A UK-trained GP shares why he moved to practice in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Looking beyond the UK
Dr. Ahmed considered several international options, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. Ultimately, Canada stood out.
“For me, the biggest factor was the ease of transition,” he says. “Canada recognises UK GP qualifications and allows you to start working without years of additional exams.”
Compared with the US – where licensing exams can take years – or the Middle East, where shift patterns didn’t suit family life, Canada offered a balance of professional opportunity and personal stability.
“Financially, most places are an improvement on the UK,” he notes. “But Canada offered a smoother, more practical move.”
Why Ontario – and why Sault Ste. Marie?
Dr. Ahmed’s move to Sault Ste. Marie came through a referral from a colleague, also UK-trained, who had already made the transition.
“My priority was securing the right role,” he explains. “I was open-minded about location, and Sault Ste. Marie turned out to be a great fit.”
Located in Northern Ontario, the city offers something many UK doctors are seeking: less pressure, more time, and a genuine sense of community.
“It’s calmer and less rushed than a big city,” he says. “There’s less traffic, less stress, and people are very friendly and approachable. It feels more personal.”
Addressing the winter question
Winter is often a concern for UK doctors considering Canada – but Dr. Ahmed offers reassurance.
“Yes, it’s colder than the UK,” he says, “but it’s very liveable. You get all four seasons here, which you don’t really experience back home.”
He also points to the benefits of Northern Ontario’s landscape.
“If you enjoy the outdoors – hiking, lakes, nature – this is a fantastic place to be. And the summers are genuinely excellent: warm, dry, and full of opportunities to get outside.”
A better balance for family life
With two young children, daily life in Sault Ste. Marie has been a major positive.
“Everything is about 15 minutes away,” Dr. Ahmed says. “That kind of convenience makes a huge difference when you’re raising a family. You don’t spend hours commuting – you actually have time.”
A sustainable way to practice medicine
For Dr. Ahmed, the move to Canada wasn’t about escaping the NHS – it was about finding a sustainable, fulfilling way to practice medicine.
“I wanted balance – professionally and personally,” he says. “I wanted to enjoy my work again and still have energy for my family.”
For UK doctors feeling overstretched or considering their options, his experience offers a clear message: there are viable, welcoming alternatives – and Canada is one of them.
For information about moving to Sault Ste. Marie, visit welcometossm.com.
For specific information about physician recruitment in Sault Ste. Marie, visit https://welcometossm.com/work/physician-recruitment/