Opportunities for Fresh IMG

[Rossei]

As my wife is coming to Ontario, Canada as a PR for the first time, I'm researching on medical opportunities for her. She passed MBBS (Bachelor in Medicine & Surgery), a 5-year medical program in 2009 from Bangladesh; finished 1-year mandatory internship in 2010 and since then has been working as a Medical Officer in Gynaecology & Obctetrics department of a medical hospital. I'm very much aware that it will be extremely hard for her to qualify herself as a Doctor in Canada. Some even say that it's close to impossible.

(1) As a new IMG, will she get any advantage competing with other IMG/IMDs for a residency after passing MCCEE and MCCQE-1? I heard that fresh graduates are prefered over experienced foreign doctors.

(2) Being passed from a common-wealth country, she doesn't have an MD degree rather has a Bachelor degree in medicine. Is that a problem for certification? Her medical school is WHO/ FAIMER approved.

(3) Is it true that even after completing a 4-year long residency, it's hard to find a job?

(4) Is it more practical to choose Family Physician stream over Specialist stream to get into residency program?

(5) What are other opportunities that she can pursue? I know that she can go to school for MPH degree/ radiologist/ other technician degree/ nursing. But when you are sacrificing your dream of practicing medical; the alternate has to be even more practical.

(6) AIPSO (http://aipso.webs.com/) states that more than 95% of the IMD's remain unemployed (not matched by CAIPS for residency) each year. I heard that more IMG's are getting opportunities now in residency program compared to last few years. Is it all a lie?

Anyway, I will really appreciate if IMG/IMD around Ontario put their valuable thoughts here. Only good thing about my wife is that she doesn't have to worry about alternate way of income during her prep time for these exams. As my job allows me to move around the province of Ontario, I will be able to relocate within Ontario once she gets residency and practices under-served areas (obviously if she ever qualifies).

PS: I apologize for any wrong info/term as I'm not in medical profession.

 

[Rossei]

482 views, not a single reply

 

[dr.ravipati]

Its a tough decision ur making in life with a medical degree migrating to Canada but challenges make life more colorful and vibrant. U made a decision stick to it. u work and she will prepare for residency. Once she does residency there life is going to be red carpet but till then she must struggle. Ontario has some awareness programs for IMGs, so attend them and they guide u better. Prepare hard u get what u want in life.. dont look back specially if ur young coz u have age on ur side so u can take a chance in life..

 

[Rossei]

Its a tough decision ur making in life with a medical degree migrating to Canada but challenges make life more colorful and vibrant. U made a decision stick to it. u work and she will prepare for residency. Once she does residency there life is going to be red carpet but till then she must struggle. Ontario has some awareness programs for IMGs, so attend them and they guide u better. Prepare hard u get what u want in life.. dont look back specially if ur young coz u have age on ur side so u can take a chance in life..

Thanks Dr. Ravipati for your suggestions. It's entirely my wife's decision if she wants to pursue this career. I can only encourage her and provide financial assistance.

But I still did not get any info on the 6 points I mentioned in my original post.

 

[Rossei]

I want to extend No. 2 for my clarification.

My wife has an MBBS (Bachelor in Medicine & Bachelor in Surgery) degree from Bangladesh. It's comprised of 5-year medical schooling and 1-year internship in all medical fields (both urban & rural). Then, she worked as a Medical Officer (Gynaecology) for 9 months, had to leave it for immigration and came to Canada.

Now, is she eligible for residency (after completion of MCCEE or MCCQE-1)? Or, she has to go to med school here in Ontario before that? I couldn't get any info on this.

I will really appreciate if someone sheds some light here. I will look forward to looking into this topic even though it's floating and noone is interested.

 

[scylla]

I think you'd be better off posting your questions to the Skilled Workers section of this forum. This sections had much fewer readers and your questions are very specific. Good luck!

 

[Rossei]

I think you'd be better off posting your questions to the Skilled Workers section of this forum. This sections had much fewer readers and your questions are very specific. Good luck!

Did you mean Skilled Workers in Immigration Topics? I thought that it's a settlement/ finding work issue. Educate me...

 

[anilch]

As my wife is coming to Ontario, Canada as a PR for the first time, I'm researching on medical opportunities for her. She passed MBBS (Bachelor in Medicine & Surgery), a 5-year medical program in 2009 from Bangladesh; finished 1-year mandatory internship in 2010 and since then has been working as a Medical Officer in Gynaecology & Obctetrics department of a medical hospital. I'm very much aware that it will be extremely hard for her to qualify herself as a Doctor in Canada. Some even say that it's close to impossible.

(1) As a new IMG, will she get any advantage competing with other IMG/IMDs for a residency after passing MCCEE and MCCQE-1? I heard that fresh graduates are prefered over experienced foreign doctors.
It is true.

(2) Being passed from a common-wealth country, she doesn't have an MD degree rather has a Bachelor degree in medicine. Is that a problem for certification? Her medical school is WHO/ FAIMER approved.
not at all a problem

(3) Is it true that even after completing a 4-year long residency, it's hard to find a job?
In Ontario, there Is some return of service agreement after completing residency.So after doing 4 years residency, doctors are required to serve for some period with the government, ofcourse with salary.It will be tough to enter into residency.But after residency, there won't be a problem.At least, one can get a job in under served areas.If one completes USMLE's and clears american board exams at the end,they can even practice in USA with canadian residency.

(4) Is it more practical to choose Family Physician stream over Specialist stream to get into residency program?
Family physicians have more flexiblity.I think they will have more job opportunities.More seats in residency than others.Easy to get compared to other residencies.

(5) What are other opportunities that she can pursue? I know that she can go to school for MPH degree/ radiologist/ other technician degree/ nursing. But when you are sacrificing your dream of practicing medical; the alternate has to be even more practical.

(6) AIPSO (http://aipso.webs.com/) states that more than 95% of the IMD's remain unemployed (not matched by CAIPS for residency) each year. I heard that more IMG's are getting opportunities now in residency program compared to last few years. Is it all a lie? It is true most IMD's remain unemployed.But being a fresh medical graduate is always a advantage.Good scores with some good recommendation letters locally(if Possible) will help.http://www.carms.ca/eng/index.shtml this website might give information on number of residency positions.Rules in various provinces of canada.

Anyway, I will really appreciate if IMG/IMD around Ontario((Sorry, I am not from Canada.) put their valuable thoughts here. Only good thing about my wife is that she doesn't have to worry about alternate way of income during her prep time for these exams. As my job allows me to move around the province of Ontario, I will be able to relocate within Ontario once she gets residency and practices under-served areas (obviously if she ever qualifies).

PS: I apologize for any wrong info/term as I'm not in medical profession.

 

[Rossei]

Thanks anilch for your valuable answers. I will copy-paste your answers in a similar topic I created in Skilled Worker section (link: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/medical-career-path-for-a-new-imgimd-t86619.0.html).

 

[SHAHDOC]

Hello I am an IMG from India. I have recently applied under NOC 3112. Please guide me what your wife did post mbbs in canada? I am unaware of the reality of an IMG in canada.

Thanks anilch for your valuable answers. I will copy-paste your answers in a similar topic I created in Skilled Worker section (link: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/medical-career-path-for-a-new-imgimd-t86619.0.html).

 

[canuck78]

Hello I am an IMG from India. I have recently applied under NOC 3112. Please guide me what your wife did post mbbs in canada? I am unaware of the reality of an IMG in canada.

This post is from 10 years ago. The landscape for IMGs, especially those who want to practice, has changed drastically. A lot less brain drain to the US as salaries increased and there has been increased enrolment in Canadian Med schools on top of a few new med schools. What you are considering or want to do is the better question.