American physicians in Canada

[Willh81]

My dream would be to work in Nunavut or Newfoundland(the northern parts) as a general physician. How difficult is this?

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[ssc_396]

My dream would be to work in Nunavut or Newfoundland(the northern parts) as a general physician. How difficult is this?

Are you joking?

If no, places like that are desperate for GPs. I suspect it would be very easy. If you are licensed in the US just contact a few clinics up there are see what they say. My Uncle runs a clinic in northern BC and he hasn't so much as seen a Canadian application in 15 years so he doesn't have much trouble hiring foreign GPs. All his docs come from places like South Africa.

 

[firetown]

As long as you are licensed in the US, it should be no problem getting a license to practice family med in Canada.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Typical american question, but how much money do Canadian pcps make? Would it be enough to pay off my $240k in loans? Also, is it hard for americans in fields other than family practice to work in Canada?

 

[harvid]

Typical american question, but how much money do Canadian pcps make? Would it be enough to pay off my $240k in loans? Also, is it hard for americans in fields other than family practice to work in Canada?

I can't say as to how much a Canadian PCP makes compared to their US counterpart, but on the bright side, at least the Canadian dollar is edging toward par with the US dollar. Because most of the practitioners are fee-for-service, income depends on how hard you work, and how well you know the fee schedule (I lost about $1000 last year by forgeting to bill for patient videotaping).

As for specialties, that can be quite tricky. I would suggest contacting the Royal College of Physicians in Canada for the specifics. Sometimes extra training can be mandated (the Royal College can be a wee bit excessive at times).

 

[trustwomen]

Typical american question, but how much money do Canadian pcps make? Would it be enough to pay off my $240k in loans? Also, is it hard for americans in fields other than family practice to work in Canada?

The money depends on the province. Outside Quebec (which pays their doctors far less than other provinces), it's safe to say a hardworking GP could pull in about 175-200K. This would be even easier for the OP, who is looking to work in a rural/underserved area. They throw money at those folks, including rather generous loan repayment strategies. The main impediment to quick loan repayment would be (I would imagine) the higher marginal tax rate, rather than a substantial salary difference. However, you can't beat the quality of life up here.

As for the second question, I dunno. Sorry.

 

[Paws]

Count me in on this one! I really want to do rural med but I am dreading trying to do it here in the US. I have lived in Europe and really prefer a national health system. Plus, do we need to mention the crazy legal aspects of US medicine? I think not.

My grandmother was from New Brunswick, but I like the west and would be happy in Alberta maybe. I think I might look into this. I love medicine but I do not like the way it is practiced here in the states.

 

[Info 4 u]

I am a Physician Recruiter for a non profit in Sarnia Ontario. Believe me, it's not difficult at all..even if you don't have your license yet in the US. Yes,we are underserviced, which means there are financial incentives for you. In fact my own Taskforce has put together a program to give physicians yet another financial incentive. Sarnia is a border ctiy to Port Huron Michigan. We have a small town life with a big city feel. I've personally assisted International Medical Graduates in obtaining their license and I would have no difficulity assisting you as well. We also offer all expenses paid 3 day visit/tour through our practice opportunities and hospitals! We have so much to offer, many lucrative opportunties and a relaxing lifestyle. Believe me, what you want is not out of reach.

 

[M.Furfur]

Typical american question, but how much money do Canadian pcps make? Would it be enough to pay off my $240k in loans? Also, is it hard for americans in fields other than family practice to work in Canada?

http://www.jobpath.com/CSH/Results....an+-+Family+Practice"&pubjobs=false&int=false

Here are some openings in northern BC, they say you can easily make 250k + incentives and bonuses. They had those 11 opening for as long as I remember.
In the hospital I work in, I once had a conversation with a GP who is doing a one year anasthesia fellowship. He lives in a not so rural area (1 hour from Ottawa) and he said to me that you can easily make 300k if you are willing to work 40+ hours a week. Also a job in a rural area would be more satisfying as you will enjoy a larger scope of practice.

Check this out:
http://www.dawsonmedicalclinic.com/

I see primary care as a much more viable option in Canada than in the States. NPs cannot work at hospitals here and are only limited to community setting, as you have no walmart clinics to compete against! Plus the other benefits Canada offers: Liberalism and safe streets!

I am starting med school this summer and If ever I decide to do FP, I will be doing it in Canada as It is one year shorter, which will allow me to do an emergency fellowship in one additional year!

Sarnia is a gorgeous place!!!!! I visited it 2 weeks ago and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to live in a small town.

 

[jefguth]

Sarnia is a gorgeous place!!!!! I visited it 2 weeks ago and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to live in a small town.

Aww my hometown is quite a lovely little place - particularly during the summer months. It's small, but has access to pretty much everything you need with two major centers within an hours drive (Detroit, MI and London, ON), any easy access to the waterfront (even buy your own waterfront property for a very reasonable price). The only real fault I can find in the place that the social scene for younger people is not very sophisticated.... and the total non-existence of sushi!

 

[The Rookie]

I am a Physician Recruiter for a non profit in Sarnia Ontario. Believe me, it's not difficult at all..even if you don't have your license yet in the US. Yes,we are underserviced, which means there are financial incentives for you. In fact my own Taskforce has put together a program to give physicians yet another financial incentive. Sarnia is a border ctiy to Port Huron Michigan. We have a small town life with a big city feel. I've personally assisted International Medical Graduates in obtaining their license and I would have no difficulity assisting you as well. We also offer all expenses paid 3 day visit/tour through our practice opportunities and hospitals! We have so much to offer, many lucrative opportunties and a relaxing lifestyle. Believe me, what you want is not out of reach.

I have PM'ed you.

 

[MeowMix]

Sarnia is a gorgeous place!!!!! I visited it 2 weeks ago and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to live in a small town.

I lived in Sarnia 20 years ago and it was the most miserable year of my life, second only to the year I spent in Elliot Lake. I'm sure things have changed.

On a more serious note, the loan repayment programs in Canada are significantly less attractive than in the US; more like $10K/yr vs. $20-30 K. Hopefully this too will improve.

 

[Old_Mil]

I am a Physician Recruiter for a non profit in Sarnia Ontario. Believe me, it's not difficult at all..even if you don't have your license yet in the US. Yes,we are underserviced, which means there are financial incentives for you. In fact my own Taskforce has put together a program to give physicians yet another financial incentive. Sarnia is a border ctiy to Port Huron Michigan. We have a small town life with a big city feel. I've personally assisted International Medical Graduates in obtaining their license and I would have no difficulity assisting you as well. We also offer all expenses paid 3 day visit/tour through our practice opportunities and hospitals! We have so much to offer, many lucrative opportunties and a relaxing lifestyle. Believe me, what you want is not out of reach.

I've PMed you as well.

 

[docbill]

I've PMed you as well.

I did not PM you.

once someone has licence to work in US (w/USMLEs and all) ... they can work in ontario. I dont see why limit yourself to small town. the incentives r best on indian reserves.

 

[bulgethetwine]

I did not PM you.

once someone has licence to work in US (w/USMLEs and all) ... they can work in ontario. I dont see why limit yourself to small town. the incentives r best on indian reserves.

This is absolutely *not* True.

I'm residency trained in emergency medicine (3 year program) with fellowship training. Can't get a license in Ontario because they say I don't have enough training in their eyes.

This IS specialty specific however. If you did a 3 year FP residency in the U.S., I guess you could probably get an Ontario license.

 

[docbill]

This is absolutely *not* True.

I'm residency trained in emergency medicine (3 year program) with fellowship training. Can't get a license in Ontario because they say I don't have enough training in their eyes.

This IS specialty specific however. If you did a 3 year FP residency in the U.S., I guess you could probably get an Ontario license.

True is had to be equal. IM, FP, Cardiology, etc... are okay.
You can always do the extra years (in Canada or US) required and get license.

 

[bulgethetwine]

True is had to be equal. IM, FP, Cardiology, etc... are okay.
You can always do the extra years (in Canada or US) required and get license.

It's not that simple. The Royal College will insist you actually go back to residency -- even if you've been a professor in a U.S. Department with several years of experience!


They don't give you any credit for the "practice route". In fact, they don't actually evaluate your credentials, they just compare the number of years of training you've had relative to the supposed "standard" in Canada.

 

[docbill]

It's not that simple. The Royal College will insist you actually go back to residency -- even if you've been a professor in a U.S. Department with several years of experience!


They don't give you any credit for the "practice route". In fact, they don't actually evaluate your credentials, they just compare the number of years of training you've had relative to the supposed "standard" in Canada.

I know its not as simple as that.

I came across a link when I was looking for specialties and return of service required, it stated if you need to do another year or so of training to make it equal it is possible (of course there is a return of service on that).

Also while doing observation in a Canadian hospital, one of the fellows told me about a Canadian who did IM in the US and is now in Canada doing the one extra year of IM to make it equal in duration. Not sure if he still has to write the canadian boards... I assume so at some time.

 

[bulgethetwine]

I know its not as simple as that.

I came across a link when I was looking for specialties and return of service required, it stated if you need to do another year or so of training to make it equal it is possible (of course there is a return of service on that).

Also while doing observation in a Canadian hospital, one of the fellows told me about a Canadian who did IM in the US and is now in Canada doing the one extra year of IM to make it equal in duration. Not sure if he still has to write the canadian boards... I assume so at some time.

Yeah - you've got it right. You can do this "top-up" training, but the return in service is a little vexing. But it's usually just a 1:1 payback for the years of top up you did, so one year of extra residency for IM followed by a year in an underserviced area isn't too bad.... might even be right up someone's alley if they are actually seeking an underserviced area.

The problem is it's very specialty dependent. I'm an ER doc. With 3 years of residency, I'm considered two years short of the FRCP standard of 5 years. And if all ER docs in Canada really did a five year residency, then I'd be fine with their insistence that I do two more years of residency. But when a full 85% of the ER docs in Canada actually did two years of family practice and 1 year of emergency med (or even, in some cases, just the two years of family) I find it hard to swallow that the RCPSC expects me to return to Canada, do two more years of residency training, then do two more years in an underserviced area -- exactly where the five year Canadian residency trained docs aren't !!! -- all after being board certified in the U.S. and being on faculty at a major academic center.

It's a joke. It has the effect of driving away (or keeping away) exactly those doctors they should be doing the most to attract: The ones who are accomplished in the field, have considerable experience and expertise surpassing many of those currently practicing in Canada, and who have, quite frankly, many other employment options outside of Canada and thus don't need to submit to the Canadian medical system's perverse form of blackmail.

The ones who go through all the hoops are either so not competitive for positions elsewhere or are out of visa status in other locations (or are just so desperate to get back to family connections that it's worth it).

Best of luck --

 

[avenirv]

...The ones who are accomplished in the field, have considerable experience and expertise surpassing many of those currently practicing in Canada, and who have, quite frankly, many other employment options outside of Canada and thus don't need to submit to the Canadian medical system's perverse form of blackmail.
...--

i consider such mds, if they really exist, insane.
why if they are so acomplished in CA or NC or Manhattan, are they trying to go to place in the middle of nowhere ?
or they are in a worse nowhere ?!

 

[docbill]

Rules changed and previous posting is no longer correct.

 

[bongobingo]

What if you did a 5yr EM/IM program in the u.s.? Would it count as equivalent to the 5yr EM in Canada?
Also, is it true that doctor shortage in canada is being eliminated and 5-10yrs from now it will be difficult to find even FM jobs in rural areas if you're not canadian?

 

[swederoxette]

I have US residency and fellowship in endocrinology. i am joining as an associate with 1.5 years supervised training in toronto. taking a risk with my US green card. hopefully the risk is worth it

 

[mlw03]

I'm bumping this up in hopes of getting some information. I'm an American who went to med school, did residency, and is now in fellowship in a pathology subspecialty, all in the US. I am already board certified in general anatomic pathology. I am looking at a position in Alberta, and am trying to find some clear cut information about the process, but am struggling to get some clear and simple information. Can anyone enlighten me? I'm not interested in money info or anything like that - I just want to know what the logistics are of gaining licensure. Please feel free to reply here or as a private message. Thank you.

 

[Giemsa]

I just want to know what the logistics are of gaining licensure.

Talk to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. They control licensing in the province.

http://www.cpsa.ab.ca/Services/Registration_Department/Alberta_medical_licence/Eligibility.aspx

 

[revex]

Can anyone enlighten me? I'm not interested in money info or anything like that - I just want to know what the logistics are of gaining licensure. Please feel free to reply here or as a private message. Thank you.

I am with you. I am curious to know if doing residency there would make the transition easier than doing here and attempting to practice there? Also with a Ph.D. on the M.D. will the transition be easier approaching as a post-doc and obtaining the necessary status to do residency or pracitice? Thank you for any feedback!!

 

[mlw03]

I still don't have details, but for the specific job I'm considering, I spoke with someone and was told that for the postion I'm looking at, it's not going to be an issue. At this point I'm trusting her, since she said she has other Americans working for her and that the transition was an easy one. However I'm a very, very niche subspecialty, and perhaps that facilitates things (ie, not a lot of my subspecialty in Canada perhaps?). If/when I get other info, I'll be glad to share it here.

 

[qwerty1202]

How about moving from the US to canada with a med degree but moving instead to somewhere like toronto? How hard would that be say if you weren't necessarily a GP but a specialised doctor..?

 

[mlw03]

ok, have some additional info. for alberta at least, it seems like they recognize things like the USMLE and american residency, with respect to being granted an alberta medical license. i'm in the early stages, but i've seen nothing thus far to indicate that i will need to take any additional exams to legally practice medicine in that province.

 

[sws1121]

Our company, Medidoc, works with several GP clinics in Vancouver and Edmonton who are looking for GPs. We can help US-trined Doctors get licensed and the clinics we work with assist with cost for licensure and relocation. If you want to know more, check out our profile on Linkedin or contact our Recruitment Director, Trish, at [email protected]

 

[nshcherbinina]

Hi,
I'm a Russian Trained MD, ECFMG certified, US Green Card Holder, eligible for citizenship this June.

I have been accepted into a 3 year Internal Medicine Residency in Brooklyn. My Russian specialty is Infectious Diseases. I practiced at a rural hospital in Africa for 2 years.

I intend to complete my residency, take the US boards, get licensed and board certified. I'd really like to become a pathologist but could not get a residency in that specialty. So, if not, I'll do a 2 year fellowship in Infectious Diseases and return to ID. UNLESS other options appear.

I'm from Siberia. I miss lakes and pine trees. I'm from a small city, Bakal (50,000) and my family is from Shadrinsk (100,000).

I don't have any student debt. Being Russian, I'm concerned about being accepted, concerned about malpractice litigation, and not used to running Medicine as a business. Instead I'm used to working for government hospitals.

Would anyone be interested in me to the point of inviting me and my US citizen husband to visit? We have a small car and could drive up
on a short holiday to most of eastern canada.

Warmly,

Natalie

 

[yorku]

Hi,
I think you can find all that you need in northern states as well: Michigan, North Dakota...
I bet your practice will be very similar to a Canadian rural practice...

 

[Anestesiste]

I am a Physician Recruiter for a non profit in Sarnia Ontario. Believe me, it's not difficult at all..even if you don't have your license yet in the US. Yes,we are underserviced, which means there are financial incentives for you. In fact my own Taskforce has put together a program to give physicians yet another financial incentive. Sarnia is a border ctiy to Port Huron Michigan. We have a small town life with a big city feel. I've personally assisted International Medical Graduates in obtaining their license and I would have no difficulity assisting you as well. We also offer all expenses paid 3 day visit/tour through our practice opportunities and hospitals! We have so much to offer, many lucrative opportunties and a relaxing lifestyle. Believe me, what you want is not out of reach.

Dear Mr,
I would like to know your opinion about my situation: If I get a diplome in Belgium as an anesthesiolgist and I also have the Canadain citizenship , can I work here in Canada ? Please let me know. I do appreciate your help.

Best,
Anest. assistant

 

[Old_Mil]

This is absolutely *not* True.

I'm residency trained in emergency medicine (3 year program) with fellowship training. Can't get a license in Ontario because they say I don't have enough training in their eyes.

This IS specialty specific however. If you did a 3 year FP residency in the U.S., I guess you could probably get an Ontario license.

That's the problem I'm having. I'm an American citizen, grew up here, got my undergraduate degree here, went to medical school here, finished residency here, and am boarded. BC said that they would not consider a license because our residencies are 3 years, not 5. Is that a uniform policy for all the provinces, or are there some where I could practice rural EM?

 

[Arb]

How long is your fellowship training? Do you have 5 years?

 

[septoplasty]

Fellowships usually run 3 on top of 3, so total of 6 if you are a sub specialized.

 

[Giemsa]

That's the problem I'm having. I'm an American citizen, grew up here, got my undergraduate degree here, went to medical school here, finished residency here, and am boarded. BC said that they would not consider a license because our residencies are 3 years, not 5. Is that a uniform policy for all the provinces, or are there some where I could practice rural EM?

The best way to know for sure is to ask. Try New Brunswick (particularly if you speak French), maybe northern Saskatchewan / Manitoba, remote Ontario. Sometimes if a location is desperate enough, they'll make exceptions.

http://www.gnb.ca/0396/index-e.asp
http://www.saskdocs.ca/
http://www.healthemployment.ca/
http://www.healthforceontario.ca/

 

[Andy1970]

I am a Physician Recruiter for a non profit in Sarnia Ontario. Believe me, it's not difficult at all..even if you don't have your license yet in the US. Yes,we are underserviced, which means there are financial incentives for you. In fact my own Taskforce has put together a program to give physicians yet another financial incentive. Sarnia is a border ctiy to Port Huron Michigan. We have a small town life with a big city feel. I've personally assisted International Medical Graduates in obtaining their license and I would have no difficulity assisting you as well. We also offer all expenses paid 3 day visit/tour through our practice opportunities and hospitals! We have so much to offer, many lucrative opportunties and a relaxing lifestyle. Believe me, what you want is not out of reach.

I m Dr dass graduating in peds from texas tech and u s citizen highly interested for jobs in unreserved area . Thanks 6266077907

 

[Andy1970]

I m iintrested ,