Canadian Doctors Also Hesitant to Relocate South
A prominent Ottawa heart surgeon, Dr. Marc Ruel, had planned to join the University of California, San Francisco, to lead their heart surgery division. However, recent political developments in the U.S. led him to stay in Canada.
“With Canada facing challenges, I felt a duty to serve my country from here,” Ruel explained.
Ruel’s decision reflects a broader trend among medical professionals rethinking U.S. opportunities due to the current political climate.
Canada’s Health System Gains Amid U.S. Uncertainty
The political shifts under the U.S. administration are influencing healthcare professionals’ decisions, potentially benefiting Canada’s medical system. American doctors are exploring opportunities to practice in Canada, while Canadian physicians are increasingly opting to stay.
A Surgeon’s Duty Over Politics
Dr. Ruel, who served over a decade as head of cardiac surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, is known for pioneering minimally invasive bypass techniques. He had intended to bring these skills to California, where such advanced procedures are rare.
“I’m not a politician; I’m a surgeon,” Ruel said, emphasizing his wish to avoid political debates. However, U.S. policies, including tariffs and strained relations with Canada, made staying in Canada the better choice. “I’m committed to serving Canadians,” he added, noting his disappointment for patients in California who anticipated his expertise.
U.S. Physicians Eye Canada
In the U.S., concerns about working under the current administration are prompting some doctors to consider relocating. Three American physicians, including one who recently moved to British Columbia, expressed unease about health policies, particularly those promoted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. health secretary. They cited fears of an anti-science agenda, including Kennedy’s appointment of David Geier, a vaccine skeptic with a controversial history, to study vaccine-autism links. Geier’s past claims have been widely debunked.
Additionally, Kennedy’s plan to cut 10,000 public health jobs has heightened uncertainty among U.S. doctors.
Surge in Relocation Inquiries
Michelle Flynn, COO of CanAm Physician Recruiting Inc., reports a significant increase in U.S. physicians seeking opportunities in Canada. “Inquiries have more than doubled in recent months,” she said. Flynn, who recruits for both countries, notes a sharp decline in Canadian doctors willing to move to the U.S. A recent attempt to fill an obstetrician-gynecologist position in the U.S. failed due to lack of interest.
Flynn now conducts interviews five days a week, up from three, to accommodate the influx of U.S. doctors. Her agency registers over 60 physicians monthly, driven by streamlined licensing processes in Canada, particularly in Ontario.
Ontario Welcomes U.S. Doctors
Ontario’s health ministry highlights efforts to ease licensing for internationally trained doctors. In collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), barriers for U.S.-trained physicians have been reduced, allowing immediate practice. Between 2023 and 2024, CPSO registered 351 U.S.-educated doctors, with 240 applications received this year, mostly from physicians currently practicing in the U.S.
Canada’s Healthcare Resilience
Dr. Ruel remains optimistic about Canada’s healthcare system despite its challenges. “The principles of equity and access are vital,” he said. He believes Canada is well-positioned to navigate global uncertainties, offering stability for medical professionals.