Healthcare Crisis in Canada - Canada faces a healthcare crisis with long wait times and a shortage of doctors and healthcare workers [7] - Over 40% of internationally trained doctors are unemployed or underemployed in Canada [8] - Black doctors from African countries face more barriers in getting licensed in Canada, including longer delays, stricter scrutiny, and lower acceptance rates in residency programs [8] Refugee Doctors' Potential Contribution - Refugees are often skilled, talented, well-educated, and innovative, and many seek to contribute rather than rely on public support [6] - Canada needs skilled refugees to help solve its healthcare crisis, fill labor shortages, and drive innovation [11] - Many internationally trained doctors work in roles such as health aides or medical office staff instead of practicing medicine [8] Barriers to Integration - Refugees are sometimes perceived negatively, with some believing they are not well-educated or able to give back [5] - Instead of facilitating their experience, Canada often forces refugees into survival jobs [11] - Doors are often closed to refugees seeking opportunities in their fields [5] Proposed Solutions - Canada should recognize foreign credentials and accept foreign work experience [9] - Programs should be established to transition refugee doctors into the Canadian healthcare system [9] - Germany fasttracks foreign credential recognition, allowing skilled refugees to enter their field two to three times faster [10] - Australia allows international trained doctors to work under supervision, reducing integration time [10] - Communities, employers, and policymakers should rethink their approaches to unlock the untapped potential of skilled refugees [12]