As political dynamics shift in the United States, a notable trend is emerging among American doctors who are choosing to relocate north. This migration is partly fueled by concerns over the current U.S. political climate and a desire for a more comfortable working environment.
Michael, an ER doctor originally from the U.S., moved his family to a small Canadian town where he now practices medicine. Having grown uneasy with the American political scene under President Donald Trump, Michael sought anonymity to avoid potential backlash upon returning to the U.S. He remarked, “Part of being a physician is being kind to people who are in their weakest place,” expressing his discomfort with what he sees as an increasingly harsh social environment in the U.S.
The trend of U.S. physicians exploring opportunities in Canada has seen a sharp increase following Trump’s re-election. The Medical Council of Canada reported that the number of American doctors starting the licensing process in Canada skyrocketed by over 750% in recent months, rising from 71 to 615 applicants. This interest is echoed by Canadian provinces, which have seen a surge in applications from U.S.-trained doctors, many citing political reasons for their move.
John Philpott, CEO of CanAm Physician Recruiting, observes that many of these doctors are openly critical of the current state of America. “The doctors that we are talking to are embarrassed to say they’re Americans,” Philpott noted, highlighting a significant shift in sentiment among his clients.
Canada’s universal healthcare system has long attracted U.S. physicians, but recent regulatory changes have eased the transition. Provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia have expedited the licensing process for American doctors, resulting in a marked increase in new registrants.
While the U.S. administration has not commented on this exodus, White House spokesperson Kush Desai questioned the data regarding the exact number of migrating doctors and their citizenship, without further elaboration.
Philpott’s firm has seen a 65% increase in inquiries from American doctors between January and April, with many willing to accept lower salaries for a move. “They’re ready to move to Canada tomorrow,” said Rohini Patel, a CanAm recruiter, emphasizing the urgency felt by these physicians.
Ontario licensed 116 U.S.-trained doctors in the first quarter of 2025, a significant rise from previous periods. Meanwhile, British Columbia reported licensing 28 U.S. doctors in the last fiscal year, a threefold increase.
Quebec has also noticed an uptick in applications from American doctors, attributing this to the current U.S. administration. Michael, reflecting on his own experience, cited the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, as a turning point in his decision to leave.
Michael’s transition to Canada took about a year, involving a straightforward yet bureaucratic process similar to obtaining a U.S. medical license. He now frequently advises other American doctors considering similar moves.
Hippocratic Adventures, a business aiding U.S. doctors in practicing abroad, has seen a shift from adventure-seeking clients to those urgently seeking new opportunities. Co-founder Ashwini Bapat noted a dramatic increase in interest post-Trump’s re-election.
In response to these developments, Doctors Manitoba launched a campaign targeting U.S. doctors, promoting the province’s lack of political interference in medical practice.
Former Iowa resident Alison Carleton moved to Manitoba in 2017, disillusioned with the U.S. healthcare system and political environment. She describes her current practice as less stressful and free from the burdens of medical debt, having recently renounced her American citizenship.
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