Expert: Christine Fader - 3/17/2010

Question
Hi Christine,
   I am an international medical graduate from India. I have passed all my USMLEs in USA but I am unable to get into residency due to low scores. I would like to know if there is any way I could get into some alternative career in Canada where my degree would be of use. I am not interested in pursuing Canadian medical residency.I am open to fields like clinical research or pharmaceutical research. Also do I need any kind of certification or degree to pursue the above options.
Thank You.

Answer
Hello,

Physicians unable to practice in Canada (and even some who can!) often work in jobs that use their medical knowledge without requiring the license to practice.  As you mentioned, clinical research and pharmaceutical research are two such areas that you could try.  They will also sometimes find work writing for medical websites (where a full Canadian license may not be required), hospital administration and governance, administrative/managerial/logistical work in health-care organizations or community-based organizations etc.

Some specific places you might want to look for opportunities would be www.medhunters.com (check under the "physician" section and the "other" section), clinical trials departments at universities in Canada (you could administer clinical trials), contract instructional positions at universities (teaching anatomy to medical students for example), instructional positions at community colleges (e.g. teaching nursing, pharmacy technician, or science students), business development/research/managerial departments in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and government (federal and provincial ministries of health or community and social services).

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, be sure to mention that in your applications.  If you are not, it is possible to get work, but some organizations may be required to consider citizens or permanent residents first or prove that they can't find any Canadian to do the job before they can offer it to you.

Good luck!

Christine
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Christine Fader
Career Counsellor
Author, "Career Cupid:  Your Guide to Landing and Loving Your Dream Job"
www.careercupid.com
Follow my blog at:  careercupid.blogspot.com