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Nigerian Doctor Finds Fulfillment in Saskatchewan Practice
23 Feb
Summary
- Nigerian doctor Oraegbunam found purpose helping patients in Saskatchewan.
- Black physicians are underrepresented in Canada, making up 1.5% of doctors.
- Immigration programs help recruit international doctors to Canada.
Dr. Chukwuma Oraegbunam, a psychiatrist trained in the United Kingdom, has found a rewarding practice in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, nearly a year after relocating. He highlighted the personal satisfaction derived from assisting numerous patients daily, noting that the short commute to the hospital allows for more family time.
Despite initial culture shock, Oraegbunam has found support from colleagues and community members, with his wife and three children also settling in well, enjoying the quiet community and their new puppy. This move aligns with broader efforts to recruit more Black doctors to Canada, where they represent only 1.5% of physicians despite making up 4.5% of the population.
Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, president of Black Physicians of Canada, emphasizes the need for greater representation to serve the Black population adequately. Immigration programs have been instrumental in increasing the number of internationally trained doctors. Ndubuka, also from Nigeria, works in Prince Albert and is dedicated to combating racism within healthcare systems and from patients, a challenge he and Dr. Oraegbunam have both encountered.
Community and non-profit organizations play a vital role in supporting Black physicians as they integrate into Canadian communities, mitigating feelings of isolation. The Saskatchewan Medical Association's 2024 survey indicated that 46% of physicians experienced racism in the workplace.
