Becoming A Doctor: The New Brunswick Route

New Brunswick is a great place to pursue a career in medicine. The province has been working hard to attract more doctors, and as a result, the number of physicians has been steadily increasing over the years. The majority of doctors are based in Saint John, but there are also significant numbers in Moncton, Fredericton, and Miramichi. New Brunswick offers a high quality of life, with a good work-life balance, a sense of community, and proximity to nature. The province is also committed to improving access to healthcare for its residents, with initiatives like NB Health Link, which helps connect patients with family doctors or nurse practitioners.

Education and licensing requirements

To become a doctor in New Brunswick, you must first complete a bachelor's degree, preferably in a field related to medicine or science, such as biology or chemistry. This is because a bachelor's degree is required to apply to medical schools in Canada. While not necessary, it may be advantageous to take courses that are specifically recommended by your target medical schools.

Next, you will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is a standardized exam used by medical schools in Canada and the United States to assess prospective students. The MCAT covers various topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, and critical analysis. Your score on the MCAT, along with your bachelor's degree, will be crucial components of your application to medical school.

After completing your bachelor's degree and achieving a satisfactory MCAT score, you can apply to medical schools in Canada. The duration of medical school in Canada is typically four years, and during this time, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of medical theory and practice. You will participate in lectures, laboratory work, and clinical rotations, where you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-world medical settings under the supervision of licensed physicians.

Upon graduating from medical school, you will need to obtain a medical license to practice as a doctor in New Brunswick. This involves registering with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, which is responsible for licensing physicians, monitoring standards of medical practice, and investigating complaints against physicians in the province. The specific requirements for obtaining a medical license may vary, so it is essential to refer to the College's guidelines for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Additionally, it is worth noting that there are incentives available for doctors who choose to practice in rural and remote communities in New Brunswick, as these areas often face challenges in attracting physicians. The provincial government has implemented financial incentives and programs such as reduced tuition and loan forgiveness for medical students who commit to practicing in underserved communities after graduation.

Lastly, it is important to stay up to date with any changes or updates to the requirements for becoming a licensed doctor in New Brunswick. This includes staying informed about any new policies, regulations, or guidelines that may be implemented by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick or other relevant authorities.

Job opportunities and demand

New Brunswick is currently facing a labour shortage, with a shrinking workforce due to a large ageing population, low interprovincial migration, and a lower international migration rate compared to the national average. This has created a high demand for skilled workers in various sectors, including healthcare.

The healthcare sector in New Brunswick is in need of qualified professionals, including doctors, nurses, personal care workers, paramedics, therapists, and support staff. The province has the third-highest rate of family physicians per 100,000 people in Canada. The ageing population drives the demand for healthcare workers, and the province offers competitive salaries and benefits, making it an attractive career destination.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick is responsible for licensing physicians, monitoring standards of medical practice, and investigating complaints. They also provide advice in ethical, medical-legal, and quality of care matters.

The Vitalité Health Network, a bilingual healthcare provider in the province, regularly posts job opportunities for physicians in various specialities, including:

• Gynecology and Obstetrics
• Plastic Surgery
• Orthopedics
• Primary Care
• Psychiatry
• Dermatology
• Pathology
• ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)

New Brunswick offers a unique blend of career opportunities and a well-rounded lifestyle. It boasts a culturally diverse community, a sense of belonging, and a work-life balance that is hard to find elsewhere. The province's natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and laid-back atmosphere make it a desirable place to live and work.

With its dynamic economy, competitive salaries, and supportive environment for newcomers, New Brunswick presents an attractive package for doctors seeking career growth, a sense of community, and a fulfilling life outside of work.

Financial incentives and loan forgiveness programs

The Government of New Brunswick offers several incentives to encourage physicians to establish a practice in the province. These incentives include bursaries and grants for medical students, as well as business and relocation grants for licensed physicians. The incentives vary depending on the location of practice, with some incentives specific to urban or rural areas.

In addition to government incentives, there are also loan forgiveness programs available for doctors in Canada and the United States. These programs are designed to eliminate some or all of a physician's outstanding loans in exchange for service in a specific area or region. Here are some examples of loan forgiveness programs:

• Canada Student Loan Forgiveness: This program offers up to $60,000 in loan forgiveness for family doctors or residents in family medicine, and up to $30,000 for nurses or nurse practitioners. The loan forgiveness is applied to the outstanding loan principal balance after 12 months of service, and the 5 years of service do not have to be consecutive.
• Armed Forces Loan Repayment Programs: These programs offer eligible physicians in the U.S. military partial loan forgiveness of up to $40,000 per year, up to a maximum of $250,000. To qualify, individuals must be enlisted as commissioned officers and sign a written agreement to serve on active duty.
• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program: This program provides up to $50,000 in loan forgiveness for doctors who serve for two or more years at an approved site in a designated health professional shortage area (HPSA). Physicians must be in the areas of obstetrics/gynecology or general internal medicine to qualify.
• NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program: The NHSC also offers a loan repayment program specifically for rural communities. This program will repay up to $100,000 of outstanding student loans for doctors who serve for at least three years in an approved rural substance use disorder treatment facility.
• State Doctor Loan Forgiveness Programs: Many states in the United States have instituted loan repayment assistance programs to encourage doctors to live and work in high-need areas. For example, Arizona offers up to $65,000 in loan repayment benefits for doctors who serve for at least two years at an approved site providing outpatient primary care services.

These are just a few examples of the financial incentives and loan forgiveness programs available for aspiring doctors in New Brunswick and beyond. It's important to note that each program has specific eligibility requirements, service commitments, and application processes that should be carefully reviewed.

Online and virtual care

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the implementation of virtual care solutions in New Brunswick, with the Department of Health expanding several virtual care initiatives. Virtual care has been defined as any non-face-to-face modality of care or supporting digital intervention.

Connected Health – Virtual Care Program

Connected Health has been identified as a critical offering that enables access to care when the clinician and patient are not in the same location. It also facilitates remote interaction between patients and their circle of care, using various forms of communication or information exchange to maximise the quality and effectiveness of patient care.

Asynchronous Virtual Care

Asynchronous Virtual Care refers to non-simultaneous communication for delivering patient care, such as written messages. An example of this is the MyHealthNB Program, which provides patients with secure access to their Personal Health Information, including COVID-19 test results.

Provincial EMR Program

The Provincial EMR Program is a key part of achieving an integrated health system, improving patient care by increasing access to digital health systems for clinicians.

NB Virtual Care Mobile App

The NB Virtual Care Mobile App includes a secure file transfer feature designed for clinical care, supporting secure end-to-end file transfer and messaging to the patient and their care team.

Zoom for Healthcare (ZoomHC)

ZoomHC is a secure, web-based virtual care video conferencing platform. The Department of Health obtained 7000 licenses for clinicians across New Brunswick, with an estimated 10% of the population receiving clinical care via ZoomHC.

NB Virtual Care Platform

The NB Virtual Care Platform supports the delivery of NB health care services, empowering clinicians and patients to access services from any internet-capable device. Over 1195 users have been onboarded to the platform, with 300 additional clinicians now qualified to use it.

EVisitNB

EVisitNB Virtual Care is covered with a valid Medicare Card issued by the Government of New Brunswick. It offers online access to New Brunswick nurse practitioners.

Maple

Maple is a trusted online doctor resource, providing convenient 24/7 virtual care. It offers access to Canadian-licensed primary care providers, specialists, and mental health therapists within minutes by phone, video, or text. Maple can provide virtual prescriptions and sick notes, although it does not prescribe narcotics or opiates.

Work-life balance

Doctors in New Brunswick can achieve a work-life balance by taking advantage of the province's laid-back lifestyle and the flexibility that comes with practising in a less specialized environment.

The Challenges of Being a Doctor

The demanding nature of the medical profession often leads to long hours, high stress, and a challenging work environment. These factors can take a toll on doctors’ mental and physical well-being, making it crucial to find a healthy work-life balance. Physicians are at a higher risk of burnout, depression, and suicide than the general population, and excessive workloads and long hours are often contributing factors.

Benefits of Work-Life Balance

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for doctors' personal happiness and health, and it also contributes to better patient care, reduced burnout, and overall job satisfaction. A better work-life balance can lead to increased job satisfaction, which can positively impact overall well-being and career longevity.

New Brunswick offers a unique opportunity for doctors to enjoy a laidback lifestyle while building a successful healthcare career. The province boasts a diverse culture and a strong sense of community, with plenty of access to nature. Doctors in New Brunswick can benefit from the flexibility of practising a variety of medicine, from outpatient to emergency to inpatient medicine, all within a single location.

Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance

• Prioritize responsibilities by focusing on critical tasks and delegating or eliminating less essential ones.
• Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, such as avoiding work emails during off-hours and scheduling personal time.
• Practice good time management by setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and using tools like calendars to stay organized.
• Communicate with your employer about work-life balance concerns and explore solutions like flexible work hours or job-sharing arrangements.
• Take care of your physical and mental health by engaging in regular exercise, eating well, sleeping enough, and seeking professional help if needed.
• Foster support networks of colleagues, friends, and family who can provide emotional support and understanding.
• Choose a specialty that aligns with your desired work-life balance, such as family medicine, dermatology, or psychiatry.
• Schedule time for personal and family activities, and don't be afraid to say no to additional responsibilities to maintain balance.
• Utilize technology, such as electronic health records and telemedicine, to streamline work processes and save time.
• Focus on providing high-quality care to feel a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in your work.
• Take advantage of vacation time to recharge and rejuvenate, returning to your practice refreshed and more capable of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Maintain a positive attitude by focusing on the rewarding aspects of your work and the difference you make in your patients' lives.

By implementing these strategies, doctors in New Brunswick can achieve a healthier work-life balance, leading to improved personal and professional fulfilment.

Frequently asked questions