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Alternative careers toward job market integration: Barriers faced by international medical graduates in Canada

Abstract
International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who completed their medical degree and training outside Canada area notable portion of skilled migrants to Canada. However, due to a long and uncertain licensure process and limited opportunities many IMGs look for alternative career pathways where they can utilize their learned skills. Alternative careers in the health and wellness sector may offer such opportunities; however, IMGs’ success in these pathways were also less evident despite their high potential. Barriers that IMGs face when attempting alternative jobs in Canada was studied through focus groups in Calgary, AB and Toronto, ON. Focus groups found that IMGs encounter many barriers in different stages of their resettlement journey in Canada, including both the pre-migration and post-migration phases. Collaborations between organizations, policy makers and researchers are needed to target these barriers.
Authors: Tanvir C. Turin,Nashit Chowdhury,Deidre Lake Publication Date: 1/1/2023

Publication Type: Journal Article

URL:https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/3/2311
Notes

Open access: No

Community organizations: n/a

Future research / gaps identified:

1) Prioritize uncovering the root causes of barriers faced by international medical graduates (IMGs)

2) Explore the experiences of IMGs who have successfully integrated into alternative careers

3) Collect the perspectives of employers and healthcare organizations on hiring IMGs

Integration timeline: newcomers not defined

Key findings

Barriers to labour integration and employment that international medical graduates (IMGs) experience include:

1) Lack of information on IMG success rate

2) Lack of information/guidance for alternative careers

3) Financial barriers to achieve certifications for alternative careers

4) Discrimination

5) Limited opportunities for growth

6) Lack of Canadian work experience

7) Language barriers

Key populations: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in Calgary, AB or Toronto, ON

Key recommendations

1) Provide more information about alternative career paths and opportunities

2) Create mentorship programs and networking opportunities for international medical graduates (IMGs)

3) Address discrimination and bias in the hiring process

4) Streamline the licensure process for IMGs

5) Recognize the value of IMGs’ skills and experiences on a systems level

6) Offer communication skills and language training services

Locations: Calgary, AB & Toronto, ON


Collections employment , resettlement-integration

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