What's the Deal with the Shortage of Doctors in Canada? 2:28 PM

“Canada's doctor shortage will only worsen in the coming decade” Fraser Institute predicts. 

We always hear and read about the shortage of doctors in Canada.  The truth is that becoming a doctor in Canada is not easy at all, especially if you are a foreign trained physician. 

So, what’s the deal with the shortage of doctors in Canada?

Part I 2:27 PM

What happen if you are a foreign trained doctor (International Medical Graduate – IMG) and decide to start a career in Ontario?

Here is the story... detail by detail.

Suppose you were born in a developing country.  Middle class, unstable economy, social issues and limited job market, between others.  You are lucky enough to have the family support to get a higher education and finish medical school.  Then you notice that you have the skills and courage to be a high achiever and decide to pursue a specialty.  However, the financial situation is not proper to get you there yet so you decide you can go to a country with better opportunities, like Canada for instance. 

The idea that you have about Canada before you move is similar to this:  developed country, strong economy, excellent health system, strong work force, extremely fair and honest people, in need of skilled workers in order to grow their population and stimulate the economy. 

You are enthusiastic and take the risk because you are a hard worker and are willing to grow as a person and as a professional.  You work for a year as a general practitioner, save money and get your flight ticket and first rent check.  Indeed, you arrive with few dollars in your wallet that are spent in a computer so you can communicate, send and retrieve important information - that is in English by the way.  

Your very first step is to learn English so you can find a job and start taking English as a Second Language (ESL) with the Toronto School Board.  With $ 0 in your pocket and a monthly check from the welfare (thanks to the Government of Canada and Canadian taxpayers), you get $ 600 every month to cover your basic needs, specifically shelter, food, clothing, education, phone and internet.  You already asked your self how you can survive with that amount in Toronto, so you find lots of Canadian programs that support newcomers (thankful again) and fortunately, have someone to live with and share expenses.  You also go to the food bank, furniture bank and clothing bank - very important for winter clothing.

Here you are, learning English and hoping to find a job.  Your work opportunities so far are cleaning offices at night or serving food in banquettes on weekends, but don’t be shocked if you are a highly educated professional that will end up working in something so different because anyway, they don’t call you for the job.