‘MGH opened doors for me’: How the hospital is welcoming internationally educated and newcomer staff

By Alyssa Bravo

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges in healthcare, particularly in the workforce of hospitals and other care-related organizations across Ontario.

However, with health human resources more valued than ever, the past two years have also presented opportunities for newcomer healthcare providers at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).

These individuals are new to Canada, internationally educated or both.

During the pandemic, they’ve started careers at MGH through programs like the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP), a collaborative program that allows internationally educated nurses to become licensed in Ontario.

Together, these new members of MGH’s workforce have contributed significantly to the hospital’s efforts to deliver high-quality, patient-centred healthcare to the East Toronto community.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, MGH has welcomed 1,200 new staff in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, environmental services and professional practice,” says Phillip Kotanidis, Chief Human Resources Officer at MGH.

“These individuals have been integral in ensuring MGH is able to provide care to the community during its greatest time of need.”

Meet three new members of our staff who are internationally educated and/or began their healthcare career journeys in Canada.

Navjot Kaur
Pharmacy Technician, Michael Garron Hospital

Originally from Punjab, India, Navjot was inspired to follow in her parents’ footsteps to pursue a career in healthcare.

She completed her Bachelor degree and worked as a pharmacist in her hometown.

After some encouragement from her family, Navjot moved to Canada with her sister in 2015.

Here, she had her degree evaluated and completed her diploma in pharmacy at Centennial College in 2018.

“My sister and I were the only international students in the pharmacy program. The rest were domestic students, so it was challenging for us,” Navjot says.

“But we had a professor who was really supportive throughout the program. She guided us through all the problems we had and she helped us out a lot.”

Navjot says, at first, adjusting to life in Canada was difficult.

“The world back home is completely different than how things work here,” she says.

“Getting used to a new environment is always hard. But it only took me two to three months to adjust with the help of my loved ones.”

In February 2019, Navjot was eager to begin working and was hired at MGH as a Pharmacy Technician.

Within her first year, she quickly learned the ropes, eagerly volunteering and assisting with projects and opportunities that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ron Seto, Manager of Pharmacy Services at MGH, describes Navjot as a wonderful addition to the Pharmacy team.

He says her ability to learn quickly and dedication to helping others are especially notable.

“She appreciates the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work – things that make a difference,” he says.

“During the pandemic, she has helped our team significantly in terms of making sure we are following ever-changing guidance and policies to help ensure we can deliver safe, exemplary care.”

As she approaches her four-year anniversary at MGH, Navjot sees her job as an ongoing learning experience.

“I love working here and I'm learning a lot on a daily basis,” she says.

“Everyone is so supportive and I’m grateful to be part of the pharmacy team. I will be here for as long as they will have me.”

Himmat Jit Kaur
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Michael Garron Hospital

Growing up in India, Himmat visited hospitals alongside her mother who frequently received care there.

Himmat also learned a lot about the healthcare system through her aunt, who was a nurse.

Through these opportunities, Himmat was inspired to pursue nursing as a career.

“Nursing is a noble profession. Not everybody can do it. We have to be strong,” she says.

“After seeing people take care of my mother, I wanted to help people, understand how they feel, learn how I can comfort them and how I can help them to overcome whatever they are going through.”

Himmat earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2012. In March 2017, she and her brother decided to move to Canada to join their sister who relocated here previously.

Himmat soon faced numerous obstacles as she aimed to get her nursing career started in a new country.

“I was struggling. I did a number of odd jobs, including working two full-time jobs for two years, before I got my permanent residency in January of this year,” she says.

Himmat passed the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) in November 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time, hospitals across Ontario were experiencing health human resources challenges and opportunities opened up for internationally educated nurses like Himmat with the SPEP program.

Himmat interviewed at MGH as part of the program. She began her supervised practice hours at the hospital in April 2022.

She worked in the Cardiology Integrated Unit for two months before she received her Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) license.

After she completed the SPEP program, Himmat applied for a full-time role at MGH.

She was successful in her application and was brought on to work as part of the Complex Continuing Care team.

“Himmat has worked hard for her position, not only at MGH but also in Canada,” says Mary Falkner, Manager of Complex Continuing Care at MGH.

“She has strong leadership skills, is focused and is willing to work through any situation that is presented to her.”

After overcoming many hurdles, Himmat says she feels a sense of gratitude for MGH and the opportunities the hospital has given to her.

“It can be really hard for internationally educated nurses to get their start, but MGH opened doors for me to be in the career I’m in,” she says.

“I’m so proud of what I’ve been able to achieve and so thankful for the sacrifices I’ve made – and that my family have made – to help me get here.”

Ahmad Khaliqyar
Pharmacy Assistant, Michael Garron Hospital

Ahmad earned a Business Administration degree in Afghanistan before coming to Canada in the summer of 2016.

When he arrived, he chose to continue his education, beginning with adult education school to learn English.

“When I first arrived here, I didn’t know a word of English other than ‘Hi, how are you?’” he says.

Several members of his family already lived in Canada, including a cousin who worked in pharmacy.

She encouraged Ahmad to pursue a career in healthcare, so he decided to enroll at Centennial College in the Pharmacy Technician Program as he worked part-time at a fast food restaurant to support his education.

Ahmad advises other newcomers who wish to get their careers started in Canada to follow a similar path.

“Start right away,” he says. “To reach your goal, find a part-time job and start going to school.”

In April 2021, Ahmad completed his diploma. Soon after graduating, he was hired as a Pharmacy Assistant at MGH, where he became very involved in the hospital’s COVID-19 vaccine work.

“Ahmad is a very humble individual,” says Ron, Ahmad’s manager. “His keenness to accuracy and respect for the work environment are evident. He knows when the things we are doing are meaningful.”

Ahmad became a Canadian citizen in November 2021, potentially opening the door to future opportunities. However, he sees himself continuing to work at MGH in the long run.

“I’ve met so many friends. My coworkers are nice and respectful, which has been one of the most important things for me. The leadership is very supportive as well,” he says.

“Working at MGH has been great.”

Learn more about MGH staff members and what it’s like to work at MGH in our Staff Career Journeys.