Dr. Ihab Khierelseed (back row, first on the left) an internal medicine physician and nephrologist, participated in the June Welcome Collaborative.

Dr. Ihab Khierelseed, an internal medicine physician and nephrologist, participated in the Welcome Collaborative in June 2024 having started to practice three months earlier in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

“It was always in my mind that I would practice in Canada because there are good opportunities here to build independent practices, and the working conditions and quality of life are very good here,” says Dr. Khierelseed.

Born in Sudan, Dr. Khierelseed completed his postgraduate training in Ireland and completed two fellowships in Toronto in nephrology and renal transplant between 2016 and 2019. He then started practicing in Scotland before moving to Nova Scotia.

Dr Khierelseed noted that one of the significant challenges for internationally trained physicians is navigating through a new healthcare system. He observed that differences in medical practices, regulatory frameworks, and cultural expectations can pose hurdles for new physicians.

“After the Welcome Collaborative, I felt reassured that if there is any problem or any issue, there are a lot of people willing to help. There are a lot of materials and resources, and we can always reach out and people are willing to help. The sessions were very well organized and structured. It was very clear that there was a great effort made to facilitate sessions that address the challenges that a new physician can face,” says Dr. Khierelseed.

Dr. Khierelseed also pointed out the personal challenges faced by physicians and their families when relocating to a new country. Adjusting to a new environment, understanding the local culture, and building a support network are crucial steps in settling down.

The Welcome Collaborative orientation played a role in addressing these challenges by offering comprehensive sessions on communication skills, cultural factors, and the history and demographics of Nova Scotia.

“The Welcome Collaborative was very useful and fruitful. I’m very grateful for the Welcome Collaborative and for the College for taking the initiative and putting together this orientation,” says Dr. Khierelseed.

“I would highly recommend and encourage all new physicians to participate actively in the Welcome Collaborative workshops and to utilize them as an opportunity to explore the Canadian health system in general and in Nova Scotia in particular. These workshops will be a platform to answer many questions for new physicians.”