American doctors look to relocate to Canada to avoid the Trump administration

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NPR

May 29, 2025 7:13 AM ET


Earlier this year, as President Donald Trump was beginning to reshape the American government, Michael, an emergency room doctor who was born, raised, and trained in the United States, packed up his family and left the country. Michael now works in a small-town hospital in Canada. KFF Health News and NPR granted him anonymity because of fears he might face reprisal from the Trump administration if he returns to the U.S. He said he feels some guilt that he did not stay to resist the Trump agenda but is assured in his decision to leave.

Too much of America has simply grown too comfortable with violence and cruelty, he said. "Part of being a physician is being kind to people who are in their weakest place," Michael said. "And I feel like our country is devolving to really step on people who are weak and vulnerable." Michael is among a new wave of doctors who are leaving the United States to escape the Trump administration.

In the months since Trump was reelected and returned to the White House, American doctors have shown skyrocketing interest in becoming licensed in Canada, where dozens more than normal have already been cleared to practice, according to Canadian licensing officials and recruiting businesses. The Medical Council of Canada said in an email statement that the number of American doctors creating accounts on physiciansapply.ca, which is "typically the first step" to being licensed in Canada, has increased more than 750% over the past seven months compared with the same time period last year — from 71 applicants to 615.

Separately, medical licensing organizations in Canada's most populous provinces reported a rise in Americans either applying for or receiving Canadian licenses, with at least some doctors disclosing they were moving specifically because of Trump. "The doctors that we are talking to are embarrassed to say they're Americans," said John Philpott, CEO of CanAm Physician Recruiting, which recruits doctors into Canada. "They state that right out of the gate: 'I have to leave this country. It is not what it used to be.'"

Read more: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/29/nx-s1-5414345/american-doctors-look-to-relocate-to-canada-to-avoid-the-trump-administration

[modrepub]

1. Small Number

But there are lots of places in the US that are already short doctors and general medical care staff. So this isn't going to help.

Didn't read the whole article but I can't help but think some of this may be due to how the US private health-care and government sponsored health-care systems are reimbursing those providing the services. Dealing with health insurance companies and the US government is not a pleasant task. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of these folks have had enough and would rather try their luck with another system.

[chouchou]

2. A Doctor I know said this: "I could be put in prison in some states...and more coming states....

...simply because I'm trying to save a woman ...doing a certain procedure."
We know what she/he is talking about.

[2naSalit]

3. I personally know of...

Three medical doctors who are strongly considering it, none of whom are in OB/GYN field. One is pediatrician who thinks he will be out of a job because of the medicaid cuts, lives in a red, rural state.

All of these doctors will probably be better off elsewhere for now.

[Karasu]

4. The future of health in this country is so grim now that anyone who values it and has the means to do so has

every reason to get out.

[BurnDoubt]

5. Solving that immigration problem...

Thanks to him, even US citizens don't want to live here anymore, either.

[Bev54]

7. Last one out is to turn off the lights.

[Bev54]

6. Canada is making it easier for a transfer of their licenses for both Doctors and Nurses.

Many nurses have already moved to Canada.

[cabotnn22]

13. We need doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners.

Glad to hear some are moving to Canada.

[Ilsa]

14. I can remember when Canadian nurses moved to

my former state, Texas, to work. I doubt there are many left.

[Bev54]

15. Yep I remember a lot of nurses going south for the work, at a time when our idiot medical administrations

would only give them part time. They worked more than full time but because they were classified part time did not get all the benefits. We have done some stupid shit too.

[tinrobot]

8. No insurance company red tape in Canada, so more time with patients.

Last edited Thu May 29, 2025, 08:29 PM - Edit history (1)

OB/GYNs don't have to worry about going to jail.

Less gun violence, so doctors don't have to deal with the medical repercussions of that.

Plus Canada pays well enough for it to be a decent living.

[dutch777]

10. And the country is not ruled by a mad man!

[Aristus]

9. If British Columbia accepted Physician Assistants, I would probably already be gone, me and Mrs. Aristus both.

Alberta accepts PA's, but I don't want to live there as much as I want to live in BC. I hope BC changes its policy soon. I have a friend who is an ARNP. He moved to Victoria with his family, and is as happy as can be.

[Jarqui]

11. Many may not be able to make the move after they look at the tax implications

Young doctors without much wealth can go.
But doctors who have banked considerable wealth/income could find it very costly

There are ways to reduce the damage but some folks I've talked to have been discouraged by the steep exit tax price.

Maybe someone will devise a clever way out ...

[cabotnn22]

12. God knows we need doctors up here

I hope they don't go to Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. The Maritimes has a severe doctor shortage. My doctor moved to Toronto years ago; I'm still on a waiting list. I pay to go to a private clinic.