Success Stories
Many IMGs are licensed to practice medicine in Nova Scotia. You can be too!
Medical Doctors
Brian Christopher M. Nocon
Medical Doctor
“Uplift each other, as individual success is success for everyone.”
Landed: 2008
Time landing to license: 14 years
Qualifications held before landing:
MD, Licensed Physician – Republic of the Philippines
Qualifications obtained after landing:
MCCEE, MCCQE1, MCCQE2, LMCC, NAC-OSCE, IELTS. Research Associate – Atlantic PATH Project, Laboratory Manager, Chairperson Biosamples Working Group, Representative NS IMG Multi-Stakeholder Working Group, IMG-Bridging Program Coordinator at ISANS. ATLS Instructor, PALS, ACLS, ATLS, General Surgeon
Challenges faced:
Navigating the healthcare system for International Trained Physicians.
Advice for IMGs:
The journey to becoming certified and the ability to practice medicine and surgery is a long and arduous process. Who you are and what you are is not dictated by the policies and regulations set forth. You have trained hard, it’s a matter of mindset. Never give up. Challenges are there and each person’s journey is unique to their own situation and circumstances. Pathways are developed on the best available practices and regulations. Look for opportunities that are not obvious to everyone. Think outside the box and be proactive. Find inspiration and hope from your fellow IMGs. Do not be afraid to ask. It is from this that you find answers and receive support towards your goals, not just in becoming certified in Canada, but also in life in general. Be open to suggestions and use those suggestions to improve yourself and better your strategy towards licensure. Lastly, remember to “stop and smell the roses” and enjoy the journey.
Clinical Assistants
Abdullah Qureshi
Clinical Assistant
"Getting licensed may seem like a long journey, but the rewards at the finish line are amazing."
Landed: 2016
Time landing to license: 26 months
Qualifications held before landing:
MBBS (Pakistan), Internship (Saudi Arabia), Internal Medicine residency (Saudi Arabia), MRCGP (UK).
Qualifications obtained after landing:
MCC-EE, MCCQE-1, NAC-OSCE, IELTS. MicroResearch research project.
Abdullah worked two simultaneous part-time jobs: phlebotomist at NSHA and IMG-Bridging Program Coordinator at ISANS.
Challenges faced:
Financial difficulties after consuming reserves until he found a job.
Advice for IMGs:
The MCC exams were easy to challenge because of the excellent ISANS course. In addition to the IMG-Bridging program, ISANS has a lot of useful services—they all are free!
Getting licensed may seem like a long journey, but the rewards at the finish line are amazing.
Max Al Aqel
Clinical Assistant
“Learn from others' successes and failures but create your own story.”
Landed: 2020
Time landing to license: 2 years
Qualifications held before landing:
MBBS, Internship
Qualifications obtained after landing :
MCC-EE, MCCQE-1, NAC-OSCE, IELTS. MicroResearch project, two simultaneous part-time jobs: Research Fellowship at NSHA and IMG-Bridging program coordinator at ISANS.
Challenges faced:
Winter. Navigating through the new healthcare system. The lack of information online about the licensing process.
Advice for IMGs:
Trust yourself. Adapt to changes. Be resilient and persistent. Always look for ways to grow your knowledge and skillset. Study to practice not just to pass exams. Reach out to others and join study groups, don’t just study alone. Seek ways to be involved (observer ships, volunteer, and research opportunities). Finally, develop a positive attitude about the lengthy process. Remember that you have the knowledge and skillset that your community needs. Healthcare regulatory bodies, societies, and associations are on your side; they are rooting for your success.