Canada must seize ‘window of opportunity’ to attract U.S. scientists, health-care workers: medical association
Canada has a unique opportunity to position itself as a leader in the medical and scientific fields by attracting professionals who are leaving the United States due to health cuts and layoffs. Dr. Joss Reimer, the president of the Canadian Medical Association, believes that Canada can capitalize on this talent pool if it acts quickly to remove barriers to immigration and licensing for American medical professionals.
One of the main challenges for American physicians looking to immigrate to Canada is navigating the immigration process and getting their training recognized. The Canadian Medical Association is advocating for fast-tracking visas for American physicians and streamlining the licensing process to make it easier for them to practice in Canada.
Several provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, have already established fast-tracked pathways for U.S. physicians to become licensed. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are also actively recruiting American doctors to fill the gaps in their healthcare systems.
Nova Scotia Health has seen success in attracting American doctors after allowing U.S. board-certified physicians to practice without additional training. The province expects to welcome 15 new U.S. doctors to its workforce in the coming year.
While the U.S. may offer higher salaries for family physicians, the Canadian healthcare system provides a more supportive environment for practitioners. Canadian doctors have more autonomy in patient care decisions and face less paperwork due to universal healthcare coverage.
The Canadian Medical Association emphasizes the urgent need for family doctors in Canada, as the country faces a shortage of nearly 23,000 primary care physicians. Approximately 6.5 million Canadians do not have a family doctor, highlighting the importance of attracting more healthcare professionals to address this gap.
In the current federal election campaign, Reimer calls on political parties to prioritize healthcare as a key issue. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of health and the economy, stressing the need for policies that support the recruitment of American healthcare workers and researchers to strengthen Canada’s healthcare system.
Overall, Canada has a valuable opportunity to enhance its medical and scientific capabilities by welcoming American professionals seeking new opportunities north of the border. By creating more streamlined pathways for immigration and licensing, Canada can position itself as a hub for top talent in the healthcare industry.
