Canada -- > USA vs. USA --> Canada

[RussianCommisar]

Hi everyone,
I am sure this general has been asked but wanted to hear some advice.
My situation is as such:
I am a Canadian Citizen, ended up doing medical school in the Caribbiean, finished USA residency in Int. Med, Chief year., then heme/onc fellowship. Have been working for 4 months now in US.

My mom is a Russian FMG, who did her USMLE, and ended up doing her Canadian exams, did her residency in Canada in the early 1990s and has been a physician (FM) in Canada for 30 years now.

Sadly, my dad passed away about 4 years ago, and until then I did not really consider my move to Canada, but now my mom is alone and I feel guilty to be honest. We actually do not live all that far distance wise about 40 min flight. (I live in Boston, she lives in Toronto)

Anyways, I am thinking of somehow reuniting all of us but I am not sure for who it would be easier. I feel for me it would be hard to be either an Oncologist or Hematologist in Canada, let alone Toronto... most likely would end up somewhere in Thunder Bay.

It maybe easier for my mom to move and perhaps working in the US. But I think 30 years of working in Canada will be a hard transition.

Anyways, let me know what do you guys think.

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[Suture15]

Sorry for your loss. And top respect to you for getting through your training despite these events. I'm not sure if I would have been able to. I am also a Canadian citizen, currently a PGY2 IM, and have posted about these transitions a few times. You are certainly ahead in terms of training and subspecialization.

I genuinely think from my limited research and anecdotal stories that going back to Canada, is not the easiest thing. For you, being a super specialist, it is also tougher to find jobs in urban areas. You would technically have to write the royal Canadian onc exam and then hopefully find a job. If you are well settled, not sure if that is a great idea.

FM on the other hand, may be easier, but I am not sure how her training would qualify in the US since Canadian FM is shorter than American FM (2 vs. 3 years, probably even shorter when your mom did it) so you'd have to check. Given her immense experience, maybe she just needs to write the American boards?

I really think if your only reason for going back is being closer as a family, it is probably easier for your mom to transition to the USA, but again not entirely sure. Going back for you is definitely not a piece of cake.