IMG in Canada : How are you surviving?

[nayr69sg]

Your are likely on the high end of billing. I would encourage you to ask few GP for NS, QC and BC how much they think average take home pay for a GP is in their province. I am sure there is a conference or CE sometime soon.

I actually just went for a Medical meeting in Toronto. Met doctors from Newfoundland and BC as well as Ontario and Calgary.

We didnt talk about how much we earn. But the Dr from Newfoundland seems to be doing well. She showed us pictures of her 2019 Corvette C7 Orange. The BC doctor travels on holiday a lot and works from home. All Family Doctors.

We are all in the medical cannabis field. So maybe that isn't reflective of the general market.

I do find it hard to believe that physicians earn so little. It takes 4 years undergrad then 4 years med school then residency. And you only take home $80k a year?

You can make that kind of salary in other less demanding fields.

 

[TOisHome]

Since you understand that it’s almost impossible to get into the practice than try other avenues!
It’s easy to say that I want to go back to my home country. I think living in present time will help you move forward. Canada is land of opportunities and we have the best environment around us to achieve the best we can.
I was a general practitioner in India, came here 9 years ago. I was like you for 2 years. But I said that I am not going anywhere, I have come to Canada for a better future for me and my family, especially for my children. I started my journey by getting a degree from the University (masters in public health), well it got me no where with no good job opportunities. Than I decided to go for a degree in nursing (fast track in 2 years). I did my Masters in 1 yr and Nursing in 2 yrs.
Now I am working in Northern Canada as an advance practice nurse. I can prescribe ( limited) medications and order ( Limited) lab tests. My work is very similar to a general practitioner in India. Although it’s not ideal but I am very satisfied with my achievement. You can look into similar career pathways. I hope it helps.

Hello Stay Calm and Positive, after trying not to think about it and delaying everything in my life I am at a point where I have made up my mind to do BSN. I was wondering if you could tell me where I can do nursing in fast track 2 years instead of 4. I currently live in Winnipeg. I would really appreciate a reply from you! Thank you

 

[canuck78]

I actually just went for a Medical meeting in Toronto. Met doctors from Newfoundland and BC as well as Ontario and Calgary.

We didnt talk about how much we earn. But the Dr from Newfoundland seems to be doing well. She showed us pictures of her 2019 Corvette C7 Orange. The BC doctor travels on holiday a lot and works from home. All Family Doctors.

We are all in the medical cannabis field. So maybe that isn't reflective of the general market.

I do find it hard to believe that physicians earn so little. It takes 4 years undergrad then 4 years med school then residency. And you only take home $80k a year?

You can make that kind of salary in other less demanding fields.

Just read this. If you are in the medical Cannabis field you are likely just being billed for signing a script often via videoconference from your own home definitely better money than most GP practices. It would have to be in order to attract GPs to a practice that was still pretty controversial 3-5 years ago. Also without tons of medical proof of who it helps what dosage, what type,etc. and very little scientific research about what actually works doctors can’t provide much guidance.

 

[canuck78]

Hello Stay Calm and Positive, after trying not to think about it and delaying everything in my life I am at a point where I have made up my mind to do BSN. I was wondering if you could tell me where I can do nursing in fast track 2 years instead of 4. I currently live in Winnipeg. I would really appreciate a reply from you! Thank you

Can’t comment about Winnipeg but know U of T and Trent have the accelerated nursing degrees for those who already have a degree. Sure some google searches will provide information.

 

[nayr69sg]

Just read this. If you are in the medical Cannabis field you are likely just being billed for signing a script often via videoconference from your own home definitely better money than most GP practices. It would have to be in order to attract GPs to a practice that was still pretty controversial 3-5 years ago. Also without tons of medical proof of who it helps what dosage, what type,etc. and very little scientific research about what actually works doctors can’t provide much guidance.

Alberta does not allow telemedicine for medical cannabis. I see all my patients in person. I work at the clinic. Not from home.

Also we started our medical cannabis clinic in Oct 2018 and initially it was very quiet. But slowly we have built our client base.

I have since transitioned from family practice to just seeing patients for medical cannabis.

Cannabis has been around for a long time. The safety profile is well studied. Impairment is the danger.

The paucity of studies to show evidence does not equate to no efficacy. I have learnt a lot from my patients. Medical cannabis will be a bigger more established field as the research (now legal and not focused on illicit recreational use) comes to fore.

I do guide my patients on how to start, titrate and maintain their treatment.

I moved into this field after legalization.

People can purchase cannabis from a store! The patients I see are looking for guidance on medical purposes and we use CBD a lot and very little THC. It is a different segment of cannabis use altogether.

 

[Oyibo Pepper]

Hello.
I am a medical doctor in Nigeria, Mbbs 2015 who is moving to Canada this year as a spouse.
Please how does one apply and get into a fast track nursing program.
I hear that if your transcript is more than five years old, you'd be inadmissible.

Also please can you candidly tell me what other alternative pathways (in terms of jobs and education (an IMG can take while working towards residency

Thank you

Since you understand that it’s almost impossible to get into the practice than try other avenues!
It’s easy to say that I want to go back to my home country. I think living in present time will help you move forward. Canada is land of opportunities and we have the best environment around us to achieve the best we can.
I was a general practitioner in India, came here 9 years ago. I was like you for 2 years. But I said that I am not going anywhere, I have come to Canada for a better future for me and my family, especially for my children. I started my journey by getting a degree from the University (masters in public health), well it got me no where with no good job opportunities. Than I decided to go for a degree in nursing (fast track in 2 years). I did my Masters in 1 yr and Nursing in 2 yrs.
Now I am working in Northern Canada as an advance practice nurse. I can prescribe ( limited) medications and order ( Limited) lab tests. My work is very similar to a general practitioner in India. Although it’s not ideal but I am very satisfied with my achievement. You can look into similar career pathways. I hope it helps.

 

[canuck78]

Hello.
I am a medical doctor in Nigeria, Mbbs 2015 who is moving to Canada this year as a spouse.
Please how does one apply and get into a fast track nursing program.
I hear that if your transcript is more than five years old, you'd be inadmissible.

Also please can you candidly tell me what other alternative pathways (in terms of jobs and education (an IMG can take while working towards residency

Thank you

There are various universities offering fast track nursing program which is 2 years full-time with a previous degree. You will have to research the universities in the city or province where you plan to settle.

To get licensed as a physician you will have to pay for and pass 2 licensing exams first. After you do that you can attempt to find a residency program or supervised training program for GPs in an underserviced area which are available in a few provinces with limited spots. You have to agree to practice in the underserviced areas. Spots are very limited but better for GPs, pathologist, psychiatrists and public health maybe. If you are able to practice medicine in English and French that will increase your chances as well.

Completing nursing school while preparing for your licensing exams may be very difficult. The condensed program involves lots of class hours, practicum hours and studying. Nursing is a good option especially if you eventually move on to a nurse practitioner. Much more job security than doing a masters in something like public health where it can be tough to find a job. IMGs need a longterm plan B because there are many who never get to practice in Canada. If you can’t be a nurse longterm then I would study something else.

 

[nayr69sg]

Hello.
I am a medical doctor in Nigeria, Mbbs 2015 who is moving to Canada this year as a spouse.
Please how does one apply and get into a fast track nursing program.
I hear that if your transcript is more than five years old, you'd be inadmissible.

Also please can you candidly tell me what other alternative pathways (in terms of jobs and education (an IMG can take while working towards residency

Thank you

Hi pepper

I would recommend this forum for you.

http://www.rxpgonline.com/mccee-mccqe.html

If you need a job I would suggest just finding any entry level one.

You could of course invest time and effort to get qualifications for a healthcare related position eg ultrasound technologist, radiographer, respiratory technician, nurse.

However do note that you will likely be spending several years doing some full time course to get those qualifications and not earning any money.

Even a medical office assistant requires a certificate qualification. And the pay is very close to minimum wage.

It makes more sense to just have an entry level job that is not difficult and taxing, earn some income and study during time off work for the medical exams, spend some time volunteering observorships and try for CaRMS.

If you have done all the exams and have been unable to match to a residency and exhausted avenues to return to practice, only then would I consider switching to an alternative career in healthcare.

I hope that makes sense.

 

[Bpandita1]

Halo @ nayr69sg,
I am a 37 yr old, indian ophthalmologist with FICO, fellowship in medical retina considering to move to Canada. Kindly guide which route/exams to follow/prepare to work as an eye specialist in canada

 

[nayr69sg]

Halo @ nayr69sg,
I am a 37 yr old, indian ophthalmologist with FICO, fellowship in medical retina considering to move to Canada. Kindly guide which route/exams to follow/prepare to work as an eye specialist in canada

Hi

Go to this forum

http://www.rxpgonline.com/mccee-mccqe.html

I will say that it is very unlikely for Ophthalmology IMGs to get back into Ophthalmology in Canada. Tough.

 

[canuck78]

Halo @ nayr69sg,
I am a 37 yr old, indian ophthalmologist with FICO, fellowship in medical retina considering to move to Canada. Kindly guide which route/exams to follow/prepare to work as an eye specialist in canada

Where did you do your training? It is extremely unlikely that there will be a leftover residency spot in opthamology. To work in Canada you’d need to redo your residency unless you did your residency in a few select countries (not India). Even if there was an available ophthalmology residency you would be at least 40 by the time you passed the licensing exams and a younger candidate is more likely to be accepted because of the cost of training a resident, the province will want to make sure the IMG can work as long as possible. If you want to immigrate somewhere and still want to practice medicine I would consider other countries.

 

[Bpandita1]

If I do long term fellowship from Singapore for 1 year, will that work in Canada? What specialities can I get in Canada (easier than ophthalmology)

 

[Bpandita1]

Hi

Go to this forum

http://www.rxpgonline.com/mccee-mccqe.html

I will say that it is very unlikely for Ophthalmology IMGs to get back into Ophthalmology in Canada. Tough.

hi, keeping in mind my age what specialities do u think I can get in Canada, also does research work and fellowship in ophthalmology from Singapore make small chance f getting ophthalmology slot in canada

 

[canuck78]

If I do long term fellowship from Singapore for 1 year, will that work in Canada? What specialities can I get in Canada (easier than ophthalmology)

No your fellowship in Singapore has no impact. Actually having a fellowship from Canada wouldn't even qualify you to practice in Canada. I don‘t believe you would qualify to do another type of residency but even if you did you’d run into similar issues. Residency programs will select an IMG who was a pathologist already to redo a pathology residency. Many of the residency spots require you to be fluent in French which I assume you are not. Your age is also a major factor. A younger applicant will be preferred for retraining so that they can practice a lot longer. Is there a reason you want to immigrate to Canada? You could go to one of the Middle Eastern countries and make a good living tax free or I would suggest looking into other countries like the UK, Ireland and even the US. Australia and New Zealand may be options but I’m unfamiliar with their certification programs or their need for certain specialties. I know many UK graduates end up in Australia but it is pretty easy to move when you are part of the 5 eyes countries.

 

[Bpandita1]

Hi @canuck78 ,
Kindly clear ur words, " Dont beleive u wd qualify another type of residency...
Secondly... Residency progs will select a pathologist to redo a pathology residency..
Age factor i understand...