Times of Crisis Call for Innovative Solutions: International Medical Graduates Can Help Combat COVID-19

Ratna Omidvar April 16, 2020 covid19migration, international medical graduates

Senator Omidvar’s thoughts on why IMGs should be allowed to help support the healthcare system during the pandemic.

The outbreak of COVID-19 is straining the Canadian healthcare system, a burden that can be alleviated if International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are permitted to help. IMGs are those who graduated from international medical schools, including Canadians who went to medical school abroad. While it is possible for IMGs to practice in Canada, the process for accreditation varies by province and can be lengthy, expensive, and complicated. It can take IMGs anywhere from a year to a decade to be re-certified, and the process costs around $14,000 to $28,000. As a result of the convoluted licensing process, many internationally trained doctors have settled for jobs in fields unrelated to medicine.

Although IMGs have spoken out about the problems with the Canadian re-accreditation system in the past, it has been especially frustrating for them to be unable to work in their chosen field during the outbreak of COVID-19. An online petition, which has garnered more than 15,000 signatures across Canada, was started by IMGs wishing to help during the crisis. Due to the need for additional medical personnel during the pandemic, some provinces – including Ontario and British Columbia – are taking IMGs up on their offer.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is providing an expedited process for Short Duration Certificates. These short-term licences will allow some internationally -trained physicians to practice under supervision. Although offering the licenses is an important first step, efforts must be made to spread the word about their availability, since few doctors have applied so far. By the end of March, the CPSO had received only 12 applications, and had approved 10 of them. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia is following Ontario’s lead by amending the province’s Health Professions Act so that international medical graduates can apply for a supervised associate physician licence. If approved, the proposed Bylaws will be implemented after the consultation process ends on April 15^th. While Ontario and British Columbia are the only two provinces so far to call on IMGs during the pandemic, other provinces should consider exploring this option to help alleviate pressure on their healthcare systems.

Canada is not the only country turning to IMGs to help make up for a shortage of healthcare professionals during the outbreak of COVID-19; Spain, Ireland, and the states of New York and New Jersey have all made changes to their respective licensing rules to allow international medical professionals to practice in their jurisdictions.

The Spanish government plans to implement new regulations that will enable international resident doctors, appropriately trained asylum seekers, and qualified immigrants to help in the fight against COVID-19. Professionals who meet the requirements will be granted a one-year work permit. The Irish government has taken a similar approach, with the Irish Medical Council announcing that refugees and asylum seekers who trained as doctors and nurses in their home countries may be able to help during the pandemic by working as healthcare assistants. As part of a massive recruitment drive, Ireland’s Health Service has waived registration fees and started fast-tracking applications.

In the United States, the governors of the two states most severely affected by the spread of COVID-19 have made it easier for IMGs to help. On March 23^rd, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an Executive order to temporarily allow unlicensed graduates of international medical schools to provide patient care in hospitals. In neighbouring New Jersey, on April 1^st Governor Phil Murphy signed an Executive order authorizing the granting of temporary licenses to doctors who are licensed and in good standing in other countries.

Although Canada is clearly not the only country that has failed to license IMGs in a timely manner, it should not have taken a global pandemic to make Canadians realize that allowing IMGs to practice is in our best interest. While rigorous testing is necessary to ensure that IMGs are qualified to work in the Canadian healthcare system, the process for accreditation could be sped up and made to be more cost-effective. Lessons will be learned from the outbreak of COVID-19; perhaps one of them will be how Canada can better utilize the skills and experience that internationally trained doctors bring to the table.