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Alternative Careers toward Job Market Integration: Barriers Faced by International Medical Graduates in Canada

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  • Tanvir C. Turin

    (Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
    Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Nashit Chowdhury

    (Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
    Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
    Alberta International Medical Graduates Association, Calgary, AB T2E 3K8, Canada)

  • Deidre Lake

    (Alberta International Medical Graduates Association, Calgary, AB T2E 3K8, Canada)

Abstract

International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who completed their medical degree and training outside Canada constitute a notable portion of the skilled migrants of the country. 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. In this study, we investigated the barriers that IMGs stated to face when attempting alternative jobs in Canada. Eight focus groups with 42 IMGs in Canada were conducted. Using a thematic analysis approach, we identified that IMGs encounter these barriers in different stages of their resettlement journey in Canada, including both the pre-migration and post-migration phases. In the pre-migration phase, IMGs were not aware of the success rates of the licensing pathways and did not have sufficient information regarding potential alternative careers. In the post-migration phase, the lack of information continues to affect IMGs where IMGs exhaust their resources pursuing alternative careers without proper guidance and support. Further, IMGs struggle with taking preparation for alternative careers by obtaining further certifications and completing other prerequisites for some barriers, such as financial constraints. While looking for jobs, some IMGs perceived systemic discrimination such as non-recognition of their credentials and experience. Furthermore, the mismatch of expectations and limited growth opportunities offered by potential careers serve to disincentivize IMGs from pursuing an alternative career. Addressing the current employment inequity experienced by IMGs in Canada warrants research collaborations between organizations supporting IMGs and policymakers that target known barriers to the pursuit of alternative careers by IMGs.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanvir C. Turin & Nashit Chowdhury & Deidre Lake, 2023. "Alternative Careers toward Job Market Integration: Barriers Faced by International Medical Graduates in Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2311-:d:1049099
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ather H. Akbari & Martha MacDonald, 2014. "Immigration Policy in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States: An Overview of Recent Trends," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(3), pages 801-822, September.
    2. Yaw Owusu & Arthur Sweetman, 2015. "Regulated Health Professions: Outcomes by Place of Birth and Training," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 41(s1), pages 98-115, August.
    3. Marie-Jeanne Blain & Sylvie Fortin & Fernando Alvarez, 2017. "Professional Journeys of International Medical Graduates in Quebec: Recognition, Uphill Battles, or Career Change," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 223-247, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohammad M. H. Raihan & Nashit Chowdhury & Tanvir C. Turin, 2023. "Low Job Market Integration of Skilled Immigrants in Canada: The Implication for Social Integration and Mental Well-Being," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-13, March.

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