Held on June 26, 2025 this dynamic, solution-oriented Pre-Conference session focused on: “Systems Approaches to Addressing Barriers and Solutions for Refugee-IEHPs in Canada.
Held as part of the International Refugee and Migration Health Conference (IRMHC), this special event brought together internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs), service providers, and sector experts to examine the systemic barriers facing refugee-IEHPs and share practical strategies for change.
Through engaging dialogue and an emphasis on mentorship, this session will empower refugee and IEHP participants with tools and guidance to better navigate pathways to meaningful roles within Canada’s healthcare system.
View recording:
Speakers:
Dr. Sepideh Behroozan, ISANS, Family Physician at the Newcomer Health Clinic and Assistant Professor in Family Medicine at Dalhousie University.
Dr. Sepideh Behroozan began her medical career as a pediatrician in Iran. After immigrating to Canada, she completed her licensure exams and re-entered medical school, graduating as a Canadian medical graduate. She went on to complete her residency in Family Medicine and has since been practicing at the Newcomer Health Clinic in Halifax, where she provides culturally sensitive care to refugees. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Behroozan is actively involved in mentoring internationally trained physicians. She currently serves as an Examiner for the College of Family Physicians of Canada and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Dalhousie University. Sepideh was recently honored with the Dr. Clement Ligoure Award, recognizing her dedication and leadership in providing health care to newcomers in Nova Scotia.
Beverley Zwicker, CEO and Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists (NSCP).
With over two decades of experience in pharmacy regulation and practice, Beverley has been instrumental in advancing regulatory modernization and workforce integration in Nova Scotia. She has played a key role in efforts to streamline licensure pathways for internationally educated pharmacists, aligning regulatory frameworks with public health needs and equity principles. Beverley is widely recognized for her commitment to innovation, professional standards, and fostering inclusivity within the pharmacy profession in Canada.
Dr. Filipe Santos, Medical Council of Canada (MCC).
IMG Special Advisor at the MCC, an RCPSC-certified anesthesiologist, and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Filipe Santos joined the MCC in March 2025 as an IMG special advisor and will be supporting the organization’s strategic objective of actively assisting IMGs as they navigate to practising as physicians or move into other medical roles in Canada, including through developing preparatory tools. A RCPSC-certified anesthesiologist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Santos received his medical education in Brazil, where he also completed medical school and his residency training and later earned a PhD in pharmacology. Informed by his own experience as an IMG, he has supported and mentored many others hoping to practice medicine in Canada and has an active social media presence.
Dr. Harinder Sandhu, President and Chair of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
A respected figure in Canadian dentistry, Dr. Sandhu has made significant contributions to education, regulation and community service. He served as Dean of Dentistry at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, where he also held roles as Chair of Admissions, Chair of Periodontics and Vice Dean. He was instrumental in launching the DOCS (Dental Outreach Community Service) program, which expanded access to care for underserved populations. Dr. Sandhu is a passionate advocate for accessibility in oral health care and was recognized in 2013 with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the profession and community. As RCDSO President, Dr. Sandhu champions innovation, inclusivity and the public interest, guiding the College’s mission to ensure safe, ethical and high-quality dental care across Ontario.
Carol Timmings, Strategic Partner Liaison at the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and a board member at the Touchstone Institute.
Carol Timmings, RN, B.N.Sc.., M.Ed., joined CNA as Strategic Partner Liaison in January 2025. In this part time role, Carol supports the executive office and other key portfolios in advancing CNA’s strategic and operational priorities. She plays a pivotal role in relationship management and the co-creation of a stakeholder engagement strategy to strengthen CNA’s impact across Canada’s health-care landscape. Carol is a highly experienced nursing leader with an extensive background in public health, health policy, nursing regulation and governance. Throughout her career, Carol has been committed to health equity, diversity, and inclusion, and she has consistently built and led high-performing teams to deliver impactful results aligned with public health and safety priorities. Carol has also served on numerous nursing and health system boards and initiatives, including her recent tenure on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2022-2024). She currently serves on the Touchstone Institute board of directors.
Keri McAdoo, CEO of the Nova Scotia Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE).
Former Deputy Registrar at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. A Dalhousie MD graduate with family medicine residency training at the University of Alberta, she has over 20 years of clinical experience. Under her leadership, Nova Scotia launched Canada’s first physician assessment centre to better integrate internationally trained doctors. A recognized leader in medical regulation, Dr. McAdoo has shaped new licensing pathways for IMGs across Canada.
Lara Keable, Assistant Director in the Settlement Policy Branch at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) .
Based in the Director General’s Office, she plays a key role in shaping federal policies on refugee and settlement integration, language training, credentials, and employment support. Lara frequently contributes to intergovernmental discussions on labour and economic development initiatives, reflecting her involvement across provincial–federal policy domains.
