New Immigrant Health Professional’s Individual, Societal and Economic Impact of Ryerson University’s Internationally Trained Medical Doctors (ITMDs) Bridging Program: Results from a Pilot Bridge Training Program at the Chang School of Continuing Education

Shafi U Bhuiyan

doi:10.18741/jpcoe35

Abstract

Although Canada is home to a large number of internationally educated health professionals, their skills and experiences are grossly underutilized in the Canadian healthcare landscape. Barriers to medical practice are pervasive, and as a result the majority of internationally trained medical doctors (ITMDs) work in “survival” jobs significantly below their skill level. The pilot ITMD Bridging Program was developed to provide an alternative path for ITMDs by providing the skills and competencies required for non-licensed health sector employment, ultimately aiming to improve integration of ITMDs into the Canadian workforce. This secondary research evaluates the ITMD Bridging Program by assessing the impact of the program at both individual and societal levels.Qualitative and quantitative data were used to evaluate the individual and societal impact of the program. Secondary data from participants’ entry and exit surveys, as well as key informant interviews conducted with ITMDs upon program completion were used for the analysis. The economic impact of the program and its overall utility to the economy of Ontario were assessed through literature review and social rate of return analysis.ITMDs program participants reported substantial improvements in skills related each of the core courses including health research methods, health informatics and data management, fundamentals of project management, as well as healthcare professionals communication and leadership skills. ITMDs also perceived the program to be a viable option to address human potential waste, enhance the economy, develop individual capacity building, and alleviate frustrations associated with labour market exclusion. The program is also economically viable at the societal level, and represents a rate of return of 6.52%.The ITMD Bridging Program has demonstrated that providing non-licensed health sector employment is a viable option for policymakers to consider in their efforts to address the current brain waste in the Ontario healthcare sector. Bridging programs similar to the ITMD Bridging Program have the capacity to impact individual outcomes of ITMDs, the economic landscape in Ontario, and Canada at large.

Highlights

Ontario is home to a large number of internationally trained medical doctors (ITMDs)
Findings from this study demonstrate the capacity of bridging programs such as the one offered at Ryerson University to develop ITMDs’ skills, knowledge, and professional capacity, which are fundamental for their integration into the healthcare labour market
This study provides insights as to the potential impacts of bridging programs to promote the integration of ITMDs into the non-licensed healthcare sector

Summary

Introduction

Ontario is home to a large number of internationally trained medical doctors (ITMDs). In 2008, 23% of IMGs successfully obtained a residency position, but only 6% were able to do so in 2011 (Thomson & Cohl, 2011). Other barriers, such as lack of language proficiency and lack of Canadian experience, can prevent IMGs from obtaining employment (Bourgeault et al, 2010; Rudenko, 2012). Many ITMDs and IMGs face unemployment or engage in an occupation that is below their skill level. Unemployment or occupational over-qualification can negatively impact immigrants’ mental health (Chen, Smith, & Mustard, 2010; Dean & Wilson, 2009)

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