversations were a learning because cannabis is illegal in the Philippines and legal here.
References
- PGME Leadership Certificate Program | Postgraduate Medical Education
Hi, my name is Shyne! I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from the Philippines. I arrived in Canada in 2020, after I married my husband who was already living here. As of the summer of 2025, I am an Assistant Professor and Staff Psychiatrist at a hospital.
Click here to explore my timeline
Jul 2025
Volunteer at Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia: NAC OSCE Course
- After I passed my NAC OSCE, I wanted to give back. I received lots of support from ISANS staff, especially one of the role play actors, and my peer IMGs. So, in addition to working, I joined ISANS as a volunteer to support the NAC OSCE preparation course.
I became an independent person. I started making decisions for myself.
Acronyms & Definitions
2011
Began Medical School
- I attended Medical School straight out of high school. It was a 5-year degree that was UK based, consisting of 2 years of pre-clinical training and 3 years of clinical training.
- A goal of mine was to get into palliative care, however I knew that there were no formal palliative care training opportunities in the Caribbean so I knew that I would eventually have to look to other countries post medical school.
2000-2003
Moved Back to Pakistan & Fourth Child was Born
- I focused on caring for my children and family after I moved back to Pakistan.
I was like a family physician for everybody [in my family] who needed help. I would go to their appointments, I would talk to their doctors. So I was the liaison between doctors and the seniors in the family who were getting older and going through health issues.
2017
Associate Professor Pharmacology
- I was promoted to Associate Professor of Pharmacology at Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University.
2014-2022, was the happiest period of my life. We were travelling frequently, my elder daughter was dancing and my younger daughter was doing art school. It was the life I was trying to build and wished to maintain, but cannot at this time.
2003-2004
House Job
- During my House Job (mandatory 1 year supervised clinical training to get licensed to practice and pursue residency/specialization), I spent 6 months in internal medicine and the later half of the year in OBGYN. During this time I learned that I was more connected to Women’s health.
There were a lot of people living in ultra poverty with huge ignorance about their health and no preventative care. I think that brought me closer to humanity of how people live and reinforced how much work needs to be done.
May 2018
Briefly moved back to Karachi
- Prior to coming to Canada, we moved back home for my brother-in-law’s wedding. I also practiced as locum for 3 months.
Apr-Jul 2024
Volunteer at Algonquin College
- I connected with the Maidan Market Community Group in Ottawa, which was offering support to Ukrainians arriving in Canada at the time. Through Maidan, I was introduced to a professor with Ukrainian roots who was actively helping newcomers. He was teaching a course titled 'How to Be Successful in Canada' at Algonquin College. After speaking with him and expressing my interest in contributing, he offered me a volunteer position. I supported him in delivering the course at Algonquin College.
I completed courses and would spend the remainder of time applying for work. My first job was to find a job. I was working on tailoring my resumes during the day and in the evening, I was searching [for postings] I would apply to the next day. I was searching everywhere - I was searching in Starbucks, some clerical role, and even a front desk role at a barber shop. I wasn't asking for some supervisor role but I still receive no response. I was searching at a time when I was fully desperate because I didn't know what I would do to pay for rent.
2019
Completed Masters in Physiology and Pathophysiology
- I pursued a Masters degree out of wanting to do research and academia as an alternative route since it had been 2 years out of graduation. During my Masters my supervisor had encouraged me to reapply to residency for the 2019 cycle.
- When re-applying I had several considerations. I didn’t apply to several schools such as...
- Alberta because I didn’t live there
- Ontario because I knew my score was not high enough
- Nova Scotia because I knew they historically only took people from the province; and
- British Columbia because I would have had to do an additional examination.
2004
Studying for Board Exams
- I studied for my board exams for 1 year.
Future
Future Plans
- I plan to continue to build on my portfolio, learn from wherever I can. As far as working as a physician (in Canada) is concerned, the chances are getting dimmer.
- I will continue caregiving and supporting my family and helping others along the way.
Finding happiness in what you're doing at the current moment is the key. That will give you contentment and fulfillment as well.
Acronyms & Definitions
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
- I was born and raised in the Caribbean. I studied computer sciences with the goal of pursuing law. However, I chose to pursue medicine because there was a greater probability of job security and I understood the difficulty of re-training if I changed my mind.
Oct 2024
Clinical Assistant Position
- I did not plan to pursue licensing when I came to Canada but I started to learn more about the medical licensing process here through Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS). It [ISANS] is a settlement organization. I went there for English language classes, which I learned I didn’t need and then came to learn more about medical licensing in Canada.
- I registered with Physicians Apply to start the process, it is the central website for all exams and credential verifications. Once you register you will need to complete the source verification, they do it through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) evaluation. The Medical Council of Canada verifies whether your credentials are valid and accurate by asking your College/University to confirm the credentials.
- I continued job searching while also cold-calling and emailing. I made a list of clinics by doing a Google search of all the clinics in Nova Scotia then I would email them or go in person. I was applying for work through cold-calling and received an opportunity for an observership position. Through the observership position I received an interview and successfully landed a Physician Associate (unlicensed) position. It was a full-time contract job, not permanent, and it was a basic salary.
Back in India, the hospital where I stayed was my professional, personal and everything - from morning to night, friends and colleagues are in the same place. But here our professional and personal relationships are different. There will be some connection, but it is entirely different. I’ve received a lot of help but in a professional way. I am grateful for that.
Resources
- Home - Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
- Services | Medical Council of Canada
2006
Back to Saudi Arabia
- Back in Saudi Arabia, I continued to do volunteer work and focused on caregiving responsibilities while we prepared to come to Canada.
One of the motivations to move to Canada was my children's education.
Hi, my name is Shyne! I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from the Philippines. I arrived in Canada in 2020, after I married my husband who was already living here. As of the summer of 2025, I am an Assistant Professor and Staff Psychiatrist at a hospital.
Click here to explore my timeline
2006-2008
Completed Residency in Internal Medicine
- In 2007, I started doing research in immunopharmacology. I completed my residency in Internal Medicine, but even during that time, I recognized that my interests lay more in research and administrative roles than in clinical practice.With the birth of my daughter, I wanted to prioritize caregiving responsibilities, and the demands of clinical work. particularly night shifts were not compatible with that commitment. I also really enjoyed research more than clinical medicine.
2003
Married
- My now ex-husband was my first boyfriend. I knew him for a year and a half. He proposed, it was my first love and everything was romanticized. We got married while I was doing medical school.
2009
Key Career Decisions and Skill Development Journey
- After contemplation and hearing about other IMG’s experiences, I decided not to pursue the MCEE Examinations.
- Over the years, I grew into a coordinator, manager, and senior manager roles at the settlement organization. I reframed my skills and knowledge to succeed in a new context.
- In preparation for applying to the Masters of Public Health Program at SFU, I completed a statistics course and passed the English proficiency IELTS exam.
Do I really want to go through all of this again, only to be discriminated against anyway? Hearing all these stories about how internationally trained professionals are treated differently—even after earning certification and proving their knowledge—I thought, no, I don’t want to be part of that.
References
- Which IELTS test do I need to take? | IDP IELTS Canada
Jul 2025
Received Admission into Family Medicine Residency at Western University
- I moved to London, Ontario without my family to start the Family Medicine Residency Program at Western University.
- The program allows 2 years of Family Medicine which can lead to different avenues, then 3 months of OBGYN.
- I had always just applied in Ontario over the past 5 years because my kids were young and I didn’t want to move to another province after settling here. I drive back home every weekend to spend time with my family.
After 5 years I finally found myself.
2014
Completed MCCEE
- I completed the MCCEE during my third year of medical school as I was planning to immigrate and join my family in Canada.
- I found this examination to be the first major roadblock to re-certification. as the examination was built to assess candidates as Canadian medical physicians and against non-Canadian medically trained physicians.
Aug 2018
Immigrated to Canada
- We chose to immigrate to Canada for stability and because of the strong Muslim Aga Khan community.
- The prior move to Dallas allowed us, as a family, to be more prepared before coming to Canada. We got a feel for what the weather was like and how school was going to be, which ultimately allowed me to dive right into studying upon settling in Canada.
2012
Family immigrated to Canada
- During my first year of medical school, my family chose to immigrate to Canada. I chose to stay back home to finish medical school.
- I began studying for the Medical Council of Canada Evaluation Exam (MCCEE) and National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE) while I was still in school which made it easier to prepare for as I was concurrently learning the skills required for my medical school exams.
2013-2015
Psychiatry Residency Training
- I had always wanted to work at The Medical City Hospital, so I chose to complete my psychiatry residency training there. Before my senior year ended, I developed a strong interest in addiction psychiatry. The majority of patients we saw had concurrent disorders involving both mental health and addictions. Many of my trainers and mentors had received international training in these areas. My Program Head, who was also my mentor, had trained at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). As a result, I began exploring training opportunities at CAMH and the University of Toronto in Canada.
That's a three-year psychiatry residency training that is at The Medical City. I've always wanted to work at that hospital. And so I was like, if I'm going to do psychiatry, I want to do it in the hospital that I want to end up working in, which is great. Learning in medicine, it's not just about the actual practice of medicine, but it's also aligning yourself to your goals.
2019-2022
Practiced as a General Practitioner
- Once I graduated, I was licensed to practice as a Junior Medical Doctor. I practiced as an Independent General Practitioner at several hospitals across the country
- At the time I contemplated completing residency but wasn't able to fully commit due to conflicting interests and personal reasons.
2007
Permanent Arrival to Canada
- I arrived to Toronto, Ontario, with my 4 children and my husband in 2007. For about six years, I raised my four children in Canada, while my husband supported us financially from outside of Canada.
- We lived in Richmond Hill in a rental. We experienced several settlement challenges, specifically because our education, work and credit history was not recognized in Canada. We lived in the Middle East for over 10 years and in Pakistan for more but our education, experience or credit history “did not count”.
He went back because there was no prospect of jobs here, right? And me, with four children, I could not have worked.
Acronyms & Definitions
2023-2025
Assistant Professor and Staff Psychiatrist
- Currently I am focused on the direction of a recently established Substance Use Health Division. I am trying to bring in more people to do addictions work. I developed the curriculum block for addictions by revamping the undergraduate addictions module and I also revamped the post-graduate curriculum for psychiatry residents.
This might sound cliche, but if you actually look forward to working, to doing what you want, and the reason for doing the job that you do, is beyond yourself, then I think that is called success.
Future
Future Plans
- I plan to continue to work but as a Licensed Physician Associate. I intend to write the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Evaluation Part 1 exam and CASPER test so that I can apply for residency/clerkship positions. I am considering the Dalhousie Clerkship Program for IMGs. After I complete my licensure and residency or clerkship, I’ll apply to Practice Ready Assessment (PRA ) and PACE pathways. I hope to have my own clinic someday. I would also love to join the military service as a healthcare provider.
- Personally, I want to find myself first, I want to travel and do things that make me happy. I’d love to have my family with me in Canada and eventually I’d like to find a life partner.
Resources
- International Medical Graduate Clerkship Program - Medical School Admissions - Dalhousie University
- Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE)
- Practice-Ready Assessment | Medical Council of Canada
2023
Job Searching
- During the first few months it was very difficult to find a job. I tried going through agencies and find connections through my social network
1990
Got Married & Completed Government Exams
- I wrote and successfully passed the government examinations required to practice as a physician in Pakistan. In the same year I got married!
2017-2018
General Practitioner Government Service Position
- Between 2017 and 2022, because of a horoscope matching issue and timing alignment, marriage was delayed. So, my family allowed me to pursue work and further studies.
- I completed residency and started practising as a General Practitioner. I was seeing more than 100 patients in an 8-hour workday. I was triaging patients and resolving chronic/acute conditions. During this time, I learned fast diagnosis. Since we were a local hospital, we referred major cases to the larger district hospital.
2019
Matched in Family Medicine in the Prairies
- I matched to the Family Medicine Program in the Prairies.
Applying to Residency
- A lot of my research was self-directed, I used google, websites (provincial websites and regulatory websites) and forums to find what I needed to fulfill my applications. I participated in study groups within the local area. I accessed support from the University of Manitoba and they provided support with career planning (although you have to be a student to access their resources).
- Manitoba Start is an organization aimed at helping newcomers settle in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They provide support for life skills like resume writing, English as a Second Language, networking and integration into the Canadian workforce. However it wasn’t particularly useful for me because I already spoke English, I knew how to write CVs, and the connections were not specific to internationally trained physicians.
- I had the opportunity to chat and shadow other physicians in Canada to see what it was like for someone to run their own clinic. It allowed me to gain insight into their journeys.
Resources
When you get into residency, you start noticing little pieces of systemic discrimination against international medical graduates such as applying for enhanced skills training year or fellowship for family medicine was a challenge.
- Manitoba Start- Bringing You a World-Class Workforce - Manitoba Start
Acronyms & Definitions
May 2019
Cleared Canadian Examinations
- I cleared the The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE 1) and the National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE) on my first attempt.
One of my doctor friends in the community told me if you really want to practice, don't waste your time looking for a job, do your exams, clear your board for basic eligibility then you can do anything you want. Your first goal should be to clear your papers"
1987
Graduation from Medical School
- I graduated from medical school with honours, consistently ranking among the top three students in my cohort. I earned distinctions in the majority of core subjects. I was dedicated and had strong academic performance.
2019
Neurosurgery Resident
- I needed to complete an exam prior to enrolling in a post-graduate neurosurgery degree. It was a 6-year program but I did not write the exam. I practiced as a Neurosurgery Resident at VPS Lakeshore Hospital, I was not a post-graduate rather I worked as a Junior Resident.
So initially I worked there under the guidance of someone because I didn't get my graduation certificate. So they told me that you should practice under someone. There was an emergency physician under whom I practiced. Then I started my own practice there.
Jul 2024
Program Coordinator for Royal College of Physicians of Canada
- I found a Program Coordinator position online and interviewed successfully in July. I started work in August. I invested myself fully in the job, I gave my 100% even though it wasn’t my dream job.I had a fantastic manager who really encouraged me. My position was temporary and when a permanent position came up my manager encouraged me to look for opportunities that align with my ideal position rather than sticking to one that wasn’t ideal for me.
- I also had to adapt to the work culture here in Canada. Back in Ukraine your colleagues are your friends. Here, there are more boundaries between personal and professional relationships.
I just needed somewhere to start, when you don't have Canadian experience, it is really hard.
1988-1990
Worked as a Trainee Registrar
- Following completion of my medical school and residency, I worked as a Trainee Registrar with the Internal Medicine Training Registration at Jinnah Post-graduate Medical Centre Teaching Hospital.
2024
Updated IELTS and BLS
- The IELTS expires every 2 years. Residency applications require updated IELTS exams. Every exam is over $300 but I had to keep my IELTS updated so I took it again.
- I also updated my Basic Life Support certification
But the system itself has frustrated me that if you look at everything, I've tried to do everything right, but I haven't really reached.
2009-2011
Sought Resources for Career Re-Integration
And nothing is going to come easy. You'll have to struggle. You'll have to do your research. You'll have to look around. You'll have to swallow your pride and speak to people and ask them for help on LinkedIn or different platforms. But do anything that is required so that you can get your foot in the door.
- I wanted to start my licensing process in Canada but each exam was $2000 or more. We couldn’t afford it because of the financial challenges that come with settling in a new country with young children. Where would I have gotten the money to pay for the exams?
- Late 2009 to early 2010, I started visiting Welcome Centers in Richmond Hill. I attended employment support programs and made appointments with advisors but the general employment support advisors did not know about the physician licensure process. The Welcome Centers were useful for language integration and general entry level job support but not very helpful for professional integration.
- Through some networking I started participating in international medical graduate (IMG) support groups.
- In 2010, I joined Healthforce Ontario’s Access Centre for Internationally Educated Health Professionals. Through a one-on-one advisor who supported IMGs, I learned about the licensing process here in Canada - the advisor was very knowledgeable. I also received help to participate in mock interviews.
- I also completed the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) English proficiency exam.
Resources
- HealthForceOntario | Home
- International Medical Graduate Support Groups on Social Media (Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, etc.)
Considerations
- IELTS expires every 2 years.
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) and World Education Services (WES) are both designated organizations for providing Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) (equivalency evaluations) for Canadian immigration. When applying to educational programs in Canada, some institutions may accept ICAS while others may accept WES. For example, the University of Toronto may want ICAS whereas Mitchener's Institute may want WES.
Feb 2025
Manager of Exam Productions at Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- I applied as an internal candidate in December for a position that aligned with my aspirations and ideal job. After the initial application there was an assessment and a few rounds of interviews. In February of 2025, I started my job as the Manager of Exam productions at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
It is such a relaxing environment where everyone is friendly, and I really felt welcomed. I love my job. I really love my job.
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
- I was raised with strong values of service and community.
- At the age of 6, I was enrolled in girl guides where I learned a lot about voluntary services. In my teenage and early adulthood years, I deepened my sense of purpose through helping others, participating in camps for vaccinations and garage sales to support local economy into my early adulthood.
- I grew up with strong parental influences, my mother was a woman that shared her spirits, thoughts and actions – she was a self-sufficient woman as a teacher for more than 40 years and a school principal for 10.
- I had a strong memory and performed well academically and I credit my father who guided me and encouraged me to pursue medicine.
I was grateful to have learned at an early age what gave me satisfaction, it was not working for myself but for others.
Community was very much connected to idea of "giving back", philanthropy and helping others.
Hello, my name is Riya. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from India. I arrived in Canada on my own in 2024. As of the summer of 2025, I am a Physician’s Associate (unlicensed).
Click here to explore my timeline
2021
Residency vs. Fellowship
Licensure & Residency
- The pathway for residency is a bit more linear and predictable but can also be cut-throat. You’ll need to take the exams, Medical Council of Canada Qualification Examination Part 1 (MCCQE1), the National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE) and then after that prepare for applications and interviews for the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). While you are studying and taking exams you will need to do observerships to get clinical exposure here in Canada. If you get a clinical assistant position that will also help you. You will also need to do the English proficiency test, IELTS Academic – you have to be strong in your language because that counts a lot in interviews and how you communicate. You have to prepare your CV to shine because you're going to be up against other IMG's and local medical graduates. It’s not a matter of vomiting all your experience on your CV, to make your CV strong you need to be intentional and strategic in conveying why you want this placement and are the right fit for the institution. Canadian medical students also work a lot so that they get into the program that they want. Their observerships are all focused on whatever residency they want. For residency, apply to different programs and then hopefully you get matched to your preferred choices. There's some people who might not match the first round, some not second, some wait for years and some do not match at all.
Fellowships
- If you're already trained and if you already have done residency back home, then you can do a fellowship. You have to apply to different fellowship programs. The fellowship can take 1-2 years to complete. After you complete your fellowship you have to find and apply for Academic/Staff positions with clinical institutions that are affiliated with a University. For example CAMH is affiliated with U of T. For these types of positions, alongside clinical experience and training you need to have research publications that really strengthen your CV and application. If you land an Academic/Staff position, you will have an academic role at the University and you will receive a restricted license to practice clinically with the institution that the University is affiliated with. If you step outside of that Institution you are not allowed to practice. You have to write the exams, MCCQE1 and NAC OSCE and apply for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Exam to practice independently. You can also apply to some of the provincial programs like PRA and PACE after your exams. I am also hearing that after 5 years of clinical practice in a Staff/Academic position, there is a process for the Royal College to verify your credentials and clinical performance and to receive independent licensure but a lot is changing with these processes constantly.
I knew I did not want to pursue the typical licensure path as it requires residency. [I was thinking if I don't get to transition my practice to Canada, I would still have that fellowship program under my belt. I would still have that training. And so I knew, I can always go back to the Philippines. I can go back.
Feb 2024
Permanent Arrival to Canada
I didn't expect that I would be a Vice Dean here. I am a realistic person, but to receive an interview even for an admin clerk position, it was almost impossible.
- My younger daughter, our dog and I left Ukraine and went to Poland. We took a flight from Poland to Toronto then to Ottawa. We arrived in Canada through the Ukrainian Humanitarian Initiative facilitated by the Federal Government of Canada.
- While we were settling in Canada, we had several challenges:
- For my daughter, the transition to school was difficult. She faced social challenges, had no friends, and was adjusting to a completely new environment.
- For myself: I didn’t have a credit history in Canada, and my financial records from Ukraine didn’t contribute to building one here. Before we left Ukraine, I did extensive research and reached out to rental units through cold calls and emails. Everyone asked about a credit score. I eventually secured a rental apartment, although it didn’t feel like home. We also had to furnish the apartment, and buying furniture without a credit card was a challenge. Food was limited for us; we didn’t use the food bank, but I bought what we could afford, and we ate the same types of food for a long time. I faced many difficulties finding work. I was applying online for clerical and administrative positions, and eventually for any job that would pay enough to help make ends meet.
I was trying to postpone it [migrating] as much as I could because the war started in 2022. I immigrated in 2024. It was basically a time for me where I couldn't wait anymore. It was horrible [leaving Ukraine], because [crying], again, it was not my choice. It was not my choice at all.
May 2025
Passed NAC OSCE
- I passed my NAC OSCE exam on my first attempt!
I needed a name in life...I wanted to achieve a very big goal. I thought about changing professions, but I don't know anything outside the world of medicine. That's the truth.
Acronyms & Definitions
Hello my name is Jamal. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from the Caribbean. I migrated to Canada in 2018. As of the summer of 2025, I am a licensed practicing physician in Canada.
Click here to explore my timeline
2021
Got Denied from Research Assistant Position and Applied to a Masters Program
- While I was working as a medical assistant at LMC Healthcare Clinic, I applied for a research assistant position in their research unit as I hoped to gain some research experience that was missing from my CV.
- I was rejected which inspired me to apply to a masters program and get a Canadian degree on my CV.
Nov 2024
Got My Own Rental Place
- With my full-time job and the support I received from the government, I was able to get my own place.
- Some considerations that I had in mind when looking for my own place were that 1) it was not too far from work, 2) I wanted a space with privacy because I wanted to be able to study in peace when I’m not at work.
Dec 2024
Learned more about Licensing Divorced Husband
- I started preparing for the National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE) Exam. It was a learning curve for me, because there was a difference in patient/provider interaction and authority from my initial education and training in India vs. expectations for patient/provider interactions here in Canada.
- During this time, I received a message from my family that my husband sent them a text image that our divorce was finalized.
Since I started from the ground, I'm starting from the basics, right? Step by step I came to know how to understand people [as patients] and how to communicate with patients here. Confidentiality is there everywhere, but in different ways. There [in India] everything will be discussed with the family. Here everything will be discussed with the person.
2016
Graduation from Medical School
- When I graduated from medical school I became the first doctor in my family. It was a surprise for them. I was so happy!
2022
Got Married
- My family received a marriage proposal through a matrimonial site. I spoke with the individual, and we got married in August of 2022. He was living in Canada. I had to stop my residency and post-graduate studies as the plan was to move to Canada after my marriage.
Acronyms & Definitions
Mar 2005
Went to Public Library to Learn English
- I began going to the library to learn English on my own at my own pace. The public library was really helpful for language and information.
I didn't know what I was doing, where I was headed, but one thing that was constant was that I needed to learn English. I would take books from the library, come home and and read those books with dictionary..
Hello, my name is Zara. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Central Asia. I migrated to Canada in 2005 by myself. As of the summer of 2025, I am the Director of a Community Health Centre.
Click here to explore my timeline
Nov 2018
Got a Rental House
- We lived with my sister for the first 2 months and the children started school.
- Then we found a rental house in the Don Mills area and although we moved a bit farther away, I really didn’t want my kids to have to move schools, so we had to take 3 buses to commute for dropping and picking them up.
- During this time I also registered for the licensing exams and met good study partners along the way.
- I felt privileged to have a supportive husband because I have seen people stress over having to study and work while raising kids at the same time.
I would say, when you're single, it's the easiest [to immigrate to a new country]. It becomes more difficult when you’re married, and even more so with children - there’s an added responsibility of finding schools, planning commutes, etc.
2021
Attempted MCCQE1 & First Child Born
- She [daughter] was born March 2021, and I was applying for whatever the entire time, seeing patients at night [remotely in the Philippines] and trying to work.
- The CAMH/U of T Fellowship application required the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCCQE1). I took the MCCQE 1 but I did not pass because I only prepared through self study. I decided to take a course before doing it again.
It's the workaholic in me. I did that to myself. I'm determined. I think one other thing that I realized too is that, in our culture, especially in the Philippines, it's not nice to or it's seen as off-putting if you put yourself out there. If you start talking about what you did, you know like humility is more of a trait that is appreciated versus this is what I've done, when it's justified that you've done it right. I realized here if you keep quiet, if you do not seek opportunities, there's nothing that's going to happen. If you do not put yourself out there, nothing is going to happen. I have to bang on doors and say hi, this is what I can offer, this is what we I can try to do, then that's the only time that you will actually get somewhere.
Resources
- MCCQE Part I | Medical Council of Canada
2023
Received Canadian Permanent Residence
- In early January, when my husband visited India, I started my permanent residence application to Canada. I received my permanent residence in Canada within a few months. My husband didn’t expect me to get my PR, rather he expected that I would stay in India and care for his family.
- Some marital issues led to the cancellation of my intended travel to Canada. I was living with my in-laws, and I returned back to my hometown. I started considering other options like going to the UK to pursue further education there. During this time, I was also working as a Pediatric Surgery Resident at St. John's Medical College.
2021
Completed Diplomat of National Board Exam: General Surgery Resident
- I completed my Diplomat of National Board (clinical focused training and education) exam in order to pursue general surgery residency. I had to relocate to another hospital, Queen's NRI Hospital, and it was an entirely different area with a distinct dialect and language that I did not know.
- During the later part of COVID, I joined the hospital as a General Surgery resident, everything was closed, and I didn't know the language. It took time to learn everything in a new location and it was a struggle for me.
Acronyms & Definitions
Jul 2024
Attended Online Program for Healthcare Connections
- I enrolled in ACCESS Employment’s 6-week online program that was specific for IMG’s in clinical or non-clinical public sectors. In the program I learned about building resumes, the Canadian healthcare environment, interview training, etc. As part of the program, if there was any employer requesting for a potential candidate they would make the connection to Alumni of the Healthcare Connections Program.
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
- When I was younger I wanted to become a clinical psychologist. Throughout my life, my maternal uncle supported my education, and he had always wanted to be a doctor. He encouraged me to pursue medical school.
2017
Applied for Masters Program
- I chose to apply for a Masters program in Canada.
2009
Studying for Fellow of College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan(FCPS) Exit Exam and Got Married
2000
Started Medical School
- In 2000, I started my 6-year medical school program in Ukraine at the Danylo Halytskyi Lviv National Medical University.
I was a nerd, I was doing research from my early years in med school. I was the Vice Chair of the Student Scientific Society.
Apr 2024
Attended Info Session by ACCES Employment
- The Neighbourhood Group referred me to an information session about ACCES Employment’s Healthcare Connections Program.
Resources
- Healthcare Connections - ACCES Employment
Acronyms & Definitions
2019
Graduated Medical School
2007
Started Medical School
- I started medical school at the University of the East Medical school- Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM). It is the same school my uncle attended for dentistry. In the Philippines, medical school is 4 years including 1 year of clerkship.
- My first year of medical school was miserable but I continued medical school because I wanted to pursue psychiatry.
I truly hated biochemistry. I hated everything about it. But what I did love was psychiatry, anything that's related to psychiatry. And so at some point, it just clicked that I was going to do medical school because I wanted to be a psychiatrist.
2022-2023
Completed Masters in Healthcare Administration in Community Care
- I completed a 16-month Masters program at Toronto Metropolitan University in Healthcare Administration in Community Care. It was a good program that was tailored for community care.
- During my Masters I was simultaneously looking for bridging programs for my OGYBN credentials and becoming a lactation consultant was the best I could find which led to licensure.
- During my Masters I worked part-time as a project manager with a global research associate.
It's very hard to be to be persistently on it while bearing with all the other stresses of life - the economic stress, the social stress, and the feeling of not being able to be what you were. You begin to question, did I change my life or did I just change countries?
2008
Bought a House
- In 2008, we bought a house in Vaughn and moved. Back then, when you didn’t have credit history in Canada you had to put a downpayment of 25%. We saved for our downpayment and also had to take some loans. We did not anticipate the challenges of buying a house in Canada. My husband worked to pay off all the loans while I continued caring for the children.
Considerations
- Use the first 3 years [after arrival to Canada], to establish yourself professionally, if your personal situation allows. You will receive a lot of support (through programs and services) early in settlement and you will also have recency of practice. Get your foot in the door even if it is hard.
2021-2023
Certification Courses
- I continued taking courses to stay engaged. I was motivated to learn and continue learning. I explored both Canadian and international course offerings. Simple courses at Mitchener's Institute were $500 or more, whereas international courses were more affordable. I took courses in:
You just have to be very proactive, keep your eyes and ears open. Keep them open and try every opportunity you can get. I may not have a lot of work experience [in Canada], but you can see I've been busy with a lot of things.
- Family Medicine,
- Internal Medicine,
- Neurology and Psychiatry,
- Workplace Communication Program in Canada and,
- Digital Fluency for the Workforce Course.
Resources
- Practice Ready Ontario (PRO) - Touchstone Institute
- I also tapped into free resources offered by the Learning Enrichment Foundation (LEF), SUCCESS and Access Centre. For some courses, I didn’t meet the eligibility criteria but I applied anyway and got in.
- Practice Ready Ontario was introduced in 2023, applications open up twice per year. Other provinces were already doing this. I applied in 2023, 2024 and once in 2025. I was unable to get in, the main barriers were my lack of recency of practice, I had the Basic Life Support course but they needed Advanced Cardiac Life Support and completion of seven core medical discipline rotations.
- Workshops | The Learning Enrichment Foundation
- Newcomer Settlement Program (NSP) - Achēv
1991
Government Appointed General Physician & First Child was Born
- I applied for and started working as a Federal Public Commission Officer, which was a government position in the suburbs of Karachi.
- This was when I experienced servicing people who are underserved and I enjoyed it very much!
- I had my first baby! My mother and mother-in-law supported me by caring for my baby while I worked.
Message for Future IMGs
One important thing to have is people who are in a similar situation, you have no idea how much information you could get from someone who is going through the same situation, have a conversation with people from time to time.
Jul 2020
Pregnant with First Child & ACCES Employment Healthcare Connections Program
- In July 2020, I became pregnant with my first child. About a month later, I joined ACCES Employment’s Healthcare Connections Program. While initially, I wanted to return to the Philippines, I considered my child’s future along with my husband, as he is well-settled with a stable home and profession in Canada. I decided to permanently settle in Canada.
- I thought about alternative careers, it was difficult to find direct transition to practise. I did the Healthcare Connections program to discover other education/career alternatives within healthcare, psychiatry or addictions. My intention was to find any kind of related work in Canada and continue my psychiatry practice in the Philippines.
- The Healthcare Connections Program was great! I really appreciated the opportunity to learn about the Canadian medical system, how to develop my CV, and practical interviewing skills. I also connected with Dr. Cindy Sinclair from the Healthcare Connections program as a mentor. She has been and continues to be a significant source of support.
- Dr. Sinclair helped me to connect with another doctor at CAMH. The initial conversation was around exploring alternative career options but when I was asked what I really wanted to do I expressed that I wanted to practice as an Addictions Psychiatrist. The individual told me not to settle for less and not to give up. This individual also helped me connect with a doctor within the addictions field.
[leaving the Philippines] It's heartbreaking, right? Like you leave behind your whole identity. That's what I initially felt like because the language…I don't speak my mother tongue here. When I came here, I didn't really have friends. I would stay on FaceTime or call my friends back home. I would stay with patients in the Philippines. I think that was the reason why I was holding on to my patients back home because I felt my sense of identity is there.
Resources
- Healthcare Connections - ACCES Employment
2024
Completed Training and Certification Programs to Broaden Expertise
- During the year I spent job searching, I chose to pursue different training and certification courses to broaden my skill set. The courses I completed include:
there was no going back. So since I was already here, I had to make my decision count to something. So that thought stayed on my mind.
- IELTS English exam (before migration)
- Canadian Language Benchmarks certification
- Resume building
- Language certifications
- Interview skills
- CPR and first-aid
- WHMIS training
- Medical conferences for IMGs
- Online project management courses
Future
Future Plans
- In the future, I am considering doing my PhD. I’d like to lead and support equitable health systems change in Canada and internationally.
Mar 2024
ACCES Employment Program
- I completed a compressed Community Health program through ACCES Employment
In my situation I was migrating while being 40 years old. So, this is not the time where you choose to migrate. While migrating, I knew that I will not pursue a practical [clinical] medical career in Canada. Why? Because I needed to support my daughter who was with me and as being a primary caregiver, I cannot. It's very expensive here to do all the medical exams. To pursue licensure, when you don't have any other support or help and you need to provide everything - it's impossible.
2016
Passed NAC OSCE National Exam
- I passed the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) examination!
- It is a clinical exam, it consists of 12 stations (10/12 stations are marked) and 2 pilot projects with case scenarios that need to be read carefully.
- I prepared for the NAC OSCE by participating in IMG peer support groups and practicing with real people. Practicing in person and role play was a really important part of my preparation and helped me during my exam.
- There are NAC OSCE preparation courses that will help you prepare for the exam but it depends on whether you can afford it.
- I referred to the NAC Examination page on the Medical Council of Canada’s website for accurate information.
References
- NAC Examination | Medical Council of Canada
1993-1995
Break from Career Focus on Family & Volunteer Work
- In 1993, I briefly re-located to Dubai because my husband received a job offer there. I returned to Pakistan after 6 months.
- I applied for a leave from my government position, but my request was not accepted. Since my leave was not approved I was left with no option but to resign.
- I focused on family and volunteer work. I participated as a volunteer physician in medical camps to service underserved populations, which was run by the local religious community I was affiliated with.
I was always involved with giving service to underserviced patients, not in a regulated kind of a job, but associated with the community effort to alleviate their problems.
Hi, my name is Endrias. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Ethiopia. I arrived in Canada in 2023. As of the summer of 2025, I am studying for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Click here to explore my timeline
Apr 2018
Received Permanent Residency in Canada
- I received the news that I got permanent residency (PR) through Express Entry from my doctorate.
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
- I grew up in a family of physicians, everyone in my family is a physician - my parents, my aunts and my uncles.
So from early childhood it wasn't even a question of what do you want to be? The question was, what kind of doctor do you want to be?
2006
Graduation from Medical School
- I graduated from medical school!
2005
Clearance Paperwork & Landed Arrival In Canada
- Soon after my mother-in-law passed away, we received clearance for all our migration paperwork to Canada.
- We arrived to "land" in Canada. My husband, four children and I stayed in Toronto for about a month to understand the circumstances of living and the weather.
- After the month, we returned to Saudi Arabia.
2018-2019
Addictions Psychiatry Practice
- I focused on my Addictions Psychiatry practice. At the time, I was deeply engaged in mindfulness practices, which led me to begin formalizing programs for both our hospital and our patients. Most of my time was spent building these initiatives from the ground up, and I truly enjoyed the process. I was also teaching students and helping train the next generation of psychiatrists in the Philippines.
But I've always dreamt of training at CAMH, like it's always been at the back of my mind.
Acronyms & Definitions
Hi, my name is Sonia Karim. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Pakistan. I arrived in Canada in 2018 with my husband and two children. As of the summer of 2025, I am in my first year of residency.
Click here to explore my timeline
Mar 2011
Became Independent Obstetrician Specialist
- I passed my Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (FCPS) exit exam in February and began practicing as a specialist a month after, and worked from March 2011- Nov 2016
Aug 2025
Licensing Hurdles
- When the Medical Council of Canada sends credentials for source verification, the applicant has to contact the source to let them know they have to provide verification. I did not know this, so I did not contact my college back in India. Now, the biggest barrier I have is getting my credentials verified. It’s a struggle because of the time difference and the opening and closing time of institutions between India and Canada and my work schedule. The other issue I am having is that the name on my passport includes my middle name, whereas back in India, within my documents, my middle name becomes an initial so document verification has gotten really complicated.
- Sorting out the finances for the licensing process is also a challenge, each step costs money. You have to do a language proficiency test and the CASPER exam as well. There are resources out there, but they have restrictions based on the province you are in.
Resources
- Atlantic Immigrant Career Load Fund
- What is IELTS Academic and who needs it? | IDP IELTS Canada
- Taking the Casper assessment - Take Casper
Considerations
- If someone is coming to Canada and wants to be a doctor here, they should register for physciansapply.ca, sort out all their documents and get their source verification done before migrating. It will be easier to do before migrating than after. You can also do the exams before coming to Canada.
Nov 2019
Began Applying to Residency
- I began applying to residency programs every November.
May 2024
ACCES Health Connections Program
- I was job searching and came to learn about ACCES Employment through my roommates.I found out about ACCES Employment’s Healthcare Connections Program. The program was really helpful for developing my resume/CV. I completed the Healthcare Connections Program but was not doing well financially, I did not have money for food. My brother’s friend lived in Nova Scotia and offered to help me, he advised me to apply for work in Nova Scotia. During the spring, I was travelling between Toronto and Halifax
I struggled to find food. I was working as an Uber Walker at that time and I didn't have anything.
Resources
- Healthcare Connections - ACCES Employment
Nov 2023
Applied to Canada and Came On My Own
Resources
- Despite Ethiopia’s high demand for physicians, I chose to leave due to limited growth opportunities as a practicing doctor.
- It was a difficult decision to leave behind my family and my wife.
- In exploring options for specialty training and practice abroad, my research and conversations with peers who had already migrated, led me to Canada.
- I had no family here, so I stayed with a couple of family friends before submitting a case to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and received government resettlement support during my first year.
- Canada was the only country I applied to, and I didn’t come with the intention of practice medicine, but rather saw it as an opportunity to restart and pursue anything I wanted to.
- Ontario Works
- Social Support Services
- Case workers connected me to Ontario agencies and shared training opportunities that aligned with my medical background, helping me build additional skills and identify jobs I could pursue with my residential status.
I wanted to branch out and learn some new skills and pursue a different kind of life.
From the moment I came here everyone was very welcoming and so nice. They're genuinely trying to help you... when you don't know the system and ask for something, everyone is usually happy to help you with anything you need.
2025
Remote Work & Caregiving
- I continued working as Telehealth physician in Pakistan remotely.
- I am the primary caregiver for my family and elderly mother.
- I recently completed a course at Centennial College: Essentials of Medical Health Management. It was funded by SUCCES.
That telehealth physician role has really helped me because it gives me purpose and I'm able to convey healthcare related counselling and advice to people who have nothing, literally nothing.
2019-2021
Completed Residency in the Prairies
- Residency was initially a steep learning curve, trying to get your footing in a new system surrounded by new people. There are different handbooks for residency survival guides that different programs have that are helpful. Alongside the guides, speaking to Senior Residents and other IMGs was useful.
2019
Completed Pre-graduate Internship
- During my internship year, I had the opportunity to practice as a junior intern under the supervision of other general practitioners
2019
Got Married & Completed Academic IELTS
The goal was really to establish my practice back home and my husband would move to the Philippines because I knew that it would be so hard to transition from being a psychiatrist in the Philippines to Canada, the opportunities are so limited. I am not willing to go back to residency. I cannot do that anymore. I've done five years of that.
- In 2019, I got married (legally) and started my permanent residency application to Canada.
- As I was doing my permanent residency application to Canada, I completed the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. There are 2 kinds of IELTS exams: general and academic. While the migration application only requires the general IELTS exam, professional applications in Canada to any institution requires Academic IELTS. So, I took and passed the Academic IELTS exam.
- To prepare for the IELTS Academic exam I took a course and did a lot of online research.
Resources
- IELTS Academic Test | IELTS Academic Exam British Council
2022
Shortlisted for CAMH Addictions Medicine Fellowship & Passed MCCQE1
- I applied to the CAMH/U of T Addictions Medicine Fellowship: there were two streams. General Practice and Specialist. They were only looking for 2 individuals for the specialist stream. Both specialist positions were taken by local Canadian graduates - I was shortlisted.
MCCQE1 Preparation:
- At the time, I was also studying to retake the MCCQE 1 exam, with a newborn. For preparation, I did the AMCA Online preparation program - recommended by a friend who was also a Fellow in Canada. It is a paid virtual program. The program trains you on how to take the test- IMG physicians are the lecturers. Canada Q bank was also very helpful with preparing for the MCCQE1. The exam process and preparation was expensive. After all that hard work, I passed the MCCQE1!
- About one month after being shortlisted for the Fellowship, I received an offer for another opportunity because there was a new funding opportunity for an Addictions Psychiatry Fellowship position- it was exactly the position I was looking for and it did not require the MCCQE1. I was lucky!
Resources
- Mcc Exams Amca Dr Basil - Mcc Exams Prep Centre
I think that was a challenging time because I remember I was online studying for the MCCQE one. I was pumping milk. My in-laws, who are wonderful, have been so supportive because they take care of my baby while I was studying online because I was studying the whole day for that exam. And I wasn't even sure if I would get into a Fellowship. I was just doing that exam for the sake of doing that exam because I needed it. I think a lot of women probably have that feeling that it's not enough, but they are actually doing so much. And you take on so many things, in a sense I was really trying to prove to myself that I can do it, but the line to burn out is so thin.
1995-1997
Migrated to Bahrain & Third Child was Born
- My husband received a job offer in Bahrain. I moved with my husband and children to Bahrain.
- During my time in Bahrain, I was engaged in volunteer health promotion activities and workshops. The content I focused on was children and women’s health.
- In 1997, my third child was born. In the same year, my aunt passed away. I lost the person who was my inspiration. My Aunt passed away in her early 60’s. She was juggling a lot as a physician.
She died of a brain hemorrhage. She was in her early 60s, I would say, the reason being was that she was juggling so many things as a doctor, as a physician, and she never had time for herself. I think it's important to highlight this as professionals that yes, your passion is important, but you are important. So my message would be to do what you can do to the best of your abilities, but don't kill yourself, because you're not only a physician, you're also a pivotal part in a family.
2017-2018
Research Volunteer
- Through my observership position, I was able to get a Research Volunteer position at Mount Sinai’s Fertility Clinic.
- My clinical observership with OB-GYN led to a connection at the Fertility Clinic and there were some Residency Candidates who were engaged in a research project that I was able to get involved in.
- I applied for Practice Ready Assessment provincial programs in Manitoba and Alberta- each province has its own. Search for them individually for each province.
Considerations
- Ontario is not IMG friendly because it is overwhelmed. Explore other provinces before coming to Canada. Some provinces prefer their own local IMGs. Get your credentials from other provinces and then you can re-locate to Ontario if needed.
Hi, my name is Sonia Karim. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Pakistan. I arrived in Canada in 2018 with my husband and two children. As of the summer of 2025, I am in my first year of residency.
Click here to explore my timeline
2016-2017
Completed Residency
- After medical school, I completed a mandatory year of residency. We had rotational residency, which means we had exposure to each specialty and sub-specialty.
- I wanted to start surgical training. I come from a traditional family - other than my parents no one was supporting me to become a doctor and no one was willing to send me for further training or education without getting married first.
Hi, my name is Aziza. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Pakistan. I came to Canada with my husband and children in 2005, in hope of better opportunities for my children in Canada. As of the summer of 2025, I hold the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (non-practising) in Canada and I work remotely as a Telehealth Physician in Pakistan.
Click here to explore my timeline
Message for Future IMGs
Research and have a clear plan for what you want to do, and work towards that plan. Don’t apply for every position, think carefully about where you want to end up, and start moving in that direction from the very beginning. Learn about the path, understand what you need to do, and invest in it early on. Get involved in the community and volunteer, because helping others in need made it easier for me to reflect on my own situation and sometimes even realize that mine wasn’t so bad. People often say that everyone will eventually find a job. It takes hard work, but it will pay off if you invest your time, apply your knowledge, and don’t give up.
2019
Passed Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 2 & Received Licensure
- I passed the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 2. Canadian graduates also give this exam, usually after residency but because I had international training experience I was able to write the exam.
- I received my Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)! I am recognized as a physician in Canada but I cannot practice because the policy stipulates that IMGs have to complete residency in Canada to practice independently.
- I also took the McMaster Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (Casper) Exam, which is a situational judgement assessment. Sometimes medical schools use it alongside an interview. Casper is only valid for the residency application year.
- I completed a certification course in Diabetes Management in Children, Adolescents and Pregnancy.
Between 2019 and 2021, anything that Health Force Ontario offered, I took it. There is a Medical Culture and Communication course, which I did with Health Force Ontario. As I was doing Casper throughout, I was just jumping to anything that anybody would offer. During COVID I did a lot of courses.
Digital Narratives of Newcomer Physicians
Moonshot Collaborative
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Transcript
The journey of international medical graduates (IMGs) in Canada involves both challenges and successes. The Digital Narratives of Newcomer Physicians (DiNNP) project is a collaboration between ACCES Employment and The Moonshot Collaborative for Translational Health Equity at the Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners. This project shares the lived experiences of IMGs who have pursued medical licensure or alternative healthcare careers upon migration and resettlement in Canada. DiNNP highlights the diverse pathways and settlement experiences of eight IMGs. These digital narrative timelines capture insights into their professional, personal, and future journeys aiming to inform, inspire, and support others navigating similar transitions.
We invite you to explore this resource and learn more about the diverse and inspiring journeys that IMGs who come to Canada may face.
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Survey
Pre-migration
Post-migration
Start
Back
Olesya
Jamal
Endrais
Aziza
Zara
Sonia
Shyne
Riya
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
1993-1995
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
1979
1992-1993
1995-1997
2006
1980
1991
1997-2000
2005
1987
2000-2003
1990
2003-2005
1988-1990
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
2007
2017-2018
Message to Future IMGs
2019
2016-2017
2008
Future
2020
2009-2011
2016
2025
2013
2021
2024
2015
2014
2021-2023
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
2013
2019
Inspiration
2019
2019-2022
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Nov 2023
Jul 2024
Message to Future IMGs
Apr 2024
Aug 2024
2023
Future
Mar 2024
Nov 2024
Sept 2024
2024
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Nov 2015
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
Inspiration
2011
2017
2016
2015
2012
2016-2018
2017
2014
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
2019-2021
2018
Message to Future IMGs
2019
Future
2018
2021-2022
2022
2019
Survey
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Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
2010
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
2008-2010
2000
2022-2023
2013-2014
2006-2008
2003
2022
2017
2007
2006
2021
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Feb 2024
Apr-Jul 2024
Message to Future IMGs
Jul 2024
Apr-Jul 2024
Future
Feb-Mar 2024
Feb 2025
Apr 2025
Mar 2024
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
2017-2018
2019
2023
2010
2016-2017
2021
2022
2016
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Mar 2024
Dec 2024
Message to Future IMGs
Oct 2024
Feb 2025
May 2024
Future
Sept 2024
May 2025
Aug 2025
Jun 2024
Jul 2025
Aug 2024
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
2016-2018
2013-2015
2007
2019
2017
2012
2011
2018-2019
2018
2011-2012
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Mar 2020
2022
Message to Future IMGs
2022-2023
2021
Jul 2020
Future
2023
2023-2025
2021
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Inspiration
Mar 2011
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
1998-2003
2010
2014
May 2018
2003-2004
2009
Apr 2018
2015
2005-2009
2017
2004
2016
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Aug 2018
2024
Message to Future IMGs
2022-2023
2024-2025
Nov 2018
2021
Future
May 2019
Apr 2024-Mar 2025
July 2025
Feb 2020
Nov 2024
Nov 2019
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
Click Here to Follow My Journey in Canada
1996
Inspiration
2005
1996
2002
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
Post-Migration
Pre-Migration
2005
2008
Message to Future IMGs
2009
2007
Feb 2005
Future
2010
2007
2022
Mar 2005
2015-2017
2005-2007
Survey
Was this narrative helpful?
2015-2017
Completed Masters of Public Health at SFU
2012
Physician Licensure Examination
1998-2003
Attended Medical School
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
And later once I joined medicine, that was when I found the correct diagnosis for my disease and I was treated completely.
2005
Immigrated to Canada
So I just chose to come to Canada to at least have human rights.
Jun 2024
Entry Level Job Offer
I had no help. I was going into a very bad depressive phase. Attending [Healthcare Connections] classes was helping, but still I didn't know what to do.
Apr-Jul 2024
Healthcare Connection Program ACCES Employment
For me what was helpful was the ACCES Employment program- it really worked. It was really, really great. This program is built in a really great way where they show the possibilities [of work in Canada].
Resources
2017
Started Studying for MCCQE1
2007
Got a Job at Refugee Clinic
Message for Future IMGs
It's hard, but it's possible. You have to be financially prepared and you need to have a backup plan. It would be good to have early exposure to observerships in Canada, this helps with residency- to have letters of recommendations from Canadian physicians. If you're going for a staff position and if you want to be staff, you have to be a permanent resident. Everyone needs to know that with a work permit, you can just have an educational license as a fellow, but for you to transition to actually be staff, you need permanent residency, a PR card at the very least. For those who are already here, you just have to keep trying. I do feel that once you get through the barriers, which is a lot, it's stages and stages of barriers once you get through it, there's no stopping your success. The first 2-3 years would be challenging because you're taking the exam, you're getting your hours, studying again or something. Once you get the license and the proper accreditation, or a staff position, and then it just goes so quickly and well, so it's not hopeless.
2007
First Child was Born
Clinical Experience/Exposure Positions & Residency Applications
2016-2017
Oberserverships
They told us simple things like he's on my back. If the patient is telling you my father's always on my back, doesn't mean he's on your back. This is a kind of terminology that people from North America use.
[The Medical Culture and Communication Course]
Residency Applications:
Ultrasound Course
[It is] very, very, very, very expensive. I think it's like $250 or $300 for a few mock interview mock preparation. So at every step of the way we as IMGs, I felt that they were just trying to make money off us because we are so desperate to get into our career path. And we did, we did. And at the end it's a dead end. After doing everything, you don't get into residency.
Resources
2022
Became Executive Director of a Community Health Centre
I feel more fulfilled in this role than I think if I was with patients because I do bigger things, system and policy level things that I wouldn't have the time for if I was a doctor…Now I’m impacting public health.”
2022
War in Ukraine Started
And this is the situation, when you go to sleep and you don't know if you will you wake up in your bed or you won't wake up at all.
Feb 2020
Job as Medical Assistant at LMC Healthcare – Endocrinology Clinic
References
bridging program, job fairs, learned about writing a CV and practiced interview skills and received good critical feedback.
helps healthcare professionals for free sessions about healthcare positions and testing.
2014
Passed MCCE
Message for Future IMGs
I think generally in the world, they understand that as you grow older, you're not as agile, you're not as active physically or mentally. So they don't want to count you in. They may not say it, but I can see it around me. So, the key message would be come early, come earlier in your life if you have to come to Canada and start your journey early against all odds. Yes, it's not going to be an ideal situation, but make the best of it.
Gravitate toward positive people, people who are going to give you a moral boost and they're going to give you some support when you're feeling down. The system doesn't change for you. You still have to find your way through all these adversities.
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
2023
Academic Addictions Psychiatry Position – Eastern Ontario
And I think the stability has provided me the opportunity to go for what I want with my career, because if he [husband] had financial issues, then I would have had to sacrifice more time before finding meaningful work, so I can help with our finances
2010
Had 1st Child
2005-2007
Took English Classes at an Adult Learning Centre
I took every subject that was offered just because I wanted to be in this English environment and hear English, read English, and write English.
2024-2025
Worked as Medical Assistant then Lactation Consultant at Kidstrust Paediatric Clinic
Feb 2025
Preparation for NAC OSCE
Resources
- I learned more about the licensing process while I took a course on Communication Strategies for Patient Interactions (CSPI)- it was an IMG settlement support program. They teach IMGs about how to communicate with patients and the program is available across Canada. It was a very helpful program.
NAC OSCE Preparation:I never had considered doing my profession here. As far as I have heard back in India, medicine here is one of the toughest jobs. That is the reason I was always thinking about the bridging program. My plan was to work here for a few years then I had a planned to go back to the UK. I knew that I could do it because I have enough residency experience and the UK has a demand for surgical residents.
2005-2009
Residency
2010
Graduated from PhD Program & Became Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
I wasn't searching for the job; the job was searching for me [in Ukraine]
Feb-Mar 2024
Sought Resources
That experience [Service Ontario] was very sad for me. When I came home, I was really crying for two days. I was crying after that because when you understand that everything you've done before, six years of medical school, your PhD, your whole work, it doesn't matter here - that was really hard.
1997-2000
Migrated to Dubai
Although, at that time I was trying to get back on my feet, there were so many problems. At least it [volunteering] made me feel that I was still useful to the community in some way or the other.
Future
Future Plans
2010
Started Medical School
We are not allowed to touch them [patients] or say anything. We just watched what they are doing from the side and we made notes. After 2-3 months he started giving us night duties where we used to go and support what was happening in the emergency.
2008-2010
PhD in Pharmacology & Second Child was Born
2015
Passed Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I
Resources
Considerations
Apr 2024-Mar 2025
Started Job at Flemingdon Health Centre
Acronyms & Definitions
2018
Completed MCCQE1
having a community of individuals who've been through the process, such as those forums, but forums specifically including persons that might be familiar with your individual journey are the most helpful
- I completed the MCCQE1, it wasn’t mandatory at the time but was helpful in applying to residency.
Preparing for MCCQE1Resources
Future
Future Plans
I hope to establish my clinic in a community with underserved or immigrant populations, as I believe these groups would benefit greatly.
1979
Graduated Pre-Medical School in Pakistan
Acronyms & Definitions
Message for Future IMGs
With respect to communication and ongoing education, I think it's important to keep building on your learning - for example, by pursing a master's program. It's very helpful forself-discovery, strengthening your academic profile, and developing leadership skills. It also helps you think more broadly about operations, systems, and how to overcome communication barriers. In terms of applications, think about your application wisely and see what is missing. Are you missing strong reference letters? Research experience? Further education? Better scores? Once you know what’s missing, work on improving those areas. If people have the opportunity, they should apply outside Ontario to broaden their applications. The best province to apply to really depends on your personal situation—whether you’re married, have children, want to stay close to a community, or prefer certain weather conditions. It’s worth exploring what each province has to offer.
References
1996
Left Home Due to War and Sought Refuge in Third Country
2015
Completed NAC OSCE
Resources
2021-2022
Completed an Additional Year in Palliative Medicine
Message for Future IMGs
Register for PhysiciansApply and get your documents verified while you’re still back home. Find and register for a program that helps IMGs understand the work culture and licensure process such as ISANS, CSPI, or ACCES Employment. Licensing is not an easy journey. I’ve known almost everyone to fail at least one step, sometimes more than once. That doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It’s just the hard part and once you get through it, things get much better. Before starting anything, make sure you find the best source of information. If you can take a basic class, that’s one of the best things you can do. Success isn’t just about passing an exam. For me, success is about being happy. You can fail, you can pass, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.
2022-2023
Paperwork for Migration to Canada
I saw her [daughter’s] psychological state. She was scared. It was hard to receive a proper education because due to the alarms, half of the days they spent not schooling, but just sitting in the shelter. In that period in Ukraine, it was really very hard because we had continuous electricity cutoffs and basically all those factors influenced my decision to make the move..
There were many reasons for my decision to migrate:
I did a lot of research about living in Canada and chose Ottawa as the place we would move to. Ottawa had many administrative and clerical positions, was similar in size to the city we were already living in, and housing was more affordable than in Toronto. During my pre-migration research about Canada, I found ACCES Employment’s website and the services they offer. I did a pre-arrival interview with them and found it very helpful - it made me feel hopeful about settling in Canada.
2002
Graduated Medical School
Acronyms & Definitions
2016
Graduated Medical School
Sept 2024
Started Entry Level Job at Mary Brown’s
Then the saddest part for me was that they told me that my English is not good. There's prejudgment. If the person comes from there India], she won't know anything. That prejudgment and discrimination, is there in so many people. Whenever I struggled, I didn't have anyone to talk to or go to for support or anything - I was in a very depressive phase. I didn't think about what to do next. I didn't know what to do next or anything.
Future
Future Plans
Acronyms & Definitions
2013
Husband's Arrival to Canada & Attempted MCCE
Resources
Physiciansapply.ca:
Medical Council of Canada:
There is help available, but it's expensive. There were private organizations that were ready to guide you through how to do the process, but everything is expensive. You are in a new country, you're struggling with your children and on top of that there are no free resources that will help you pass the exam in the first go. So that money that I put down for the first exam was kind of wasted.
2017
Mother passed away
2017
Applied for CAMH Fellowship
I come from a third world country. There's no way someone's going to pay for my education.
Resources
2013
Attended Medical School
Acronyms & Definitions
2016
Moved to Dallas
My goal was always to go back to practice because I knew that was my thing, I didn't want to search for anything else.
2005
Completed Residency
They don't allow you to get local documents or become citizens...our faces were our documents. And so when they saw that we are different, they would not allow us to work. You can do labour work because you're a refugee, but you can never work as a doctor because you're not from there.
Even if I got a job, it would have been something that locals didn't even want to do.
1980
Started Medical School
Future
Future Plans
2011
Graduation from Medical School
Sept 2024
Landed First Job as a Medical Office Assistant
So this one year period of some experience is also going to help me going forward even if I start to pursue another job....I can at least say that I have Canadian experience and that's going to get me through the door. That's what I believe.
When I plan to apply to the US they're going to need to see some experience that I had and what I was doing over the last couple of years. Having a job within the healthcare system and actively engaging with patients and not being too far from the clinical aspect of the healthcare is definitely going to going to help me.
Hello, my name is Riya. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from India. I arrived in Canada on my own in 2024. As of the summer of 2025, I am a Physician’s Associate (unlicensed).
Click here to explore my timeline
Acronyms & Definitions
Aug 2024
Moved to Nova Scotia
But life taught me a lot of things. So basically, after staying for a few days with just snacks, I moved here [Nova Scotia]. I was starving, that’s why I moved.
2016-2018
Began Working
Hi, my name is Endrias. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Ethiopia. I arrived in Canada in 2023. As of the summer of 2025, I am studying for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Click here to explore my timeline
Acronyms & Definitions
Message for Future IMGs
Be sure you're actually wanting to come to Canada. There is a lot that you do give up by moving here. There are relationships that might not be the same. There are things that are in your home country that will never be in the new country and for some people, that's perfectly fine. For some people, it might not be, and it's really hard to then question, should I go back or should I stay? Am I a failure by going back or is it giving up? It's really important to know why you're coming here and to have that really solid, because when things get tough, then the reason for you being here is super important. If you are planning to stay, if things are going rough, just keep trying. Keep building the CV as best as you can, do the exams as best as you can and if things aren't working out, reassess why things aren't working out and see how best you can improve that application. Are you using the wrong references or those people don't really know who you are or aren't in a position to speak strongly about who you are? Is the CV not reflecting the experiences and the training that you have? Is the personal statement not clearly communicating your interests and benefits you'll bring to the program? If those are all very solid and things still aren't working out it, for some people it might mean reassessing that situation and asking would I want to continue on here if I do not get through or is there something else I can do that would still give me meaning in life, if I was never practicing as a physician again? Some people get through initially and some people don't. The reality of the system is that the numbers are often against you. If everybody could match then that would be great, but everybody can't. It doesn't mean you're not good enough. It just means there were too many applying at that time. That's the reality. I think if people really accept that for what it is, then it would be easier to continue moving on. Keep at it, if it's what you want.
2015
Father Passed Away
2020
Bridging Program Alternative Careers in Health Promotion & Education
And it can be very overwhelming if you have a family to look after, you have a thousand things going on, you don't have the time to sit down.
2007
Navigating the Employment and Health System
For immigrants, having good English is seen as a skill and key to many opportunities, but for locals they don't even think about it as an asset.
2010
Joined Board of Directors at Community Health Centre
Hi, my name is Aziza. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Pakistan. I came to Canada with my husband and children in 2005, in hope of better opportunities for my children in Canada. As of the summer of 2025, I hold the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (non-practising) in Canada and I work remotely as a Telehealth Physician in Pakistan.
Click here to explore my timeline
2024
Completed Lactation Consultant License
2018
Moved to Winnipeg, Canada to join family
I think it would have been difficult if I wasn't living with family. I worked lots of extra shifts before moving to Canada and received a stipend during [my] masters which all helped with the financial stressors, but I think if I did not have the support of my family that would have been quite difficult to do.
2003-2005
Migrated to Saudi Arabia
Hello, my name is Olesya. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Ukraine. I moved to Canada because of the war in Ukraine and arrived here with my daughter in 2024. As of the summer of 2025, I am the Manager of Exam Productions at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Click here to explore my timeline
2018
Most Outstanding Trainee Award Attempted MCCE Exam
Resources
2011-2012
Completed Internship
Aug 2024
Made Decision to Pursue Licensure in the United States
But as time went on, I started to feel like I left something behind, like some of the things that I used to do when I thought about them felt like a distant memory and it felt like I was abandoning my roots so it kept bothering me. I wanted to stray away from it, but it kept coming back in different ways, so that was kind of a sign to myself that I had some unfinished business and I had to pursue this goal again
Resources
2016-2018
Met Husband & Addictions Psychiatry Fellowship
I was very fortunate and privileged to have had the opportunity to train under them [Addictions Psychiatrists] because they had all this knowledge and they were like pioneers in our country.
1996
Attended Medical School
2008
Connected with AIMGBC & Started Full-time Role in Settlement Sector
References
Mar 2020
Arrived to Canada
I already applied for permanent residency because I also knew that's important to getting a job in Canada. It doesn't matter whatever education or whatever accolades you have. It does not matter. You need to have PR.
Nov 2015
Began Applying to Residency Programs
A challenge that was unique for me was trying to maintain permanent residency while completing medical school overseas...Medical school has quite a long training period and so trying to maintain residency obligations in Canada when you have to be here for 2 years over a period of 5 was challenging on its own.
2021
Vice Dean of Medical Faculty
Before coming to Canada, I never even had an interview. In my career, it was always like, hey, do you want to do a PhD? Do you want to be an Associate Professor? Do you want to be a Vice Dean?
Mar 2024
Connected with the Neighbourhood Group
Resources
Hello my name is Jamal. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from the Caribbean. I migrated to Canada in 2018. As of the summer of 2025, I am a licensed practicing physician in Canada.
Click here to explore my timeline
2014
Had 2nd Child
Message for Future IMGs
To understand a society, you need to learn its expectations, culture, and how to navigate it. For me, working in settlement helped with that integration—because by helping others, I was also helping myself. People often say, “make local friends,” and while I do have many, I think my job contributed even more to my integration. Another strategy I used was to attend every event I could find and simply show up—there’s always something to learn. You have to understand a society before you can truly become a contributing member.
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
I was inspired by the way she was always there to help people.
Future
Future Plans
This [permanent residence] is a big struggle for me, because I don't feel that I belong here, but I don't feel that I belong there either.
Nov 2024
Applied to Residency for the 5th time
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
2021
Telehealth General Physician in Pakistani (Remote) & Position as Health Analyst
I would also add, build your portfolio not only on hard paper like your CV or resume, but also a digital profile - LinkedIn is really important. So whatever achievements you've had, just put it in there for employers or people who want to be inspired by you.
2013-2014
Separated & Divorced Husband
It [the divorce] was psychological hard, but maybe it pushed me to pursue and build my career even before coming to Canada here.
Apr 2025
Better Housing
Hello, my name is Zara. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Central Asia. I migrated to Canada in 2005 by myself. As of the summer of 2025, I am the Director of a Community Health Centre.
Click here to explore my timeline
Mar 2024
Arrival to Canada
I landed in Canada in the hope of rebuilding a relationship. Initially I considered going back to India, but what stopped me was my finances. I didn't have money to go back there.
Hello, my name is Olesya. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Ukraine. I moved to Canada because of the war in Ukraine and arrived here with my daughter in 2024. As of the summer of 2025, I am the Manager of Exam Productions at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Click here to explore my timeline
2022
Practicing Physician in the Prairies
- I am now a licensed practicing physician in the Prairies.
As a practicing physician:You start to realize your importance to the population that you're serving both the patients themselves and the colleagues who very well may need your expertise and your support. And so I think in time the identity certainly does change from that of 'why am I here?' to sort of the identity of 'what would happen if I was not here?'
Feb 2005
Resettlement in Canada
The first year was the most confusing year. I was walking in a fog.
1992-1993
Second Child was Born & Father Passed Away
2022-2023
Addictions Psychiatry Fellowship at CAMH
I would have to say, coming from someone who's never really trained in the medicine field in Canada, coming into a fellowship and the expectations is that your level of knowledge about stuff is the same. Truly, your level of knowledge is even lower. In terms of addiction care knowledge, yes, it's there. But the terms like what is ODSP? What is OW, what's CPP? Why is there a social worker or why are we referring to this or to that and then you see a patient they would ask you for resources in the community and I would draw a blank. Contextually, even harm reduction conversations were a learning because cannabis is illegal in the Philippines and legal here.
References
Hi, my name is Shyne! I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from the Philippines. I arrived in Canada in 2020, after I married my husband who was already living here. As of the summer of 2025, I am an Assistant Professor and Staff Psychiatrist at a hospital.
Click here to explore my timeline
Jul 2025
Volunteer at Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia: NAC OSCE Course
I became an independent person. I started making decisions for myself.
Acronyms & Definitions
2011
Began Medical School
2000-2003
Moved Back to Pakistan & Fourth Child was Born
I was like a family physician for everybody [in my family] who needed help. I would go to their appointments, I would talk to their doctors. So I was the liaison between doctors and the seniors in the family who were getting older and going through health issues.
2017
Associate Professor Pharmacology
2014-2022, was the happiest period of my life. We were travelling frequently, my elder daughter was dancing and my younger daughter was doing art school. It was the life I was trying to build and wished to maintain, but cannot at this time.
2003-2004
House Job
There were a lot of people living in ultra poverty with huge ignorance about their health and no preventative care. I think that brought me closer to humanity of how people live and reinforced how much work needs to be done.
May 2018
Briefly moved back to Karachi
Apr-Jul 2024
Volunteer at Algonquin College
I completed courses and would spend the remainder of time applying for work. My first job was to find a job. I was working on tailoring my resumes during the day and in the evening, I was searching [for postings] I would apply to the next day. I was searching everywhere - I was searching in Starbucks, some clerical role, and even a front desk role at a barber shop. I wasn't asking for some supervisor role but I still receive no response. I was searching at a time when I was fully desperate because I didn't know what I would do to pay for rent.
2019
Completed Masters in Physiology and Pathophysiology
2004
Studying for Board Exams
Future
Future Plans
Finding happiness in what you're doing at the current moment is the key. That will give you contentment and fulfillment as well.
Acronyms & Definitions
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
Oct 2024
Clinical Assistant Position
Back in India, the hospital where I stayed was my professional, personal and everything - from morning to night, friends and colleagues are in the same place. But here our professional and personal relationships are different. There will be some connection, but it is entirely different. I’ve received a lot of help but in a professional way. I am grateful for that.
Resources
2006
Back to Saudi Arabia
One of the motivations to move to Canada was my children's education.
Hi, my name is Shyne! I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from the Philippines. I arrived in Canada in 2020, after I married my husband who was already living here. As of the summer of 2025, I am an Assistant Professor and Staff Psychiatrist at a hospital.
Click here to explore my timeline
2006-2008
Completed Residency in Internal Medicine
2003
Married
2009
Key Career Decisions and Skill Development Journey
Do I really want to go through all of this again, only to be discriminated against anyway? Hearing all these stories about how internationally trained professionals are treated differently—even after earning certification and proving their knowledge—I thought, no, I don’t want to be part of that.
References
Jul 2025
Received Admission into Family Medicine Residency at Western University
After 5 years I finally found myself.
2014
Completed MCCEE
Aug 2018
Immigrated to Canada
2012
Family immigrated to Canada
2013-2015
Psychiatry Residency Training
That's a three-year psychiatry residency training that is at The Medical City. I've always wanted to work at that hospital. And so I was like, if I'm going to do psychiatry, I want to do it in the hospital that I want to end up working in, which is great. Learning in medicine, it's not just about the actual practice of medicine, but it's also aligning yourself to your goals.
2019-2022
Practiced as a General Practitioner
2007
Permanent Arrival to Canada
He went back because there was no prospect of jobs here, right? And me, with four children, I could not have worked.
Acronyms & Definitions
2023-2025
Assistant Professor and Staff Psychiatrist
This might sound cliche, but if you actually look forward to working, to doing what you want, and the reason for doing the job that you do, is beyond yourself, then I think that is called success.
Future
Future Plans
Resources
2023
Job Searching
1990
Got Married & Completed Government Exams
2017-2018
General Practitioner Government Service Position
2019
Matched in Family Medicine in the Prairies
- I matched to the Family Medicine Program in the Prairies.
Applying to ResidencyResources
When you get into residency, you start noticing little pieces of systemic discrimination against international medical graduates such as applying for enhanced skills training year or fellowship for family medicine was a challenge.
Acronyms & Definitions
May 2019
Cleared Canadian Examinations
One of my doctor friends in the community told me if you really want to practice, don't waste your time looking for a job, do your exams, clear your board for basic eligibility then you can do anything you want. Your first goal should be to clear your papers"
1987
Graduation from Medical School
2019
Neurosurgery Resident
So initially I worked there under the guidance of someone because I didn't get my graduation certificate. So they told me that you should practice under someone. There was an emergency physician under whom I practiced. Then I started my own practice there.
Jul 2024
Program Coordinator for Royal College of Physicians of Canada
I just needed somewhere to start, when you don't have Canadian experience, it is really hard.
1988-1990
Worked as a Trainee Registrar
2024
Updated IELTS and BLS
But the system itself has frustrated me that if you look at everything, I've tried to do everything right, but I haven't really reached.
2009-2011
Sought Resources for Career Re-Integration
And nothing is going to come easy. You'll have to struggle. You'll have to do your research. You'll have to look around. You'll have to swallow your pride and speak to people and ask them for help on LinkedIn or different platforms. But do anything that is required so that you can get your foot in the door.
Resources
Considerations
Feb 2025
Manager of Exam Productions at Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
It is such a relaxing environment where everyone is friendly, and I really felt welcomed. I love my job. I really love my job.
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
I was grateful to have learned at an early age what gave me satisfaction, it was not working for myself but for others.
Community was very much connected to idea of "giving back", philanthropy and helping others.
Hello, my name is Riya. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from India. I arrived in Canada on my own in 2024. As of the summer of 2025, I am a Physician’s Associate (unlicensed).
Click here to explore my timeline
2021
Residency vs. Fellowship
Licensure & Residency
Fellowships
I knew I did not want to pursue the typical licensure path as it requires residency. [I was thinking if I don't get to transition my practice to Canada, I would still have that fellowship program under my belt. I would still have that training. And so I knew, I can always go back to the Philippines. I can go back.
Feb 2024
Permanent Arrival to Canada
I didn't expect that I would be a Vice Dean here. I am a realistic person, but to receive an interview even for an admin clerk position, it was almost impossible.
I was trying to postpone it [migrating] as much as I could because the war started in 2022. I immigrated in 2024. It was basically a time for me where I couldn't wait anymore. It was horrible [leaving Ukraine], because [crying], again, it was not my choice. It was not my choice at all.
May 2025
Passed NAC OSCE
I needed a name in life...I wanted to achieve a very big goal. I thought about changing professions, but I don't know anything outside the world of medicine. That's the truth.
Acronyms & Definitions
Hello my name is Jamal. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from the Caribbean. I migrated to Canada in 2018. As of the summer of 2025, I am a licensed practicing physician in Canada.
Click here to explore my timeline
2021
Got Denied from Research Assistant Position and Applied to a Masters Program
Nov 2024
Got My Own Rental Place
Dec 2024
Learned more about Licensing Divorced Husband
Since I started from the ground, I'm starting from the basics, right? Step by step I came to know how to understand people [as patients] and how to communicate with patients here. Confidentiality is there everywhere, but in different ways. There [in India] everything will be discussed with the family. Here everything will be discussed with the person.
2016
Graduation from Medical School
2022
Got Married
Acronyms & Definitions
Mar 2005
Went to Public Library to Learn English
I didn't know what I was doing, where I was headed, but one thing that was constant was that I needed to learn English. I would take books from the library, come home and and read those books with dictionary..
Hello, my name is Zara. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Central Asia. I migrated to Canada in 2005 by myself. As of the summer of 2025, I am the Director of a Community Health Centre.
Click here to explore my timeline
Nov 2018
Got a Rental House
I would say, when you're single, it's the easiest [to immigrate to a new country]. It becomes more difficult when you’re married, and even more so with children - there’s an added responsibility of finding schools, planning commutes, etc.
2021
Attempted MCCQE1 & First Child Born
It's the workaholic in me. I did that to myself. I'm determined. I think one other thing that I realized too is that, in our culture, especially in the Philippines, it's not nice to or it's seen as off-putting if you put yourself out there. If you start talking about what you did, you know like humility is more of a trait that is appreciated versus this is what I've done, when it's justified that you've done it right. I realized here if you keep quiet, if you do not seek opportunities, there's nothing that's going to happen. If you do not put yourself out there, nothing is going to happen. I have to bang on doors and say hi, this is what I can offer, this is what we I can try to do, then that's the only time that you will actually get somewhere.
Resources
2023
Received Canadian Permanent Residence
2021
Completed Diplomat of National Board Exam: General Surgery Resident
Acronyms & Definitions
Jul 2024
Attended Online Program for Healthcare Connections
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
2017
Applied for Masters Program
2009
Studying for Fellow of College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan(FCPS) Exit Exam and Got Married
2000
Started Medical School
I was a nerd, I was doing research from my early years in med school. I was the Vice Chair of the Student Scientific Society.
Apr 2024
Attended Info Session by ACCES Employment
Resources
Acronyms & Definitions
2019
Graduated Medical School
2007
Started Medical School
I truly hated biochemistry. I hated everything about it. But what I did love was psychiatry, anything that's related to psychiatry. And so at some point, it just clicked that I was going to do medical school because I wanted to be a psychiatrist.
2022-2023
Completed Masters in Healthcare Administration in Community Care
It's very hard to be to be persistently on it while bearing with all the other stresses of life - the economic stress, the social stress, and the feeling of not being able to be what you were. You begin to question, did I change my life or did I just change countries?
2008
Bought a House
Considerations
2021-2023
Certification Courses
You just have to be very proactive, keep your eyes and ears open. Keep them open and try every opportunity you can get. I may not have a lot of work experience [in Canada], but you can see I've been busy with a lot of things.
Resources
1991
Government Appointed General Physician & First Child was Born
Message for Future IMGs
One important thing to have is people who are in a similar situation, you have no idea how much information you could get from someone who is going through the same situation, have a conversation with people from time to time.
Jul 2020
Pregnant with First Child & ACCES Employment Healthcare Connections Program
[leaving the Philippines] It's heartbreaking, right? Like you leave behind your whole identity. That's what I initially felt like because the language…I don't speak my mother tongue here. When I came here, I didn't really have friends. I would stay on FaceTime or call my friends back home. I would stay with patients in the Philippines. I think that was the reason why I was holding on to my patients back home because I felt my sense of identity is there.
Resources
2024
Completed Training and Certification Programs to Broaden Expertise
there was no going back. So since I was already here, I had to make my decision count to something. So that thought stayed on my mind.
Future
Future Plans
Mar 2024
ACCES Employment Program
In my situation I was migrating while being 40 years old. So, this is not the time where you choose to migrate. While migrating, I knew that I will not pursue a practical [clinical] medical career in Canada. Why? Because I needed to support my daughter who was with me and as being a primary caregiver, I cannot. It's very expensive here to do all the medical exams. To pursue licensure, when you don't have any other support or help and you need to provide everything - it's impossible.
2016
Passed NAC OSCE National Exam
References
1993-1995
Break from Career Focus on Family & Volunteer Work
I was always involved with giving service to underserviced patients, not in a regulated kind of a job, but associated with the community effort to alleviate their problems.
Hi, my name is Endrias. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Ethiopia. I arrived in Canada in 2023. As of the summer of 2025, I am studying for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Click here to explore my timeline
Apr 2018
Received Permanent Residency in Canada
Inspiration
Inspiration to Become a Doctor
So from early childhood it wasn't even a question of what do you want to be? The question was, what kind of doctor do you want to be?
2006
Graduation from Medical School
2005
Clearance Paperwork & Landed Arrival In Canada
2018-2019
Addictions Psychiatry Practice
But I've always dreamt of training at CAMH, like it's always been at the back of my mind.
Acronyms & Definitions
Hi, my name is Sonia Karim. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Pakistan. I arrived in Canada in 2018 with my husband and two children. As of the summer of 2025, I am in my first year of residency.
Click here to explore my timeline
Mar 2011
Became Independent Obstetrician Specialist
Aug 2025
Licensing Hurdles
Resources
Considerations
Nov 2019
Began Applying to Residency
May 2024
ACCES Health Connections Program
I struggled to find food. I was working as an Uber Walker at that time and I didn't have anything.
Resources
Nov 2023
Applied to Canada and Came On My Own
Resources
I wanted to branch out and learn some new skills and pursue a different kind of life.
From the moment I came here everyone was very welcoming and so nice. They're genuinely trying to help you... when you don't know the system and ask for something, everyone is usually happy to help you with anything you need.
2025
Remote Work & Caregiving
That telehealth physician role has really helped me because it gives me purpose and I'm able to convey healthcare related counselling and advice to people who have nothing, literally nothing.
2019-2021
Completed Residency in the Prairies
2019
Completed Pre-graduate Internship
2019
Got Married & Completed Academic IELTS
The goal was really to establish my practice back home and my husband would move to the Philippines because I knew that it would be so hard to transition from being a psychiatrist in the Philippines to Canada, the opportunities are so limited. I am not willing to go back to residency. I cannot do that anymore. I've done five years of that.
Resources
2022
Shortlisted for CAMH Addictions Medicine Fellowship & Passed MCCQE1
- I applied to the CAMH/U of T Addictions Medicine Fellowship: there were two streams. General Practice and Specialist. They were only looking for 2 individuals for the specialist stream. Both specialist positions were taken by local Canadian graduates - I was shortlisted.
MCCQE1 Preparation:Resources
I think that was a challenging time because I remember I was online studying for the MCCQE one. I was pumping milk. My in-laws, who are wonderful, have been so supportive because they take care of my baby while I was studying online because I was studying the whole day for that exam. And I wasn't even sure if I would get into a Fellowship. I was just doing that exam for the sake of doing that exam because I needed it. I think a lot of women probably have that feeling that it's not enough, but they are actually doing so much. And you take on so many things, in a sense I was really trying to prove to myself that I can do it, but the line to burn out is so thin.
1995-1997
Migrated to Bahrain & Third Child was Born
She died of a brain hemorrhage. She was in her early 60s, I would say, the reason being was that she was juggling so many things as a doctor, as a physician, and she never had time for herself. I think it's important to highlight this as professionals that yes, your passion is important, but you are important. So my message would be to do what you can do to the best of your abilities, but don't kill yourself, because you're not only a physician, you're also a pivotal part in a family.
2017-2018
Research Volunteer
Considerations
Hi, my name is Sonia Karim. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Pakistan. I arrived in Canada in 2018 with my husband and two children. As of the summer of 2025, I am in my first year of residency.
Click here to explore my timeline
2016-2017
Completed Residency
Hi, my name is Aziza. I am an international medical graduate (IMG) from Pakistan. I came to Canada with my husband and children in 2005, in hope of better opportunities for my children in Canada. As of the summer of 2025, I hold the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (non-practising) in Canada and I work remotely as a Telehealth Physician in Pakistan.
Click here to explore my timeline
Message for Future IMGs
Research and have a clear plan for what you want to do, and work towards that plan. Don’t apply for every position, think carefully about where you want to end up, and start moving in that direction from the very beginning. Learn about the path, understand what you need to do, and invest in it early on. Get involved in the community and volunteer, because helping others in need made it easier for me to reflect on my own situation and sometimes even realize that mine wasn’t so bad. People often say that everyone will eventually find a job. It takes hard work, but it will pay off if you invest your time, apply your knowledge, and don’t give up.
2019
Passed Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 2 & Received Licensure
Between 2019 and 2021, anything that Health Force Ontario offered, I took it. There is a Medical Culture and Communication course, which I did with Health Force Ontario. As I was doing Casper throughout, I was just jumping to anything that anybody would offer. During COVID I did a lot of courses.