Residency in Canada or US for an IMG immigrating to Canada ?

[iNcorruptible]

Hey folks,

I know the issue of Residency in Canada vs US has been discussed extensively, however I did not find an answer to my question and would like to approach the issue from a different angle.

I'm a 25 y/o final year medical student, graduating in June, and faced with the tough task of choosing the next step in my career.
I'm faced with two options:

A. Do an extra year of internship in my home country, finish up the USMLE's and head directly to the U.S for residency.
B. Do a 2 year paid postdoc fellowship research in Ottawa, Canada, obtain the Canadian citizenship, then either continue residency in Canada or go back to the U.S

My specific questions are:
1. Academically/Experience, is there a big discrepancy between residency in the U.S vs Canada ?
2. I know that salary wise, Residents are paid in a similar manner, however how do the financial compensation compare post-residency ?
3. Can a Canadian citizen who did his/her's residency in Canada work in the U.S medical field ?
4. Does being a Canadian citizen make it easier to get accepted into U.S residency programs when compared to other IMG's ?

Hope anyone can answer these questions and perhaps give me an honest opinion/advice on what to do next.

Regards

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[bravotwozero]

My specific questions are:
1. Academically/Experience, is there a big discrepancy between residency in the U.S vs Canada ?

No

2. I know that salary wise, Residents are paid in a similar manner, however how do the financial compensation compare post-residency?

You'll earn considerably more in the United States, particularly if you go into a non primary care field

3. Can a Canadian citizen who did his/her's residency in Canada work in the U.S medical field ?

Sure, but you'd still have to take the USMLEs

4. Does being a Canadian citizen make it easier to get accepted into U.S residency programs when compared to other IMG's ?

No, but graduating from a Canadian medschool will.

 

[Kakoshi]

Just one addendum to the working in the US and getting your training in Canada part.

Certain residencies done in Canada will NOT qualify you to write the corresponding US board exam. For example doing neurosurgery, ENT or anesthesia residency in Canada will not allow you write the US boards. There may be other exceptions so beware. If you know what you want to do you should check with the US board people.
Board certification in the US isn't as important in the US as it is in Canada (pretty much you can't practice as a specialist unless you 've passed the Canadian boards) but could become an issue.

 

[iNcorruptible]

Thanks for the much-needed info.

What do you think of doing two years of basic science research prior to residency ? a bonus or a disadvantage ?

 

[Kakoshi]

Doing 2 years of basic science research is not necessarily a bad thing. Personally if I could obtain the residency of my choice I would just do the residency because potentially I could do the research during my residency depending on the kindness of the program director.
One disadvantage depending on your research is the lack of clinical contact which means your skills may atrophy. The step up to resident from medical student can be quite brutal. The advantage of doing research years during your residency means that you'll typically be doing research after you've built up a solid clinical base and it'll be harder to forget some of the stuff.
It's probably more personal preference at this point.
If you can't get into the residency of your choice then it would make you more competitive though.

 

[iNcorruptible]

I get what you mean.

I'll do the extra effort to keep in touch with the clinical aspect; by working on clinical research as well as studying (finishing up the USMLEs, doing the MCCEE, reading journals). I know it's easier said than done, but I guess that is what I'll have to do to be up to speed.

I also hope that those two years will get me enough credentials for me to focus on clinical aspect during residency, and not have to do any research again.

 

[foozmatic]

1. Academically/Experience, is there a big discrepancy between residency in the U.S vs Canada ?
I'm going to have to say yes. I've done rotations in Canada and US and let me tell u my view. If you're going to do residency at an IV League university program in the US (which is heard to get for an IMG unless your schores are in the 90s) then there is not much difference. However if you're at some non university program then I think the canadian system is much more better. Canadian programs are much more academic and well structured from what I saw.

2. I know that salary wise, Residents are paid in a similar manner, however how do the financial compensation compare post-residency ?

You could make much more money in the US but also you have much more headaches going along with it. Your overhead is much higher and also your malpractice is higher since US doctors get sued much more than Canadians.

3. Can a Canadian citizen who did his/her's residency in Canada work in the U.S medical field ?

Yes, you'd just have to write the board exams in which ever discipline you are in.

4. Does being a Canadian citizen make it easier to get accepted into U.S residency programs when compared to other IMG's ?
No absolutely not.

Hope anyone can answer these questions and perhaps give me an honest opinion/advice on what to do next.

here is my view: Having been in the US system for a while I prefere to be in canada because in canada you get to practice proper medicine rather than medicine that is much more business oriented. You might make more money in the states but living standards are higher in Canada and if you are thinking about raising a family Canada is a much better place.

I hope this helps some. let me know

Regards[/quote]

 

[iNcorruptible]

Thanks for the info.

I'm going to relate to you my situation and dilemma and wish you could give me some advice.

I'm a soon-to be medical graduate at the American University of Beirut, and I've got two choices ahead of me for next year:
1. I do one year of internship here at AUBMC, finish up my USMLEs and go for the match next year, hopefully do residency in the U.S.
2. I got an offer for postdoc fellowship, 2 years research in basic science at the University of Ottawa, for a stipend of $25,000. I have also applied for Permanent Residence in Canada.

Here's the dilemma then, if I stay here, I will have to forego permnant residence and the potential for Canadian citizenship, however I will be going earlier to complete my residency in the U.S.
If I leave to Canada, I will get the opportunity to get some research experience, perhaps get a few articles published, and get a chance at the Canadian Citizenship. I'll also be doing my USMLEs and MMCEE. Problem is that I'll be away from clinical medicine for 2 years if not more.

I'm not sure if it's clear cut for any of you in that position, because it's one hell of a dilemma for me since I love practicing Medicine.

Thanks for your input !

 

[docbill]

Ahhh now you make the situation a bit different.

AUB is an exceptional medical school and you should be able to Match in the US with those stats.

IF YOU SPEAK AND CAN WORK IN FRENCH:

If you got immigration to Canada, I would go directly to Canada and start my residency obligation. At the same time I would move to Quebec (i.e. anywhere in Quebec) within a week of when you arrive to Canada and I would get quebec province residency status rather than Ontario status. (This is especially important if you speak French and can function in French, since this will help you Match in Quebec for which being a Quebec province resident is a MUST). FYI, you can live in Gatineau and work in Ottawa, since it is literally 10min drive away. Many people do that.

Also I would consider starting your post-doc in Ottawa and applying for a position in Montreal. McGill or UMontreal. Of course this all depends about your ability to speak french.

IF YOU DON'T speak FRENCH AT ALL:

Then forget that plan and go to Ontario. Start your post-Doc there. You need 3 years to get citizenship. In the meantime you can write your US and Canadian exams and apply for residency in Canada and US.

Good luck.

 

[iNcorruptible]

Thanks docbill you're of great help.
Actually as many Lebanese I am french educated and quite proficient at it in writing reading and speaking.

My choice of Ottawa was a matter of opportunity i.e. getting the chance to work with a great Professor, rather than the location.

I noticed you insisted in matching for Quebec. Is residency in Quebec better than the rest of Canada ? Any specific advantages ?

 

[ransak]

Quebec residency programs are relatively easier for foreigners who can speak french language. Otherwise getting a residency position in Canada is extremely difficult for IMG's. The quality of program is a different matter and you can get different opinions. Pay wise, the pay is less compare to other programs. Since you have a language advantage you should consider using this advantage in your favour. I am sure that you will get a chance to do research in Montreal, if you are getting a chance in Ottawa. Ottawa is not a biggest name when it comes to practice of Medicine!

 

[jd23208]

is it absolutely necessary for an IMG to apply for residency in Canada before he can practice? or is it possible for an IMG to start practicing as a GP in rural areas once he has passed all necessary exams and not apply for residency training in Canada?