Internationally trained medical doctors (ITMDs) experience significant challenges becoming licensed in Canada, particularly in Ontario. As a result, a large number of ITMDs either choose a non-healthcare related career below their skill level or remain unemployed. There is a need for alternative career programs to utilize the pool of available ITMDs and to assist their transition into non-licensed jobs in the health sector. To address this problem, Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education launched the ITMD Bridging Program in 2015.

Co-founder and Program Lead Dr. Shafi Bhuiyan, PhD created ICAN in 2017 as a platform for ITMDs in Canada to access mentorship in post-graduate training, professional development, global public health education, health research management and career guidance. Graduates of the ITMD Bridging Program volunteer to support health professionals with a diverse range of skills to navigate their career paths in Canada.