Hi Docs,

It's a known fact that of all Western countries, UK is the most friendly to immigrant doctors with the cheapest exams and most straightforward licensure.

However, some of us may be considering Canada due to other reasons asides career.

Let's discuss allied health certifications that may be of help to meet our basic physiological needs till one gets a residency position.

I have a few to contribute to the thread as well.

Doctors who have made the move can also share their experiences with us. It will be good to hear first hand experiences.

Una wan run leave us Abi

lonlytroy:
Una wan run leave us Abi

Lol. E no reach to leave?

Allied health courses such as health mgt, health care policy, health economics, public health etc may be another career pathway for IMGs

You could also take up certification courses in the ffg:

Clinical Research - $60-80k per annum
Pharmaceutical sales - About $40k per annum
Field Health Work -$20-30k per annum
Sonography - $80k per annum
Ambulance Paramedics $40-60k per annum
Physician Assistant

Requires More years in school:

Public Health *Heard it has limited job opportunities in Canada.
Nurse Practitioner - $100k per annum. *Requires going back to school for a fast track 2 years RN program + another 2 years to become a Nurse Practitioner


Another option to explore is Academics. Do Masters and proceed to PhD. and lecture health science students.

Is it hard to get admission to study nursing.

ALTERNATE HEALTH PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO IMGs IN CANADA

As residency is really competitive in Canada, below are a list of backup alternate opportunities in the health field. Kindly note that these were gleaned from my research & hearsays from landed IMGs. May or may not be 100% correct.

1. Compressed Nursing Program (2 years) at Western, McMaster, UToronto etc

- 2 years to become a RN.

- Then do Masters in Nursing to bcm a Nurse Practitioner

- NP job responsibilities is same as a family doctor's except inability to prescribe Narcotics)

-Salary is about $100k per annum.


2. Physician Assistant Program at UofT and McMaster.

- Do NOT go for this! Limited job positions (about 3 or 4 across Ontario)

- In Canada, the Nurse Practitioners ruled out the need for PA


3. Public Health Masters at McMaster, Western, Waterloo, Brook etc.

-Limited jobs, hard to get Masters admission, Competitive and sometimes requires registered medical professionals

3b. Public Health Bachelors degree at Ryerson U & Conestoga College

- Fast track 2 years rather than 4 years


4. Nutrition and Dietitics

-To graduate as a RD (Registered Dietician)

-Fast track 2.5years at Western and Guelph U.


5. Michener Ultrasound and Windsor Ultrasound

-Very very competitive

- Your chance to get in with only your medical degree is about 10%

- On completion, you'll work as an Ultrasound Technologist


6. Clinical Research Diploma at McMaster (Part time), Humber College (Online), Western

- Quite a number of openings available for Clinical Researchers


8. Masters in eHealth at McMaster

- This is solely for tech savvy medics.

- You've got love for programming? This is for you!

- Admission is NOT competitive as such

- I know nothing about the job opportunities available in this niche.

9. Clinical Assistant jobs in Alberta and Manitoba.

- Heard they're a better route to residency (I don't know how).

- And pay better than Physician Assistant jobs.

Oya

Thanks. To say i have been worried is an understatement.

The info here, is it general to all provinces or province specific.

LMay:
Allied health courses such as health mgt, health care policy, health economics, public health etc may be another career pathway for IMGs

You could also take up certification courses in the ffg:

Clinical Research - $60-80k per annum
Pharmaceutical sales - About $40k per annum
Field Health Work -$20-30k per annum
Sonography - $80k per annum
Ambulance Paramedics $40-60k per annum
Physician Assistant

Requires More years in school:

Public Health *Heard it has limited job opportunities in Canada.
Nurse Practitioner - $100k per annum. *Requires going back to school for a fast track 2 years RN program + another 2 years to become a Nurse Practitioner


Another option to explore is Academics. Do Masters and proceed to PhD. and lecture health science students.

I swear.....at this rate. Na Dr sid and small doctor go remain naija

Even though I am officially an intruder in this thread, I hope I will not be discriminated?
I am a Biochemist, specializing in Nutritional Biochemistry in Masters with PhD in view now. I am interested in No. 4 Nutrition and Dietetics, pls do I qualify for the 2.5yrs fastrack program to get qualified as a Dietitian?
Also, could you pls give the degree requirements and job responsibilities of Clinical Researchers?

LMay:
ALTERNATE HEALTH PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO IMGs IN CANADA

As residency is really competitive in Canada, below are a list of backup alternate opportunities in the health field. Kindly note that these were gleaned from my research & hearsays from landed IMGs. May or may not be 100% correct.

1. Compressed Nursing Program (2 years) at Western, McMaster, UToronto etc

- 2 years to become a RN.

- Then do Masters in Nursing to bcm a Nurse Practitioner

- NP job responsibilities is same as a family doctor's except inability to prescribe Narcotics)

-Salary is about $100k per annum.


2. Physician Assistant Program at UofT and McMaster.

- Do NOT go for this! Limited job positions (about 3 or 4 across Ontario)

- In Canada, the Nurse Practitioners ruled out the need for PA


3. Public Health Masters at McMaster, Western, Waterloo, Brook etc.

-Limited jobs, hard to get Masters admission, Competitive and sometimes requires registered medical professionals

3b. Public Health Bachelors degree at Ryerson U & Conestoga College

- Fast track 2 years rather than 4 years


4. Nutrition and Dietitics

-To graduate as a RD (Registered Dietician)

-Fast track 2.5years at Western and Guelph U.


5. Michener Ultrasound and Windsor Ultrasound

-Very very competitive

- Your chance to get in with only your medical degree is about 10%

- On completion, you'll work as an Ultrasound Technologist


6. Clinical Research Diploma at McMaster (Part time), Humber College (Online), Western

- Quite a number of openings available for Clinical Researchers


8. Masters in eHealth at McMaster

- This is solely for tech savvy medics.

- You've got love for programming? This is for you!

- Admission is NOT competitive as such

- I know nothing about the job opportunities available in this niche.

9. Clinical Assistant jobs in Alberta and Manitoba.

- Heard they're a better route to residency (I don't know how).

- And pay better than Physician Assistant jobs.

Doctors?
Please go to the UK.
Leave Canada for the engineers, scientists etc

TheManOfTheYear:
Doctors?
Please go to the UK.
Leave Canada for the engineers, scientists etc

Wait why? Is Canada a dead end?
Also please what's the process of going to the UK like? I just graduated. I'm kinda lost now

STORM2:

Wait why? Is Canada a dead end?
Also please what's the process of going to the UK like? I just graduated. I'm kinda lost now

follow this thread below.
https://www.nairaland.com/4103866/adventures-new-uk-migrant

the UK has the best deal for doctors and medical practitioners.

Oh can this thread by brought back to life? Good info so far

Hey Doctor

Old thread I know, but new here and stumbled upon it. As someone who made the move from the UK to Canada. I certain would encourage looking into it.
I’d however suggest being strategic about it. Never going to ever discourage anyone from pursuing their dreams but would suggest a huge exercise in caution about residency in Canada.
You stand a much better chance of obtaining that in the UK and using your UK qualifications or CCT as the case might be to obtain an equivalent consultant job in Canada. Obviously depends very much on which province you’re aiming to practice in.
Goes without saying that you should be looking at getting the licencing and specialist exams also, the latter would not necessarily preclude your starting practice in most provinces. Slightly more straight forward for GPS as the focus is mainly on licensing exams.
For those who have not had formal UK CCT but have some working experience, there are ways around this in terms of getting the Canadians to recognise your UK working experience so you can sit the relevant Canadian specialist exams.
In summary, do your home work from the UK and if you plan things properly you can aim to arrive here with most of the necessary exams out of the way so your entry into practice can be as seamless as possible.
It is no doubt an expensive undertaking but in my view for the quality of life, true Independence of practice and remuneration. It is not comparable.
Happy to provide specific details for anyone truly interested.

Ok. @ Hestonap I believe you are already a MD in Canada it will be interesting if you share a break and the strategic approach for MD with Nigerian experience or fellowship

Hestonap:
Old thread I know, but new here and stumbled upon it. As someone who made the move from the UK to Canada. I certain would encourage looking into it.
I’d however suggest being strategic about it. Never going to ever discourage anyone from pursuing their dreams but would suggest a huge exercise in caution about residency in Canada.
You stand a much better chance of obtaining that in the UK and using your UK qualifications or CCT as the case might be to obtain an equivalent consultant job in Canada. Obviously depends very much on which province you’re aiming to practice in.
Goes without saying that you should be looking at getting the licencing and specialist exams also, the latter would not necessarily preclude your starting practice in most provinces. Slightly more straight forward for GPS as the focus is mainly on licensing exams.
For those who have not had formal UK CCT but have some working experience, there are ways around this in terms of getting the Canadians to recognise your UK working experience so you can sit the relevant Canadian specialist exams.
In summary, do your home work from the UK and if you plan things properly you can aim to arrive here with most of the necessary exams out of the way so your entry into practice can be as seamless as possible.
It is no doubt an expensive undertaking but in my view for the quality of life, true Independence of practice and remuneration. It is not comparable.
Happy to provide specific details for anyone truly interested.

sboba:
Ok. @ Hestonap I believe you are already a MD in Canada it will be interesting if you share a break and the strategic approach for MD with Nigerian experience or fellowship

Soba, Thanks for your reply.

I will be honest as in not being too versed with those with those coming with a strictly Nigerian experience, as that was not my starting point personally. I do however know an acquaintance who was a consultant anaesthetist in LUTH but had been out of practice for at least 5 or so years due to reasons pertaining to her husbands job etc.
As far as I am aware she has done the first 2 of 3 steps of the Canadian licensing exams and also did the NAC - essentially a pre-residency match exam here. She made contact with the licensing college in Manitoba and there seem to be happy with her Nigerian experience and are in the process of giving her a provisional license pending some form of assessment and she can start to practice then hopefully in the next year or 2 obtain the Canadian boards.
I think certain provinces like Manitoba and the maritimes (please don't quote me on this) have relatively 'looser' requirements. It is essentially a demand and supply things. Those paces are relatively less desirous to live in for a number of reasons and tend to have a relative shortage of doctors and as a result their entry requirements are not as stringent as say Ontario or BC for example.

If you're a Nigerian trained GP, I would suggest checking the college of physicians and surgeons in all the Canadian provinces. Just type in CPS...and add the first letter of the province so CPSO (Ontario), CPSA (Alberta) etc and look at their IMG practice requirements. That should give you a head start in terms of information.

The second step is getting the licensing exams out of the way. Currently there are there steps, they are in the process of streamlining it this year I think into just 2. When I did the first step (MCCEE) in 2014, most provinces were happy with just that requirement. I did complete all the three steps and my relevant Canadian specialty exam before I left the UK, because I was not prepare to put my family in jeopardy of uncertainty.

So once again, I go back to being strategic. Give yourself an 18-24 month plan to be on the conservative side. I would use this for someone coming from parts of the world where their post-graduate training is recognised by the Canadians and you're looking at just going through the process of them formally recognising your previous training experience and writing the exams.

If you're coming straight from Nigeria - then the two pathways are looking at residency (difficult but not impossible) or a sort of practice assessment - very provincial dependent before transitioning into commencing practice.

Canadian rules are convoluted and can be frustrating to get one head around so don't let that discourage you.

Finally, if you're really keen on making the move, start looking at applying for PR. It puts you at a relative advantage when it comes to job application and even things like practice assessments. They do positively discriminate in favour of Canadian citizens and residents - its just the way it is they don't hide it. There were a couple of hospitals who were not prepared to go through with me because I needed a work permit coming from the UK despite already having all the necessary Canadian qualifications and a fun medical licence.

PS

1. It is all capital intensive, takes patience but in my view if you get things done and a good deal, there are fewer places in the English speaking world to practice and enjoy medicine better than Canada at the moment. It is not without its challenges but in my view the benefits significantly outweigh any such draw backs and it is not even close.

2. If you really want to pull this off in a smart way, I would suggest looking at the UK as a mid-way stop. The exams are cheaper. Your chance of getting a job/residency relatively easier compared to Canada. You can earn some money to pay for your exams, gather the necessary clinical experience that serves you well towards getting Canadian clinical equivalent recognition - i.e if youre looking at working at the GP level. The specialist route is longer and more tenuous but a man has got to do what a man has got to do.

Good luck and let me know if you think I can be of some further help information wise.

Hestonap:

Hello sir, what advice would you give to a 200 level medical student who plans to practice in the UK? I intend practising in nigeria for like 4 years then go over to UK?

Hestonap:


Soba, Thanks for your reply.

I will be honest as in not being too versed with those with those coming with a strictly Nigerian experience, as that was not my starting point personally. I do however know an acquaintance who was a consultant anaesthetist in LUTH but had been out of practice for at least 5 or so years due to reasons pertaining to her husbands job etc.
As far as I am aware she has done the first 2 of 3 steps of the Canadian licensing exams and also did the NAC - essentially a pre-residency match exam here. She made contact with the licensing college in Manitoba and there seem to be happy with her Nigerian experience and are in the process of giving her a provisional license pending some form of assessment and she can start to practice then hopefully in the next year or 2 obtain the Canadian boards.
I think certain provinces like Manitoba and the maritimes (please don't quote me on this) have relatively 'looser'

Hello sir, what advice would you give to a 200 level medical student who plans to practice in the UK? I intend practising in nigeria for like 4 years then go over to UK?

Hestonap:


Soba, Thanks for your reply.

I will be honest as in not being too versed with those with those coming with a strictly Nigerian experience, as that was not my starting point personally. I do however know an acquaintance who was a consultant anaesthetist in LUTH but had been out of practice for at least 5 or so years due to reasons pertaining to her husbands job etc.
As far as I am aware she has done the first 2 of 3 steps of the Canadian licensing exams and also did the NAC - essentially a pre-residency match exam here. She made contact with the licensing college in Manitoba and there seem to be happy with her Nigerian experience and are in the process of giving her a provisional license pending some form of assessment and she can start to practice then hopefully in the next year or 2 obtain the Canadian boards.
I think certain provinces like Manitoba and the maritimes (please don't quote me on this) have relatively 'looser' requirements. It is essentially a demand and supply things. Those paces are relatively less desirous to live in for a number of reasons and tend to have a relative shortage of doctors and as a result their entry requirements are not as stringent as say Ontario or BC for example.

If you're a Nigerian trained GP, I would suggest checking the college of physicians and surgeons in all the Canadian provinces. Just type in CPS...and add the first letter of the province so CPSO (Ontario), CPSA (Alberta) etc and look at their IMG practice requirements. That should give you a head start in terms of information.

The second step is getting the licensing exams out of the way. Currently there are there steps, they are in the process of streamlining it this year I think into just 2. When I did the first step (MCCEE) in 2014, most provinces were happy with just that requirement. I did complete all the three steps and my relevant Canadian specialty exam before I left the UK, because I was not prepare to put my family in jeopardy of uncertainty.

So once again, I go back to being strategic. Give yourself an 18-24 month plan to be on the conservative side. I would use this for someone coming from parts of the world where their post-graduate training is recognised by the Canadians and you're looking at just going through the process of them formally recognising your previous training experience and writing the exams.

If you're coming straight from Nigeria - then the two pathways are looking at residency (difficult but not impossible) or a sort of practice assessment - very provincial dependent before transitioning into commencing practice.

Canadian rules are convoluted and can be frustrating to get one head around so don't let that discourage you.

Finally, if you're really keen on making the move, start looking at applying for PR. It puts you at a relative advantage when it comes to job application and even things like practice assessments. They do positively discriminate in favour of Canadian citizens and residents - its just the way it is they don't hide it. There were a couple of hospitals who were not prepared to go through with me because I needed a work permit coming from the UK despite already having all the necessary Canadian qualifications and a fun medical licence.

PS

1. It is all capital intensive, takes patience but in my view if you get things done and a good deal, there are fewer places in the English speaking world to practice and enjoy medicine better than Canada at the moment. It is not without its challenges but in my view the benefits significantly outweigh any such draw backs and it is not even close.

2. If you really want to pull this off in a smart way, I would suggest looking at the UK as a mid-way stop. The exams are cheaper. Your chance of getting a job/residency relatively easier compared to Canada. You can earn some money to pay for your exams, gather the necessary clinical experience that serves you well towards getting Canadian clinical equivalent recognition - i.e if youre looking at working at the GP level. The specialist route is longer and more tenuous but a man has got to do what a man has got to do.

Good luck and let me know if you think I can be of some further help information wise.

Many thanks for this eye opener.
What would be your practical advice for someone already in training towards CCT for GP in UK? I will appreciate a stepwise advice/guide towards registration and getting a job?
Thanks.

Hestonap:




So once again, I go back to being strategic. Give yourself an 18-24 month plan to be on the conservative side. I would use this for someone coming from parts of the world where their post-graduate training is recognised by the Canadians and you're looking at just going through the process of them formally recognising your previous training experience and writing the exams.

If you're coming straight from Nigeria - then the two pathways are looking at residency (difficult but not impossible) or a sort of practice assessment - very provincial dependent before transitioning into commencing practice.

Canadian rules are convoluted and can be frustrating to get one head around so don't let that discourage you.

Finally, if you're really keen on making the move, start looking at applying for PR. It puts you at a relative advantage when it comes to job application and even things like practice assessments. They do positively discriminate in favour of Canadian citizens and residents - its just the way it is they don't hide it. There were a couple of hospitals who were not prepared to go through with me because I needed a work permit coming from the UK despite already having all the necessary Canadian qualifications and a fun medical licence.

PS

1. It is all capital intensive, takes patience but in my view if you get things done and a good deal, there are fewer places in the English speaking world to practice and enjoy medicine better than Canada at the moment. It is not without its challenges but in my view the benefits significantly outweigh any such draw backs and it is not even close.

2. If you really want to pull this off in a smart way, I would suggest looking at the UK as a mid-way stop. The exams are cheaper. Your chance of getting a job/residency relatively easier compared to Canada. You can earn some money to pay for your exams, gather the necessary clinical experience that serves you well towards getting Canadian clinical equivalent recognition - i.e if youre looking at working at the GP level. The specialist route is longer and more tenuous but a man has got to do what a man has got to do.

Good luck and let me know if you think I can be of some further help information wise.

Thank you so much for taking your time to put this down.

I just got some sort of reassurance from you that Canada is not a total write off for an IMG.

I'll consider your suggestions and i hope everything goes well.
Thanks again.

Please let someone advise a 200level medical student Na.. Abeg

lonlytroy:
Una wan run leave us Abi

Anything wrong with that?

DexterousOne:


Anything wrong with that?

Yes oO

chufor:
Please let someone advise a 200level medical student Na.. Abeg

Worry urself more with clearing the MBBS exams first. The other worries can come later.

[quote author=Hestonap post=75136643]

Soba, Thanks for your reply.

I will be honest as in not being too versed with those with those coming with a strictly Nigerian experience, as that was not my starting point personally. I do however know an acquaintance who was a consultant anaesthetist in LUTH but had been out of practice for at least 5 or so years due to reasons pertaining to her husbands job etc.
As far as I am aware she has done the first 2 of 3 steps of the Canadian licensing exams and also did the NAC - essentially a pre-residency match exam here. She made contact with the licensing college in Manitoba and there seem to be happy with her Nigerian experience and are in the process of giving her a provisional license pending some form of assessment and she can start to practice then hopefully in the next year or 2 obtain the Canadian boards.
I think certain provinces like Manitoba and the maritimes (please don't quote me on this) have relatively 'looser' requirements. It is essentially a demand and supply things. Those paces are relatively less desirous to live in for a number of reasons and tend to have a relative shortage of doctors and as a result their entry requirements are not as stringent as say Ontario or BC for example.

If you're a Nigerian trained GP, I would suggest checking the college of physicians and surgeons in all the Canadian provinces. Just type in CPS...and add the first letter of the province so CPSO (Ontario), CPSA (Alberta) etc and look at their IMG practice requirements. That should give you a head start in terms of information.

The second step is getting the licensing exams out of the way. Currently there are there steps, they are in the process of streamlining it this year I think into just 2. When I did the first step (MCCEE) in 2014, most provinces were happy with just that requirement. I did complete all the three steps and my relevant Canadian specialty exam before I left the UK, because I was not prepare to put my family in jeopardy of uncertainty.

So once again, I go back to being strategic. Give yourself an 18-24 month plan to be on the conservative side. I would use this for someone coming from parts of the world where their post-graduate training is recognised by the Canadians and you're looking at just going through the process of them formally recognising your previous training experience and writing the exams.

If you're coming straight from Nigeria - then the two pathways are looking at residency (difficult but not impossible) or a sort of practice assessment - very provincial dependent before transitioning into commencing practice.

Canadian rules are convoluted and can be frustrating to get one head around so don't let that discourage you.

Finally, if you're really keen on making the move, start looking at applying for PR. It puts you at a relative advantage when it comes to job application and even things like practice assessments. They do positively discriminate in favour of Canadian citizens and residents - its just the way it is they don't hide it. There were a couple of hospitals who were not prepared to go through with me because I needed a work permit coming from the UK despite already having all the necessary Canadian qualifications and a fun medical licence.

PS

1. It is all capital intensive, takes patience but in my view if you get things done and a good deal, there are fewer places in the English speaking world to practice and enjoy medicine better than Canada at the moment. It is not without its challenges but in my view the benefits significantly outweigh any such draw backs and it is not even close.

2. If you really want to pull this off in a smart way, I would suggest looking at the UK as a mid-way stop. The exams are cheaper. Your chance of getting a job/residency relatively easier compared to Canada. You can earn some money to pay for your exams, gather the necessary clinical experience that serves you well towards getting Canadian clinical equivalent recognition - i.e if youre looking at working at the GP level. The specialist route is longer and more tenuous but a man has got to do what a man has got to do.

Good luck and let me know if you think I can be of some further help information .


What would be your practical advice for someone already in training towards CCT for GP in UK? I will appreciate a stepwise advice/guide towards registration and getting a job?
Thanks.

chufor:
Please let someone advise a 200level medical student Na.. Abeg

Life, is a stage by stage process.
Why not clear your exams and become a doctor. Or better still, clear your 2nd MBBS exams then start thinking of writing foreign exams which can be written after 3rd mbbs like the USMLE.

STORM2:

Wait why? Is Canada a dead end?
Also please what's the process of going to the UK like? I just graduated. I'm kinda lost now

I remembered wen u got into mbbs program. Congrats

smithval:


Life, is a stage by stage process.
Why not clear your exams and become a doctor. Or better still, clear your 2nd MBBS exams then start thinking of writing foreign exams which can be written after 3rd mbbs like the USMLE.

sgtponzihater1:


Worry urself more with clearing the MBBS exams first. The other worries can come later.

Wow, both of your advice just reset my brain .... and it dawn on me that I'm to write my first MB by next year... The thing is that ASUU strike makes me feel like--- I got no worries

smithval:


Life, is a stage by stage process.
Why not clear your exams and become a doctor. Or better still, clear your 2nd MBBS exams then start thinking of writing foreign exams which can be written after 3rd mbbs like the USMLE.

sgtponzihater1:


Worry urself more with clearing the MBBS exams first. The other worries can come later.

Wow, both of your advice just reset my brain .... and it dawn on me that I'm to write my first MB by next year... The thing is that ASUU strike makes me feel like--- I got no worries.
Thanks Sirs

chufor:




Wow, both of your advice just reset my brain .... and it dawn on me that I'm to write my first MB by next year... The thing is that ASUU strike makes me feel like--- I got no worries.
Thanks Sirs

No problems at all. Be assured that nothing is impossible but once u put ur heart at it.