Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals in Canada (IEHP-CAN)
The program provides a comprehensive support structure that supports IEHP’s abilities and goals. The program is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by IEHPs on their path to eligibility for practice in Canada by providing knowledge exchange opportunities, training, support, mentoring, networking opportunities, and guided advice to IEHPs, with a focus on refugees. It offers a broad range of strategies, pathways, and solutions to seeking integration into the Canadian healthcare system as well as alternate health career paths in health and development.
Partnership Announcement
In 2021, the PEGASUS Institute developed a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian Medical Foundation (CMF) to conduct a preliminary search with Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs) – and academics & physicians working in the field of IEHP integration into the Canadian healthcare system and to develop programming to assist them in bridging the gap between healthcare professionals new to Canada and their goals of practicing their profession in the diverse and promising country.
In late 2023, the PEGASUS Institute and the Canadian Medical Foundation initiated meetings with national partners of IEHP groups and professionals working directly with IEHPs to explore opportunities, ideas, and strategies for expanding the ongoing work. These discussions focused on creating a long-term, collaborative initiative to provide maximum benefits for IEHPs in or coming to Canada.
Now in 2024, this collaboration is advancing further, with the development of an extended IEHP project led by PEGASUS and CMF. This expanded initiative includes nationwide partnerships and participation, aiming to enhance support and resources available to IEHPs across Canada.
Overall Program Objectives
Assist IEHPs in understanding and exploring opportunities to fully utilize their many skills and assets in Canada.
Provide IEHPs opportunities for knowledge exchange around pathways and solutions to seeking integration into the Canadian healthcare system as well as alternate career paths in health and development.
Offer support to established physicians and other interested individuals, foundations, and corporations to assist IEHPs in practicing in various medical professions.
Upcoming Events
The Annual IEHPs Summit 2025
Date: November 22, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Toronto, ON
Recording From Previous Events
IEHP Pre-Conference Event: Bridging Careers, Embracing Diversity
This special pre-conference session—part of the International Refugee and Migration Health Conference (IRMHC)—focused on supporting refugee and internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs) on their path to meaningful careers in Canada.
Through collaborative dialogue and a spotlight on mentorship, the session brought together IEHPs, service providers, and sector leaders to explore integration challenges, share practical tools, and discuss solutions for equitable healthcare workforce access.
Date: June 26, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM EDT | 9:00 AM ADT
Location: Immigrant Services Association Of Nova Scotia (ISANS): Mumford Professional Building, 6960 Mumford Rd Suite 2120, Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
Hybrid: In-person & Zoom
Hosted by Pegasus Institute
In partnership with ISANS & the Canadian Medical Foundation (CMF)
Support & Healthcare Workforce Integration for IEHPs in Canada
Support & Healthcare Workforce Integration for IEHPs in Canada
Date: June 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Location: Online via Zoom
In Collaboration with:
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ISANS (Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia)
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PCPI (Progress Career Planning Institute)
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OCISO (Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization)
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CREMCV (Club de recherche d’emploi Montréal Centre-Ville)
In Partnership With:
The Canadian Medical Foundation
What we discussed:
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Healthcare bridging programs that were accessible to IEHPs in different provinces
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National language training programs that were tailored to IEHPs
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Exam preparation and integration support that was provided for internationally educated nurses across Canada
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Employment programs and profession-specific resources that were available
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Support services and mentorship that were offered for Francophone IEHPs in Montréal
For IMGs: Residency Match Pathways: Insights from IMGs Who Matched in Canada and the U.S.
We recently hosted a live webinar featuring medical residents who successfully matched through the CaRMS (Canadian Residency Matching Service) and ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) systems. They shared personal stories, lessons learned, and advice for fellow International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM EDT
Location: Online via Zoom
What Participants Gained:
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Firsthand insight into what helped—and what didn’t—during the application process
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A better understanding of the unique challenges IMGs face
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Real-world tips for navigating the complexities of the Canadian and U.S. residency match systems
Topics Covered:
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Crafting strong résumés and personal statements
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Building a competitive application
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Securing observerships and preparing for licensing exams
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Strategies to improve your chances of matching in either country
Who Joined:
IMGs from across Canada who are preparing to apply for residency programs and seeking guidance from those who’ve been through the process.
IEHPs Hybrid Events
HYBRID SEMINAR & HEALTHCARE JOB FAIR
Held on: Saturday, November 23, 2024
10:00 am – 2:00 pm EST
Launch of the Francophone chapter of the IEHP project
PEGASUS Institute invited attendees to the launch of the Francophone chapter of the IEHP project. The purpose of this event was to present the project and to invite anyone interested in joining the network as a mentor, mentee, or supporter of internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs) in their efforts to practice in Canada.
One aspect of the project was the provision of resources and opportunities for IEHPs. The event featured the participation of SÉO, who presented the CarriElles Santé project, aimed at French-speaking and bilingual newcomers who were internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs).
Event Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
Sponsored by:
The Canadian Medical Foundation
Speakers:
- Burcu Suer – CarriElles Santé Project Coordinator
- Siham Chakrouni – CarriElles Santé Project Supervisor
Past Highlights
The IEHP Potluck was held on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Waterloo Park, bringing people together to create a supportive community.
2023 Activities Overview
Pre-Conference Symposium
For Immigrant and Refugee IMGs at the North American Refugee Health Conference (Calgary, Alberta, and virtual).
Partnership Event at NARHC 2023
Hosted by: PEGASUS Institute in partnership with AIMGA
Format: Hybrid (In-person and Virtual)
To kick off the North American Refugee Health Conference (NARHC) 2023, PEGASUS Institute, in partnership with AIMGA, hosted a free pre-conference hybrid event. This symposium brought together 25 participants in person and 90 online, offering a comprehensive agenda that included the following sessions:
- The Integration of IEHPs: USA vs Canada – How Do We Compare?
- Experiences of Refugee Physicians: Their Unique Challenges and Barriers
- Alternative Careers: Lessons Learned, Tools, Resources, and Experiences of IEHPs in Non-Physician Roles
- Looking Back, Assessing Our Current State, and Planning for the Future
- A General Overview of Licensure Pathways
This event provided a platform for discussing key issues affecting Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs) and exploring strategies for their successful integration into the healthcare systems in both the USA and Canada.
Symposium Overview for Refugee and Immigrant ITPs and IENs
Date: October 14, 2023
Location: Ottawa, Ontario (Hybrid – In-person and Virtual)
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting internationally trained professionals, PEGASUS organized a hybrid symposium focused on refugee and immigrant Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs) and Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). The event brought together over 50 participants in person and 25 online, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on the integration of international medical and nursing graduates into the Canadian health system.
Attendees were able to gain valuable insights from the personal experiences of refugee and immigrant medical and nursing graduates, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they face. This symposium served as a significant opportunity to exchange knowledge and support the successful integration of these professionals into the healthcare workforce.
IEHP Web Portal Platform
The IEHP Web Portal Platform is a vital resource for Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs). You can explore the platform at https://internationalhealthprofessionals.ca.
Web Portal Features
- Licensure Guidance: Detailed information on the licensure process in Canada.
- Mentorship Program: Connect with experienced professionals who can guide you through your career development.
- Resource Library: Access a wealth of resources to support your career development and integration into the Canadian healthcare system.
The PEGASUS Institute’s IEHP project team has successfully developed and launched this comprehensive web portal, designed to explain, guide, and inform IEHPs about the various components, processes, and pathways necessary to practice healthcare in Canada. The team worked diligently to gather, compile, and organize a wealth of content and resources for this platform, initially focusing on the physician and nursing pathways.
In 2024, the platform continues to expand, incorporating additional healthcare pathways and alternative career options. The content, sourced from national Canadian organizations, professionals, experts, and licensure bodies, has been thoroughly developed and tested by IEHPs. Based on their feedback, the portal has been refined and is now fully available for use.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as we continue to add more content and services to benefit IEHPs throughout 2024 and beyond.
Project Expansion with National Partners
Commencement of project expansion with National partners marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance support for IEHPs. This expansion aims to leverage nationwide resources and expertise, fostering a more integrated and comprehensive approach to assisting IEHPs in Canada.
Web Portal Features
The IEHP Web Portal Platform is designed to be a comprehensive resource for Internationally Educated Health Professionals. It offers detailed guidance on licensure pathways, Mentorship program, and a wealth of resources to support career development.
Stay Connected with IEHP WhatsApp group
Join our community of Internationally Educated Health Professionals and stay informed about the latest resources, events, and updates. Together, we can navigate the pathways to a successful healthcare career in Canada.
Our Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This project is actively contributing to the achievement of the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
