Doctor says political mayhem in the U.S. pushed her to come home to New Brunswick

Dr. Sophia Halassy couldn’t be happier to be settling into her new job at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton. The 32-year-old bilingual obstetrician-gynecologist is excited to be back in her native New Brunswick with her husband and two young daughters after more than a decade of medical school, residency, and employment in the United States.

The decision to return to Canada was not taken lightly by Halassy. The political climate in the U.S. played a significant role in her choice to move back. The reversal of the landmark 1973 case Roe v. Wade, which established a constitutional right to abortion in the U.S., was a turning point for her. The fear of the future of women’s reproductive rights in the U.S. only grew with the Trump administration’s anti-science agenda and cuts to funding for healthcare programs.

Halassy’s return to New Brunswick is part of a larger trend of medical migration from the U.S. to Canada. The province is actively recruiting physicians from south of the border to fill the 389 full-time equivalent physician positions currently vacant in New Brunswick. Despite the high demand for doctors, Halassy had to go through a rigorous process to secure her position, showcasing her skills and experience to convince the hiring committee.

Dr. Halassy believes that reducing red tape and making more positions available in New Brunswick would benefit both the province and the incoming physicians. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need, regardless of their financial situation or insurance coverage. This commitment to providing quality healthcare for all patients is one of the reasons why she feels Canada is the best place to practice medicine.

Dr. Stan Kutcher, a professor emeritus at Dalhousie University, echoes Halassy’s sentiments, highlighting the need to streamline the hiring process and reduce barriers for U.S.-trained doctors looking to practice in Canada. He believes that special pathways should be created to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to the Canadian healthcare system.

In conclusion, Dr. Sophia Halassy’s journey back to Canada is a testament to the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare professionals in North America. Her dedication to providing quality care for all patients and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community make her a valuable addition to the medical team in New Brunswick.