Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs) in Canada struggle to recertify and secure employment in their respective fields. About half of immigrants with internationally obtained post-secondary health education credentials are underutilized – they are either unemployed or work in non-health occupations (Statistics Canada, April 2020).
Resources to pathways for licensure for IEHPs exist online, but they are often incomplete and scattered across different websites, leaving individuals at a dead end in their search and further confused about how to navigate the system to move toward licensure. There are also questions of “Where do I look?”, given that each jurisdiction’s licensing process differs from another and some pathways may be viable for some and not for others. These pathways are also different depending on the IEHPs country of origin, credentials, experience, and whether or not they have the documentation to show for their eligibility (e.g., refugees often leave their homeland or interim homeland with limited belongings). Such pathways are also long, costly, and taxing on the individual and the family.
In 2022 the Canadian Medical Foundation (CMF) and the PEGASUS Institute partnered in a shared mission to support IEHPs in their journey to integrate into the Canadian health workforce.
We are proud to announce the launch of an online resource platform (website) tailored as a “first-stop-shop” to guide IEHPs through the complexities of healthcare pathways and facilitate improved employment access in Canada. The online platform serves to reduce confusion, ensure accessibility, and provide clear, concise guidance and comprehensive insights.
Browse the new platform: https://internationalhealthprofessionals.ca/
Here’s what you can expect from the newly launched website:
Resource Hub: A wealth of resources, tools, and guides designed to facilitate transition into the Canadian healthcare landscape. From licensure requirements and accreditation processes to career development tips.
Mentorship Opportunities: A wide range of mentorship opportunities tailored to specific needs and aspirations.
Events and Workshops: Events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to allow IEHPs to connect with like-minded professionals and learn from industry experts.
Community Forum: We are creating a vibrant online community forum, where IEHPs can ask questions, share insights, and seek advice, whether you’re grappling with a licensure issue, exploring career options, or simply looking for words of encouragement.
At the heart of the healthcare profession lies a diverse tapestry of talent, with professionals hailing from all corners of the globe. This program aims to harness this incredible diversity and expertise by providing a platform for mentorship, support, and guidance to internationally educated healthcare professionals seeking to integrate into the Canadian healthcare system.
We encourage you to take a moment to explore the website and send it to any colleagues or IEHPs you think may benefit from guidance through the steps in their journey to integrate into the health workforce in Canada.
