Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Launches Internationally Trained Medical Doctors Bridging Program

New program will launch in January 2015 providing training for 14 internationally trained medical doctors from 10 countries

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Ryerson University's Provost and Vice-President Academic, Mohamed Lachemi, and Marie Bountrogianni, dean of The Chang School, will jointly launch the new Internationally Trained Medical Doctors Bridging Program at Ryerson University today. The goal of the program is to successfully integrate highly qualified, skilled, and experienced internationally trained medical doctors (ITMD) into non-licensed health-care employment.

"Over 90 per cent of internationally trained medical doctors living in Canada face a number of professional and employment barriers. Many are underemployed and the majority are engaged in so-called 'survival jobs.' This represents a lost opportunity for our province to benefit from the advanced academic and professional credentials of these highly skilled professionals," says Bountrogianni. "This is certainly the right historical approach to find a solution by supporting newcomer integration to help them transition in the workplace."

The Chang School collaborated with leading health sector organizations in Ontario to launch this new pilot bridging program within its Gateway for International Professionals.

The program will address common barriers to employment by providing 11 weeks of sector-specific in-class training and four-week practicum placements within top-ranked health facilities in Ontario. There is an identified need within the health sector for qualified professionals to participate and support non-clinical initiatives. The program will provide additional skills for participants to gain employment in health research, health informatics, data analysis and health management positions in Canada as an alternative to medical doctor licensing.

Competition for the ITMD Bridging Program was intense with The Chang School receiving hundreds of phone calls and nearly 500 emails immediately after the website went live. More than 150 applications were submitted for just 12 spots in the program. With the support of program partners, enrollment was increased to 14 candidates, from 10 different countries.

"This  program was certainly a collaborative effort with our partners HealthForceOntario Marketing and Recruitment Agency, the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, the Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael's Hospital, the Centre for Global Health Research, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael's Hospital, The Scarborough Hospital, Toronto East General Hospital, Bridgepoint Health, Dignitas International, and Toronto Public Health," says Shafi Bhuiyan, a distinguished visiting professor with The Chang School and Faculty of Community Services who will be overseeing the program. "Their support has provided our internationally trained medical doctors with the opportunity to pursue careers in their field."

An orientation session will be held at Ryerson the morning of December 11 for the program's first cohort of ITMD students. They will begin their program in mid-January.

About The Chang School

Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education (ryerson.ca/ce) is Canada's foremost provider of university-based adult education, facilitating access to the University's renowned, professionally relevant courses and programs. Since 1975, we have been delivering leading-edge workplace knowledge that empowers learners to reach their personal and professional goals. We have approximately 70,000 annual enrollments (in 1,500 courses, seminars, and workshops) in Arts; Business; Communication and Design; Community Services; Engineering, Architecture, and Science; Gateway for International Professionals; Programs for 50+; and Spanning the Gaps – Access to Post-Secondary Education. We also offer 88 career-related certificate programs and numerous course series, with 23 certificate programs that can be completed entirely at a distance. Our flexible, accessible programming is available on campus, via distance education, and off-site for employee groups at leading organizations.

SOURCE: Ryerson University

For further information: Media Contact: Suelan Toye, Public Affairs, Ryerson University, Office: 416-979-5000 x 7161, [e-mail], Follow us @RyersonU