Medicine Internships in Canada

Set goals

Setting clear goals is an inevitable part of your internship experience to make the most of it. Start by identifying what you hope to achieve—some basics could be:

• What specific medical skills do you want to develop or take extra time to learn about and experience?
• Are you looking to specialize in a particular area of medicine? If it’s a rotating program, take note of your top departments and pursue them.
• Do you want to build connections with professionals in the Canadian healthcare system? Determine who you want to connect with before going to be more intentional about it.
• How will this internship influence your future career plans? Is there anything to work on presently to add to the sustainability of your career growth?

Understand the benefits

Interning in Canada comes with plenty of advantages regardless of what field you are in.

• High-quality training. Gain exposure to advanced medical professionals, practices, and technologies.
• Diverse patient population. Experience and grow your patient understanding by treating a wide range of medical conditions.
• Professional growth. Walking away with an internship like this one can enhance your resume with international experience.
• Cultural Exchange. Canada has a broad and wide-ranging amount of communities and by working with some of them it can help your perspective widen.
• Networking Opportunities. Connect with leading healthcare professionals and institutions while you spend time in the Great North.

Things to know

There are plenty of exciting sights and experiences waiting for you in Canada but there are plenty of things to learn about and know of the country before heading there. Here are a few top things to be aware of.

• Visa and paperwork requirements - Ensure you understand the current visa regulations for your program and follow the instructions carefully. Be prepared with all necessary documents, such as background checks and certificates, if applicable.
• Housing and money - Canada can be semi-expensive, so plan your budget accordingly. Interns are typically paid, but housing varies, so it's essential to have a plan in place if accommodations aren’t provided.
• Cultural Sensitivity - When greeting someone, a handshake is common, while hugs are appropriate for closer acquaintances. Social interactions tend to be lighthearted, avoiding sarcasm or discussions on politics and other sensitive topics.