Dear Mr Brown:

I enjoyed your recent article in which you gave advice on opportunities in the information technology sector in Canada. I am a physician in a rural hospital in Jamaica who is frustrated by the resistance to change and progress in the health care system. I would like a change in my life. What would be your recommendation to a transition to Canada? Are there any medical fellowships that you would recommend?

— LG

Dear LG:

I receive a lot of inquiries by medical professions. I understand that pursuing a fellowship may be the traditional paths. However, based on recent trends, I would encourage physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care professionals to pursue a programme such as the Advanced Health Care Leadership Graduate Diploma, which prepares graduates for leadership roles in the healthcare system.

Advanced health care leadership

The programme involves core concept of leadership, quality and improvements to patient safety and patient outcomes. The courses include best practices in patient care and safety, professionalism and ethics, improvement and change in health care, cultural competence, organisational behaviour, decision making, strategic planning, human resources, financial management, project management and reform.

The admissions requirements include the possession of a degree, along with experience in a health-related field. The programme is marketable and with co-op work experience, offers a very smooth transition to life in Canada.

Workplace wellness and health promotion

A second programme that I would recommend is workplace wellness and health promotion. The focus on the programme promotes the total well-being of individuals and groups within a corporate and community context, which is a growing trend in Canada.

Programme design and management, psycho-social and physical health issues, stress management, nutrition and health promotion theory are taught in a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach. The programme entails assessing health risk factors, developing health and wellness plans and strategies to promote personal well-being, and wellness coaching through design, implementation and evaluation of effective wellness strategies.

Quality programmes of this kind are not available in Jamaica. I believe it would be useful in Canada and also for those who wish to return to Jamaica to make a valuable contribution to the Jamaican health care system. While enrolled in such programmes, you may also take the steps towards obtaining a licence to practise in Canada. However, in order for your studies to assist with you becoming a permanent resident, you would have to pursue an academic programme, like the programmes mentioned above, rather than a professional or licensing course.

Please visit

jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work progamme, visitor’s visas or Appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and education agent of

JAMAICA2CANADA.COM— a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments tojamaica2canada@gmail.com

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