Doctor Who: Foreign credential recognition of international medical graduates

Although the Canadian immigration system selects economic-class immigrants on the basis of human capital, many new arrivals face difficulties in finding employment commensurate with their professional training. International medical graduates more specifically face lower employment outcomes, and have difficulty attaining work in the medical field. This can be attributed to barriers in getting foreign-earned credentials assessed and recognized. While several studies have investigated barriers related to equivalency debates, few have evaluated structural barriers in BC, in a more recent time frame. This paper attempts to fill this gap by evaluating structural barriers and investigating current policies and opportunities. Case studies, expert interviews, and a literature review help identify and assess policies. I recommend improving and expanding pre-arrival services for the credential assessment process. This should be followed by the creation of a BC initiative for international health care professionals which includes a micro-loan program, a career accelerator, and clinical trainee positions.