IMGs share their experiences with CPSA’s PRA program

Estimated read time: 5 minutes

Physicians and married couple Dr. Ogechukwu Graham Nwobe and Dr. Amarachi Acholonu-Nwobe came to Alberta from Nigeria in November 2021. They each completed the first half of their PRAs in Westlock before moving on to Barrhead for the second half of their PRAs, which they completed in 2022. They now call Barrhead home.

Can you tell us about your decision to come to Alberta to practise medicine?

Dr. Nwobe: Coming to Alberta started with our decision to come Canada. We didn’t know where we would ultimately settle—we didn’t have an idea of what the provinces were like, so we did some research and touched base with doctors we knew who were in Alberta to learn about life here. We felt it was better for us to move to a place where we would have support and where we know people, so we chose Alberta.

We moved in mid-November of 2021, and our first impression was that Canada is a cold country! We had to adapt fast and hit the ground running, but it was a shock all around—the weather, the culture, the people.

Dr. Acholonu-Nwobe: We tried not to be too anxious and to keep an open mind. We were ready for the change, and the resources available to us though AIMGA (the Alberta International Medical Graduates Association) helped. This meant we had connections to information, to directions and to other people who were on this journey with us.

Dr. Nwobe: Now that we’ve been through this experience, we mentor and direct other people who are at the beginning of this pathway. It helps them feel more confident when they’ve heard from others who have taken a similar route.

You both completed your preliminary clinical assessments (PCA), the first part of the PRA, in Westlock, followed by your supervised practice assessments (SPA) in Barrhead. What was this process like?

Dr. Nwobe: In both Westlock and Barrhead, the two of us were assigned to different assessors and we completed our assessments in separate medical clinics. The CPSA assessors we worked with are seasoned family medicine practitioners capable of mentoring and assessing physicians coming to Canada. CPSA identified these assessors, and then we came under their wings to be assessed for our clinical knowledge as well as our readiness to practice in Canada. This involved assessing how we interact with patients, how effectively we communicate and the quality of our decision-making.

Once the PCA was complete, our assessors sent detailed reports to CPSA, who was satisfied that we both successfully completed our PCAs. We then moved on to our supervised practice assessments (SPA) in Barrhead, where we were supervised for another three-month assessment.

Dr. Acholonu-Nwobe: During both parts of the PRA, it’s important to let patients know you are undergoing an assessment and to get their consent to participate in the process. Our experiences were that our colleagues and the community were all supportive, understanding and willing to participate.

Each community is unique, and it takes time to learn the particularities when you are new. It took time to adapt and learn everything, from where medical supplies are located within the office to where to refer patients for testing. We both felt our assessors were supportive—any time we asked for information, the assessors would point us in the right direction. We were also very welcomed by patients. Everyone worked in collaboration to help make the process a success.

How has completing the PRA affected the way you practice medicine?

Dr. Nwobe: The PRA has greatly influenced how we practice medicine. From a clinical perspective, there isn’t much of a deviation from what we had experienced previously but when you factor in culture and communication, there is a whole world of difference. However, the support we were offered, the ease of information sharing between doctors and specialists, and the feedback we received has greatly improved our practice.

In addition to assessing our skills and competencies, the PRA was also an opportunity for us to ask questions and learn nuances unique to Canada. I’d say our learning process continues—it goes beyond medical learning, extending to cultural elements that need to be understood to be effective physicians in Alberta.

What value do IMGs bring to Alberta?

Dr. Nwobe: Most of the time, IMGs are people who come to Canada with vast experience. Many have practised where the doctor-to-patient ratio is very high, and they have been exposed to a wide range of medical conditions over the years, which deepens their knowledge and experience. This means Canadian patients seeing an IMG will be treated by experienced doctors who can treat many conditions. An IMG’s broad training and experience helps make it easier to practise in more rural or remote communities where patients may require specialised care and have limited access compared to patients in urban communities. Patients appreciate the depth of knowledge IMGs bring.

What advice would you give to an IMG looking to practice in Alberta?

Dr. Nwobe: The PRA is an exciting program, but practising in a new country will always have its challenges. I recommend physicians looking to practice in Alberta contact CPSA to learn what steps they will need to take to prepare. They should also consider getting in touch with IMGs already practising here for information on how to adjust as a newcomer. Finally, I recommend physicians take any required exams before they come to Canada if possible.

Dr. Acholonu-Nwobe: Some physicians come straight to Alberta after completing their exams and are immediately placed into the PRA. Taking a bit of time to get oriented will help a new-to-Canada physician ease into their community. A balance is important between helping the physician adjust to their new community and not slowing their practice entry.