“Resilience is the bridge between who we were and who we become.” These words echoed through the hall at the recent Careers in Healthcare event hosted in Moncton, where five remarkable immigrant doctors opened up about their journeys—raw, inspiring, and grounded in reality. Each of them had once held the prestigious title of “Doctor” in their home countries. But upon arriving in Canada, they found themselves standing at the bottom of a mountain—uncertainty, rejections, financial strain, and emotional hurdles towering above them.
The event, organized by Moncton Cares and shared on Eventbrite, brought together an audience of newcomers and aspiring healthcare professionals. It became a much-needed mirror of hope, truth, and determination.
The Story of Dr. Richardson Udaze: A Family Physician Born Twice
Dr. Richardson Udaze is now a practicing family physician at Moncton Hospital. But his road to get there was anything but easy. Originally trained and certified in Nigeria, Dr. Udaze arrived in Canada with hopes that his extensive clinical experience would speak for itself. But reality hit hard. He applied for over 900 jobs—yes, 900—and didn’t receive a single interview.
He worked in warehouses. He took odd jobs just to keep the lights on. But he never stopped studying, learning, and preparing for the Canadian medical licensing exams. Today, his white coat bears not only the mark of a physician but the imprint of resilience, sacrifice, and sheer willpower. “The system is hard,” he said during the panel, “but not impossible. And every rejection was just a redirection.”
Dr. Ronak Patel and Dr. Seema Odd: Choosing a Different Path
For Dr. Ronak Patel and Dr. Seema Odd, the journey meant choosing a new path within the healthcare ecosystem—becoming Registered Nurses (RNs). Both were trained doctors in India, and both knew the amount of time, money, and emotional effort needed to requalify as physicians in Canada. So, with a practical mindset and the bigger picture in mind, they shifted gears.
Dr. Ronak shared candidly about the stigma some immigrants face when changing professions: “People say, ‘Why become a nurse when you were a doctor?’ But surviving matters more than status. Until you get PR, you need to do what you need to do. Keep one or two jobs if needed. Stay afloat, stay focused.”
Dr. Seema, meanwhile, works at McDonald’s. That’s right—a trained doctor now serving burgers and fries. But she doesn’t say it with shame. In fact, she says it with pride. “This job teaches me customer service, adaptability, and how to connect with people—skills that are critical in healthcare. Everything is a stepping stone.”
Dr. Rutuv Sevak: Failing Forward in Dentistry
For Dr. Rutuv Sevak, the transition from being a practicing dentist in India to qualifying in Canada involved not just academic rigor but emotional resilience. He failed one of his licensing exams—a devastating moment for anyone, especially someone who had already once worn the crown of clinical expertise.
But he didn’t stop. “Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it,” he said. Retaking the exam, studying while working, managing finances, and keeping morale high was no easy feat. His message to newcomers was clear: “Dedication and support are key. Lean on your community. It’s hard—but it is doable.”
Dr. Vidhi Sevak: The Power of Positivity
Dr. Vidhi Sevak emphasized the importance of attitude. “You must learn from others. Everyone’s path is different, but there’s always something you can take from another person’s journey,” she said. Her positivity and openness resonated deeply with attendees. She didn’t sugarcoat the struggle, but she reminded everyone that staying optimistic in the face of uncertainty is an underrated superpower.
Vidhi encouraged networking, mentorship, and community support. “Don’t isolate yourself. Join groups. Attend events like this. Someone else’s advice could be your shortcut.”
A Community of Hope and Realism
This event wasn’t just about career advice. It was a shared experience—a space where attendees laughed, cried, and applauded each other’s journeys. From doctors to students, from working professionals to newcomers still navigating the job market—everyone left with a little more hope and a lot more clarity.
Moncton Cares, the organizing not-for-profit, has long been an advocate for newcomer integration. But events like this go beyond information sharing—they offer connection, validation, and perspective.
Whether it’s understanding Canadian healthcare pathways, evaluating whether to requalify or pivot, or just needing someone to say “You’re not alone,” this event provided all that and more.
Key Takeaways from the Panel:
- Be Practical: It’s okay to take alternative healthcare roles or temporary jobs while working toward your dream role.
- Be Resilient: There may be 900 rejections before that one “yes.” Keep going.
- Be Open-Minded: Success doesn’t have to look like what it used to. Your value goes beyond your title.
- Be Connected: Learn from others, ask for help, join communities, and pay it forward.
- Be Patient: The path is long, but every step forward counts.
Why This Matters
Canada’s healthcare system is in dire need of skilled professionals. Yet, countless immigrant doctors, nurses, and specialists are sidelined by long licensing processes, unclear pathways, and systemic barriers. Events like this challenge that status quo. They humanize the headlines and bring statistics to life through real stories.
And perhaps most importantly, they inspire a new generation of immigrants not to give up, even when the journey feels impossible.
In Conclusion
For anyone standing at the starting line of their Canadian healthcare journey, know this: you are not alone. There are others who’ve walked the same uphill path—and while their boots are worn, they are full of wisdom and compassion.
Dr. Richardson. Dr. Ronak. Dr. Seema. Dr. Rutuv. Dr. Vidhi.
They remind us that no matter where you start, it’s where you’re going—and who you become—that matters most.
