Tarek shared with us some thoughts on his experience: ‘I was privileged to recently finish an observership in the internal medicine department at Kingston General Hospital. I was fortunate working with Dr. Wijeratne closely to see how the health care in Canada is so patient-centered and to see her personal attachment and empathy with each patient and his/her family members. This experience was unique to me and it added a lot to my perception of the health care delivery in Canada.’ ‘I sincerely appreciate the work done by the Mentoring Partnership Coordinators at KEYS Job Centre for their initiatives and the unlimited efforts to start and support the whole project.
Dr. Wijeratne said ‘Having been an International Medical Graduate myself, I have lived through the challenges International Medical Graduates face when they migrate to Canada. Medical knowledge they bring isn’t different from what we have here, it is the way of patient centered practice of medicine that they have to learn. This is why after establishing my practice I started lending a hand to other IMGs giving them an opportunity to observe me within my practice. It has been a rewarding experience. I want to thank KGH, Department of Medicine at Queen’s and KEYS Job Centre for making this a reality. ‘
The dedication of volunteers in the Kingston community has been paramount in the impact and success of our Professional Mentoring Program.
