Canada's international medical graduates
CMAJ 1997;157:116
© 1997 Canadian Medical Association
In the past many Canadian provinces have actively recruited international medical school graduates (IMGs) to overcome physician shortages, particularly in rural and remote areas.
According to the 1997 CMA Masterfile, 25.5% of all active physicians in Canada are IMGs. The proportion varies greatly across the country, with the lowest representation reported in Quebec (13.1%) and the highest in Saskatchewan (54.1%) and Newfoundland (52.5%). The largest single group of IMGs in Canada was trained in the United Kingdom (26% of all IMGs), while South Africa and India tie for second at about 8.5%.
The Canadian Post-MD Education Registry reports that 616 IMGs finished postgraduate training in Canada in the year ended November 1996. Of these, 361 (59%) were visa trainees, most of whom return to their country of origin. The remaining 255 (41%) were Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are expected to set up practice here.
Federal data show that about 100 physicians enter the country each year with prearranged employment.
This column was written by Lynda Buske, chief, physician resources information planning, CMA. Readers may send potential research topics to Patrick Sullivan (sullip@cma.ca; 613 731-8610 or 800 663-7336, ext. 2126; fax 613 523-0937).
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