So I'm a Canadian IMG, currently applying for and interviewing at Family Medicine residency programs that support J1 Visas via the ECFMG. These visas are tied with a return of service requirement under which I will eventually have to return to Canada. Of course, that's my career plan all along as I'm from an area of Canada where there's a large primary care shortage and I intend to practice there upon completion of my training.
The problem is that I've been asked at a couple smaller community programs already whether or not I would consider training in the local area after completion of residency, and I have no idea how to address this. I'm sure they are aware of the J1 visa requirements, and some even have a history of accepting Canadians in the past. However, I've had attendings and PDs at these sort of smaller programs mention with pride how people who complete the residency program remain in the local community afterwards to practice.
Any advice on how to approach and address this question if I face it again in the future? I've been giving a somewhat non-committal answer so far mostly to the effect of I don't have any firm connections to any locale and am open to settling wherever my training is needed most. But I'm worried this makes me less appealing for these sort of programs and if they will rank me lower compared to US-IMGs or other grads that are willing and able to stay in the local area afterwards.
Thanks in advance for your help!
The problem is that I've been asked at a couple smaller community programs already whether or not I would consider training in the local area after completion of residency, and I have no idea how to address this. I'm sure they are aware of the J1 visa requirements, and some even have a history of accepting Canadians in the past. However, I've had attendings and PDs at these sort of smaller programs mention with pride how people who complete the residency program remain in the local community afterwards to practice.
Any advice on how to approach and address this question if I face it again in the future? I've been giving a somewhat non-committal answer so far mostly to the effect of I don't have any firm connections to any locale and am open to settling wherever my training is needed most. But I'm worried this makes me less appealing for these sort of programs and if they will rank me lower compared to US-IMGs or other grads that are willing and able to stay in the local area afterwards.
Thanks in advance for your help!
