Canada’s healthcare system continues to face an urgent workforce crisis, marked by increasing physician burnout and turnover; prolonged diagnostic and emergency wait times; and millions of residents struggling to access consistent primary care. While it is recognised that creating effective pathways for international medical graduates (IMGs) to practice in Canada could help address this crisis, IMGs remain an underutilised resource. IMGs face barriers to professional recognition and practice, such as costly licensure processes, limited residency opportunities, and challenges securing alternative healthcare roles. The Digital Narratives of Newcomer Physicians (DiNNP) project was developed in collaboration with Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (ACCES Employment)and the Moonshot Collaborative for Translational Health Equity at the Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners. This project highlights the resettlement experiences of IMGs and translates these narratives into a resource that informs and inspires other newcomer IMGs.

This project sought to illuminate the settlement and professional integration journeys of IMGs by centering their lived experiences. Through qualitative interviews and interactive digital narrative timelines, the project captures the narratives of eight IMGs who have migrated to Canada and have either chosen to pursue re-licensure or transition into alternative careers in the health sector. By amplifying these stories, the project provides critical insights for policymakers, employers, and service providers, while also equipping future IMGs with relatable support for navigating their own integration journeys.

Knowledge Products

• Digital Narratives of Newcomer Physicians: Mapping A Journey of Integration and Well-Being - ACCES Employment

How to Cite This Resource:

Hafleen N, Choon-Kon-Yune I, Abejirinde IO. Digital Narratives of Newcomer Physicians (DiNNP): Mapping a Journey of Integration and Well-Being. Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Canada. October 2025.