Cindy R. Sinclair*, University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Scarborough, Canada Track: Research Presentation Topic: Building virtual communities and social networking applications for health professionals Presentation Type: Oral presentation Submission Type: Single Presentation Building: Sol Principe Room: B - Gibralfaro Date: 2014-10-09 04:15 PM – 05:00 PM Last modified: 2014-09-21

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Abstract
Introduction: Immigrant medical doctors (IMDs) are systematically denied medical recertification to practice medicine in Canada. While many seek alternative work and are essentially forced to abandon their medical career, others persist in seeking out opportunities to better prepare for a chance to practice medicine in Canada. The latter is a long, arduous, frustrating, discouraging and expensive (both time and money) process for IMDs. This presentation seeks out a proposal for empowering IMDs through the use of social media in preparing for a chance of medical recertification in Canada.

Background: Technological innovations since the 1980’s have transformed the world into a new huge and interconnected mass. Globalized market competitions have triggered increased migration trends. As people migrate to other countries as a result of these innovations and for better economic, political, professional and personal enhancements, social media is also rapidly infiltrating the world's sphere as the new lifestyle in the 21st century. On the professional front in medicine, medical doctors worldwide are embarking on migratory ingenuities to grasp opportunities for new and advanced knowledges and experiences in medicine. The continuing message that there is a shortage of doctors in Canada, in addition to new Canadian immigration policies, which attract IMDs to immigrate to Canada, proved to be unfair for IMDs, especially IMDs from ethnic and developing countries. The IMDs who persist for the chance to better themselves and sustain their career, do so amidst continued economic and social hardships. Bitterness, anger and frustrations with the recertification process and the unjust way IMDs are treated, lead to deteriorated health and low self-esteem of individuals. Financial costs for books, study materials, travel to libraries and study group meetings and safety are added stresses to IMDs.

Objective: This study seeks to determine the use of social media as a means to empowering IMDs in their learning and preparation for a chance of a medical license to practice medicine in Canada.

Method: The literature on IMDs' study style and habits, their use of computer, technology and social media is sparse. The evidence that social media is the new medium of communication, business and education is compelling. After analyzing and correlating the literature with new data from a recent qualitative study comprising of one-on-one interviews with IMDs, I conclude that IMDs are hardworking and resilient professionals who are passionate about the field of medicine. Medicine is their passion and is deeply ingrained in their well-being. As long as these doctors are in good health, they will not stop yearning for new knowledges, discussions and participation of the medical sciences and how they can be good doctors to their patients.

In conclusion, connecting IMDs through social media activities as a new medium to study, prepare for medical exams, share knowledge and expertise, will relieve the hardships and empower IMDs in their quest for medical recertification.