Matej Mikulic
Research expert covering health, pharma & medtech
Physicians in Canada - statistics & facts
There is an estimated shortage of 26,800 physicians in Canada between 2024 and 2033. Even so, each year hundreds of internationally trained doctors are turned away because they were unable to get into a residency program, a requirement for them to practice in Canada. This includes Canadians who studied medicine abroad, looking to return home for their career. Moreover, an uncountable number of foreign-trained and experienced physicians – ready to join the workforce – are disheartened by the red-tape surrounding licensing, a process that is not only costly but can take years. What makes it so difficult for doctors to work in Canada despite international training or experience?
