Explore the Digital Narratives of Newcomer Physicians (DiNNP)
To design effective workforce development solutions for newcomer physicians, it’s important to first understand their lived experiences, including the challenges and opportunities that shape their journey toward medical licensure or other roles within the healthcare system. These insights help inform supports that meet the specific needs of internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs) and help them move confidently toward healthcare practice.
About DiNNP
Developed by ACCES Employment in collaboration with Trillium Health Partners’ Institute for Better Health and funded by the Future Skills Centre, the Digital Narratives of Newcomer Physicians (DiNNP) project uses interactive digital timelines to trace the journeys of eight IEHPs from pre-to post-migration, capturing key moments along the way.
Led by Dr. Ibikun Abejirinde, an internationally educated physician and health researcher, this body of work brings newcomer perspectives to the forefront, highlighting:
- The professional and regulatory barriers IEHPs encounter
- The moments of progress, resilience, and support that shape their reintegration journey
- The personal and family realities influencing career transitions and decisions
Together, the timelines offer a clear view into the real-world pathways many newcomer physicians navigate.
A Resource for Newcomer Physicians, Employers, Policymakers, and Sector Partners
As a workforce development leader serving over 56,000 jobseekers annually, ACCES has long championed the recognition of internationally trained talent. DiNNP builds on this commitment by providing a research-driven, human-centred resource designed to support:
- Newcomer physicians, by giving them a clear picture of what licensing steps involve, how long they can take, and the kinds of choices others have made when pursuing medical practice or shifting to related roles.
- Health sector employers, by showing the training backgrounds, experience levels, and transition points of IEHPs.
- Policy leaders, by illustrating the practical steps, barriers, and supports that influence how IEHPs move through Canada’s healthcare and immigration systems.
- Educators and training institutions, by illustrating learning needs to help inform program design.
- Newcomer-serving organizations, by helping settlement workers better understand the challenges and barriers IEHPs encounter upon arrival.
At a time when healthcare shortages continue across Canada, IEHPs can be an integral part of the system’s current and future workforce.
Explore the DiNNP interactive timelines.
Learn more about how ACCES Employment supports IEHPs through the following programs:
