Chicago Thursday, May 29, 2025
U.S. Doctors Relocating to Canada Amid Political Concerns
Earlier this year, as President Donald Trump began reshaping the American government, Michael an emergency room physician born, raised, and trained in the U.S. decided to leave the country with his family. He now works at a small-town hospital in Canada. For his safety and to avoid potential retaliation from the Trump administration, KFF Health News have granted him anonymity. Michael expressed mixed emotions about leaving, feeling some guilt for not staying to oppose Trump’s policies but ultimately confident in his choice. He criticized the growing tolerance for violence and cruelty in America, saying it clashed with his values as a doctor: “Part of being a physician is being kind to people at their weakest, and I feel like our country is evolving to step on the weak and vulnerable.”
Surge in U.S. Medical Licensing Applications in Canada
Michael is one of many American doctors now seeking refuge in Canada due to political shifts in the U.S. Since Trump’s reelection and return to the White House, interest among U.S. physicians in Canadian medical licenses has soared. According to the Medical Council of Canada, there has been a more than 750% increase in American doctors creating accounts on physiciansapply.ca, the initial step to practicing medicine in Canada, rising from 71 to 615 over seven months compared to the same period last year. Provincial licensing authorities in Canada have also reported an uptick in applications from U.S. doctors, some of whom openly cite Trump as the reason for their move.
John Philpott, CEO of CanAm Physician Recruiting, noted that many of these physicians are upfront about their desire to leave the U.S., with some saying they’re ashamed to be American. Canada, with its universal healthcare system, has long been an appealing destination for U.S.-trained doctors disillusioned with American healthcare. Although licensing was once a hurdle due to educational differences, recent regulatory changes in several Canadian provinces have made it easier and quicker for American physicians to be certified.
