Doctor and pharmacist shortages are a problem in some areas
and specialties in both the United States and Canada. These shortages were
ascribed to a number of variables, including population growth, aging
populations, the retirement of medical professionals, differences in geography,
imbalances in specialties, and immigration and visa regulations. The increasing
demands for healthcare services brought on by population increase and the
escalating healthcare requirements of older populations put a burden on the
workforce already in place.
The
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates that by 2034,
there may be up to 124,000 fewer doctors in the country than are required. This
indicates that the country would likely have a severe physician shortage.
Numerous elements that contribute to the growing gap between the two groups
have led to this projection.
A physician shortage is a problem in Canada as well, and
things are only going to become worse over the next few years. By 2028,
according to federal data, Canada may have a shortage of almost 44,000 doctors.
Family physicians and general practitioners are severely impacted, making up
more than 30,000 of the anticipated gap.
In some areas and circumstances, both countries are also
facing a lack of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Numerous initiatives are
being taken to solve these shortfalls. The supply of doctors will be increased
by increasing enrollment in medical schools and providing incentives for more
students to choose primary care or other specialties where there are shortages.
In order to recruit and retain medical professionals in underprivileged areas,
recruitment strategies are being created.
The
United States
Foreign medical graduates (FMGs) from the US are subject to
a rigorous process in order to meet the nation's strict licensing regulations
and high medical standards before they are allowed to practice medicine in the
US. Assessing FMGs' credentials and certifying their readiness to enroll in US
graduate medical education (GME) as residents or fellows are key tasks
performed by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
There
are three steps in the USMLE: Step 1, Step 2 (CK and CS), and Step 3. In order to solve medical
issues and provide patient care, these tests assess the examinee's ability to
apply medical knowledge, ideas, and concepts. Instead of only assessing memory,
the exams are meant to evaluate practical abilities and how medical concepts
are applied.
FMGs need to pass the Step
1 and Step 2 (CK and CS) tests in order to become ECFMG-certified. They are
eligible to apply for a residency or fellowship program in a US medical
facility once they have received ECFMG certification. In certain jurisdictions,
FMGs must complete all three steps before applying for residency; in other
states, Step 1 and Step 2 scores, as well as a compelling application letter,
may be taken into account.
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FMGs can start the application process for residency
programs after passing the USMLE series and earning their ECFMG certification.
Depending on the medical specialization they choose, they could spend 3 to 8
years in a residency or fellowship program. FMGs that participate in residency
programs are paid employees who are compensated on a monthly basis for their work
in US healthcare facilities.
The
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's Foreign Pharmacy Graduate
Examination Committee (FPGEC), a committee, oversees a multi-step
procedure allowing foreign-trained professionals to become certified
pharmacists in the United States. Candidates must meet certain requirements in
order to qualify, including graduating from an accredited pharmacy institution
in their native country, having a current license, and speaking English
fluently.
FMGs must have finished four years of healthcare education
at a medical school that is certified and listed in the International Medical
Education Directory (IMED) by the Foundation for Advancement of International
Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) in order to start their medical careers
in the US. They must also earn ECFMG certification and pass the US Medical
Licensing Exam (USMLE).
The
application procedure includes providing proof of education
and licensing as well as completing the NABP TOEFL exam to demonstrate language
ability. Candidates must pass the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency
Examination (FPGEE), a thorough test that covers a range of pharmacy-related
topics, after satisfactory verification. The FPGEE outlines eligibility for
licensing, but state-specific licensing standards differ, and applicants might
need to meet other requirements such as background checks, supplementary tests, and
ethical conduct agreements.
To guarantee a smooth transition into the field,
foreign-trained pharmacists seeking employment in the US should carefully
adhere to the FPGEC's regulations and state-specific licensure requirements.
The FPGEC is essential in determining whether the
candidates' credentials are up to level with those of pharmacists educated in
the US. The extensive FPGEE test evaluates candidates' proficiency in administrative
and behavioral subjects, basic biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences,
clinical sciences, and pharmaceutical sciences. In order to practice pharmacy
in the US, one must meet the particular licensure requirements set forth by
each state, which may involve passing additional tests and background checks.
Candidates must do their homework and get in touch with the state boards of
pharmacy in the states where they intend to practice to understand the
requirements specifically and guarantee that they are in line with licensing
laws. Although the procedure may be difficult, it ensures that pharmacists with
training from abroad satisfy the high standards required to deliver secure and
efficient healthcare in the United States.
Many US states have developed new policies and initiatives
that enable medical professionals with training from abroad to get licenses and
engage in unrestricted practice there.
Canada
Due to a physician shortage, Canada has established a number
of immigration routes to draw in foreign medical specialists. Through the
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry program or the Federal Skilled
Worker Program (FSW), physicians can come to Canada. Furthermore, Provincial
Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to propose doctors for
permanent residency based on local labor market needs, with some jurisdictions
having particular streams dedicated to assisting doctors with immigration.
Medical
Council of Canada (MCC) recognition of a physician's credentials
is a prerequisite for their ability to practice medicine in Canada. The Medical
Council of Canada (MCC) awards medical graduates who meet certain requirements,
such as passing the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE)
Part I and Part 2, the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), and
finishing at least 12 months of acceptable postgraduate training, the
qualification known as the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC).
Family physicians must fulfill a number of conditions in
order to be fully licensed to practice anywhere in Canada. These conditions
include obtaining a medical degree from an accredited medical school, becoming
a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, finishing an appropriate
postgraduate training program, and earning certification from the appropriate
medical bodies.
While doctors with international training can begin working
with a provisional license, different jurisdictions may have different
licensure requirements. Through PhysiciansApply.ca, the MCC provides a
credential verification service to assist medical students and graduates in the
process of becoming Canadian-licensed physicians.
Lack of residency openings is one of the difficulties
experienced by physicians with overseas training who go to Canada. Potential
remedies for this bottleneck include boosting the capacity of hospital and
university networks, hiring more educators and assessors, and adding more residency
slots in the healthcare system.
Also being worked on is streamlining the process for
international medical graduates and doctors to have their credentials
recognized. A three-month initiative, for instance, will be implemented by the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to recognize the
credentials of physicians practicing in the province who have qualifications
from other countries.
Pharmacy
Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)-established processes must be
followed by foreign pharmacy graduates who desire to practice as licensed
pharmacists in Canada. Their pharmacy degree must first be assessed by the PEBC
to make sure it complies with Canadian regulations. A number of documents must
be submitted for this review, including the application form, proof of
identity, immigration history, university degree certificate, transcript, and
license statement. Candidates can move on to the following steps after the
document review is finished.
The
following phases include passing two PEBC exams: the
Qualifying Exam as well as the Evaluating Exam. The Qualifying Exam is divided
into two parts: an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and a
multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam. The Evaluating Exam determines if the
candidate's program of study is similar to Canadian norms. The candidate
receives the "Certificate of Qualification" from the PEBC after
passing these tests.
Candidates must first get the PEBC certification before
deciding which province they want to practice in and then meet any additional
requirements imposed by that province's regulatory authority. These
prerequisites frequently include passing a Jurisprudence exam to show that one
is knowledgeable with pharmacy-related rules and regulations in the province,
as well as passing a language proficiency test (such as the TOEFL or IELTS),
completing a pharmacy internship, and completing practical training in the
field (studentship). Once all prerequisites have been satisfied, applicants can
submit an application for a pharmacy license in the specified province and
begin working as a licensed pharmacist in Canada.
Earning
Potential of Doctors and Pharmacists with International Training in the US and
Canada
The earning potential of physicians and pharmacists with
overseas training in the US and Canada can vary greatly based on a number of
variables, including the region, kind of work, amount of experience, and
specialization. Due to the vital significance of their responsibilities in the
healthcare system, doctors and pharmacists generally have the opportunity to
earn incomes that are competitive in both nations.
Doctors
in the US with Foreign Training: Internationally trained
doctors might need to complete several tests and residency programs
to practice independently in the US. Their salaries can range
significantly if they have the required credentials and authorizations.
Physicians and surgeons made a median annual salary of about $208,000,
according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The amount
can, however, differ greatly depending on the medical specialty, with some specialists
making noticeably more.
Pharmacists in the US with International Training: Earnings for pharmacists in the US with an international education can also vary depending on the state, the type of pharmacy (hospital, retail, etc.), and experience. The average pharmacist in the US made around $128,000 per year, according to the BLS.
Doctors in Canada with Doctors in Canada with International Training: Depending on the province and the local healthcare system, the salaries of doctors with international training can vary across Canada. The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reported that the average gross clinical payment for a doctor in Canada was close to $350,000. The location and practice type are two examples of variables that can affect whether this average is greater or lower.
Pharmacists
in Canada with International Training: According to the province and
the particular practice location, salaries for pharmacists with international
training in Canada can also vary. The median pay for pharmacists in Canada was
approximately $97,000, according to data from the Job Bank of the Government of
Canada. Training
Depending on the province and the local healthcare system,
the salaries of doctors with international training can vary across Canada. The
Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reported that the average
gross clinical payment for a doctor in Canada was close to $350,000. The
location and practice type are two examples of variables that can affect
whether this average is greater or lower.
Pharmacists in Canada with International Training: According to the province and the particular practice location, salaries for pharmacists with international training in Canada can also vary. The median pay for pharmacists in Canada was approximately $97,000, according to data from the Job Bank of the Government of Canada.
It's vital to keep in mind that these numbers represent
averages in general and that a person's actual earnings may differ greatly from
those estimates. Additionally, factors like inflation and modifications in the
healthcare sector can cause salary fluctuations over time.
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